Fairlea Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARPC).   The ARPC finds is origins in the Reformation of the 15th and 16th centuries.  From there the ARPC traces its history to the Church of Scotland and the portions of that church that made their way to North America.  The ARPC is one of the oldest denominations in the United States.  For a short history of the ARPC, click here.

Fairlea Presbyterian Church was founded in 1940 by Rev. A. K. Whitesides.  Rev. Whitesides began his ministry on the grounds of the West Virginia State Fair Grounds.  Land was obtained across the street from the Fair Grounds and the sanctuary was built.  Through the work of the Women of The Church, funds were raised for the building of the manse by selling meals during the State Fair.  During the 1980's improvements and expansions were made to the church, giving us the facilities that we have today.

Our current ministry is directed by a board of 'Elders.'  Elders are men who are elected by the congregation.  They are elected based on qualifications that can be found in 1 Timothy 3.  When the elders meet, they are called the 'Session.'

We also have a group of people called 'Deacons' who are responsible for seeing to the physical needs of the congregation and the church.  Our Deacons are elected by the congregation based on qualifications that can be found in 1 Timothy 3.  When they meet, they are called the 'Diaconate.'