A Brief History of Fletcher Place

Fletcher Place Community Center ministry began in 1872 with the start of Fletcher Place Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was given funds and property from the Calvin Fletcher family with the church being built on the property that is now 501 Fletcher Avenue. Our work began as outreach to the immigrants and families in need.

In 1930 our Preschool Program began which continues on today Also in 1930 we began the Goodwill program that in 1944 became an independent 501(c)3 and what we know today as Goodwill Industries of Indianapolis.

In 1950 a Christmas assistance program began which also continues on today – assisting families with new toys, clothing, blankets and groceries for the holiday 1976 we began to offer both a Food Pantry and a free Thrift Store – these ministries continue today.

In 1983 we began serving hot meals to the hungry in our neighborhoods on Monday and Wednesday late afternoon – this program continues on today.

In 1998 our library program began through a Sunday School Class at St Luke’s UMC providing books for children without due dates insuring that every child has access to books.

In April of 2002, as a result of a survey of our clients and the felt call of Norm Stuart, a member of St. Luke’s UMC, our hot breakfast program “God’s Will Breakfast” began by offering breakfast on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings. This program continues today and now includes Fridays as well.

On January of 2003 we purchased a building that would become the current community building. The building was purchased from SEND and then we began the nearly two year task of restoration and renovation that turned it into the beautifully functional building we use today. We moved all of our programs into the new building on All Saints Day 2004 (November 1, 2004).

On April 1st 2009 we received our 501(c)3 becoming an independent non- profit agency – the IRS dated our status back to our original Business Entity date of March 17, 1961.