Our Continuing History
Our Historic Building

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 most eloquently to 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 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 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 united future, 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.

The Baptist and Presbyterian congregations remained independent 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. 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-Sunday 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 .

The Sunday School and Choir Room wing beneath the sanctuary were renovated in 2006/2007 with improvements made to the quality of air circulation and the elimination of moisture damage. Classrooms, the choir room, restrooms and the Christian Education Resource Room were refurbished with memorial gifts from many sources, the largest portion coming from a donation made in memory of former choir member, Kathy Willyard.

The 2008 Capital Campaign funded repairs to the side entrance of the church and constructed a protected walkway between the driveway and Memorial Garden, made a new entrance with an enclosed heated vestibule and installed a code-compliant lift that provides access to the basement and main floor of the church making UCF accessible to all. The rebuilding of Memorial Garden will be completed early in 2010.

Our history is a legacy that we have received from people who served God and each other, who cared about proclaiming the Gospel. We celebrated 75 years of a united mission and ministry in 2008. For our community and those who would join us, the United Church of Fayetteville has become a beacon and a focal point; for us, it is an inspiration and a reminder of generations of the faithful who preceded us.