First United Methodist Church of Vero Beach had its beginnings rooted in Sunday school classes for the youngsters of the area. The church was chartered as First Methodist Church of Vero in October of 1914.

A tapestry of the church's history would be vibrant with color--both bright and subtle. The road traveled through its history has been smooth much of the time-bumpy some of the time, but always moved in the direction of the Cross as God's Love was made real from the early part of the 20th Century through the beginning of the 21st Century.

First Methodist was a strong part of the lives of the men and women of Vero who were involved in World War I--known as the "War to end all wars."

The church was battered and buffeted by the surges of the "Florida Boom" in the early 1920s and the "Great Depression" that followed through the 1930s. Still, the church moved forward and stood out as the beacon that kept its members and the community Sharing God's Love.

Indian River County was formed out of St. Lucie County In 1925 and the town of Vero became Vero Beach.

World War II began in Europe during the 1930s. The United States was just beginning the recovery from the Great Depression. First Methodist Church was in the throes of recovery and moving forward.

The rumblings of World War II rattled the windows of First Methodist Church of Vero Beach. Church membership was between 300 and 400. First Methodist joined other churches in the community in offering a home away from home to the military men and women stationed in the area. The spirit of worship was enriched as they shared their faith, abilities and musical talents with the congregations. Sunday night was a time for singing, inspiration and fellowship as each church in turn hosted the gathering of those on the home front with men and women training to defend our nation and end the atrocities of war. The memories of those Sunday evenings live on in the hearts and minds of many.

The post war years were a time of growth for First Methodist of Vero Beach. Sunday school classes were gathering in the parsonage as well as the High School Auditorium. The dream of a new sanctuary was realized in February of 1951. Sunday school classes met in the original church building while worship was held in the new sanctuary several blocks away. The congregation remained steadfast until the Social Hall and Sunday school buildings were ready in February of 1954.

When three worship services and two Sunday school hours were needed, First Methodist Church joined the Florida Conference Board of Church Extension In spreading Methodism in Vero Beach. Christ-by-the-Sea on the beachside and Asbury on the west side of town (43rd Avenue) were both supported by First Church in the early 1960s. A strong core of members of First Church became a part of the development of each of these churches.

Missions have been high on the priority list of spreading God's Word throughout the world as well as locally. Ties to and support of The Florida United Methodist Children's Home are very strong.

First United Methodist Church stands tall and solid as a tree with many branches in the heart of Vero Beach. Its history is one of love and service to mankind in the name of God.