OUR HISTORY

Methodism in Milan has a wonderful heritage. The church is now in its third century of faithful service to the people of Milan. We have had a long, faithful and compassionate presence serving our communities’ spiritual needs as well as providing resources and care for those in need. We honor our history and those servants who have come before us and look to the future by extending the love of Jesus Christ to all.  Mr. Beverly Adam Williamson, one of the original settlers of Milan, and thirteen other people of the Methodist faith organized the original Methodist Episcopal Church South in Milan. Services were held in the Masonic Hall by visiting preachers. 

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In 1868, Milan’s first mayor, John G. Shepard, deeded to trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church South (MECS), a one acre lot. The church was built that year and it was the first church in Milan. It was located on the corner of Main and Elbow (now known as Culpepper).

The first unmarried woman missionary from the Methodist Episcopal Church South, Lochie Rankin, was sent from the Milan church to teach at New Hope Academy, Indian Territory in 1876. Due to her success there, she was next sent to China in 1878 and her sister, Dora, followed a year later. Lochie retired from mission work in 1927 and returned to the states.

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In 1904, under the pastorship of Rev. W. F. Leake, a new, brick building was erected on Main Street for the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Rev. Leake read from Solomon’s prayer of dedication: “And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place, and hear thou in heaven, thy dwelling place, and when thou hearest, forgive.”

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During the 1920’s, the Methodist church often joined with other Milan churches in hosting community revivals. One of the most notable was a three week revival by Pastor Burke Culpepper and an Evangelist from Memphis in May of 1924 on the campus of the Milan High School.

In 1928, during the pastorate of Rev. O. C. Wrather, the home of Dr. E. O. Fields was purchased, and a new home for MECS was erected at 449 S. Main Street.  On Feb 3, 1929, other churches in Milan dismissed their morning worship services and their congregations joined the Methodists for their opening service in the new building. In his dedication sermon, Bishop Horace Dubose of Nashville said the church was “the highway by which God and man come together and in the building of churches there is seen the expression of man moving toward God.”  The women’s Philathea Bible Class presented the church with a Moller organ and chimes were installed some years later.

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In 1939, the Methodist Episcopal South denomination became "The Methodist Church" due to a merger of three denominations.

In 1957, under the leadership of Rev. Lloyd Ramer, the church held ground breaking ceremonies for a new, three story educational wing which adjoined the sanctuary on the South side.  The educational wing was completed in 1958.

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In 1964, the interior of the church sanctuary was remodeled to make it a warm, beautiful, pleasing place in which to worship. This included new pews and reworking of the front chancel area.

 

In 1968, the denomination underwent another merger to form the United Methodist Church. Our church was called Milan First United Methodist Church.

 

In 1973, Juanita Lear and other dedicated members of the church initiated “The Mustard Seed” which is a neighborhood ministry which is now a United Way agency staffed by volunteers from several community churches.

 

With Rev. John Middleton as the pastor, the congregation undertook a major fundraising campaign to  raise money for needed renovations and additions to the church building  beginning in 1992. In September 1993,  just weeks away from the culmination of the campaign, Dr. Phillip Cook became the new pastor.  

 

After much discernment, the church voted on May 1, 1994 to relocate from the downtown location to its present Jones Boulevard site by a vote of 92 yes and 13 no. The planning and funding required six years with many steps along the way.  The process was led by Mr. Tommy Ross as Chair, and collaboration with Gary Taylor, architect,  and especially the able leadership of church members working as Project Managers for H & M Construction Company of Jackson – Hal Holmes, Rex Tatum, Bob Brown, Al Brown and many others. Their efforts ensured getting the most for our investments.

 

A “Claiming of the Ground” service was held on November 15, 1994 and a sign was erected. At this service, Dr. Cook said “This is a day of rejoicing! We have come together to claim this place in the name of God and His people at First United Methodist Church of Milan. Let us open our hearts and minds to receive God’s Word with faith.as found in Genesis 28: 11-22. Here is described Jacob’s dream of a laden extended from sacred ground to Heaven. Bless us who meet here on this ground made Holy by our worship. Help us to rejoice in this work just begun and to persevere to its completion.”

