First United Methodist Church (First UMC) is located in downtown Peoria, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

[5][6] In 1849, the frame structure was sold and moved to Water and Harrison streets as part of the Central Hotel.

[5][7][8] The "Hamilton" Methodist Episcopal Church, also known as the Madison Ave MEC, was started by the congregation that would become First UMC in 1858.

[6] On May 24, 1900, the Hamilton MEC helped open the Deaconess Home and Hospital, which later became UnityPoint Methodist and now Carle.

[6] In 1914, the Hamilton MEC was invited to merge with the Peoria First United Methodist as they planned construction of a new church.

The William E. Shaw Memorial building was constructed to add Sunday School classrooms and a nursery.

[14] The Loaves and Fishes ministry has offered a hot meal, food pantry, clothing, and medical clinic.

[4] Every other Wednesday, homeless people can receive help with paperwork for birth certificates and state ID, with the church subsidizing the filing fees.