About
Our Beliefs and Doctrines
As a Global Methodist Church, our desire is to have Spirit guide us to make disciples of Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe. Our beliefs are outlined in the Book of Doctrines and Discipline. We reinforce the fact that Jesus is the unique incarnate Word of God, and He lives today, calling all of us to receive Him as savior, and as the one to whom all authority is given. The Methodist articulation of Christ puts emphasis on the universal work of grace, justification by faith, the new birth, and the fullness of salvation. Our mission is to reach into the community and bring people together and inspire them to welcome the Holy Spirit into their hearts. Our Founder, Charles Wesley, believed in the idea of “social holiness” which meant that the road to holiness was not one that we could travel alone, but rather involved the community of faith every step along the way. Our hopes are to remain rooted in scripture, aspire to introduce ALL people to Jesus Christ, lead people to grow in faith and deepen their relationship with Christ, and to model the love of God.
Our Church’s History
The Dome
The most striking feature of the interior is the art glass dome, 34 feet in diameter and nine feet high, which illuminates the sanctuary from above. It is built in 109 sections and contains, in all, more than 30,000 pieces of glass. Invisible from the outside of the church, the dome is artificially lighted from behind by an elaborate series of electric bulbs. The glazing of the dome arches up from a broad, denticulated entablature of mahogany and beyond a geometrically-patterned border, depicts angels and cherubs floating in ethereal space.
Colonel Lycurgus Breckinridge Musgrove gave the stained-glass dome to the church in memory of his mother, Elizabeth Cain Musgrove. Spared in the 1974 tornado, the blue angels and cherubs continue to inspire the congregation. There is a protective sheath around the dome, and although the daylight appears to come through the glass, it is due to electric bulbs.
Interesting to note is that the donor of the land and the beautiful dome of the Methodist church was not a member. He had been turned out ‘for attending a dance which was not in accordance with church doctrine’. He never rejoined but continued to attend and support the church. When the present edifice was began, plans called for bricks. However, he gave the difference for the Georgia marble. The dome was made in Kansas City and cost $10,000 in that day. It was given in memory of his mother, who died in 1917. He delighted in filling the church with lillies every Easter.*
Needlepoint kneeling cushions installed at the altar rail in 1972 repeat the colors and some of the motifs of the art-glass in the dome.
Except for the repairs necessitated in the wake of the 1974 tornado, the sanctuary has remained structurally unchanged since the 1920s.
* from an article in the Feb. 16, 1967, edition of the Daily Mountain Eagle
Growing Together in Faith and Community
Meet the dedicated leaders who guide our church’s mission and ministry.
Pastor James
Lead Pastor
James is an ordained Elder of the Global Methodist Church. He has served churches in Middle Tennessee for twenty-two years. He is a graduate of Tennessee Technological University and Memphis Theological Seminary. His wife, Carol, is an accomplished flautist and music educator. They are the blessed parents of Grace, Macks, and Charlie. We are deeply committed to cultivating a desire to grow in discipleship and our openness to the work of the Holy Spirit.
Dr. John Stallsmith
Choir Director
Dr. Stallsmith is the Music and Choir Director for the Traditional service. He is also the organist. His wife, Becky, plays the piano and accompanies guest singers. She also sings as a regular member of the Choir. Dr. Stallsmith earned his B.M. at Youngstown University; M.M., University of Kansas; D.M.A., University of Alabama. He is also the Music Director of the Jasper and Sumiton campuses of Bevill State Community College.
Dr Stallsmith, who has been playing the organ since the age of nine, won a national hymn-writing contest in 2015, which led to his composition being premiered as part of the Bethlehem Music Series in Minneapolis on Oct. 11,2015.
He is also Director of the Walker County Christian Chorus, a volunteer choir dedicating themselves to the rehearsals and performances of Handel’s “Messiah” every Christmas. The WCCC is accompanied by members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.
Shannon Day
Children’s Director
Because of Tamara Matthews retirement on March 31, we are pleased to announce that on Monday night, March 11, the SPRC hired Shannon Day to become our new Children’s Director beginning April 1, 2024. Shannon and her family have become a vital part of our church over the last few years. She brings a wealth of experience in Children’s Ministry to our church, including currently volunteering in the childrens program, as we seek to continue our strong children’s program. We are grateful the Lord guided this process and are pleased to welcome Shannon to the staff of First Methodist Church!
Delisa Grace
Nursery Supervisor
Delisa Grace supervises the Nursery, which is provided during both Sunday worship services and Sunday School. The nursery is also open for other events as approved by the Pastoral Staff. In addition, she teaches the 3 year old class in our Preschool.
She has been attending church at Jasper First UMC since 2005 with her two sons, Adam and Ethan.
Brandy Freeman
Head Custodian
Brandy Freeman joined our staff in 2005 as part time custodian for the Youth Center. She earned a promotion in 2008 and an expanded role.
Brandi resides in Pineywoods with her husband and two children. She became head custodian early 2021.
Discover Our Ministries and Community Programs
This section shares heartfelt testimonials from members, illustrating the positive impact of our church’s mission.
“Jasper First Methodist Church has truly been a blessing in my life, offering unwavering support and compassion.”
Sarah Johnson
Community Volunteer
“I’ve found a welcoming community here that feels like family, and it’s been an incredible journey of faith.”
Michael Davis
Youth Program Leader
“The church’s dedication to serving others is inspiring, and the ministries have made a significant difference in my life.”
Emily Thompson
Choir Director
“Attending Jasper First Methodist Church has been a transformative experience, bringing peace and joy to my faith journey.”
James Carter
Mission Outreach Coordinator