Church History

Fair Oaks United Methodist Church was organized on October 22, 1950. The organizational meetings were held at Robert L. Osborne High School, then located across Barber Road at the site of the present Oakwood & Adult Education School.

A number of members from the First United Methodist Church in Marietta, Georgia joined to form a nucleus for its organization. Dr. Lester Rumble, then the District Superintendent, obtained aid from the District Board of Missions and Church Extensions to buy the house and property at the present location. Services were held in the dwelling house for several months. An Emory University student, Sam A. Banks, was assigned to the new church. He lived in the back room of the house and held services in the living and dining rooms. The first Sunday morning service was held on October 29, 1950. Following that service, a Church Conference was convened at which a Committee was elected to nominate officers at the next quarterly Conference.

On March 1, 1952, a Sanctuary, complete with Sunday School rooms and a kitchen, was opened with a special consecration service. In June of 1952, Reverend J.W. Eberhardt was appointed as the first regular Pastor.

The Sunday School expanded and in early 1953 construction began on a four-room building, which was completed by the Fall of 1953. The cost was approximately $2,800 without indebtedness. District Superintendent Reverend J.W.O. McKibben officially dedicated the building on Sunday evening, April 11, 1954.

The Sanctuary was brick-veneered in 1954. By this time membership was two-hundred thirty-five members, with an annual budget of $12,000.

By the fourth year of the church's existence, six groups had been formed: the Women's Society of Christian Service, the Methodist Men's Club, the Methodist Youth Fellowship, and Church School, the Young Adult Fellowship and the Choir.

The church continued to grow and develop. Over the years additional space and facilities were required. The present Sanctuary was built and occupied for the first time on Christmas Sunday 1965. The former Sanctuary is now used as the Fellowship Hall. The indebtedness on our facilities was paid in full on October 23, 1985. The Dedication Service was held on Sunday, February 23, 1986, and the note was burned at this time.

In 1983, the church purchased property at 1115 Arden Drive SW, Marietta, GA for use as a parsonage. Retirement of the debt on this house was celebrated in May of 1991.

As a part of the church's commitment to its music program, handbells were dedicated in 1984. A Rodgers electronic organ was purchased in 1985, a Clavinova synthesizer keyboard was donated in 1986, and a new sound system was installed.

In 1989 a computer was purchased for the church office.

In an effort to upgrade the church facilities, the basement under the Sanctuary was remodeled in several projects including a choir room, a youth lounge with furnishings, and two bathrooms. The Chapel was renovated and the parlor refinished with new furniture added in 1990. Also, a new tile floor was installed in the Fellowship Hall in 1990.

A landscaping project greatly enhanced the appearance of the grounds. The Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall were painted, with new shutters installed in 1991, adding to the beauty of these areas. Also, the kitchen was painted and new window dressings were placed in the kitchen and Little Fellowship Hall. The church relocated the Library on the ground floor for better accessibility. The Fellowship and Solo Sunday School classrooms were painted and carpet installed.

In 1992, shutters were added to the Chapel windows and the offices of the Pastor and Music Director were completely refurbished. Also, a Youth Director's office was assigned space upstairs in the Sanctuary building. In September, a grand piano was purchased for the Sanctuary.

Improvements to our church property during 1993 were many: new Sanctuary carpeting, new roof, several halls and Sunday School rooms painted, exit and entrance ramp installed, renovation in the garden area, pulpit area extended with grand piano installed, and a new copy machine was purchased for the church office.

During 1994 property improvements continued. Included were Sanctuary pew renovation and painting. A fence was added across the back of the property and new lights were installed in the halls. Sunday School rooms and halls were painted, a resource office was established for Youth and Music Directors and to provide a place for the church computer. A new air conditioner was installed in the kitchen, outside trim on the church was painted, and Pathfinder's Sunday School class relocated to the ground floor. A congregation photo was taken, and a Ten Commandments plaque was donated (both on display in the church office). Another computer was donated and a long-range planning committee was formed to work on plans for Fair Oaks UMC's future.

During 1996 we purchased a Heating/AC unit for the Chapel, an alarm system, tables, chairs and a laser printer for the computer. We built a new playground and added a Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator to our staff.

The Fair Oaks UMC long-range planning committee continued to work diligently during 1996, as did our Building and Grounds Committee in maintaining our property inside and out.

Since Homecoming 1996, improvements have been made. The Parsonage received several items of new furniture; a new air conditioning unit was installed in the Fellowship Hall and the Youth refurbished their basement lounge. The Sanctuary sound system was upgraded and carpet installed in the ground floor hallways.

The Pathfinders and Fellowship Sunday School classes have merged.

A Young Parent's Support Group has been formed and now offers day care for children of Oakwood Alternative School students five days a week. A very successful Bible School, outreach and social programs made 1997 a memorable year.

Fair Oaks United Methodist Church went online with a web site in 1999. The foyer outside the Chapel was newly-painted, and the pastor's portraits were rearranged. Disciple I bible study began.

In 2000, the church celebrated 50 years in ministry with year-long festivities. We provided 2,500 sack lunches for MUST Kid’s Meals on Wheels, conducted the first night-time intergenerational Vacation Bible School, and began Disciple II bible study.

In 2001, the Fellowship Hall's church steeple bell given in the 50’s by charter member L. F. Parker was moved to the new sanctuary steeple. The parsonage was painted & renovated. The church once again provided 2,550 sack lunches for MUST Kid’s Meals on Wheels. We began Disciple III bible study, held our 1st Annual Men’s Club Golf Tournament, and replaced the old icemaker.

In the Fall of 2002, a new portico was added to South end of the building in memory of O. B. Fears. The church provided 2,550 sack lunches for MUST Kid’s meals on Wheels, and held the 2nd Annual Men’s Club Golf Tournament.

In 2003, a new safety-glass door was added under the portico, new playground equipment was installed, new commercial gas range added to church kitchen, repainted interior of the parsonage, and renovated the parsonage basement. Again provided 2,550 sack lunches for MUST Kid’s meals on Wheels.

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