Faith Community

Early in the year 1849, a meeting was held in a little school house on the northeast corner of what is now Curry Rd. and Altamont Ave. in Rotterdam, NY.  It was a cold and stormy night and only one person attended, James Fisher, Sr.  Mr. Fisher had called the meeting for the purpose of prayer and for discussing the formation of a church at Fisher Corners.  Undaunted, he read a chapter of scripture, sang a hymn, offered a prayer and then announced a meeting for the following week.  At this second meeting he was joined by Peter Vine, and the congregation of what was to become Fisher Church was increased by 100%. 

Thus was the beginning of the Fisher United Methodist Church.  Our church home has undergone many physical changes since that dark and stormy night 154 years go.  The first church building was erected in 1849, for $600.  By 1866, the little church was very crowded, and an addition was built.  This addition included the bell tower and bell, both of which remain an important part of the church structure.

In 1885, a parsonage was built on the corner of Church and Curry Rds.  In 1921, the old church building was raised up and a basement constructed which housed a kitchen and social facilities.  In 1921 a Community House was built which today is our Fellowship Hall.  In 1951, the old church was moved next to the Fellowship Hall and Sunday School rooms were built under ground next to the church.  This foundation was roofed over and became the foundation of the church sanctuary, whcih was built in 1964.  This is the sanctuary we worship in today. 

In 1979, a new parsonage was purchased and the old parsonage demolished and removed.  The old garage remains in its place today and is used for storage.

During the past 154 years, the physical presence of Fisher United Methodist Church has changed, as have the people who have led in these changes.  God's presence, however, remains constant and steadfast.  With God's help, our church will remain here, a symbol to the community that this is not just a church building, but a faith community.