Our Church History
First United Methodist Church of Cocoa Beach
Since its founding in 1957, First United Methodist Church of Cocoa Beach (FUMCCB) has been a pillar of faith, service, and community. From humble beginnings in temporary locations to becoming a spiritual home for many—including astronauts during the Space Race—our church has grown in both size and mission. Explore the milestones that have shaped our journey.
Our Beginnings
1957 – A Faithful Start
A small group of believers began gathering in various locations, with Dr. Glen Eschtruth appointed as pastor. Thirty-eight people attended the first worship service. Three years later, the fellowship hall was built and used for services. On March 10, 1957, 75 members signed the Charter, officially establishing the church.
1960 – A Growing Congregation
Under the leadership of Rev. H. Jackson Downey, membership soared from 205 to 937. The congregation outgrew the fellowship hall, leading to the construction of a new sanctuary, classrooms, and offices for $220,000.
A small group of believers began gathering in various locations, with Dr. Glen Eschtruth appointed as pastor. Thirty-eight people attended the first worship service. Three years later, the fellowship hall was built and used for services. On March 10, 1957, 75 members signed the Charter, officially establishing the church.
1960 – A Growing Congregation
Under the leadership of Rev. H. Jackson Downey, membership soared from 205 to 937. The congregation outgrew the fellowship hall, leading to the construction of a new sanctuary, classrooms, and offices for $220,000.
Moments of Growth & Resilience
1965 – Space Race & A Storm’s Challenge
During construction, 73-foot beams were erected but collapsed due to 40 MPH winds. By September, the new sanctuary was completed. As Cocoa Beach became a hub for the U.S. Space Program, FUMCCB welcomed astronauts before their launches. The congregation sang “Bless Thou the Astronauts” before every manned spaceflight.
1977 – A Tribute to Dr. Eschtruth
Dr. Glen Eschtruth, the church’s first pastor, was tragically killed while serving as a missionary in Africa. The fellowship hall was later renamed in his honor.
During construction, 73-foot beams were erected but collapsed due to 40 MPH winds. By September, the new sanctuary was completed. As Cocoa Beach became a hub for the U.S. Space Program, FUMCCB welcomed astronauts before their launches. The congregation sang “Bless Thou the Astronauts” before every manned spaceflight.
1977 – A Tribute to Dr. Eschtruth
Dr. Glen Eschtruth, the church’s first pastor, was tragically killed while serving as a missionary in Africa. The fellowship hall was later renamed in his honor.
Building a Legacy
1982 – A Stained-Glass Celebration
For the 25th anniversary, the congregation gifted a $40,000 faceted glass memorial window, featuring the theme, “I am the vine—ye are the branches.”
1994 – The Life of Jesus in Stained Glass
The sanctuary was further beautified with 24 stained-glass windows, each depicting a moment from the life of Jesus.
1995 – Expanding for the Future
Eschtruth Hall was expanded to add classrooms and renovate the kitchen.
2007 – A 50-Year Celebration
A weekend of events marked the 50th anniversary, including a picnic, Memory Lane displays, and a packed worship service featuring guest speaker Lena Eschtruth Ellinger and a large alumni choir. The celebration concluded with a buffet banquet attended by 210 guests.
To commemorate the occasion:
For the 25th anniversary, the congregation gifted a $40,000 faceted glass memorial window, featuring the theme, “I am the vine—ye are the branches.”
1994 – The Life of Jesus in Stained Glass
The sanctuary was further beautified with 24 stained-glass windows, each depicting a moment from the life of Jesus.
1995 – Expanding for the Future
Eschtruth Hall was expanded to add classrooms and renovate the kitchen.
2007 – A 50-Year Celebration
A weekend of events marked the 50th anniversary, including a picnic, Memory Lane displays, and a packed worship service featuring guest speaker Lena Eschtruth Ellinger and a large alumni choir. The celebration concluded with a buffet banquet attended by 210 guests.
