Frank F. Fitchett

Frank F. Fitchett

5 September 1875 - 6 March 1932


Rev. F.F. Fitchett

Rev. Frank Foster Fitchett was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steptember 5, 1875. At seven years of age he moved to Huron County. Despite disadvantages and discouraging surroundings Brother Fitchett gave evidence of intellectal strength. His first intention was to follow the law profession. At the age of twenty-one years he was converted in a revival meeting held in an Evangelical Church near his home, and after a long struggle he decided to enter the ministry.

For five years he taught school, then taking one year in Ferris Institute, and four years in Albion, he was well prepared for the ministry.

Before going to Albion he preached at Pigeon where he labored for five years.

After graduating at Albion, at the head of his class, and was valedictorian he was called to Detroit to fill out the year at Simpson Church, where Dr. George Elliott had been pastor but resigned on March 15, 1907. Reverend Fitchett supplied the church with such ability that he was invited by the Board at the following Conference to become the permanent pastor. Conference consented and for four years he served the Church, during which time the Church was remodeled throughout. 

In 1911 Brother Fitchett became pastor of Grand River Avenue Church. During his six years pastorate the building grew from a Chapel to a beautiful Church structure valued at $150,000, and the membership increased from six hundred to fifteen hundred. 

After serving these two City Churches, he was elected editor of the Michigan Christian Advocate. 

At the end of three and a half years, when it was necessary for Brother Fitchett to resign his position as editor on account of broken health, Mr. Houser (Associate Editor) wrote the following: 

"His clear and well trained mind, his broad vision, his progressive spirit, his virile and incisive pen, and his sturdy loyalty to the Methodist Episcopal Church, eminently qualified Doctor Fitchett for the position to which he was called three years ago. He has filled his position with great success, and with the oft expressed appreciation of the whole Advocate constituency." 

On the 12th of April 1920, Brother Fitchett suffered a paralytic stroke from which he never fully recovered. On Sunday night, March 6, 1932, Dr. F.F. Fitchett suffered a final stroke and died within two hours at his home in Detroit. The funeral was held the following Wednesday and was largely attended by his ministerial friends. Dr. Joshua Stansfield was in charge of the service and Rev. C.E. Stedman gave the addressassisted by Doctors Fruit and Warren; other ministers were in attendance. 

Thus came to an end one of the most unique ministers of the Detroit Conference. 

- Detroit Annual Conference minutes of 1932, p. 132-133

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