Then and Now: Faith United Methodist Church grew from John Fox homestead

In a small frame chapel on the old John Fox homestead, Fox Chapel United Methodist Church was established in 1891.

By 1915, it became a landmark that gave Fox Chapel Road its name.

A second sanctuary opened six decades later about a block away from the original church, along what is now West Chapel Ridge Road.

According to the church website, “a new brick building was dedicated among the flowering trees, ancient oaks and scattered wildflowers. A congregation has worshipped, studied, loved, served and grown into a family of love ever since.”

“In the early 1990s, after a period of decline, the church was facing probable closure,” said the Rev. Susan Moudry, pastor. “But by the grace of God, with new leadership, vision and lots of prayer, the church was re-imagined and renamed Faith United Methodist Church.”

By 2004, the congregation grew and members celebrated the $1.1 million construction of a 7,000-square-foot space to fit 200 people.

“It is a beautiful, window-filled sanctuary,” Moudry said.

The former church is now Fellowship Hall, nestled alongside the current building on the six-acre campus.

Fox Hill Preschool also is situated onsite, offering programs for children ages 2-5.

Moudry said the congregation is “currently engaging in a time of prayer and imagining what is next on our horizon.”

A small nature trail is established on the property to welcome the community, particularly on weekends and evenings.

On Easter, the church will host an egg hunt at 11 a.m. All are welcome.

“Faith UMC is excited about building new community connections,” she said.