First Methodist Church began as the "Methodist Society of Friends," a group of 15 men and women who organized in 1819. Early services were held in homes and in the Old Rock Church. In 1825 the members moved to a permanent structure 0.2 mile west of this site. In 1852 a second church, which still stands next to the Main St. bridge, was constructed. In 1894 the S.C. Annual Conference of Methodism was hosted in Laurens for the first time, and this Conference approved establishment of the Epworth Orphanage in Columbia. By 1898 membership growth led to construction of the present sanctuary. Built in Romanesque Revival style, it features a four-story bell tower. In 1936 an Education Building was added, and in 1961 the Fellowship Hall was built. The Annual Conference was hosted three times in the present sanctuary in 1908, 1924, and 1938.