In the early 60’s an idea formed among a group of Bethlehem church members. There was a desire to form a new church. They believed that the distance they drove to Bethlehem was too great and that there was a need for a church in their neighborhood.

Two of this group, Ada and Ellis Hannon, donated the land for the church and the cemetery.

In the earlier years, before the church was built, the group organized, chose the name “Fairview”, and began services in a nearby house owned by Elizabeth McDaniel, one of the charter members. The group was diligent with their dream and had plans drawn for the church. Building was begun and all members gave money and time as the building progressed. The first few Sunday services were held before the front of the church was finished and they walked out of the church using a plank propped from the door to the ground.

Originally the church was the main sanctuary and the rooms just behind the pulpit which were used as Sunday School rooms. There is a little kitchen used for a variety of purposes including covered dish meals, Bible School refreshments, bridal showers, baby showers and meetings. It is part of a larger room which was the first fellowship room. Later there was a wonderfully long picnic table constructed outside for the “dinners on the ground”. This table was in the area where the Hannon Hall now exists.

There were many talents among the original members and many wonderful Christmas plays and music programs presented through the years. Most of the charter members have passed on to their heavenly rewards, each leaving his or her mark in Fairview history. In the beginning the members held two and three positions in the church as the membership was small. As the years passed children grew up and are now serving God in these positions. There is a continuation of church ancestry evident in the church family.

Mr. and Mrs. Hannon, whose picture is on the wall in the fellowship hall, passed on to be with God in the early 80’s. They left the bulk of their estate to Fairview. The first accomplishment with the inherited money was the construction of the Hannon Hall, dedicated to this wonderful, generous couple. In the new millennium the timber on the donated land was harvested to provide funds to construct our Christian Life Center. This will be used for various activities.

Fairview has been a great influence in the community from the first day of organization, fulfilling the dream of her organizers. Many, many souls have been saved within her walls and with God’s help, this will continue far into the future.