In 91 years, 1916-2007, Fairmount has grown from a charter group of 85 members, devoted to the Christian education of their children, to a congregation of approximately 1100 persons committed to worship, Christian education, and internal and external missions. Although the Charter was approved and signed on October 23, 1916, the beginnings are documented as early as 1912.

The first church was built on the existing property in 1915 by the Presbyterian Union, and was furnished with $600 raised by members of the newly formed Women's Aid Society. The first service of Fairmount Presbyterian Church, with 45 members in attendance, was held in the little white church on November 5, 1916.

The Rev. Percy Elwood Erickson, the first permanent pastor, conducted his first service on June 3, 1917 [see bulletin]. On September 5, 1917, lightning struck the church, and subsequently the building was destroyed by fire. [bulletin from service in interim location] The building was quickly replaced, and services were held three weeks later in a new structure. During Erickson's tenure, the congregation grew to 400 members, and 600 children attended the Bible school. Deacons started the first Benevolence Fund for needy families, and adult lectures were offered during the 9:30 a.m. Bible school. [Bulletin from joint Thanksgiving service by Plymouth Church at Fairmount, Nov. 28, 1918]

The Rev. Joel Babcock Hayden accepted the call to Fairmount in the spring of 1923, bringing with him Presbyterian theology and the importance of mission. Since 1921, the little church had been filled to capacity and the Elders were considering the possibility of issuing tickets for worship services. However, enough money was pledged to build the Parish House, which was to be used for both Sunday school and worship services. The Parish House was completed and dedicated in 1924.

Dr. Frank Halliday Ferris became the third pastor in the fall of 1931. During his tenure, the congregation grew, the mortgage on the Parish House was paid, and a campaign for the new sanctuary was launched and completed. The first service was held in the sanctuary on Palm Sunday, March 29, 1942.

Following Dr. Ferris' retirement in 1950, Dr. Richard Pacini became the fourth pastor. Fairmount joined in the establishment of the Inner City Protestant Parish, and 64 refugee families from Europe were resettled through Fairmount's program. The building of the Chapel and classrooms began in 1954 and was completed in October of 1956 in order to provide additional space for the ever-growing Sunday school. In 1963, the first minority families were welcomed as members into the Fairmount family.

Dr. John Magill was installed as Fairmount's fifth pastor in 1967. With Dr. Magill's guidance, the Session adopted the order of worship as stated by the United Presbyterian Church, and a less structured service was offered in the Memorial Chapel. The Fairmount Village housing development was completed, and a yoked fellowship with Greater Avery A.M.E. Church was inaugurated. In 1967, the first woman was elected to serve on the Session.

Dr. Henry W. Andersen was called in February 1974 to serve as Fairmount's sixth pastor.  Under his care and guidance the congregation grew and there was a continuing development of activities and programs designed for spiritual growth, education, fellowship, and outreach, administered through the seven Councils of Mission. The church edifice was repaired, and many aesthetic changes were completed.

The Rev. Kent M. Organ, Fairmount's seventh pastor, was installed in October of 1991. His call to Fairmount offered to all Fairmount members and friends the opportunity for new and renewed Christian challenges and commitments. He continued Fairmount's commitment to diversity and an already strong mission program. His most dramatic accomplishment was the successful Capital Stewardship Campaign, which included the new Schantz 100 rank organ and recovery from a recent fire. The present September-to-September program year was instituted under his tenure.

Our current and eighth pastor, Dr. Louise Westfall, was called in 2001, bringing a vibrant and renewed vision for Fairmount…