Franklin First United Methodist Church

Franklin First United Methodist Church (FFUMC) is a historic Methodist congregation in Franklin, Tennessee. Established in 1799 at the founding of the city by Abram Maury, it is the oldest worshiping congregation in Franklin and Williamson County. The church has maintained a legacy of spiritual leadership and community service through four major locations, with a dual-campus presence today at its Historic Sanctuary in downtown Franklin and Main Campus on Mack Hatcher Parkway.

Infobox

Franklin First United Methodist Church
United Methodist Church
Founded 1799
Franklin, Tennessee
Current Senior Pastor - Rev. Dr. Bryan Brooks
2 Locations
Historic Sanctuary Completed 1871
Main Campus Completed 2015
2,688 Professing Members
https://franklinfumc.org

Timeline of Locations & Events

Year	Event
1799	Abram Maury founds Franklin and sets aside land for Methodist Meeting House.
1812	Bishop Francis Asbury preaches in the first brick church near Harpeth River.
1827	Second location built at 2nd Avenue and Church Street.
1864	Second church used as hospital during Battle of Franklin.
1866	E.M. Bounds appointed as pastor following Civil War.
1871	Present Historic Sanctuary completed at 5th Avenue.
1916	Sunday School annex added.
1949	Fellowship hall built under sanctuary.
1958	Chancel and choir loft added.
1963	Education building constructed across the street.
1995	Bell tower restored and sanctuary refurbished.
1997	Education-Activities Center consecrated.
2007	107-acre Mack Hatcher land purchased.
2013	Construction Begins at the Main Campus
2015	First worship held at Main Campus.
2024	225th Anniversary celebrated.

History

Founding and First Location (1799–1827)

The church's founding coincided with the establishment of Franklin by Abram Maury, who designated a parcel for a Methodist meeting house along the Harpeth River. This first church was a modest brick structure with two fireplaces and was referenced in Francis Asbury’s journal after he preached there in 1812.

Second Church at 2nd Avenue (1827–1869)

By 1830, the congregation had moved to its second building at 2nd Avenue and Church Street. During the Civil War, the structure was occupied by Federal troops and used as a hospital. Church records from the time were destroyed. Local pastor Rev. H.B. North voluntarily preached in the absence of formal appointments.

Post-Civil War Era and E.M. Bounds (1866–1868)

In 1866, the church welcomed Rev. Edward McKendree Bounds, a noted author and prayer leader, as pastor. Bounds helped rebuild the congregation spiritually and financially, even fundraising for a memorial for Missouri soldiers. His leadership helped reestablish stability after years of war and uncertainty.

Third Location – The Historic Sanctuary (1871–Present)

In 1869, land was purchased from the Courtney family, and by 1871 the congregation began worshiping in the current Historic Sanctuary. Features include:

Locally handcrafted pews with unique measurements
Gothic arched windows with hand-colored glass
Original pulpit and communion rail
Red brick made from Harpeth River mud

Renovations and additions through the years include a 1916 education annex, 1949 basement hall, 1958 chancel/choir loft, and 1997 education-activities center.

Fourth Location – Mack Hatcher Campus (2014–Present)

In 2007, the church acquired 107-acres on Mack Hatcher Parkway. The Main Campus officially opened in December 2014, and now hosts contemporary services, adult discipleship, and children's ministry.

Notable Clergy

Bishop Francis Asbury – Preached in 1812; one of the founders of American Methodism.
Rev. H.B. North – Filled the pulpit during the Civil War when no pastor was appointed.
Rev. E.M. Bounds (1866–1868) – Author, Civil War chaplain, and post-war pastor.
Rev. J.A. Orman (1880s) – Youth ministry and education emphasis.
Rev. John D. Thomason (1930s) – Depression-era leadership.
Rev. Raymond White (1950s–60s) – Oversaw acquisition of the historic Kenneday House.
Dr. Lynn Hill (2001–2010) – Modern ministry expansion and digital outreach.
Rev. Bryan Brooks (2011–2021) – Led transition to Main Campus.

Ministries and Outreach

Franklin First UMC serves its community through a variety of ministries:

The Giving Garden – Provides thousands of pounds of fresh produce annually. https://franklinfumc.org/garden
The Respite: A Mindful Art Studio – Offers therapeutic art experiences for mental wellness. https://franklinfumc.org/the-respite
19 Miles to Music Row – Monthly community music event featuring Nashville songwriters. https://franklinfumc.org/19miles
Partnerships – Local missions, youth mentorship, food insecurity programs, and recovery groups. https://franklinfumc.org

225th Anniversary (2024)

Franklin First United Methodist Church was founded the same day as the City of Franklin and Williamson County in 1799, linking our story directly with the history of our community. As part of our 225th anniversary in 2024, we produced a series of 10 videos—released monthly starting in January—that reflect our church’s core values and highlight how those values shape our role in the wider community.

The year-long celebration concluded with a musical finale Come Away to the Skies, , honoring our shared heritage and ongoing mission.

To explore our full history, visit https://franklinfumc.org/history

References

Journal of Francis Asbury – November 1812 Entry.
Franklin First UMC Archives and Historical Records.
The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer.
City of Franklin Historical Commission.
National Register of Historic Places – Franklin Historic District.
Franklin First UMC 225th Anniversary Commemorative Program (2024).