Peace United Methodist Church

On May 23, 1982, the inaugural service of “West Fredericksburg United Methodist
Church was held in the Fredericksburg Sheraton Inn. Dr. Henry Matthews,
District Superintendent of the Ashland District, gave the morning message. The
following June, the Rev. Vickie E. Pittard was appointed as first minister. On
August 6, 1982, the name Peace UMC was approved by the congregation. Twenty
nine members were presented with Charter certifications on October 24, 1982.
Services were held at the Sheraton through the end of 1982, then at the Wesley
Foundation House at Mary Washington College in early 1983, followed by meetings
at the Holiday Inn North for a year.

The first service on the present property, at 801 Maple Grove Drive, was held on
April 6, 1984 in a modular building that had been previously used for the start of
Discovery UMC in Richmond. In 1985, our second pastor, the Rev. Mark Burgess
was appointed.

Ground breaking for the present sanctuary, fellowship hall and education wing
took place in October, 1989. Many church members helped with the construction
and dedication of the new building occurred on June 6, 1990. Our third minister,
the Rev. Jeff Hendrix was appointed in June, 1992. The Rev. Barry Throckmorton
served as the fourth pastor from 1999 to 2005, followed by Pastor David Erickson
who became our current pastor in July 2005.

We once again are a growing congregation, growing in spirit, service and diversity.
New cell groups are forming regularly. People are encouraged to find and follow
God’s call to ministry. We refer to these divine calls to ministry as “burning bushes”
in reference to Moses’ experience.

As we grow disciples and the church, we proudly say “we’re small enough to make
friends and large enough to make a difference in the world.” We serve the
community by providing a meeting place for various Scouting, AA, Alanon, Alateen
and CODA groups, as well as the Peace Preschool. Members find opportunities to
serve the church though UMM, UMW, cherub, chancel and handbell choirs, youth
fellowship, Bible study and Sunday school classes. Noting our location near a
national sporting goods store, one member quipped “Find Peace behind Gander
Mountain!