In the spring of 1889, Rev.
W.H. Cline organized the first class of five members and two probationers.
The first services were held at the schoolhouse, with Rev. James Ellis
(a local deacon) serving as pastor. A church building was constructed
in 1891 and dedicated on January 1, 1892. It cost $600. A Mr.
Fletcher gave $100 of that amount so that the church would be named after
him. So the first name of the church was the Fletcher Methodist Episcopal
Church. It was later sold to the Roman Catholic Church and
stands today.
The first parsonage was built
in 1901 while Rev. G.W. Campbell was pastor. When it was partially
burned while Rev. Thomas E. Webb served as pastor, it was sold an a new
parsonage was built (on the site of the current education building).
The second church was built
in 1909 under the leadership of Rev. J.C. Carruth. The church, which
cost $7000, was dedicated in May 1909. Another building, with classrooms,
office space, a dining room, and a community hall, was built under the
leadership of Rev. R.L. Weldon in 1924.
Plans for a new sanctuary began
in 1950 under Rev. A.T. Laws pastorate. It was completed and was
dedicated on May 9, 1954. The pipe organ was later installed while
Rev. Don Risinger served as pastor.
The current education building
was constructed in 1968. The parsonage was remodeled in 1995.
The old annex building built in 1924 was sold and moved downtown in May
1998. A new activities building was constructed on the site of the
old building and was completed in 1999. |
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