Plymouth's First United Methodist Church, like Marshall County and Plymouth, celebrated its sesquicentennial in 1986. It began in 1831 as a mission station with a circuit-riding pastor. Rev. W.D. Farnsworth formally organized the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Oliver Rose log cabin in the fall of 1836. Rose, his family and a few friends worshipped in the cabin located on the east side of North Michigan Street across from the present Centennial Park.

As membership increased, the congregation met in several buildings all within a block of the present structure. In 1851, Methodists erected the first Plymouth building to be built as a church. This was on the west side of North Center Street in the middle of the 300 block. A much larger, red brick structure was built in 1867 on the southwest corner of Center and LaPorte Streets. This was sold in 1912 and became a commercial garage. From temporary rented quarters at 111-113 East Garro Street, the church and Sunday School members, singing "Onward, Christian Soldiers", marched triumphantly to the present edifice at 400 North Michigan Street on July 4, 1915.

Although "Methodist Episcopal Church" is carved above the front entrance, this ever-progressing denomination, through merger in 1939, became The Methodist Church, and in 1968, The United Methodist Church.

During its 85+ year existence, the yellow brick church of Greek and Roman architectural influence has been renovated several times. A 1978 tornado severed the skylight atop the dome. The adjoining Educational Building was erected in 1957. In the sesquicentennial year, following 1985's successful Miracle Sunday when over $50,000 was raised, a lift for handicapped, new carpet and other improvements were made. In 1998 over $800,000 was spent for much needed improvements of the sanctuary building.

Although some original church records from as long ago as 1894 exist, they do not provide answers to many present-day questions. The first official church parsonage mentioned still stands at 600 North Michigan Street. In 1948, the large red brick home just north of the church was purchased as the official residence. This building was eventually torn down to provide additional parking. The current parsonage at 1022 Angel Street was occupied first by Rev. Sam Carlton's family in 1967 and is still in use by the current pastor, Rev. Dean Fager and family.

During the church's 150-year history, it was within the first Indiana District, South Bend, Mission; later the Northwest Indiana Confedrence, the North Indiana Conference, South Bend District and now the North Indiana Conference, Warsaw District. Seventy-three, or more, pastors have served the church, some earlier men for a year or less. Often they were responsible for more than one congregation and were ill because of the rigors of weather and constant travel. In modern times, pastors usually serve five to seven years.

Following a number of student assistants, beginning in 1976, full-time associate pastors were employed. The position was changed in 1983 when Joanne Boys became Christian Education Coordinator. A church secretary and custodians complete the staff. Current membership is about 455.

As Rev. Edwin McClure wrote in the 1986 church directory:
"Thinking about a church being 150 years old is exciting and humbling. It is exciting to think of all the the faithful people who in the past and now make up that century and a half. Under the Methodist banner, there has been ministry to this community that has changed lives, brought comfort, given Christian instruction, and gathered resources to send beyond these borders to support the wider mission of the Kingdom.

This is a humbling time as we ask ourselves how well we have appreciated the dedication and sacrifices of those who brought us this far. And it is humbling as we see what the next 150 years begin with us.

With this before us we dedicate ourselves afresh to our Lord that our lives and service will assure that this household of faith will continue as strong or stronger. The rows of bricks in the walls illustrate for me that no one generation has greater place than another, but that each generation is essential for the house of faith to be complete and strong."

These words are as significant now as they were then.

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