Our Church began around 1913 with the first service being held on the east bank of the Pithlachascotee River where our ancestors sat on wooden benches under the trees. The excitement of a religious service spread quickly throughout the community. Much like our services today, the settlers gathered to hear a message of encouragement and hope from the scriptures, sing hymns, and offer prayers. All denominations were welcomed and sermons were delivered by visiting pastors.

Then on February 1, 1915, the community of citizens set forth to build the first Methodist Episcopal Church South in New Port Richey. Contributions of labor, materials, and money came from a dedicated community looking forward to having a place to worship, learn and grow in their understanding of the Lord. From 1928 through the 1930s the stress and trials of the depression years affected all aspects of life, including churches. Revivals, prayer meetings, “pitch-in dinners”, and the inspiring messages of ministers held God’s influence high in the hearts and lives of the congregation. Attendance continued to grow, Sunday school class turnout increased, and Vacation Church School began. The first Easter Sunrise Service was held in New Port Richey in concert with other congregations and frequent fellowship dinners took place to raise money to support the growing needs of the church. In 1940 the Elfers Methodist Episcopal Church merged with the New Port Richey Methodist Episcopal Church, South. During the early years of the 1940s, as WWII was in progress, the Church contributed to war relief efforts by providing many programs and services to support our troops. Also realizing the need to spread the gospel to other souls, an inter-denominational “cottage prayer meeting” program was started to reach homes and persons unable to attend church.

In 1955 our church participated in the National Prayer Life Movement of the Methodist Church. The chain dates for our church included ninety-six prayer spaces to be filled in a twenty-four-hour period. The church remained open so that the congregation could pray at their chosen time. Worship service attendance and participation in church programs continued to grow indicating a spiritual “uplifting” in people’s lives. The Church building was often used by the community for their activities. The Wee Wisdom Kindergarten School opened in 1958, a Christian-inspired program, providing for fifteen children aged three to four years, and for fifty years was recognized as the best preschool in New Port Richey. In 1956 the growing need for space in the Methodist Church of New Port Richey was very great.

The hopes and dreams for a new Sanctuary were realized in 1962 and on April 5, 1964, a celebration was held for the Cornerstone to be placed on the front of the new Sanctuary. The Sanctuary displays spectacular stained glass windows, including a breathtaking large round window of Jesus. During the years improvements to the Sanctuary were generously bestowed by members of the congregation and are identified by plaques that denote the donor.  A set of Schulmerich Carillons were donated. The chimes now ring out at 10:30 AM on Sundays and weekdays at noon and 6:00 PM. The buildings of the church increased as needs grew. On July 25, 1968, the Church name officially became First United Methodist Church of New Port Richey.

The church service begins at 10am.

Feel free to come early to meet our members and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Services are currently being held in Henderson Hall downstairs while the sanctuary undergoes major renovations.

Absolutely not.  All are welcome.

The children stay in the service until after the pastor's children's message, at which time they go to their own program.

The church also has a Wednesday afternoon music program for children.

The church sponsors Scout Troop 15, which is open to girls from 11-17.

We are always looking for folks who would like to get involved.  Please let us know what you'd like to get involved in.

For instance, our choir director, Ruthie Nelson, would love for you to consider joining our choir.  If you can count to four, she would like to talk to you.