Fallbrook United Methodist celebrates 125 years

FALLBROOK - Fallbrook’s oldest denominational church, the Fallbrook United Methodist Church, is celebrating 125 years in the community with a Week of Celebration May 6 through 13.

A Methodist congregation was organized in Fallbrook in 1887, with its first church being constructed in 1888 at the corner of Fig St. and South Mission Rd. That building still stands and is currently the home of the First Christian Church. On what was once a grove, the Fallbrook United Methodist Church began construction of its present facility in 1974 at 1844 Winterhaven Road.

“The Methodist Church in Fallbrook has been a part of the fabric of the Fallbrook community for 125 years and we want our celebration to be a community event.” said Pastor Brad Resare.

A dinner theatre, “The Man from Aldersgate,” a one man play performed by Roger Nelson highlighting Rev. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, will be held Wednesday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. Wesley’s methodical Christian teachings brought forth the term ‘Methodist’ and his Christian discipline was responsible for many social changes in England during the 1700s. Nelson has performed the play in all 50 states and 32 countries and received numerous awards and accolades for his performance.

Thursday’s events feature a Christian jazz concert, Jazz for Jesus, followed by inspirational speaker and author V.J. Smith. The program will begin at 7 p.m.

Jazz for Jesus is a group from the Palm Springs area and is popular with people of all faiths.

Speaker/author V.J. Smith is best known for his book, The Richest Man in Town, a story about a man who worked at Wal-Mart that was appreciated by everyone in town. Life’s true lessons are the basis of Smith’s motivational and inspirational presentations.

Saturday’s events include tours of the original Methodist Church (corner of Fig St. and South Mission Rd.) from 2 to 4 p.m. with church historians Jack and Shirley Story. The Fallbrook Historical Society will also open the Rev. William Pittenger Country Home and Museum at 260 Rocky Crest Road from 2 to 4 p.m. Pittenger was the fifth and seventh pastor of the Fallbrook Methodist church and influential in the community. His length of service was eclipsed by only one other pastor, Dr. Dennis Ginoza, who retired in 2009 and currently resides in Fallbrook.

Bishop Mary Ann Swenson of the California Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church will speak at a 125 Year Anniversary Celebration Worship to be held Sunday, May 13 at 10 a.m.

Resare said the events spotlight the many ways the Fallbrook United Methodist Church affects the community of Fallbrook. The special guest at the kickoff worship draws attention to the fact that the Fallbrook church leads the San Diego districts in missions support. The Fallbrook church helps sponsor missionaries in Cambodia, Macedonia, and Mexico, along with providing support for a children’s mission in Mexico.

In addition, the church provides strong community support.

“We take particular pride in helping the Fallbrook community,” said Resare. Some of the organizations and events the church helps support include the Fallbrook Food Pantry, Foundation for Senior Care, Jack E. Johns Fallbrook Family Health Center, the Semper Fi Fund, and the CROP and Thanksgiving walks to fight hunger.