The history of Fairview Methodist Episcopal church has its beginning in July 1855 when a group of neighbors started holding services in the farm home now occupied by Arthur Wright.

At first there were preaching services at such times as the circuit rider came over from Cummings. According to a Centennial history published in 1955, the “preacher would arrive for a stay of a week or two, staying where he could find bed and board, preaching each evening”.

When the first Fairview church building was built, 15 men signed the subscription paper on February 27, 1860. The cost was $284 and the building committee consisted of S. W. Nicholson, Jacob Gabbert, and D. C. Powell. The ground was donated by George Storck.

The large room of the present Fairview building was constructed in 1872 at a cost of $1534.

Fairview Methodist Episcopal Curch

It was during the pastorate of Rev. L. B. Shannon, 1923 to 1925, that the church was remodeled at a cost of about $6000. At this time, the church was raised and a basement added. The building committee included Fred Lentz, Bert McDonald and wife, Mrs. Etha Koehler, Z. A. Wynkoop, John Armstrong, Sr. and S. T. Golightly. A large crowd of 500 persons attended the dedicatory services. It was a great day in the history of Fairview Methodist church and the people were happy in the newly improved building.

At the time of the church Centennial in 1955, the following persons served as trustees and stewards: Floyd Reigle, Clarence Wright, Junior Cade, Russell Wright, Cecile Cade, Emogene Johnson, Alice Reigle, and Hazel Wright.

In November 1963, the church building and its contents were auctioned off. It was a requirement that the successful bidder for the building remove it from the property. Now, only the cemetery remains.

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