The History of Fairbanks United Methodist Church

Our Mission

Fairbanks United Methodist Church continually strives to be a worshiping community. We are a growing church dedicated to serving our Lord, our members and our community with worship, learning and outreach programs. We believe in the Spiritual strength, which comes to all who worship God together, at home and in private devotions. Worship is a privilege and should be entered into with the proper attitude and spirit. Fairbanks United Methodist Church is a family-oriented church with an immense desire to praise God, build a stronger relationship with God and all of God’s people all by “Growing Hearts for Jesus”. Join us today.

Our History

Around the turn of the century, the Zweck family, who lived on Taylor Road near the Moore Rice Dryer location, held Sunday school classes in their living room. The first Methodist Episcopal minister, C.F. Bohmfalk, was appointed in 1908. Under his leadership, the congregation grew and in 1910 began meeting in a 16’ X 20’ box-type house that served as a school at what is presently Sprite and Hempstead Highway.

In 1913 Reverend Moers, President of Blinn College, helped organize the congregation of approximately fifteen families through the Old Methodist Episcopal Church, and Fairbanks became a mission of the German Methodist Episcopal Church Conference in the Brenham District.

After the 1915 storm completely destroyed the box-type house and pump organ, C.W. Hahl donated two lots of land on Aston and Stonington to any denomination with enough members to build a church. A meeting was held August 1916 at which time nine people united with the church and $400 was collected for a church building. The building was completed in 1917 on those two lots, which are now a part of the present-day site.

Until 1921 Fairbanks was a circuit charge with Rose Hill and Bear Creek served by Brenham divinity students. During this time, the first parsonage was built and the first full-time, German-English speaking minister, Reverend August Didzin, was appointed.

The congregation continued to grow between 1921 and 1949, although there was little noticeable building activity. However, a parsonage-building fund was set-up and the present parsonage (now the Assistance Ministry) was completed in 1950 and dedicated in 1952. The building committee for a chapel was named in 1953 with actual construction beginning in 1954. Many hours of dedicated volunteer labor went into completing our beautiful chapel in 1955. The addition of the children’s wing in 1960 offered extra space needed for increased Sunday school attendance. Completion of the Memorial Fellowship Hall in 1966 included a parlor, kitchen, four classrooms and a large meeting room.

The church buildings located on approximately seven acres of land, acquired over a period of years, now consists of a chapel, children’s wing and the Memorial Fellowship Hall. Special areas of this campus are the pastor’s study, church parlor, library, choir rehearsal room, kitchen, nursery and twelve classrooms.

On September 11, 1977 Bishop Finis A. Crutchfield, Jr. dedicated these facilities to the service and glory of God.

Fairbanks Officials : We present these buildings to be dedicated to the glory of God and the service of men.

Bishop: By what name shall this church be known?

Fairbanks Officials: It shall be called Fairbanks United Methodist Church.

Ministers of Fairbanks