Faith UMC History

In the Spring of 1963, opportunities arose for a new Methodist parish in the new housing community of Old Farm.  The Board of Missions and The Methodist Union purchased a 4.5 acre parcel of land on Montrose Road and the parsonage, an original model home at 12101 Old Bridge Road, from Kettler Brothers.

Bishop John Wesley Lord appointed The Rev. James L. Matheson to be the first pastor of the new parish.  Pastor Matheson held the first worship service on June 30, 1963 in the parsonage with 42 persons in attendance.  In September 1963, the expanding congregation moved to the newly opened Farmland Elementary School where a church was organized and the name Faith was selected as the official church name.  On January 19, 1964, Faith United Methodist Church was officially organized with 99 charter members and a church school consisting of more than 100 persons.

Groundbreaking for Faith's current Williamsburg-style sanctuary was held on March 7, 1965 and on March 27, 1966, the first worship service was held in the new sanctuary.  Bishop John Wesley Lord consecrated the new building on May 8, 1966.  The following summer, groundbreaking took place for the addition of an education wing.  The Education wing saw completion and consecration in 1972.

Faith's previous pastors include:  Rev. James Matheson, Rev. Kenneth Jones, Rev. William Koppert, Rev. Lawrence Sanders, Rev. Robert Sherburne, Rev. Glenn Young, Rev. Edgar Hammersla, Rev. David Kolda, Rev. Dwight Byrne, Rev. Dr. Errol G. Smith, Rev. Gerald Stones, Rev. Anne Laprade, Rev. Dr. Steve Rettenmayer, Rev. Linda Rettenmayer, Rev. Margaret Clemons, Rev. Mark Derby, Rev. Bruce Jones (son of Rev. Kenneth Jones), Rev. Kathy Wadsley (Christian Education), Rev. Dr. Charles Harrell, Rev. Pat Dols, Rev. Marge Taylor (Parish Nurse), and Rev. Corey Sharpe.  Rev. Kenneth Jones serves as Pastor Emeritus.