Durkee UMC was organized as a Protestant Community Sunday School in 1928-1931. The first location of Durkee was on Little York on the present location of Fonville Middle School in a two story building that was originally built to house Durkee School. When the school out grew their building, it was sold to a local county share canning plant. The county donated space on the second floor of this building to house the Durkee Community Church. Some of the founding families were the Allison, Bailey, Chochere, Leitenberger, Prince and Steele families. The first pastor was Rev. J. Marshall Jaynes, starting in 1932.
Durkee Community Church moved to its present location in 1935. Everyone pulled together, donated time and materials to build their first church building. The land was donated by Humble Oil. This building is still in use today as our fellowship building and Sunday School.
Durkee was growing, changing lives and the community. As with all community churchs, Durkee was served by pastors from many other denominations: Methodist, Presberterian, Baptist and Interdenominational. This brought a mixed group of members to Durkee Community Church and a well rounded set of beliefs.
In 1952, Durkee Community Church became Durkee Methodist Church with the help of Brother Clendenan accepting superintendent prisding and with the guidance of Rev. Tucker Kay and Rev. Clarke.
Durkee United Methodist Church built their current sanctuary in 1962 with the help of Rev. Richard Hoopes, and designed by Mr. A. A. Leifesstree, Jr., son of a past minister, with its lovely stained glass windows. Durkee has continued to grow in faith and mission to this present day.