 

The site preparation of a 37 acre lot on Jones Boulevard began in September 1995 and the official ground-breaking ceremony with Holy Communion was held on November 24, 1998. In removing the 1929 cornerstone from the downtown building, the 1904 cornerstone was found hidden behind it. Both of these cornerstones were installed in columns at the new building on Jones Blvd as well as the 1999 cornerstone. The organ, chimes, and stained glass windows were also moved from the Main St location to this new building. The service of decommissioning of the Milan First UMC downtown building was held on October 24, 1999. The Service of Consecration of the Jones Blvd. Church building was held on October 31, 1999.  On January 25, 2000 the old church site was sold to Milan First Baptist Church. Sunday, June 18, 2000 was Dr. Cook’s final Sunday as the pastor, the building debt of $3,432,000 was retired. Dr. Cook said “It’s an absolutely remarkable feat that in less than a year after occupying this building – that it is debt free!  Milan is one of the finest communities I’ve ever lived in. I feel the Lord led me to Milan to go through this part of the church’s history. A greater part of that chapter is concluded now. This church and I have new chapters to write. I believe this church is not at the end of their labor but at the beginning point.”  

 

On March 15, 2023, after much internal discussion, the church held a historic vote to consider disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church. The vote confirmed the desire of the congregation to remain a United Methodist Church.

 

As the church continues to serve Jesus Christ, a task force has been prayerfully considering the future of the church. The task force recommended changing the name of the church to reflect the rebirth and on-going mission of the church. The Milan First United Methodist Church stepped boldly into its future, embracing a new name, renewed mission, and revitalized vision that reflects its deep commitment to bringing hope, grace, and love to the community.  On November 9, 2025, Milan First United Methodist Church held its first worship service as New Horizons United Methodist Church. 

 

After months of prayer, conversation, and congregational surveys, New Horizons UMC has identified the values that define our identity and guide our ministry. At the core, the church is committed to being an inclusive body of believers, a place intentionally created for all people — especially those who haven’t always felt welcome or comfortable in traditional church environments. The church’s values celebrate diversity in every form, encourage an atmosphere of grace, and reflect a desire to be known more for what we support than what we oppose.  New Horizons is a community-driven, outward-focused family marked by fellowship, compassion, and generosity.  New Horizons’ vision is boldly future-driven, grounded in the belief that every person is offered a fresh start and new life through the power of the resurrection. In this spirit, the congregation is renewing its commitment to share Christ’s hope throughout Milan and beyond.

 

Our mission statement captures the heart of this new season:  New Horizons is a family of believers extending the inclusive and accepting love of Jesus Christ to all.  Alongside this mission comes a simple, welcoming slogan that members have begun championing: “Inclusive Family Extending Christ’s Love.”  This is who we are.  We are also proudly using #WelcomeHome to reflect our desire for every person to feel they belong from the moment they arrive.

 

As our church continues to grow, change, and embrace God’s calling on our lives,  we are reminded:

The church is not a building

The church is not a steeple

The church is not a resting place

The church is a people

      From “We are the church”

 

For more information about the beliefs of the United Methodist Church, CLICK HERE.

 

The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.

 

Love Boldly: We passionately love God and, like Jesus, embrace and include people of every age, nation, race, gender, and walk of life. (Matthew 22:37-39 | John 13:34-35)

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Serve Joyfully:  With the heart of Christ, we journey alongside the most vulnerable among us, offering care and compassion with joy. (Psalm 100:1 | Nehemiah 8:10 | John 13:14-15 | 1 Peter 4:10)

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Lead Courageously: Following Jesus’ example, we resist and dismantle all systems of evil, injustice, and oppression, striving for peace, justice, and reconciliation. (Joshua 1:9 | Ephesians 6:10)