 Staff & History
Church Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - Noon
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Meet our Wonderful Staff!
Rev Mary L Hubbard
Pastor
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Our Senior Pastor, Mary Hubbard, is very smug about being from Iowa and having graduated from the University of Iowa. To make up for that, she is self-conscious about having gotten her graduate degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. She has served for more than 30 years as a minister, from small rural churches to large downtown churches. Rev. Hubbard is active on several Board of Directors, and currently serves the Indiana Conference as Chair of Annual Conference Sessions Committee. |
Marsha Dollar
Administrative Assistant
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Marsha Dollar has been the Administrative Assistant at First Church since January 2006. Marsha says "I was born and raised in Michigan and moved to South Bend, after the church hired me. I spend most of my free time in Michigan, playing with my six grandchildren (they are scattered all over Michigan)". |
David Frey
Coordinator of Youth Ministries
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Ben Noell
Building Manager |
LouAnne Wilson
Financial Manager
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LouAnne Wilson has lived in South Bend all her life. She is married to Matt Wilson and has 3 children; Sarah, Lindsay and Brendan. |
John Jung-Zimmerman
Upper Room Director
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John Jung-Zimmerman, Director of the Upper Room notes that he is humbled by the commitment that First Church has shown to the addicts and alcoholics who have been its guest over the past 27 years. He adds "I truly enjoy being the person who gets to welcome newcomers into the safe and caring environment of the Upper Room and share part of their recovery journey while they grow in spirit and in serenity." |
Cathy Johnson
Church Growth Coordinator
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Cathy Johnson joined the First Church family as a member in 2004 and in October 2009 became the Church Growth Coordinator. She has been married for 5 years with a beautiful 3 year old daughter. |
Diana Green
Coordinator of Children's Ministries
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Diana says "Children tug at my heart. I love their innocence and their desire to learn and please. I find joy in the "Aha" moments of their faith journeys. I love traveling their journeys with them." |
Betty Woodland
Organist
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Betty Woodland, organist/accompanist joined the First United Methodist staff in July 2000. Church music has been her passion since holding her first position as organist in Portland, Oregon at age 14. Her career as organist and organist choir director has spanned many miles from Montreal, Quebec to Michigan and Indiana. She holds a Master of Music degree in voice and organ performance from the University of Montana and a Doctor of Music degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana in Church Music and Organ Performance. She has taught music on the elementary, secondary and college levels. She has given many recitals in various states and conducts workshops.
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Wishart Bell
Director of Music Ministries
E-Mail:
Director of Music, Wishart Bell, joined the staff of FUMC in August of 2000. He conducts the vocal, handbell, and children's choirs and administer the program. Active as a pianist and conductor throughout the region, he also teaches voice at Bethel College. He has published articles on church music and worship in Worship Arts, Creator Magazine, and
The American Organist. He holds graduate degrees in music from the American Conservatory of Music, in Chicago. |
A Brief History of First United Methodist Church
South Bend's First Church
Being first at something can leave a lasting impression with people. With First United Methodist Church that is very evident. First United Methodist Church was the first congregation established in St. Joseph County. It was organized in 1831 by the circuit rider, Rev. Nehemiah Griffith, and first met in Coquillard's Tavern. It wasn't long, however, until the young Methodist congregation built its own church building, a white framed structure, a block south of our present facility.
 Over the years, First Church has outgrown several buildings. In 1914, our present sanctuary was dedicated. In 1926, the Chapel area was added. Then, in 1959, the Education Building was constructed and consecrated.
First Church has had a notable history of service in South Bend. In 1887, some women of the church established a women's shelter, which eventually became Memorial Hospital. The congregation was also instrumental in the formation of the South Bend Public Library.
Most recently, First Church has distinguished itself with its special ministries in the heart of the city. More than 25 years ago, the Upper Room, a residential program for recovering alcoholic and narcotic addicts was established. Today it houses 20 residents. Twenty-six years ago, the Soup Kitchen was started. It is estimated that over one-half million meals have been served since the kitchen's inception. First Church has a food pantry that serves anyone who is a resident of St. Joseph County. There is an active Scout Troop in the church as well.
Although our history is important, our future is more so. We feel that God is calling us in the here and now to reach out to our community and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Our "Promised Land" for our children, our new forms of worship, our signature ministries, and most importantly our people, bode well for us as we keep on the path God has chosen.
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