The First United Methodist Church of Ozark has a long and eventful history, stretching back 155 years to the original log Claybank Church, built in what is now southwest Ozark. The large family of farmer and part-time Methodist minister Dempsey Dowling constructed the sturdy log church in 1852. Remarkably, the squared-log structure has survived with minimal maintenance and could still be used for religious services today.

When the sparsely settled community of Ozark was incorporated and became the county seat in 1873, eighty members of the Claybank Church transferred their membership to the newly organized Ozark Methodist Church. The first Methodist church building in Ozark was constructed from roughly sawn wooden planks by Samuel L. Dowling. The first pastor was Methodist Elder Rev. Angus Dowling. Both Samuel and Angus were among the 106 grandchildren of patriarch Dempsey Dowling.

In 1897, the Ozark Methodist Church purchased a 100-by-100-foot lot from church member Major Carroll, located at the corner of East Avenue and Broad Street—the current site of the church sanctuary. By 1900, a small but charming brick church, adorned with many Gothic-arched stained-glass windows, had been built on the new site.

Between 1900 and 1930, church membership doubled—from 311 to 633—as the Town of Ozark also doubled in population, growing from 1,570 to 3,103 residents. In 1930, church member and architect H. L. Holman designed, and the church built, a two-story educational facility at the rear of the existing sanctuary. The building featured a distinctive architectural motif: white plastered walls on the first floor, red brick walls above, and white plastered quoins on the corners. This style would be used for all subsequent additions to the church.

Despite the hardships of the Great Depression, church members pressed forward. By March 7, 1938, they had received 192 pledges totaling $30,561 for the construction of a new sanctuary. The old 1900 sanctuary was ordered torn down, and the final service in that building was held on Sunday, May 1, 1938. During demolition, the stained-glass windows were carefully preserved and later installed in the basement of the new sanctuary, tucked away in the remote space created by the brick foundation supporting the church steeple. The final cost of the new sanctuary and furnishings was $37,487.31, and it was dedicated on Sunday, April 7, 1940.

Members of the Ozark Methodist Church have long provided leadership for the city and Dale County, particularly during the 1930s and early 1940s. Two members were instrumental in the establishment of "Camp" Rucker in 1942—so much so that, without them, Fort Rucker may not exist today. Jesse Adams, veteran editor of The Southern Star, persuaded his close friend and fellow church member, Congressman Henry B. Steagall, to use his influence in Washington to achieve two key objectives. First, between 1935 and 1939, Congressman Steagall helped the U.S. Resettlement Administration acquire 35,000 acres of Dale County land to assist farmers on submarginal land and convert the property into a game reserve—eventually leading to the creation of Lake Tholocco. Second, in 1940–41, he convinced the War Department to select that same land as the nucleus of a new infantry training camp. The camp, built in just five months in 1942, was first labeled the "Ozark Triangular Division Camp" and later named after Civil War General Edmund W. Rucker. Congressman Steagall died in Washington on November 22, 1943. Jesse Adams passed away on November 8, 1952, at the age of fifty, having fulfilled his vision of boosting the Dale County economy.

The 1938 sanctuary was completed just in time for the boom brought on by World War II and the construction of Camp Rucker. Thousands of workers flooded Ozark for four months to build the massive Army post, followed by tens of thousands of soldiers stationed there. Four infantry divisions trained at Camp Rucker from 1942 until its closure in 1946, before it reopened in 1950 for the Korean War. The church welcomed newcomers and contributed to wartime civic efforts. For example, the basement of the new sanctuary—now called the Fellowship Hall—was used to make Red Cross bandages and served as the office of the Sugar Rationing Board for four hours each day. During this period, eighty-four young men from the church left to serve in the war.

As the church continued to grow, several construction projects followed. In 1958, a three-story educational building was erected, attached to the 1930 facility. In 1985, the 1938 sanctuary was renovated, including the addition of a balcony and a small elevator on the west side. In 1992, both educational buildings underwent thorough renovations.

As the 20th century drew to a close, the church was fortunate to have clergy and lay leaders with both vision and boldness. Recognizing the need for additional space, and having already renovated its three existing buildings, the church made the firm decision to expand.

Planning for a new facility—eventually named the Family Life Center—began in 1997. Church member James Lisenby, of the architectural firm Seymour & Lisenby, collaborated with the trustees and various committees to design the new space. Additional land was purchased, and by 2000, Lisenby was ready to finalize construction plans. Fortunately, some members recalled the stained-glass windows from the 1900 church, which had been stored under the steeple since 1939—61 years earlier! The architect determined that the windows could be re-framed and incorporated into the new building. Although no one had originally proposed a chapel, Lisenby added one, beautifully adorned with the historic windows. The remaining windows were installed in the large multipurpose room of the Family Life Center.

The Family Life Center was consecrated on June 9, 2002. The final cost of the facility and furnishings was approximately $3 million. Thanks to excellent leadership, thorough planning, and generous commitments, the project was fully funded. In the spring and summer of 2002, an elegant Meditation Garden was also constructed on the land east of the sanctuary, in front of the new facility. Funded entirely by special gifts, the garden was dedicated during a special service on October 27, 2002.

Two books have been written about our church and are available in our church library:
“A History of the First United Methodist Church” (1829–1930) by Glenn Wells and
“A Cross Above” (1973–2003) by Val McGee.