Fairbanks named for Knoxville District

The Rev. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. will serve as superintendent for the 55 churches of the Knoxville District effective in June, Bishop James Swanson announced.

Fairbanks, age 59, currently serves as senior pastor for Signal Crest United Methodist Church in Chattanooga District. His appointment to the Cabinet is projected and will not be fixed until Annual Conference.

"I am humbled and honored to be projected as the next Knoxville District superintendent and am looking forward to working with Bishop Swanson and the Cabinet in this special ministry," Fairbanks said. "It will be a distinct privilege to join in the great works of mission and ministry with the clergy and laity of the Knoxville District. I hope that, together, we will continue to 'brighten that corner' of our great conference."

Fairbanks will follow the Rev. Stella Roberts, current Knoxville District superintendent.

Fairbanks has served Signal Crest since July 2001. His previous appointments include Beulah-Ridgeway UMC in Knoxville District (1976-1979), Church Street UMC in Knoxville District (1975-1976), and Friendsville-Binfield UMC in Maryville District (1974-1975). He served in the Western North Carolina Conference from 1979 to 2001.
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