GROWING THROUGH THE YEARS
	To meet a need for religious instruction, a Sunday School was organized in 1880 in Chenault Blacksmith Shop on what is now "T" Street near Mosby, in Richmond, VA. It later moved to the corner of Redd and Spottsylvania Streets, evolving into Howard's Grove Methodist Church in 1889. Rev. Leroy Phaup was the first pastor in charge of the original twenty-one members who thirsted for the Lord's word.

The membership grew and a frame church, Fairmount Methodist, was built in 1892 at the corner of Fairmount Avenue and 20th Street under the pastorate of Rev. Henry E. Johnson. By 1914, under the guidance of Rev. E. V. Carson, the cornerstone was laid and a church of brick and stone was dedicated on the same site and the name changed to Fairmount Avenue Methodist Church. And the church grew, like Jesus, in wisdom and stature. All felt God's presence, as the sunlight gleamed like a beacon through the lovely stained-glass windows on Fairmount Avenue.

Under the leadership of Rev. George W. Amos, a new educational building was added in the early 1940's while the war raged with many of Fairmount's young men serving in the armed forces. The church flourished. Rev. Harold L. Hicks was the last pastor to serve at this location as changes were taking place in the community and plans were made to relocate. The Fairmount Avenue building was sold and ground was broken for a new church in eastern Henrico County. On June 24, 1962, the first service was held at the new site on Bayard Road, with the name changed back to Fairmount Methodist.

OUR CHURCH

Many fine pastors came to minister to the people in the 1960's and 70's, such as Paul Campbell, Doug Hill, Don Croll, and Jim Athearn. In 1968, with the merger of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren, the name was changed to Fairmount United Methodist Church. In the late sixties, a Sunday School Class for mentally retarded children of the community was held for a time in the social hall. On Nov. 3, 1976, the first developmental activity center for mentally retarded adults in Henrico County began operating five days a week in the educational wing. Needing more space, it relocated to its own facility in November 1978.

In 1980, with Pastor Darrell Shoop, the congregation sponsored a refugee family of three from Cambodia. Pastors David Holbert and Joe Carson led the church through the nineties. Missionaries Steve and Diantha Hodges were adopted and the "Mile of Pennies" begun. In 2001, David Renner came to minister to the faithful. Into a cooperative parish initiated in 2004 with Bishop Memorial, Pastor Rick Griffith arrived, bringing powerful messages and endearing Children's Moments.

Throughout this journey, 1889 to 2005, the Fairmount family has continued in spiritual growth, spreading God's love in thought, word and deed. Though membership is small in number, it can be compared to a large family who opens its door and invites you in.              History compiled by Frances LaVecchia and Sandra Nelson