Madisonville First United Methodist Church was founded in 1826 when the commissioners of Tellico (the name was changed to Madisonville in 1830) sold a plot of ground to the trustees to be used for a “meeting house and graveyard”. The first church was a log building. There have been a total of five churches built on this location. Three churches were destroyed by fire, one was destroyed by a cyclone and one was given to another congregation and moved to a new location. Plans are presently being formulated to build the sixth church to replace the sanctuary that burned December 10, 2007.

Madisonville FUMC has a long history of service to the community. Mr. Creed Fulton, the first minister, also started the school named Bolivar Academy and became its first principle. He later became one of the founders of Emory and Henry College. In the early 1900’s, the women prepared lunches and sold them on “Mule Day” and “Court Day”, there being no restaurants at that time. The church has participated for years in joining other churches in town for fifth Sunday services. Until the latest fire on December 10, 2007 the church building was the meeting site of many of our community organizations.

“Through the years, the buildings have changed, the pastors and leaders have changed, the programs and emphasis have changed. Only one thing remains unchanged: that is the Cornerstone,      Jesus Christ the Lord. He constant will remain”.

(The ending quote and most of the facts presented above are extracted from “History of the Madisonville First United Methodist Church” written by Gussie Ghormley May 14, 1979. Miss Gussie was a long time and dedicated member of the church.)