First Methodist Church Historical Tablet
In 1826 the First Methodist Church of Memphis was organized by the Rev. Thos P. Davidson with three members, Mrs. Pauline Perkins, Elijah Coffee and Mr. Dickens. The "old meeting house," which they afterwards erected, occupied the lot where the Pepper Memorial Sunday School Building now stands. This was the first church of any denomination in Memphis. In 1826 Memphis was only a small village, scarcely more than a river landing. One hundred years later, the first Methodist Church had 3,500 members and the Sunday School had an enrollment of 2,100. I Love Thy Church, O God! Her Walls Before Thee Stand; Dear As The Apple Of Thine Eye, And Graven On Thy Hand. For Her My Tears Shall Fall, For Her My Prayers Ascend; To Her My Cares And Toils Be Given Till Toils And Cares Shall End. What Hath God Wrought!...Numbers 23:23 This Is My Rest Forever: Here Will I Dwell...Psalms 132:14
Submitted from the Shelby County Register's Office.