Fairview Center History

In the earlist history of Fairiew Center, the prominent names are Henry and Jacob Miller, who were brothers and members of the United Brethren Church in Lewis County, West Virginia.  They came with their families to Illinois and to Lenox Township about the year 1863 and shortly after settling, a United Brethren Church was organized in the Center School house, located in the center of the township and the center of Warren County.

In 1870 a church building was erected known as the Larchland United Brethren Church, located one mile east and one mile north of Larchland (one mile south and one mile west of the current church building).  This was done largely through the efforts of Henry and Jacob Miller, and these two Miller families, along with the Jonas Holgate family, formed the nucleus of the church.

In its earliest history Fairview Center Church was a part of the Ellison Circuit.  In 1893 it was a part of the Roseville Mission Circuit.  Later it was a part of the Larchland Circuit, and in 1904 it became Larchland Station.

In 1910, in the center of Lenox township and which is also the center of Warren County, the present church building was constructed and dedicated.  It was re-named Fairview Center United Brethren Church.  In 1916 a new parsonage was built next to the church building.  In 1953 the steeple was removed, the sanctuary enlarged and the building changed from frame to brick.  One acre of ground to the east was added for a playground in 1941 and another acre in 1960 for a ball diamond.

In 1947 with a denominational merger, the church became Fairview Center Evangelical United Brethren; and in 1968 through another denominational merger, the church became Fairview Center United Methodist.

Throughout 1972-73, a new parsonage was built, and during 1973-74 the educational unit was added to the east of the sanctuary.  Both were built by members and dedicated in 1980.  The present sanctuary was remodeled in 1989.