First United Methodist Church History

The $1.5 million project, which is still in the planning stage, will make extensive improvements in all functional areas of the church to provide for an enrichment of the religious and educational programs of the church as well as expanded off-street parking.

Our 150th anniversary year in 1987 was highlighted by the failure to gain approval for a merger with Central Methodist Church. Members of First Church endorsed the movement by a 70% margin, but the Central congregation turned down the proposal by the same percentage.

It was in 1837, five years prior to the formation of Marion County when the Rev. Francis H. Reed and seven or eight followers of like faith joined together and formed the first Methodist Episcopal Class in the community. Initially the members met in their homes. Their first house of worship was the schoolhouse at Jackson and Monroe Streets opposite the Odd Fellows building in what is now known as the central business district of Fairmont.

Two years later a site for the community's first Methodist church was selected on Washington Street overlooking the Monongahela River. Completed in 1842, the brick structure is still in use as a church and serves as a part of the Union Mission complex. The church was co-occupied by the Marion County Court from 1842 until the present Courthouse was completed in 1900.

A second church to house the growing Methodist congregation was erected on Adams Street between 1852 and 1854. The last service held there was on Sunday, June 11, 1911.

Construction of the present church on Fairmont Avenue at Fourth Street began on August 15, 1910. Dedication services were held on September 24, 1911, with Bishop Joseph F. Berry presiding. Over the years a number of modifications and improvements have been made to the physical facilities. These have included the conversion of the parsonage wing into offices, a library and a music room, with the basement now housing the Robert B. Engle Memorial Youth Room which was dedicated on June 27, 1982. An Allen Electronic Computer Organ, installed in the sanctuary in 1976, replaced the 16-rank Moeller Organ that had been in continuous service for more than 64 years. Clear plastic envelopes have been placed over the exterior surface of the memorial stained glass windows in the sanctuary to protect and preserve the original art glass work specifically designed for First Church by M. T. Lamb of Brooklyn, NY.

Forty-seven clergymen have served the Church since Rev. Reed gathered his first "class." Five ministers have held the pastorate on two occasions. The Rev. James Clair Jarvis had the longest tenure in the pulpit, serving the congregation from 1947 to 1959.