Spectrum 2013
$5.00
Supplement to The Record-Herald
Fayette County churches give back to our community
About Our Cover
Spectrum
F
740-495-5181 • 1-800-870-KIRK (5475)
Founder Ansel Kirkpatrick, Sr.
9 W. FRONT STREET NEW HOLLAND, OHIO NEW HOLLAND, OHIO
2359239
www.kirksfurniture.com
Mon., Wed. & Thurs. 8:30am-9:00pm; Tues., Fri. & Sat. 8:30am-5:00pm
Celebrating 100 years of Family Service to the Community
Kirkpatrick Funeral Home The Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House and New Holland has been serving the needs of area residents since 1913. New Holland Location The New Holland home, located at 28 South Main Street, was established in 1913 by Ansel W. Kirkpatrick upon his graduation from the Cleveland Embalming School and has been operated continuously at the same location by the Kirkpatrick family. In 1945, following graduation from the Cincinnati College of Embalming and three years serving with the U.S. Army during World War II, Richard W. Kirkpatrick followed in his father’s footsteps and became a second generation funeral director/embalmer in the business. Washington CH Location
554 Washington Avenue Washington C.H., Oh 43160 740-335-0701
The Kirkpatrick family purchased, what was then known as the Klever Funeral Home in Washington C.H. in 1948 and has been serving the Washington Court House and Fayette County area at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home, 554 Washington Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio since then. Roger E. Kirkpatrick became the third generation family member as a funeral director and embalmer when he joined the firm in 1969 following his graduation from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He and his wife, Diana, also a licensed funeral director, currently own and operate both of the funeral home locations.
Roger and Diana Kirkpatrick 2359421
www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com
28 South Main Street New Holland, Ohio 43145 740-495-5216
T
he 2013 Spectrum cover was photographed and edited by Scott Stolsenberg, who has shot many of our covers over the years.This one features Rose Avenue Community Center Director Greg Fessler, pictured instructing local youth Hailey Rosenberger during the center’s after school program. Scott used a Canon EOS 7D and combined the images in photoshop.
ayette County is blessed to call home more than 50 churches and religious institutions. These churches, of course, provide and meet the spiritual needs of the citizens of our community. On any given Sunday, thousands of Fayette Countians attend church services. Many also attend during the week. But as everyone in our community knows, Fayette County churches do far more than provide just spiritual needs. That is why the 2013 edition of “Spectrum” focuses on our church community. This year’s theme: “Fayette County Churches - Giving Back
to the Community,” looks at all the volunteer work, the missions, the counseling, the support and charity work our churches carry out each and every day. From food pantries to clothing drives to youth services, Fayette County churches help provide services that improve the quality of life of every citizen in Fayette County. Why is that the case? It is because many of the community service activities of our churches replace services that local, state and federal government used to provide, but because of budget cutbacks, can no longer afford to provide? Or at least can no longer provide to the same extent as in
the past? The many hours of volunteer time given to help others in need, and the food, clothing and shelter donated by the churches are now essential to ensuring that our citizens, especially our children, are clothed, fed and sheltered. Without all the volunteer work, local, state and federal government would be forced to allocate time and money they don’t have at present. So we say “God bless” to the Fayette County churches for all they do to enrich the lives of Fayette County citizens each and every day. — Gary Brock, Publisher-Editor
Table of Contents 3 .......Publisher’s Introduction 4 .......Thank you to advertisers 5 .......Rock Mills: A church history 6 .......Grace Community Church 10 .....Rose Avenue Center helps community 14 .....St. Colman of Cloyne 20......Second Baptist: Church that God built 21......South Side Church of Christ 25......Rodgers Chapel here 149 years 27......Bloomingburg United Methodist 30......Staunton United Methodist 32......Bread of Life Food Pantry 34......Sugar Creek Baptist Church started 1830 37......Bloomingburg Presbyterian started 1817 40......Fayette County Food Pantry serves all 45......Grace United Methodist 47 .....Pleasant View Church of Christ 48......Heritage Memorial’s history
49......McNair Memorial Presbyterian 50......Anchor Baptist - Young church growing 51......Center United Methodist 51......Is it minister, pastor, father or reverend? 52......First Presbyterian is oldest church here 54......Sugar Creek Chapel - An early church 56......St. Andrew’s Episcopal 57......First Baptist Church in WCH 61......Christ Victory Church 62......First Church of God 63......Jeffersonville United Methodist 69......New Holland United Methodist 72......Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Extras available Stop in at the Record-Herald office to purchase extra copies of Spectrum. Ask about obtaining a complete set of the annuals.
