Bryant First United Methodist Church has a long history going back over 175 years. Our history reflects the unity of four churches that merged over time: Wesley’s Chapel, Bryant Methodist Church, Hunter’s Chapel, and Bauxite Methodist Church.

Sometime in the 1850s, a group of pioneers came through this area on their way to Texas. Hurricane Creek was too high to cross, so they set up camp. A Methodist circuit rider was with them, and they worshiped around a campfire. Some of the families stayed in what later became Bryant. Those families founded Wesley’s Chapel. In 1875, Wesley’s Chapel split. Those who stayed changed the name to Bryant Methodist Church. Those who left named their church Hunter’s Chapel after Dr. Andrew Hunter, who lived in this area and donated the land for the chapel. Hunter’s Chapel later became Bauxite Methodist Church. In 1968, due to the declining mining industry, Bauxite Methodist Church closed and merged with Bryant Methodist Church to form First United Methodist Church of Bryant.

The community of Bryant has grown over the years and our current location is centrally located in the life of our town. Situated close to many of our public school campuses, city offices, and new businesses along N. Reynolds Road, we occupy a spot primed for outreach and community involvement. It is our hope to continue to be members of the community of Bryant and by our actions, love, and ministry in this community, we will continue to write our history and the story of God’s love in this place. You are invited to be a part of our future!