The First United Methodist Church, Monrovia, was founded in March 1822 by some members of the First Contingent of 88 settlers that sailed from Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America, to locate a home for black Americans. The Methodist denomination was known at the time as The Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Settlers departed the U.S. in 1820. On their journey, they first landed on the Shebro Island in Sierra Leone. After 2 years, they resumed their journey and landed at what is now known as Providence Island. Prior to the time they landed on that Island, it was called “The Island of Perseverance”. After they landed, they all began to feel the air of freedom and sensed that they had reached the land that providence intended for them. They therefore changed the name of the Island of Perseverance to Providence Island.
The Methodists among them came to where the First United Methodist Church is now, and saw an old building. Because the settlers needed somewhere to worship, they negotiated with the indigenous for the building, who gladly offered the building to their brothers and sisters. After the arrival of Rev. John Seys, the Missionaries constructed a new building and cornerstone was laid by Rev. John Seys. Thus the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Monrovia, now known as the First United Methodist Church, Monrovia, was established. After about 60 or more years, the Church was re-roof in 2004.
The First President of the Republic of Liberia, Bro. Joseph Jenkins Roberts held membership with the First United Methodist Church. Also, the first female President of the Republic of Liberia and Africa, Sis. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf holds her membership at the First United Methodist Church. |
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Rev. J. S. Payne ----------- 1842 - 1850
Rev. A. F. Powell -----------1850 - 1855
Rev. Philip Coker ---------- 1855
Rev. S.J. Matthews -------- 1855 - 1856
Rev. Francis Burns --------- 1856 - 1862
Rev. Elijah Johnson --------1862 - 1868
Rev. Beverly R. Wilson --- 1868 - 1869
Rev. H. E. Fuller ------------- 1869 - 1870
Rev. Amos Herring -------- 1884
Rev. H. B. Capehart --------- 1885 - 1887
Rev. Henry Cooper ---------- 1888
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