1975-1977 - Population of Gillette surpassed the 10,000 limitation set by comity agreement with Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist denominations. Eugene and Annelle Lovering of Gillette, and Rev. Richard A. Plants of Newcastle urged the Rocky Mountain Conference to form a United Methodist Congregation in Gillette.

1977 - First United Methodist Church, Casper, offered $5,000 toward a church in Gillette. First worship service was held in the basement Hospitality Room of the Stockmen's Bank October 2, 1977. District Superintendent Henry H. Baker received 27 charter members in a Constituting Service October 30, 1977.

1978 - Rev. Richard Plants was appointed by Bishop Melvin Wheatley, effective February 1, 1977. In December, temporary quarters were moved to the basement of the Odd Fellows' Lodge, 202 E. 8th St., for $25 per week rent.

1981 - First UMC, Casper took up an Easter offering to pay $30,000 for 5.9 acres of land purchased from Exxon Coal USA. Trustees fenced the land October 3, and Claiming of the land service was held October 11.

1982 - A February building fund crusade surpassed the goal of $50,000 in pledges. On May 22, ninety-five persons gathered to break ground of the first unit. December 24, 1982 a candlelight Christmas Eve service was held in the building.

1983 - February 20, a Consecration service was held with Bishop Melvin Wheatley and District Superintendent Deanna Bleyle participating.

One of the most significant contributions to the church has been the stained glass windows. These were made possible by the donations of material, time and talent of many in the congregation. In particular, Ken and Becky Claar guided the work and helped and encouraged others in the process. The windows were installed on March 17 and dedicated on May 6, 1984. 

Rev. Russell Hawkins was appointed by Bishop Melvin Wheatley, effective June 19, 1983. Strong emphasis was placed on music and small groups during his tenure. Advent groups, dinner for eight and Power and Light studies were highlights of his ministry.

1986 - Rev. Don Schlichting was appointed by Bishop Roy Sano, effective November 2, 1986. Several Disciple Bible Study groups were formed during his tenure. Improvements were made to the building and an addition was planned, funded, and built.

1989 - The church building suffered a set back in early January with a fire; there was extensive smoke damage. The set back turned into a blessing as with the help of the insurance company, the church interior received a major cleaning and face-lift.

1992 - The mortgage on the original building was burned. The education wing, with six classrooms and a ground level office was completed and consecrated.

1993 - Rev. David Margiotta was appointed July 2, 1993 by Bishop Mary Ann Swenson. The new sound system was first used on Christmas Eve.

1994 - A sign was installed next to Lakeway Road.

1995 - The parking lot was paved. A Mission-Vision-Plan was developed to help chart the congregation's growth into the future. The new logo was designed as part of the MVP.

1996 - A balloon payment was made on the new mortgage. The church also received a gift of $5,000 from the First Church in Cheyenne. The first mission trip was made to Warren Village in Denver, CO. An outreach to the Wright community was established with a Bible Study.

1997 - Vacation Bible School was held in Wright. We celebrated our 20th Anniversary with Bishop Swenson and Joyce Plants and a number of out of town guests.