​​​​​​​The roots of the Richmond United Methodist Church run deep, intertwining faith, community, and resilience. Here are some key moments from its journey:

In 1837, Daniel Hall invited Jeremiah Norton and John Hicks to meet at his house for a prayer meeting, the first such meeting held in Richmond.
The prayer meeting was led by Jerry Norton. Also that year, the first Sunday School was organized by Miss Mary Norton in John Hicks' home.
In 1838 the first sermon preached in this neighborhood was for the funeral of Henry Stump. The service was held in Jeremiah Norton's house, across the road from the Richmond Cemetery.

The preacher was Rev. Ransom R. Richards, a Methodist.
Rev. Luther Day Whitney organized a "Methodist Class Meeting" in a log school house in 1839. The class was comprised of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Anson Richards and their son, Allen, and Samuel Baker. John Hicks was present but did not join because he did not agree with the others in some of their beliefs. However, for nearly 50 years Mr. Hicks was very active in the church.

In 1840 the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Richmond received its charter. In 1839-40 Rev. Whitney was a senior preacher on the Romeo circuit every Sunday. He writes, "We had some revivals and the church increased and prospered in spiritual things, but money was scarce and times hard." Rev. Whitney organized the Methodist Class in Richmond and received a charter to establish the "Richmond Episcopal Methodist Church."
In 1840-41 Jonathan Blanchard and Rezin Sapp were the circuit preachers, and Daniel Hall continued as the Class Leader.
As the new congregation became established, it outgrew the Hall log cabin.

In 1857 the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Richmond was erected on the northwest corner of Armada Ridge and Lowe Plank Roads for a cost of $1,800. Amasa Sutton, a pioneer Methodist, owned a sawmill across the road.
Sutton sawed all of the lumber for the church without cost and donated a large amount of the timber. He did all he could to build a 'House of God' in which the community could worship. His home had been known as the "Methodist Hotel," since he housed the circuit riders and entertained people from out of town when they came to Methodist Church Quarterly Meetings.

It was said that as many as 30 people were entertained in Sutton's home at one time.

In 1858 the Circuit reported one church building. The distance from "town" became a concern for the growing church; so much so, that in 1867, the church building was moved into Richmond. The building was moved on rollers pulled by horses and arrived on a Saturday evening at the corner of Ridge and Prospect Streets (now the east end of Circle Lane). For two days it blocked the  Street. On Tuesday the moving resumed. The church was remodeled, new pews installed, and a dedication sermon was preached by the famous Seth Reed.

The history states that Manley Hawkins was Sunday School Superintendent in 1900. Emma Gillett was organist and Harvey Rowley, the Epworth League President. The official board included Major A. M. Keeler. John Hicks. J. L. Johnson (class leader). Martin Stull, Culver Patterson, Stephen Claggett, Dr. F. T. Fenton. Mrs. L. Rowley, Mrs. O. B. Evans, Mrs. Manly Hawkins and others.
In 1906 during the pastorate of Rev. Waldren Geach. the present church structure was erected.

In the year 1907, the Richmond Church was valued at $14,000.

During the building of the new church, services were held in the Village Hall. It was said that Rev. Geach worked along with the others cleaning the bricks for the new building. The membership that year was 150 and the church was dedicated on September 8, 1907.

The 100th Anniversary Booklet states that on May 7, 1911, a "Debt Raising Day" service was held to help clear the church of debt.
An interesting article in the Richmond Review in 1958 tells us more about our present church building. The chancel window, or west window, was given in memory of Major and Mrs. Alonzo M. Keeler who were continually active in the church.

Dr. E. N. McIntosh, president of the board for many years, was instrumental in the purchase of the Hammond Electric Organ in 1937. Until then a piano was used.
In 1944 during Rev. William Pryor's pastorate, the sanctuary was redecorated with new pulpit furniture and a new lighting system was installed. A large portrait, "Salmon's Head of Christ," was hung in the church in memory of Clarence Fenton who served as treasurer for 26 years.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Richmond became the First Methodist Church of Richmond in the year 1939 when three national divisions of Methodists joined together.

In 1968, with the merger of The Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church, our church became the First United Methodist Church of Richmond.
In 1985 the church built a parsonage on Pound Road and paved the parking lo

The Iva Leverenz property on Parker Street was purchased in 1992 and is used as a rental home.

On December 15, 1996, we experienced a 'Miracle Sunday' in which we raised $227,000 in one day for the $266,000 project to renovate the church building.
After four years, and the efforts of many people, we completed the addition and are now handicap accessible, with an elevator, and a new office.

In 1998, Reverend Reed Swanson, his wife Juliana, and children Will and Grace arrived in Richmond and he served as our pastor until 2004.

The Hundredth Anniversary of the church building was celebrated in 2006 with many former members and ministers in attendance.
Reverend Trevor Herm and his wife Carol served our congregation from July 2004 - 2010.

Pastor Tom Keef and his wife Claudia served our congregation from July 2010 - 2014.

Pastor Suzy Hutchison and her husband, David served our congregation from July 2014 - 2018.

Pastor Tom Waller, with his wife Dawn and 2 children Leslie & John, started serving our congregation in July of 2018.

Today, Richmond United Methodist Church is a beacon of faith, love, and service. Pastor Sunhwa Hogood serves our congregation alongside her husband and two daughters, Julia and Jenna.

​Guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, the church’s mission is clear: “Serving with Love, Growing in Faith.”
It’s a reminder that faith isn’t just about doctrine; it’s about actively living out love and compassion.
.