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Washington Evening Journal
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Fairfield Methodist Church celebrates building’s 100th anniversary
FAIRFIELD — The First United Methodist Church of Fairfield held a special program and lunch to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its church building on Sunday, April 23.
The church, located at 201 N. Court St., has housed the congregation for a century, after Methodists moved fairly frequently in their early days in the county. According to a program from the event, Methodism was established in Jefferson County in 1840, and the first congregation met in Dickey’s Tavern for two years. Shortly thereafter, the Methodists met in the courthouse, and even shard space with another group of early Protestant settlers, meeting in the Presbyterian Church.
Sunday’s event featured a lunch that was served by the church’s middle school and high school youth, a welcome by master of ceremonies Joe Stever, a blessing by Rev. Mike Metz, a candlelighting ceremony led by Myron Gookin, and benediction by the church’s pastor, Rev. Al Coffin.
The chancel choir performed a medley of old, familiar tunes, directed by Jim Edgeton and accompanied by LeAnne Edgeton on piano.
The event was organized by Martha Flinspach, Jan Espy and Janet Nash. Flinspach said she was thrilled at the turnout, which included regular members, former members, and guests. She said the event was supposed to happen in 2020, and was supposed to celebrate the 180th anniversary of Methodism in Jefferson County. However, COVID got in the way and forced the congregation to delay the program. Instead, the congregation decided to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the church building in 2023.
“We had a lot of enthusiasm for this,” Flinspach said. “We had a wonderful turnout. I was very pleased with all the people who came, and we got a lot of positive feedback.”
Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com
