A Fort Walton Beach church that began with just 13 members is now celebrating 80 years
Fort Walton beach, Florida – A congregation that began with just 13 charter members in 1946 has now reached a milestone spanning eight decades of service, worship and community involvement in Fort Walton Beach.
City leaders paused to recognize that history, honoring Fort Walton Beach First United Methodist Church for its 80th anniversary and its long-standing role in the community.
During the Fort Walton Beach City Council meeting, Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem David Schmidt read a proclamation recognizing clergy, members and friends of the church. The proclamation traced the congregation’s story from its earliest days and formally marked the anniversary as a celebration in the city.
Fort Walton Beach First United Methodist Church was founded in early 1946, after worship services had previously been held at the Community Church on Beal Parkway. According to the proclamation, 13 charter members organized the new church by submitting a petition to the superintendent of the Marianna district.
In its early years, services were held on former Okaloosa County School Board property. The congregation later secured funding that allowed it to build two subsequent sanctuaries, reflecting the church’s growth and continued presence in Fort Walton Beach.
The city’s proclamation highlighted more than the church’s physical expansion. It credited the congregation with providing compassion, encouragement, education, outreach and service to people both within the local community and beyond it.
City officials also recognized that the church has remained active through periods of growth, change, celebration and difficulty, with faith continuing to guide the congregation throughout its history.
Schmidt formally honored the church’s 80th anniversary and expressed the city’s appreciation for what he described as decades of service, fellowship and community leadership.
“I extend to the clergy, congregation, and friends of Fort Walton Beach First United Methodist Church sincere gratitude for 80 years of faithful service, fellowship, and community leadership that have helped shape and strengthen the City of Fort Walton Beach,” the proclamation stated.
The anniversary also serves as a point between the congregation’s past and its future. The city described the milestone as an opportunity to remember the church’s beginnings, celebrate its present work and look ahead as it continues serving the Fort Walton Beach community.
More information about Fort Walton Beach First United Methodist Church is available at https://fwbfumc.org/.
