ALL ARE SAFE, welcome, and wanted.

For the love of God by the power of the Holy Spirit, we gather new people to Christ, grow in Christ, and go for Christ.

welcome statement

We extend God’s love and grace to all people, affirming that all means ALL!

You are safe, welcome, and wanted here.

Will you join us on a journey of faith?

OUR BELIEFS

As United Methodists, we affirm the historic doctrines of the Christian faith including:

  • God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Salvation offered to everyone through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
  • The authority of Scripture in matters of faith.

United Methodists are also known for uniting our personal faith journeys with hands-on outreach to a world in need. At First St. Charles, we offer both the opportunity to grow in knowledge and love of God, and the chance to get involved in our local and global communities offering hope and healing.


We value God's gifts of intellect and reason and seek to use these gifts to better understand the world in which we live. We believe strongly in speaking up for God's creation and God's people and are willing to take a stand. However, we are also able to see the complexities of issues and to welcome within our church those who wrestle faithfully with the concerns we face but come to differing conclusions.


Because of the gospel command to love all people as God loves us, we the staff and Leadership Board of First St. Charles are committed to our historic identity and future in the United Methodist Church, believing it is still the best means of God’s grace in the world.


Methodists have been struggling to find common ground on the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons in the church. As many Methodists continue to seek healing and answers, we know that anxiety deferred is not the same as anxiety managed. In that light, our Leadership Board and staff join the witness of United Methodists who welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities into the full life of the church.


Christ’s love has no limits and has no barriers. We welcome all to experience it. We believe that everyone deserves to be safe, welcome and wanted here.


If you would like to know more about what it means to follow Christ or about First St. Charles United Methodist Church, please contact us: roundedemail  | 636.947.0066

our HISTORY: 200 Years SERVING St. charles


Learn more about the history of First St. Charles in this interview with local historian, Valerie Battle Kienzle


  DOWNLOAD THE BICENTENNIAL HISTORY BOOK


First St. Charles United Methodist Church began in 1821. Catharine Collier purchased the land and the first building frame was erected on the north side of Jackson Street, between First and Second Streets. In October of 1831, Mrs. Collier acquired ground now known as 617 South Main Street, upon which a new church building was built for the Methodist congregation. The building on South Main was used by the congregation until 1852 when a larger building became necessary. The congregation moved into the new building, located at Fifth and Clay Streets in 1855 and occupied it until 1896 when the property was sold.


In 1895, the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, purchased the building located on the corner of Fifth and Washington Streets. Tragedy descended upon the Fifth Street congregation in January of 1953 when the church was completely destroyed by an explosion and fire. By October 1954, a new structure at Eighth and First Capitol Drive was completed and the congregation moved in. The church school and congregation grew in size, and in 1959 and 1960, a three-story education building was constructed.


In 1970, an addition was made to the education building. The 21st century was entered with yet another addition. An administration and education wing was added, as well as an atrium for church gatherings and fellowship.


In 2019, the addition of The Learning Center was completed for children, youth and families. First Kids Early Childhood Center educates and provides loving care for children ages 6 weeks - 5 years in this facility, Monday-Friday. Youth and kids' Sunday school classes meet in the new addition.