In 1876, a woman named Hettie Austin arrived in the area that is now DeLand, FL. Hettie raised the funds for a new church to be built, and on August 1, 1880, the First United Methodist Church of DeLand was established, the first organized church in the area. Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Howry donated the land for the church, and in February of 1883 the building was finished.A new structure was built around the existing church and was finished in 1920. In 1959, ground was broken on the Education Building to accommodate a still-growing congregation. This building was complete with 3 floors, a full kitchen and many classrooms. The growth of the city as well as the church prompted another building for multi-purpose use with a gym. The Life Enrichment Center (LEC) was completed and ready for use on July 4, 1999.