First United Methodist Church of Coppell

In 1879, a small group of families gathered in Coppell, Texas. They had a dream: to build a place of worship. This dream became a reality at the corner of Bethel and Coppell Road, marking the birth of the First United Methodist Church of Coppell. Rev. J. B. Bennett led this young Methodist congregation. The church wasn’t just for Methodists. It served as a shared space for all Christians in the area. It even became Coppell’s first school, serving the community for a decade. Time marched on, and by the late 1930s, the original building had deteriorated beyond repair. The congregation rallied together, raising $700 to construct a new church. This new building was consecrated in May 1939. It became home to the 88 members of the First United Methodist Church of Coppell. Growth continued, and by 1978, the church needed more space. Five acres of land were purchased at the intersection of Bethel School Road and Heartz Road, the present location of the First United Methodist Church of Coppell. A new church was dedicated in 1984. A beautiful stained glass window from the original church was preserved. It found a new home in the Narthex. This 1984 structure included a 200-seat sanctuary, six classrooms, a kitchen, a nursery, and an office. This was just the first phase of a three-phase master plan. In 1988, an education building was added, featuring a fellowship space later dedicated as B.J. Smartt Hall. Eighteen new classrooms were also included. The First United Methodist Church of Coppell continued to expand. In 2000, under the guidance of Rev. John Rosenburg, the congregation held its first service in a new 1,000-seat sanctuary. This expansion included 20 more classrooms, an office complex, a larger nursery, a commissary, and a spacious gathering area named Wesley Hall. The original stained glass window was moved to its current location in The Rosenburg Prayer Chapel. Most recently, a new Ministry Center was dedicated on December 7, 2014, located at Heartz and Van Bebber. This center houses the weekly modern worship service, Elevate, and serves as a venue for community events. It also houses the Student Ministries. The First United Methodist Church of Coppell has been a cornerstone of the community for over 140 years. It continues to provide a spiritual home for those seeking a deeper connection with Jesus Christ.