To commemorate the occasion:
- The Anniversary Walkway was created with engraved bricks.
- A three-dimensional church ornament was available for purchase, helping to fund a 25-passenger minibus.
Modern Enhancements
2009 – A New Sound of Worship
A new Allen Organ with 58 stops across three manuals (keyboards) and pedals was installed in the sanctuary.
2010 – Honoring a Legacy
“Downey Days” celebrated the 50th anniversary of Rev. Jack and Beth Downey’s arrival at First United Methodist Church Cocoa Beach. Pastor Jack delivered the sermon, and their extended family participated in the service.
2020 – Adapting & Renovating During COVID
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our church faced an unprecedented challenge. When in-person services had to pause, the time was used to undertake a major sanctuary renovation, including:
2022 – Fellowship for Every Generation
The Boomers and Beyond group was formed, creating opportunities for fun and fellowship for members 60 and older.
2024 – More Renovations
Eschtruth Hall underwent a complete renovation, along with updates to the main building, enhancing the church’s facilities for generations to come.
A new Allen Organ with 58 stops across three manuals (keyboards) and pedals was installed in the sanctuary.
2010 – Honoring a Legacy
“Downey Days” celebrated the 50th anniversary of Rev. Jack and Beth Downey’s arrival at First United Methodist Church Cocoa Beach. Pastor Jack delivered the sermon, and their extended family participated in the service.
2020 – Adapting & Renovating During COVID
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our church faced an unprecedented challenge. When in-person services had to pause, the time was used to undertake a major sanctuary renovation, including:
- Tripling the size of the Audio-Visual booth to enhance our ability to stream and record services.
- Doubling the size of the chancel, allowing for greater flexibility in worship.
- Upgrading the lighting and video projection system for an improved worship experience.
- Adding a choir loft to enhance musical worship.
- Creating a designated space for our contemporary band, supporting vibrant, modern worship services.
2022 – Fellowship for Every Generation
The Boomers and Beyond group was formed, creating opportunities for fun and fellowship for members 60 and older.
2024 – More Renovations
Eschtruth Hall underwent a complete renovation, along with updates to the main building, enhancing the church’s facilities for generations to come.
Looking Forward
As we move into the future, First United Methodist Church of Cocoa Beach remains committed to our mission: making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Rooted in the rich tradition of the United Methodist Church, we seek to reach new generations, deepen our faith, and serve our community with love and purpose.
Reaching New Generations
We are dedicated to creating engaging, welcoming spaces where people of all ages can encounter God’s grace and grow in their faith. Through dynamic worship, small groups, and intentional discipleship, we will continue equipping the next generation to walk in Christ’s love and truth.
Shaping the Space Coast
Our church has long been a beacon of faith in Cocoa Beach, and we will continue to seek ways to impact our local community. Whether through missions, outreach programs, or acts of compassion, we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope, justice, and healing to those in need.
Leaving a Legacy
As those who came before us laid a strong foundation, we are committed to faithfully stewarding our resources and ministries for those who will come after us. Through thoughtful leadership, prayerful discernment, and a heart for service, we will continue shaping a church that stands as a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness for generations to come.
Reaching New Generations
We are dedicated to creating engaging, welcoming spaces where people of all ages can encounter God’s grace and grow in their faith. Through dynamic worship, small groups, and intentional discipleship, we will continue equipping the next generation to walk in Christ’s love and truth.
Shaping the Space Coast
Our church has long been a beacon of faith in Cocoa Beach, and we will continue to seek ways to impact our local community. Whether through missions, outreach programs, or acts of compassion, we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope, justice, and healing to those in need.
Leaving a Legacy
As those who came before us laid a strong foundation, we are committed to faithfully stewarding our resources and ministries for those who will come after us. Through thoughtful leadership, prayerful discernment, and a heart for service, we will continue shaping a church that stands as a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness for generations to come.