FRANKLIN AVENUE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

A BRIEF HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AVENUE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH


The history or United Methodism in Portsmouth and Scioto County is a colorful one. Franklin Avenue UMC traces its lineage from German Methodism with services dating back to 1844. As the congregation outgrew its original building on West Fourth Street, the Second German Methodist Church was built following the Civil War on the corner of Fourth and Washington Streets.

As the German-speaking population in Portsmouth and the surrounding area continued to grow, the decision was made to relocate to the corner of Franklin Avenue and Logan Streets in 1917. For over eight decades, this facility served well the congregation and the neighborhood. If we were to name all of the persons who left a "footprint" on the life of Franklin Avenue, we would need a book the size of Webster's Dictionary. Each of us has our own memories of those persons who blessed our lives in a unique way.

With the decision of October 14, 2001 to merge with First UMC, Wesley UMC and Findlay Street UMC to become a part of the new Cornerstone UMC, a new chaper in United Methodism is being written for the greater Portsmouth area. Franklin Avenue's legacy is a story of changed lives, of vision and sacrifice...and a church that moved and adjusted to changing times - exemplifying the same spirit of Christian concern as those stalwart Methodist who first worshipped in this area in the early 1800's.

From the booklet commermorating Franlin Avenue's 150th anniversary in 1994, Dr. Albert L. Marting is quoted as saying: "We have met the challenges of the past, and we look forward to believing that God will give us the faith, courage, and vision that we need to meet the challenges of the future." As the merger takes effect, those words represent not only the challenge, but also the opportunity that is uniquely ours, at this juncture in our common life as members of Franklin Avenue UMC...and now charter members of Cornerstone UMC.

PASTORS WHO SERVED AT FAUMC









This page was last updated 12/31/01
This page has been visited times since 06/16/97.

This page was made possible by Angelfire