First United Methodist Church was one of the first institutions established in Tenaha after its founding in 1886. The congregation was established by Methodists from the Woods Post Office and Ramah communities, who had come to help develop a railhead town for the Houston East & West Texas Railroad. It was served by circuit preachers for many years, and its members constructed their first sanctuary in 1890 during the pastorate of the Rev. W.L. Pate of the Woods circuit. A second building, completed in 1928, served the growing congregation until 1971, when a new sanctuary was built. For many years, the ministers who served this fellowship lived in the Woods community, but as Tenaha grew, a house was rented there for a parsonage. The church was given its first full-time minister in 1946. Throughout its history, the congregation has emphasized missionary work, particularly through the efforts of the women's groups, and it has provided significant service and leadership to the community, where descendants of many of the founders continue to worship.