History

Our Story

In late 1959 Virgil Lentner and family felt called to start an Evangelical United Brethren Church in Kirksville. So Mr. Lentner and 5 other guys who were not involved but willing to be supporters and backers, went to Bank of Kirksville and borrowed $5,500 to purchase the land where Faith UMC now sits (all property between Cottage Grove, Illinois, and Harrison).

The payments were $500 every six (6) months plus interest. And there were times when there wasn't enough money to make the payment, but the banker Mr. Harvey Young worked with them to fulfill their calling to build a new church. In the meantime, the Lentner family transformed their single car garage where this new congregation held worship and Sunday school classes were held throughout their home. (The Lentner's had 4-5 children).

Rev. C.G. Sparks from the Brashear Community came on Sunday mornings to lead worship and give the sermon, then back to Brashear for his original church.

In late 1960 a contractor was hired to build the first structure-the portion where Faith UMC current sanctuary. The structure was 32' x 66' and built for a cost of $12,000. There was about 5-7 families in the beginning. Additionally, around this time the furniture, piano, pulpit, and some other items were purchase at a cost of $1,700.

In 1961, Mr. James Crawford who was employed by REA moved to Kirksville with his job. He went into the ministry in his mid 30's and became the EUB's pastor, working his full time job with REA and part-time in ministry.

Then in 1963 the church received their first full-time pastor Rev. Harold E. Spradling and he stayed for 13 years. During that time, the church was also part of a parish with three other churches.

In 1965 the north wing was added at a cost of $6,700. It was essentially their fellowship hall and had a small kitchen.

In 1969 as a result of the merger between Methodist Church and EUB, (voted on in 1968) we became the Faith United Methodist Church.

Then in 1976 Rev. Spradling retired. Faith UMC received their first woman pastor, Rev. Leota Moore. Also, in 1976, Faith UMC moved to a single point charge.

In 1983 the south wing was built, which includes classrooms, the basement fellowship hall with kitchen and restroom at a cost of $50,000.

Then in 2006 the church underwent a major renovation replacing windows, new siding, new interior to the sanctuary and also additional restrooms.

A new sound system and multi-media capabilities were installed in June 2009 and we give thanks for God's blessing as we seek to serve him and invite others into the fellowship of believers.

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