The collection is located on the third floor of the church in room 310 and is maintained by the History and Archives Committee.


Archives Collection

  • Our first 197 years, ​1818-2015:
    ​    A Brief History
  • A Treasure Trove of History:
    An archival Adventure
  • Stained Glass Windows Tour:  Symbols and Art  

Church History Spotlights 

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Use the contact form to request information, arrange a donation, or schedule a visit.


What's the connection?

March 1965, John Wesley, and Joe Emerson, Methodist Minister and long time FUMC Bloomington staff member.

Bigger than Life - Life Changing

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​​​1818-2018. Throughout its history First United Methodist Church has been a church in the heart of the community with the community in its heart. 


First United Methodist Church was founded in 1818, the same year that Monroe County was organized.  We'll be celebrating together.


  • Follow our plans for this Bicentennial 

Celebration!  








  • Archive Documents, A-Z Index
  • Photo Albums
  • Memories, Stories, and Inteviews
  • Obituaries / Columbarium
  • Audio and Video Collections
  • Books, Memorabilia, and Artifacts

​Photo Challenge

1967.  A Bicentennial Moment

View our Bicentennial Slide Show.

​CLICK HERE


THE CALLING 

based on true events in the extraordinary life of an Extraordinary Indiana Pastor.​


—A NEW BOOK in our church library. It can also be purchased at the Monroe County History Center, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

200 Years in 2018  

Dr. Merrill McFall, FUMC lead minister, 1939-58

 Jazz Legend Dave Brubeck  and  a world premiere at FUMC  

 

This popular and dynamic minister was fondly known to our congregation as Mac or Dr. Mac.

 

Like the fictional Forrest Gump, Dr. Merrill B. McFall—in his real life—encountered many people who inspired him and whose lives he inspired in return. They include some well-known names like John F. Kennedy, John Dillinger, Louie Zamperini (subject of the book and movie “Unbroken”), Ross Lockridge Jr. (author of the great American novel “Raintree County”), Methodist bishop Richard Raines, psychologist B. F. Skinner, sexologist Alfred Kinsey (of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University), Herman Wells (past president of Indiana University) and the Honorable Lee Hamilton (former congressman and Medal of Freedom recipient from President Barack Obama), among others.

The book is based on the promise of the abundant Christian life, all fueled by the power of faith and channeled through one minister’s devotion to his flock and to his beloved congregation.

Dave Brubeck, one of the most popular jazz musicians in the world temporarily dissolved his famous quartet in 1967 to concentrate on a new piece of music, an oratorio based on the teachings of Christ and the Last Temptation. That same year, Brubeck contacted his friend and colleague Charles Webb and suggested that the FUMCB choir premiere the first public performance of his work, The Light in the Wilderness.  Charles notes that he was "stunned and delighted!"

 

History has it that the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra premiered Brubeck’s oratorio in 1968.

However we know that the actual world premiere occurred right here in this sanctuary, as part of our Sunday services December 3, 1967 with Dave Brubeck at the piano.

 

It was sung by a 106 member chorus which included our chancel choir and conducted by FUMC music director Dr. Charles H. Webb.

 

The oratorio also included Dave Brubeck and guest musicians from Indiana University: David Arnold, soloist, David Matthews, organist; Arthur Corra, string bass; George Gaber, Paul Salvatore, and James Nelson, percussionists. 
 

Listen to excerpts from the Cincinnati Symphony's 1968 recording with full orchestra:   40 Days.     The Temptations.  


Just Jazz -Watch/listen. Brubeck’s jazz quartet perform 40 Days.   

View the December 1967 bulletin and program. Do you recognize someone in

the chorus? Were you there? Tell us about it!   

Read more:A fascinating note from Brubeck about his work on The light in the Wilderness.


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The wonderful world class music at Bloomington’s First United Methodist Church is the result of the vision and efforts of Reverend Dr. Merrill McFall, who developed an intentional and enduring connection with the IU School of Music. Led by renowned musicians Dudley Ralph Appelman, Charles Webb, Jr, Michael Schwartzkopf, and Gwyn Richards, to this day FUMC has a national reputation for it’s exceptional music program.

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First United Methodist Church, 219 E 4th ST. Bloomington, Indiana 47401   812-332-6396

First United Methodist Church, Bloomington Indiana