There have been many changes and improvements since the congregation first entered the sanctuary in 1928. Throughout the years the congregation sought to improve the building and provide equipment needed for the ministry and growth of the church.

The population of the city from 1922 to 1947 increased from 300 to 5000. With the decline in the coal mining industry the population in 1996 is down to 3,200. Church membership grew from 15 in 1922 to 230 in 1947 with a church school membership of 200. There were 179 members in 1981. In 1998 there are 176 members. The church budget for 1946-47 was over $6,000.00; the budget for the 1963-64 conference year was $13.000.00; the budget for 1982 was $33,104.00. The budget for 1998 is $59,705.00 showing growth in ministry as well as growth in the expense of ministry.

A note from 1978 describes how the church has grown. "Thirty-one years have passed since Bishop Watkins was in Cumberland for the dedication service and many dreams have come true since then for the church. Many good pastors have come and gone, and the church has experienced a new awakening." On October 28, 1978, the church was honored to have the Resident Bishop of the Kentucky and Louisville Conferences, Bishop Frank L. Robertson, to preach as they celebrated 50 years of Methodism at 102 Frazier Street. This day will long be remembered in the hearts and minds of those who attended. The church is still growing and doing the work of the Lord. The church has been totally remodeled. The Sunday School rooms, the sanctuary , the kitchen, and the parsonage have been remodeled. Cumberland United Methodist Church can be proud of its church building and parsonage. Members are willing to do what they can to see the church continue; and they are proud of their Methodist heritage.

• In the spring of 1957 flood waters began to rise and over flow the banks of the Cumberland River. These waters did extensive damage to the basement of the present church. It became apparent that if the foundation and support of the church were to be kept intact, the supports and the floor would have to be replaced. This called for complete renovations of the church basement. The wood supports were replaced with steel posts and the wood floor with concrete. With this done, the WSCS decided to furnish the kitchen as a "special project." Cabinets, large"tub-like" sinks, two 36-inch electric ranges, and a refrigerator were installed at $2,000.00. In order to utilize the Fellowship Hall, a recreation center was instituted. To accomplish this, an attempt was made to obtain items for games, etc.

• March 1963, flood waters once again overflowed the banks of the Cumberland River. This time the church was prepared. There was not as much as one drop of water that entered the church basement. The same cannot be said for the parsonage. Several feet of water entered the basement of the parsonage which also serves as part of the educational building.

• January 1964, a public address system was presented to the church by Mr. and Mrs. William Risden. Through this system, the community was privileged to hear chimes each evening. The equipment also served as an amplifier for use in broadcasting morning worship services over WCPM Radio. The Cumberland United Methodist Church was heard live every third Sunday. In 1988 the services were recorded and replayed every Sunday at 3 P.M.

• January 1977, the sanctuary was completely renovated: central heat and air conditioning was installed, walls were redone, new electrial wiring, and a new sound system. The ceiling was lowered just enough for insulation, the sanctuary was then painted and paneling was hung to match the pews. New pew cushions, new flood lights, a roped bell in the bell tower and new carpeting, are just a few of the renovations done at the church.

• 1978, the church made plans to purchase a new Chevrolet van for use as a church bus and for church-related trips. On October 28, 1978, William Risen installed a "hot line" from his television offices, in downtown Cumberland, to the sanctuary. Thus, enabling the Homecoming Services to be shown over the closed circuit channel. This was a first in Cumberland.

• 1980, new carpet was installed throughout the parsonage and the kitchen was completely remodeled with new cabinets and appliances.

• 1983, the church saw the need for nursery care to be provided for services and activities.

• 1985, a Sharp copier was purchased for use in the church office in producing weekly bulletins and letters.

• 1986, the church purchased an Electrolux vacuum cleaner and shampooer to be used to maintain the carpets in the church and parsonage.

• Many minor improvements were made in 1987. The church purchased a new bulletin board and marquee for the church lawn. Also, new sound equipment was installed to replace outdated equipment.

  1988 the church implemented a new program, the "Extra Mile project", which encouraged members to give extra offerings over their regular tithes for a special project within the church. The "Extra Mile Project" was to raise $10,000.00 throughout the year to purchase a grand piano and update the church organ with modern electronics. Givings to the church were great, and in February the organ was updated with solid state electronics at a cost of $2,000.00. By March the church was able to make plans to purchase the grand piano, and the complete project was paid for by May 1988.

• May 1988, the church made plans to landscape the church and parsonage lawns. Rev. Ward Wilson spent many hours using his talents to make the yard look nice. Over $1,000.00 was spent on landscaping, shrubs and plants.

• On August 27 and 28, 1988, the church celebrated 60 years at the foot of Main Street. Former pastors, Rev. Charles W. Tanner and Rev. Harold G. Hunter were welcomed back to the church to speak at the two worship services. Sunday worship also included a memorial service.

• 1989 the fellowship hall was refurbished and the ceiling lowered at a cost of $5,000.00. This made the downstairs of the church better for receptions, meetings and other gatherings.

• With the publication of the first United Methodist Hymnal the church purchased them to enhance worship music as well as to provide liturgies for various services.

The 1990's have continued to see the church make improvements to maintain it's properties.

1990, the church was reroofed and the parsonage was reroofed a few years later.
• 1994-95, insulated windows were installed in the parsonage to make it more energy efficient and comfortable.

  In 1995, a car hit the front steps of the church leading to the repair of the steps. As a result, a loan was procured to build a ramp into the church and to repair and restore the stained glass windows. The ramp has made it easier for people who have difficulty climbing steps to enter the church for worship and other gatherings. The restoration of the windows has ensured that they will continue to beautify the sanctuary. The church also purchased compact disks to accompany the United Methodist Hymnal. These CD's add variety to the worship music as well as provide a means for having music when the pianist cannot be present.