The History of Fountain City United Methodist Church
Fountain City United Methodist Church is celebrating our 200th anniversary in 2025! We have much to celebrate as a church living out our mission of Making Disciples and Changing Lives.
Check out 200 Years By The Big Springs penned by Rev. Dr. James A. Dougherty detailing our rich history from circuit riders on the frontier to the modern day church at 212 Hotel Road. The Historical Society of the United Methodist Church bestowed Jim with the 2025 Local Church History Award. Jim explores the key events, figures, and turning points of our church history that makes Fountain City United Methodist Church the special place it is today.
Jim also gives a detailed discussion of the history of Fountain City UMC in the video below. Check it out!
Local Methodist History With Mike Feely
Michael Feely serves as the Director of Missions and Congregational Care at Christ UMC in Chattanooga and is the chair of the Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ) Commission on Archives and History of the UMC. He is also a member of the UMC General Commission on Archives and History, as well as a member of the Holston Conference Historical Society, SEJ Historical Society, and a member of the Historical Society of the UMC (where he is one of the editors of their publication Historians Digest). He also chairs the Holston Conference Commission on Archives and History. Check out Mike's presentation on August 20 at FCUMC on local Methodist history!
Jean Payne: A Life in the Church
At 93 years young, Jean Payne has seen it all. Jean was born into Fountain City United Methodist Church, and in this video she shares powerful memories of significant events in her life and the life of our church. A beloved Central High School teacher and pillar of our congregation, Jean’s story is one you won’t want to miss!
FCUMC's 200 Year Anniversary in the News
Don Dare spoke with church leaders for a WATE TV broadcast regarding our bicentennial year. Check out the news segment celebrating our rich history in Fountain City which aired September 17, 2025!
Bicentennial Celebration
On September 21, 2025, we honored 200 years at Fountain City UMC! We would like to thank all those who attended and gave of their time to make this day so special. We'd like to extend a special thank you to Bishop David Graves and all the former FCUMC pastors for joining in the celebration. Thanks to our staff and volunteers for your time, effort and commitment. The music from the Chancel Choir and The Journey Band was inspiring and soul lifting! What a great celebration of our rich history!
