Money was being raised and plans were being made to modernize the building when, during the night of November 22, 1911, the building burned. Construction was begun in the fall of 1912, and was completed in 1914, on what is now the south domed portion of the present structure. Reverend Bob Shuler, pastor at the time of the construction, returned to preach the first sermon in the new sanctuary.
In 1939, the two separate denominations, Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Methodist Episcopal Church South reunited, and became the Methodist Church. The church's name then became First Methodist Church.
In 1954, yet another need arose for expansion. Under the leadership of Reverend Maggart Howell, a sum of $250,000 was raised to build a new education building, including adult classrooms, nurseries, and kindergarten rooms. The old parsonage that had stood next to the church since 1904 was sold and was removed to make space for the new building.
Ten years later, during the years of 1964 to 1967, the church embarked on another major remodeling and expansion project. A new parsonage was built on 15th Street. Two lots were purchased for parking. New carpet, furniture, and faceted glass windows were added to the Sanctuary. Reverend Ervin Gathings was the minister during this time of building improvements.