At the Heart of Downtown Chatham
First United Methodist Church sits at the corner of Main and Cross Streets in downtown Chatham, directly across from the Eldredge Memorial Library. Its historic sanctuary at 569 Main Street and the parish office at 16 Cross Street anchor one of the longest-standing congregations on Cape Cod, now in its 177th year of ministry. The building is air conditioned throughout, and the sanctuary level can be reached from the parking lot by elevator, so worship is accessible to those who cannot manage the stairs.
Sunday Worship at 10 AM
The congregation meets each Sunday at 10 AM for a service the church describes as traditional in style and relevant in message. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month. For those at home or traveling, the same service is offered online through Zoom and on the church's Facebook page, so members and seasonal visitors can stay connected throughout the year. Cape Cod's rhythms shape the life of the church: the pews fill with returning summer visitors while a year-round community of faith continues to gather each week.
The Food Pantry and Thrift Shop
Two doors from the sanctuary, the church's Family Food Pantry operates out of the Thrift Shop, open Thursday through Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM. Residents of local Cape Cod towns can take what they need with proof of address, and donations of non-perishable food are always welcomed. The walk-up food pantry pauses for the winter months, while the Thrift Shop continues to accept donations of housewares, clothing, and household treasures during the same hours. Proceeds from the shop help support outreach ministries on the Lower Cape. The shop is closed in January.
A Ministry of Service Across the Lower Cape
The congregation's purpose statement names a clear calling: disciples of Jesus Christ committed to making a difference in the community and in the world through service and invitational outreach. Beyond the food pantry and thrift shop, the church gives financial and volunteer support to a wide range of partner organizations, including the Cape Cod Council of Churches, the Chatham Food Pantry, the Lower Cape Outreach Council, Monomoy Community Services, CapeAbilities, the Salvation Army, UMCOR Emergency Relief, Heifer International, Doctors Without Borders, and Ukrainian relief efforts. The church also funds scholarships for local students continuing their education.
Music and the Arts
The music program is led by organist and pianist Anna Glig, who serves as Music Director. A classically trained concert pianist with a Master's degree from the Mannes School of Music and an Advanced Certificate from NYU Steinhardt, Glig has performed internationally with the Georgian and Israeli (Rishon LeZion) Symphonic Orchestras, the Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra, and most recently with the Cape Symphony. Each Sunday she shapes the music for worship, weaving classical and contemporary selections into the service.
The Sanctuary and Its Stained Glass
Inside the sanctuary, the visual centerpiece is a set of stained glass windows installed in the 1890s through the generosity of Marcellus Eldredge and his relatives. The windows are Tiffany style in classic Germanic patterns, made in New York City, and depict the figures of Mary with the baby Jesus and Joseph in his royal robes after his rise to power in Egypt. Within the last fifteen years the windows were completely removed, restored, and replaced by church members and friends. The art and architecture continue to anchor a worship space the church describes as both historic and in tune with the lives of those who gather there today.
Weddings, Baptisms, and Pastoral Care
The church hosts weddings in its historic sanctuary and offers premarital counseling sessions with the pastor, generally three to four meetings, as part of preparation. Wedding fees for non-members cover building use, the organist, clergy, custodian, and church coordinator, with a $100 non-refundable deposit required to hold the date. Baptisms in the United Methodist tradition take place within the context of a regular Sunday morning service, and the church welcomes inquiries from both members and non-members. When a loved one dies, the pastor and staff help families plan traditional funeral or memorial services that honor the person who has died.
Annual Gatherings on the Calendar
The church calendar includes several community traditions. A White Elephant and Bake Sale takes place over Memorial Day weekend, a Strawberry Festival is held in early summer, and craft fairs run on the second Wednesdays of July and August. Lobster Roll Lunches are served on Fridays from early July through Labor Day weekend, and the Holly Jolly Christmas Fair closes out the year in late November. Each year on the first Sunday of October the church hosts its Blessing of the Animals service on the front lawn at 1 PM, an outdoor gathering that welcomes pets on a leash or in a carrier along with a time of remembrance for animals who have died. A Thursday morning meditation group, led by Christine Riley, resumes each September and meets from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.
Planning Your Visit
The church sits at the corner of Main and Cross Streets in downtown Chatham, directly across from the Eldredge Memorial Library. Limited parking is available in the lot off Cross Street, with additional spaces in the municipal lot directly across the driveway, and handicap parking is reserved close to the elevator entrance. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM and can be reached at 508-945-0474 or office@chathammethodist.org. The pastor's direct email is pastor@chathammethodist.org. Worship takes place year-round at 10 AM, online and in person, and visitors and newcomers are always warmly received.