The "bricks and mortar" that people call the United Church of Fayetteville is only a part of our shared heritage. Every facet of our history points up most eloquently of the loving sacrifice of those who have been part of and served the Kingdom of God in this place. Our historical roots have two main branches: United Presbyterian and American Baptist, both strong, vital and significant agents in the Christian life of the community.

Gershom Breed, a Baptist lay leader and Revolutionary War veteran, began conducting meetings in 1792 for prayer and meditation in the homes of a small group of settlers in a wilderness that has become Fayetteville. The group devised a covenant by 1798 and organized formally as a Baptist congregation in 1804. After meeting in a schoolhouse for over a quarter century, the congregation constructed a meeting house in 1830. This was replaced by a large church built in 1872.

The Presbyterians, meanwhile, who had been worshiping in the home of David Collin, built the first church in the village, a 40 x 50 foot frame building complete with clock tower and steeple in 1829. This is the site of the present United Church. Growth of the congregation necessitated a larger church and the present United Church sanctuary was built 1858-1859. Prophetic of a future united, Rev. J. B. Smith, the Baptist pastor, gave the dedication at the cornerstone ceremony. Beard Lounge (then a chapel) and our second floor office (at that time the Sunday School) were added 20 years later.

Both the Baptist and Presbyterian congregations went their separate ways until 1917, when prompted by the coal shortage in World War I, the two congregations agreed to hold joint services, alternating the use of the church buildings seasonally. Consolidation and establishment of the United Church of Fayetteville came 16 years later in 1933. Our present facility became the home of the United Church when the Baptist Church was sold and razed that year.

The Fellowship Hall-Church School addition was completed in 1953. Three years later the congregation faced a $125,000 restoration project when the supporting structure of the sanctuary floor gave way during an Easter service. In 1992 the congregation embraced the 200/2000 campaign raising well in excess of $300,000 for the sanctuary restoration, steeple preservation, women's lounge, youth room, and the church office renovations that we enjoy today.

Our 200 year history is a legacy that we have received from people who served God and each other, who cared about proclaiming the Gospel. For our community and those who would join us, the United Church of Fayetteville has become a beacon and a focal point; for us, an inspiration and reminder of generations of the faithful who preceded us.