History

Fenton United Methodist Church was the first sanctuary of worship built in the Fenton Area. It was a log structure erected in 1839 about one-half mile from the town of Fenton. In 1860, the congregation decided to move into the town of Fenton where a white frame church was built on the corner of Main and Ware streets. Bishop Enoch Mather Marvin made this church a visiting place on many of his travels and he dedicated the church on one such trip in 1861. This church served the congregation for nearly 98 years, during which time a basement and new front to the building were added. By 1952, the congregation grew enough to support a full-time pastor, with the first being Kenneth Brun. With the help of a contractor, the Men’s Club built a parsonage next door to the Church. 

As the congregation continued to grow, there was a need for more room to worship. In March of 1955, the Board of Trustees signed an agreement to purchase land for a new site at the location where Fenton UMC currently resides. The ground-breaking ceremony held on January 12, 1958, was attended by Bishop Eugene M. Frank and the first phase of construction began immediately thereafter. In December 1958, construction of the education building and Fellowship Hall was completed.

In September 1960, a kindergarten school with a fine educational program was opened, the first in the Fenton area. While it has evolved over the years, becoming Hillside Preschool in 1987, it is still in existence today.

In the late 1970’s, a group of members concerned about completing the plan, began working toward the goal of adding a Sanctuary and office units. After several attempts to gain complete congregation support, plans were accepted in the fall of 1979 and construction began in March of 1980. The first service in the new Sanctuary on March 22, 1981, was attended by a congregation of 263 members. As they entered the new sanctuary and admired the beautiful stained-glass cross, they sang hymns and praised God for their new place of worship before being dismissed after the benediction by Rev. Carl Brandt.

Over the years, many families have joined Fenton UMC where they continue their worship and make great memories. They talk about how welcoming the church was to them, the lively worship and wonderful music, delicious church dinners, the dedicated leadership, and the lasting friendships they have formed. May God Bless us all with many more years of worship, fellowship and service to our wonderful Community!