The First United Methodist Church of Rowlett dates back over 125 years when the first congregation meetings were held in the Big A schoolhouse near the Big A Cemetery. It is believed this first group was non-denominational, but in 1895, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of Rowlett was built at the present church site. D. W. Housley, a gin operator in the agricultural community of Rowlett, donated a small tract of land. With donations from Methodists, the community, and other denominations, a building was built the same year. For several years, both Methodists and Baptists met in this small building, with Baptist and Methodist pastors serving at various times until 1920. In 1921, the original building was demolished, and a white frame building was erected.

During the depression-era in the 1930s, the church experienced a bleak period. With many people moving away, the church could not meet its obligations and the doors were closed. However, in 1940 there were a handful of devout church leaders that made sure our ministry continued and the doors of the First Methodist Church of Rowlett were again opened.

The church still did not have a full-time pastor with pastors having to travel many miles to serve this tiny congregation. However, the church continued to grow, and many dreams were realized when in 1962, a sanctuary was built on three acres of land donated by Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Coyle, Sr. The church continued to grow, and in 1969 the Fellowship Hall was built and the white frame building was donated to another congregation. An office addition was added in 1976, and the wing that houses the nurseries was built in 1980. A new education and activity building were completed in 1990. This addition helped make possible an expanded program for children and youth. Within a few months of moving into this facility, attendance in our Sunday School doubled. In 1996, the current sanctuary was completed as well as new choir facilities, a youth room and 20 classrooms. After many years in the making, our youth building called The Lighthouse was built in 2016.

The congregation continues to move forward in mission and ministry. No longer a small church, the First Rowlett United Methodist Church is passionate about reaching beyond our walls to be the hands and feet of Christ. The community has come to rely on our church to help respond to the needs in our midst, working closely with the local schools, with other churches, with the city, and with other organizations to provide resources and information. Our work in the community includes helping people with food, clothing, school supplies, prayers, connections to outside resources, disaster relief, and more. Together, we continue the vision of our founding families to be a vital force and a spiritual cornerstone for our community.