Faith United Methodist Church

Faith United Methodist Church had its start in 1880 when Rev. F. W. Voegelein visited Sacramento with the hopes of starting a church for German immigrants. Many of the earliest members were carpenters, bakers, farmers, and railroad shop workers who lived in a German neighborhood in the vicinity of the church. The church was incorporated on November 4, 1881 as the Ebenezer Church of the Evangelical Association of North America, located near the State Capitol.

Over the years, with many church denominational mergers, the church eventually became known as The First Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church in 1946. In 1961, the church and its adjoining property at 10th and P Streets were sold to the State of California as part of a State Master Plan. On March 6, 1964, the congregation voted to purchase the property at 36th and J Streets from Fremont Presbyterian Church. The first Sunday service was held in the new church on June 7, with the art glass window, “The Good Shepherd,” from the old church was installed in the chapel. Another name change was brought about in 1968 with the merger of the Methodist Episcopal and Evangelical United Brethren denominations: Faith United Methodist Church.

One of the strengths of Faith Church has been outreach to the community and beyond. The members have generously supported many special projects with their time and money. Faith Church has supported the Central Downtown Food Closet with food, money and volunteers since it opened in 1983. Since 1999, Faith Church has participated in Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, preparing approximately fifty shoeboxes each year filled with small items for children around the world. Other agencies in the local area and abroad continue to benefit from donations made by Faith Church.

Faith Church makes its facilities available to the community as well. Since 1988, the YMCA has used the church gymnasium for a before-and-after school child care program. Currently we have four recovery groups holding weekly meetings in the church.

Although church membership has declined over the years, the work and mission of the church continue to be carried out by dedicated Christians. With a smaller membership, we have become a closer “family,” getting to know one another on a deeper level and depending on each other as family members do. We enjoy fellowshipping together during coffee hours, potlucks and game nights. We are a friendly church and welcome visitors to join us in both worship and fellowship.