History
The early history of Methodism in Fairbanks dates back to 1903 when the Rev. John Parsons founded the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 1905 Rev. R. V. B. Dunlap came to Fairbanks to serve. The next year, $8,000.00 for a building and lot was made available through church extension of the Board of Missions of the Methodist Church. The church was built at Third and Cushman Street where the ACS building is presently located. Some records indicate the Church closed in 1911 but articles say the Church was alive and active until about 1917.
Much credit is due to Rev. P. Gordon Gould for the reopening of Methodist work in Fairbanks in 1952. The first meeting was held, committees were appointed and plans were made for the first worship service. This service was held on March 23rd at 11:00 a.m. Rec. Bill Dickinson delivered the morning sermon with about 75 people attending.
A building fund campaign began the next winter and the ground breaking ceremony was held in June 1953. The first service in the completed building was just before Christmas with a large attendance in spite of the sub-zero weather.
The membership has grown through the years and several additions to the church building have been made. The First United Methodist Church has approximately 630 members at this time in history as we go forward in faith to build a program for today and tomorrow in Alaska.
Years of Service Pastor's Name
1903 - 1909 Rev. John Parsons
1909 - 1910 Rev. R.V.B. Dunlap
1910 - 1911 Rev. Thomas E. Winecoff
1911 - 1912 Rev. John Parsons
1912 - 1913 Rev. Albert Bean
1913 - 1916 Rev. Joseph Jessie Patton
1917 - 1918 Rev. F. O. Krieger
1952 - 1958 Rev. A. Edwin Purviance
1958 - 1961 Rev. Hillis B. Slaymaker
1961 - 1966 Rev. Frederick D. Savage
1966 - 1972 Rev. David K. Fison
1964 - 1967 Rev. Eugene H. Walters (Associate)
1967 - 1968 Rev. L. Eugene Groves (Associate)
1969 - 1970 Rev. Robert Nelson (Associate)
1972 - 1974 Rev. Howard L. DeVore
1974 - 1977 Rev. Richard R. Smith
1977 - 1980 Rev. Paul O. Jewell
1978 - 1980 Rev. Betty N. Luginbill (Associate)
1980 - 1988 Rev. Richard K. Heacock, Jr.
1988 - 1996 Rev. Thomas G. Taylor
1996 - 2001 Rev. Milo Thornberry
2001 - 2004 Revs. John and Bonnie Campbell
2004 - 2005 Rev. Dick Smith
2005 - present Rev. Tom Telfer