Methodist work began in Prince Rupert in July, 1908. A small tent-roofed church was quickly erected, and services were begun. A larger church was built on a new site in 1911, and dedicated on March 3rd, 1912. In 1925, Prince Rupert Methodist Church entered church union, becoming First United Church. A majority of the Presbyterian Church congregation voted not to enter church union. In 1959, First United Church sponsored the development of “Friendship House”, a social centre and a residence for boys from First Nations villages who needed to come to Prince Rupert to attend high school.
The Rupert East United Church was built in January of 1926 and Rev. G.G. Hacker conducted the first service. Prior to this, Methodists had been active in the area for several years with a gymnasium and Sunday School. The Church was disbanded in 1934 but Sunday School care continued for several years afterwards.