First UMC Tallulah has been an integral part of the Tallulah community for over 130 years.  Methodist missionaries started preaching in the region as early as 1799.  The first Methodist Church in the region was Lake Providence in 1827.  A preacher went by horse back and most likely spoke to the people in Madison Parish at that time also.  After the Civil War, a Union church was established for all denominations.  The Methodists and Episcopals were the first groups and met together until 1903.  As the chruches grew, they needed more space so each group.  The Methodists built a new church in 1905 on todays present site.  That church building  was used until 1929, until the building was considered unsafe.  After much planning and saving, the new church was designed in 1929 for $23, 750.  Membership went from 231 in 1930 to 449 by 1938, during hard econmic times.  War raged in Europe during the 1940's as many served in the armed forces during this time.  In 1948, membership was at 618.  Many improvements to the church were made during the 1950's, including saving for a new educational building.  The year 1958 was highlighted by a 24 hour prayer vigil.   In 1959, the church had 574 members.  The 1960's was a difficult time with the country at war and concerns about civil rights.  In 1961, the church finished the educational building for a cost of $157,346.00.  At the close of the 1960's the church had 586 members.  Membership declined during the 1970's to 497.  Vietnam and integration were still issues during this decade of our country.  Regional shopping malls, better roads, falling farm prices, and the Chicago mill closing set in motion a decline in the region.  Membership declined to 407 and money became tight.  During the 1990's, farm prices improved and the church became very focused to do more with less.   An elevator was put in the church in 1998, through the saving of members.   Membership was at 350 in 1999.  In the last ten years, the church has faced many challenges but is determined to move ahead to spread God's kingdom hear upon earth, to be His hands and feet.

*Thanks to the information collected by Mr. Jim McDaniel this information was obtained.  He also has written a more detailed notebook about the history of First UMC Tallulah that is available in the office.