Sometime before or after 1816, Thomas
J. Fitzgerald, an Episcopalian immigrant from Ireland, built a school house
under a large holly tree. After attending an Episcopal church in
Covington for a while, Mr. Fitzgerald started a Methodist church near his
home. The first services were held in private homes off Hwy 40, near
the property of B. J. Jenkins and Mrs. David Tinney. After a few
years, services were held at what is now the Semaloosa Cemetery.
Methodist and Baptist ministers took turns conducting services.
In 1915, the Salmen Lumber Company
gave the church a 110 by 420 foot piece of land at the southwest corner
of the cemetery. The property ran across the road extending behind
the location of the present church. The value of the land at that
time was $1 an acre. Sometime between 1882 and 1908, a small boxlike
church (of logs or rough 1x12s) was built on the property. It was
used for a school and a Sunday school. It had a dirt floor and the
benches were atttached to the inner wall. It is not certain if this
building was moved across the road or a new building was built.
A 24 by 40 foot church was built
on the site. It faced north and had a belfry over its doorway on
the northwest corner. The church has been remodeled several times
over the years. When the road was changed to its present location,
the church was turned to face the road. The belfry, nicknamed "Benelick"
by Rankin Scott Fitzgerald, had been in bad shape and was torn down.
Doors were put in the middle of the rear of the building at this time.
In 1955, 9/10 of an acre on
the north side of the church was purchased from the Galloway estate.
The old church was set on rollers (logs?) and moved to its present site.
An educational building was also constructed at this time. In 1958,
the front and side of the original building were remodeled. The church
facilities now consisted of the sanctuary, a fellowship hall, four classrooms,
a kitchen and restrooms. By 1961, plans were underway to construct
a new sanctuary at the north end of the educational building. A parsonage
was built about 1965 on 2 acres of land located on the southeast corner
of Bush-Folsom Hwy 40 and Fitzgerald Church Road. 1n 1972, a choir
room was added, carpeting was installed, an organ and pews were purchased
(from First Methodist Church in Covington), and the sanctuary was enlarged. |
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