Our Genesis Story
Rooted in grace. Shaped by community. Still becoming.
A Legacy of Faith in Fayetteville
A story that began with a desire to reach the community.
In the summer of 1941, Harry Denman attended an evangelism school at Mount Sequoyah Assembly, where 150 men gathered with a shared commitment to bring the gospel into the community. That same summer, from a revival tent at the corner of Church and South, the first members of what would become Wiggins Memorial United Methodist Church began to gather.
For more than 73 years, Wiggins Memorial served Fayetteville with faithfulness and joy. The church became known not only as a place of worship, but as a place of welcome — especially through meals that brought neighbors together around the table.
Built largely through volunteer labor in 1941, this historic building has been a place of worship and community for generations. Before becoming the home of Genesis Church, it was known as Wiggins Memorial United Methodist Church. Photo courtesy of Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Marie McClinton Collection.
A New Beginning
When one chapter closed, God opened another.
After many years of worship and service, Wiggins Memorial faced the difficult reality that it would need to close its doors. Rather than simply bring the story to an end, the church chose a path of generosity. To honor the saints who had gone before them and continue the mission they had carried for decades, Wiggins transferred its staff and assets to Central United Methodist Church.
Central saw an opportunity to expand its ministry in Fayetteville and began renovating the Wiggins property for what would become a new satellite congregation. Wiggins held its final official service on the last Sunday of April 2014.
The very next Sunday, in May 2014, a new community gathered in the Fellowship Hall under the leadership of Pastor Jody Farrell. With a renewed vision for reaching the community, the church embraced the name Genesis: a reminder that God is always able to bring new beginnings.
Why “Genesis”?
Because God is still making things new.
The name Genesis speaks to both our story and our hope. It marks a new beginning for this church, but it also points to the new beginning God offers every person through Jesus Christ.
Genesis is a place for people in process — people learning to follow Jesus, people seeking healing, people finding community, people serving their neighbors, and people discovering that God’s grace can meet them right where they are.
A Community Being Transformed
Transformed by grace, sent out in love.
Genesis has become a place where people are invited to encounter the transforming love of God — not only on Sunday mornings, but throughout the week in spaces of worship, prayer, recovery, learning, service, and community.
We believe the spiritual health of a community begins with the spiritual renewal of its people. As individuals are formed in the image of Christ, compassion begins to overflow: families are strengthened, neighbors are cared for, burdens are shared, and hope becomes visible in practical ways.
Through ministries and partnerships that walk with people in recovery, support children and families, offer meals and resources, and create spaces of belonging, Genesis continues to live out its calling as a church shaped by grace and moved by love.
Becoming
Genesis Church
A new chapter as an independent fellowship.
In March 2023, Genesis was blessed with independence by Central United Methodist Church and deeded the property at 205 W. MLK Blvd. for $1. Today, Genesis Church is a non-denominational, elder-led fellowship with a vision to invite our neighbors to be transformed into the image of Christ through the radical love of God.
We are grateful for the faithfulness that came before us, hopeful about what God is doing now, and committed to being a church where new beginnings are not just part of our name — they are part of our life together.
The meaning of our logo
A picture of creation, rest, and new life.
The Genesis logo is made of seven interconnecting circles, representing the six days of creation and the day of rest described in the first chapter of Genesis. At the center is a flower with emerging light, a picture of the life-giving nature of God’s original design for humanity.
Together, the logo points to God’s work of redemption through Jesus Christ: making a new creation, restoring God’s image in people, and sending us into the world as people who bring life.
Come be part
of the story.
Genesis Church is a church with deep roots and an open door. We would love to welcome you on a Sunday morning, help you find community, and walk with you as you take your next step.