Church History
The Cynthiana First United Methodist Church has a long history of preaching the gospel and serving many generations in our community. The first church was established by the Rev Leroy Cole, who was a Methodist circuit rider evangelist, after several hundred people were converted at revival meetings throughout Harrison and Bourbon Counties in 1817-1818. Father Cole, as he was affectionately referred to, along with the trustees of the first church, oversaw the purchase of the lot and construction of the first building in 1818 at the corner of Church and Pike Streets. It was called the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1844, the first building and all records were destroyed by fire. The congregation quickly responded and a new structure was built on the same site (except the second building faced Church Street). Public school classes were held in the basement of the 1844 building. The church continued to grow and in 1870 a third and larger building was constructed facing Pike Street (as did the original building). Thirty-five yrs later, it became necessary to again build a new structure. So, in 1905, a new church building was erected to replace the 1870 building – once again in the same location. An annex and other additions were added in 1938, 1950. and 1965 to meet the needs of the growing church.
In 1939, The Methodist Episcopal, The Methodist Protestant, and the Methodist Episcopal Church South were reunited. In 1968, The Evangelical United Brethren Church also merged to form The United Methodist Church.
We feel very blessed to worship in the same location where for two hundred years many of our forefathers have knelt in prayer and for the last one hundred plus years, have worshipped in the same sanctuary. We are happy to welcome all who would come join us as we lift our voices in prayer, in praise and with thanksgiving.