The History of the Goodridge Church of God dates back to the year 1879. The original name of the church was Fairview Bethel. On December 8, 1879, a meeting was held to put into effect the operation of a new church. At this meeting there were 25 members from the surrounding community. The group elected Brother Samuel Edmuston as elder and Joseph A. Elliot as deacon until October 1, 1880. The preacher in charge would be elder John E. Cunningham.
The church was located across the road, from its present location, in an abandoned sheep barn. Sketchy information is given as to what the church building was like; but in 1893 repairs that included weatherizing, seating, windows, and painting was done for $100.
On December 15, 1907, Fairview Bethel became the Fairview Church of God, as organized by Pastor J. T. Byers. In 1921, the church sent Brother Myers to the Eldership of the Churches of God.
On February 2, 1922, construction plans to build a new church, were presented, voted upon, and accepted by the congregation. The plans included a balcony, classrooms, recessed pulpit, furnace room, ladies aid room, and a bell tower. In May of 1923 the construction began on the new church structure and the new Fairview Church of God was dedicated on July 22, 1928.
Through the years the church has celebrated several fundraisers for various needs. One of the festivals raised $18.15 for repairs on the church. Other fundraisers helped to purchase lamp shades for $2.20, oil for $1.45, stove grates for $2.10, and church insurance for $1.72. On March 2, 1932, the church celebrated the marriage of Theodore Gray to Genevieve McDermott. Gen Gray was the oldest living active member of the Goodridge Church of God until 2007. The oldest living active member of the Goodridge Church of God is currently Robena Stewart.
In 1945, the church voted on and approved to change the name to the Goodridge Church of God. Through vision and prayer the church has continued to grow and celebrate changes. One of the better changes that the church has made was in 1985 when the fellowship hall was built. The hall is used for weddings, receptions, reunions, birthday parties, graduation parties, concerts, and the church also uses it for outreach dinners, youth groups, the church’s annual picnic and other celebrations. The church has celebrated and continued to grow with the Pine Grove Church of God breaking off the three church circuit of Goodridge, Pine Grove, and Garmantown in January of 1993. As of 1995, the Goodridge Church of God has been going on its own.
For over 130 years people have been faithfully serving God, in various capacities. The Goodridge Church of God is a good place for people to answer the call of the Lord , to obey the direction of the Holy Spirit, and to better this world as we continue to win the lost for Christ.
