Faith United Methodist Church of Grain Valley

Built in 1889 on land purchased in the Finnell's Addition from Mary Kirby Wright and husband, J.B. Keshlear at the cost of $135, this church is the oldest continuously used building in Grain Valley.  The design is typical of rural churches at that time.  The lumber and other material for the church were purchased from the sale of Pleasant Valley Methodist Church in the Stoney Point community. 

The original building was a large one-room structure heated by a wood stove.  The ceiling, sides, and windows with the curved, pointed tops pointing towards heaven remain a part of the sanctuary today.  As new innovations came about indoor plumbing, a gas furnace, electricity, and air conditioning were added.  Three renovations have been made to the church:  a fellowship hall, kitchen, and two classrooms were added in 1948.  In 1961 a narthex and upstairs classooms were added along with a complete remodeling of the sanctuary.  In the 1990’s a two-story room was built on the west side of the building giving the church more classroom space.

The first pastor was C.B. Fontaine.  The Pink Hill Methodist church, established in 1871, was the “mother church” of the Oak Grove, Oakland, and Grain Valley Methodist churches.  These churches were served by “circuit rider” ministers who alternately preached at Oak Grove, Oakland, and Grain Valley.  The practice was disbanded in the early 1990’s as the Pink Hill Church disbanded in the mid-1980’s and the Grain Valley and Oakland churches had hired their own ministers.  The Grain Valley United Methodist, now called Faith United Methodist Church of Grain Valley, is still active in the community and holds services every Sunday.

On December 24, 2006 the membership of Faith moved into their new 12,800 square foot building located at 1950 SW Eagle Parkway on the western edge of Grain Valley.  The new facility provides a 200-seat auditorium, additional classrooms, and room to grow.  Since moving in the facility, the congregation has continued to grow and new programs have been added to serve the community of Faith.  The congregation is currently served by Pastor David A. Hackett.

... and now...