Our Story
History of First United Methodist Church Tomah, Wisconsin
Methodism has been active in the City of Tomah for 152 years. In 1854 the Reverend C.W. Kellogg began home services and in 1856 the first congregation was established; in 1861 the first building was erected. In 1894 a nave was added and in 1912 a basement. The Wisconsin Conference records for 1860 show the Church reporting 20 members and giving $3.50 for the mission program of that year. The value of the building was $1,500.
The present church represents several mergers involving two churches in outlying areas and one city church. On November 6, 1966, a merger was consummated with the Valley Junction Methodist Church; on June 18, 1967, a merger consummated with the Tunnel City Methodist Church; and on June 25, 1967, a merger consummated with Emmanuel Evangelical United Brethren Church of Tomah.
The General Conference of April 1928 merged on a national level the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church into a new body – The United Methodist Church.
On November 15, 1964 at the close of the 11:00am service, approximately 200 people gathered for the ground-breaking service of the First United Methodist Church on Butts Ave. the cornerstone was laid on August 8, 1965. On this day the first services were held in the new church with he District Superintendent, the Reverend Herbert Thompson, delivering the message. A membership registration was made of all in attendance and placed in the stone, over 525 people attended the services.
In May 2010, the First United Methodist Church broke ground for a new addition expanding the space for welcoming, hospitality and small group ministries as well as adding accessible restroom facilities office space for staff.
What We Believe
Basic theology
Open Sacraments, We serve communion the First and and Third Sundays of the month. We use bread / gluten free wafer and grape juice so that all can receive the sacrament.
What It Means to Be a United Methodist
United Methodists Believe
United Methodists affirm the historic Christian faith as summarized in the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.
· We Believe in the Triune god, the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
· We Believe every person is a beloved child of God.
· We Believe in the church as the community called to be instruments of God’s presence and coming reign in Jesus Christ.
· We Believe the Bible reveals the Word of God.
· We Believe in the final triumph of God’s reign of compassion, justice, generosity and peace.
United Methodists are Rooted in God’s Grace
Life Events
Funerals, please contact the church office for scheduling a funeral or visitation from Pastor Claudia Deede. She performs funeral services at our church and other locations.
Weddings, contact the church office and talk to Pastor Claudia Deede for scheduling a wedding at our church.
Baptisms, contact the church office and talk to Pastor Claudia Deede for scheduling a baptism at our church. Baptisms performed at our regular Sunday Services.
Pastor Claudia Deede will have another Confirmation Class when there are enough students to conduct one, for more information call her at the church office.
Pastor Claudia Deede, Pastor