Memorial United Methodist Church

Methodism first came to Amelia Island in 1822 when the South Carolina Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church appointed the Reverend Elijah Sinclair as the first minister to East Florida. Sinclair arrived within months of Florida being ceded to the United States by Spain in 1821 and was welcomed by Protestant Scotch and English settlers who opened their homes to him for services. The congregation continued to worship in homes and the Pioneer Hotel after the town was relocated in the 1850s from Old Town, about a mile north of the present site of Fernandina Beach. In the mid-1800s a wood frame church was built on the northwest corner of Broome and Sixth Streets. The old church was torn down after it was replaced by the building on Centre Street. Construction of the brick Classical Revival style building began in 1926 on property donated by E.W. Bailey and John W. Simmons. The sanctuary was complete by 1930 and the first services were held on the second Sunday in February. Fund raising to complete work on the church was difficult during the Great Depression of the 1930s, and the three-story classroom section at the rear of the building was still unfinished when Bishop Paul Kern dedicated the church in 1940. The work was finally completed in 1951. It is the oldest United Methodist congregation in the Florida conference.

2 years ago

Located in Fernandina Beach, FL. Very large church but broken up with multiple rooms and floors

5 months ago

My husband and I attend Memorial every Sunday we’re in Fernandina. We have a place here and look forward to attending especially since Pastor Charlie came. The congregation is very welcoming, the donuts are great! but the music and message are always so inspirational. John and Linda Green

6 years ago

A church that meets the needs of members and visitors through their numerous activities allowing one to grow in their service to God and community. Dynamic pastors, a great musical program, numerous study groups and a welcoming and warm congregation. Three services are offered a 8:00a.m., 9:30a.m. and 11:00 a.m. come and feel the amazing love of God at work.

6 years ago

It is a complex job to get all the technological magic to work, interspersed with beautiful music, while sharing the good news in a land devastated by illness and death. Yet, that is exactly what you do every week, whether you have a live or virtual congregation. Thank you. We appreciate all that each of you is doing to make this happen for all of us. 🌹

5 years ago