The First Methodist Church in Shepherd Texas was the Farley Chapel Episcopal Methodist Church which was outside the town of Shepherd and services were held early in 1860.  Revivals were held at various places and by 1881 an organization took shape and the Methodist Episcopal Church South came into being.  The church was completed by 1882.  The Methodists, Baptists and Church of Christ of Shepherd all used this building as well as the first public school was held in the Methodist Church.

In the 1930s the church added on to the original building church school classrooms; in 1939 the church united with the congregations Methodist and the Methodist Church of Shepherd, Texas became the official name.  In 1952 the stained glass windows were replaced.  In 1953 the registration table in the foyer was given by Marion McMurrey in memory of Jim Kirby.  In 1958, the pulpit was remodeled and refinished.  The altar rail was refinished and the pulpit was moved from the center to the side of the chancel as it is today.

In 1959, the church got its first air conditioner which was a window unit.  In the same year, new pews were bought as memorials.  In 1960, the baptismal font was given to the church as well as a new Communion Table.  New Floor tiles were being put down by the members during the same time.  The second organ was purchased in March 1961.

In 1968, the general church united with the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the name was changed to the United Methodist Church of Shepherd, Texas.  In the same years, the church sanctuary was remodeled.

In 1970, A large Bible was given in memory of Mrs. Mattie Elmore and a Historical Marker was placed on the church.

In 1973 a new public address system was added to the church and in 1975 new paraments for donated to the church for the altar.  Also the church received central air conditioning and heating units and two new pulpit chairs.

In 1976 Mr. Sam Shirley made and presented to the church the large cross in the sanctuary.  This same year, the kitchen was put in the fellowship hall.  In 1977,  a  hot water heater and refrigerator were added to the Fellowship Hall.  Following that, in 1981, paneling was added along with the new carpet in the Church.