After returning to Canton from service in the Civil War, William McKinley joined the First Methodist Church and became deeply involved in its life, serving on the Board of Trustees, teaching Sunday School, and acting as Sunday School superintendent. He remained active in worship and leadership there even while President of the United States. After his assassination in 1901, his body was returned to Canton, and his funeral service took place in this church, with his casket carried in and out on the right-hand set of stairs facing Tuscarawas Street. In the sanctuary, four stained glass windows donated by Ida Saxton McKinley portray the four phases of her husband's life as a soldier, lawyer, statesman, and humanitarian, and a room there exhibits a collection of McKinley memorabilia open to the public.