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Led by the Holy Spirit since

1901

History

Our church is figuratively built on the shoulders of generations of families who have gone before us proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though the church has been housed in different buildings, the Holy Spirit has led Methodist services in Frankston since 1901. At that time, union services with Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians participating were held in the Apostolic Church in the building which presently houses Pandora’s Box. 

1908

A Methodist church building was begun in 1908, on our present site, and was completed in 1909. Rev. I.J. Powers was the first pastor.

1917

With the coming of the railroad, several businesses from the nearby community of Kickapoo moved to Frankston, and in 1909, the membership of the Kickapoo Methodist Church came to join the local congregation. At that time the pastor resided in LaRue and conducted services once a month, which soon became twice a month. In 1917, the church began holding weekly Sunday services. That same year, the church purchased land for its first parsonage.

1929

In 1929-30, the original frame church was replaced by a new brick structure. In spite of the Great Depression and its hardships, the loan for the new building was paid off in 1941 and a dedicatory service was held on April 27 of that year.

1946

Disaster struck on July 19, 1946, when the church building was destroyed by fire. Within hours, church officers met with the District Superintendent to make plans for a new building. On March 14, 1947, Bishop A. Frank Smith officiated at the cornerstone laying ceremony on the original site. Just prior to the fire, the old parsonage was sold and a new location was selected for the replacement. In spite of the setback caused by the fire, a new seven-room parsonage was constructed there. With the congregation thinking about future needs, a west wing for the church building was already in the long-range planning stages.

1957

Construction on the west wing was actually begun in November 1957 with a special groundbreaking service. On Feb. 7, 1958, an appreciation banquet was held to christen the new Sallie Austin Fellowship Hall.

1978

Our present parsonage, located on Reagan Street, was constructed in 1978.

1982

Our church got a dramatic facelift in 1982, when it was remodeled and enlarged. The cupolas and steeple were replaced by the dignified and understated elegance of our present physical building. The tireless and selfless devotion of church members for over 100 years is commemorated in the various dedications of windows, pews, pulpit, baptismal font, and other accoutrements that grace our beautiful sanctuary and other areas within the church. These members are too numerous to list in this summary, but they have served the church and community well, in the name of Jesus Christ, and God knows their names.

2006

2002

In August 2002, the Family Life Center was consecrated. This was the culmination of many years of talking and planning. The FLC has increased the church’s outreach and service in the community and represents a century of growth, progress and fulfillment for the United Methodist Church of Frankston.

2006

On Nov. 9, 2006, the FLC served as the place of worship when the fellowship hall and sanctuary had an unfortunate meeting with a wayward log truck. Damage was considerable but was repaired in about six months.

A more detailed history of our church may be found in the church library.

Paintings copyright Jack Dempsey

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