Page 3 – Spectrum 2013
Thank You
Advantage Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Anderson Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Area Heating & Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . 30 Becky's Country Candles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Bell's Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Bright Furniture & Appliances . . . . . . . . . . 63 Buckeye Metal Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Buckeye Propane Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . 14 C&J Auto Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 CAC Self Help Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Carnegie Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Carriage Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Chrisman Water Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Country Connections LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Court House Manor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Dean Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Detty's Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Doug Marine Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Duff Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Fayette Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Fayette Christian School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Fayette County Agricultural Society. . . . . . . 9 Fayette County Board of DD . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Fayette County Community Action . . . . . . 19 Fayette County Job & Family Services . . . . 35 Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau . . 6 Fayette Eye Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Fayette Memorial Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Fayette Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Fayette Veterinary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Hadler Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Hartley Oil Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Healthy Solutions Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Herron Financial Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Jeffersonville Crossing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Jeffrey McCormick, Attorney at Law . . . . . 71 Johnson Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Kirk's Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Kirkpatrick Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Landman Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Leading Edge Technologies LLC . . . . . . . . . 11 Mayer Farm Equipment, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . 22 McClish's Plants Plus Greenhouses . . . . . . 22 McDonald & Son Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 McDonald's of Fayette County . . . . . . . . . . 42 McDonald's of Fayette County . . . . . . . . . . 43 Merchants National Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Miami Trace Local Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Midland Acres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Mossbarger & Smithson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Ohio Skilled Gaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Optique Family Vision Center. . . . . . . . . . . 21 Our Place Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Parrett Insurance Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Parrish Towing & Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Performance Motor Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Quality Collision Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Record-Herald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Record-Herald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Record-Herald Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Reiterman Feed & Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Richard Willis Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Roberts Electric Motor Service . . . . . . . . . . 67 Robin's Nest Flowers & Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Schrader Real Estate & Auction Co. . . . . . . 53 Seton WCH Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 St. Catherine's Manor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Standardbred Computers, LLC. . . . . . . . . . 58 Stanley & Sons Auctioneers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Sunshine Laundry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Gathering Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Travel Centers of America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 United Way of Fayette County . . . . . . . . . . . 23 VanDyke's Auto Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Villas at Trotters Pointe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Washington C.H. City Schools. . . . . . . . . . . 55 Wellman Monuments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
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Spectrum 2013
Rock Mills: A church grows in an early county community By Bev Mullen
P
icture Wayne Township, Fayette County, Ohio, in 1816; the settlement of Rock Mills is situated on the bank of Paint Creek (see map). According to the History of Fayette County Illustrated 1881, there was a water ‘flouring and saw mill,’ a blacksmith shop, a general country store and dwelling houses. The mill was owned and operated by the Yeoman family who were also instrumental in the formation of The Paint Creek Primitive Baptist Church in October of 1816. The church founding members chose to meet on the Saturday before the third Lord’s day each month to conduct their business meetings. These were busy farmers and merchants and the date was quickly changed to meeting on the Saturday before the eleventh Lord’s day and then changed again to the Saturday before the fourth Lord’s day. None of these changes had any bearing on the slow but steady increase in membership. There were 15 founding members in 1816 and by year’s end in 1817, the membership had increased to 22. All information was recorded by a clerk of the church. The two record books this writer perused included mention of money spent or bills that needed to be paid or opinions shared on who should attend the annual Baptist convention. There was always a listing of those who
Rock Mills had been baptized since the previous month. On many occasions during the early recorded history there were notes relating to the “dissatisfaction of the church” with the current “moderator.” The moderator was not the preacher but the person who led each church meeting after the “preaching, singing and praying was finished.” However, every once in a while the business meeting was held prior to the “preaching, praying and singing.” The waning months of 1832 brought about a motion to “choose” a moderator each month. Years later, this action was rescinded because it had become too much to vote on a moderator each month. For approximately six months in late 1833 and early 1834, the church meetings were taken up with determining if a female member had blasphemed the church. There were witnesses called to speak, but only one actually did. A committee of three was appointed to look into the matter and in the third month of 1834, the female member was reinstated into the church. Interestingly, this same member left the church and returned a number of
times over the years. In December of 1835, the church made a motion asking if there “shall be investigation of the ‘institutions of the day’ invoked by the Baptist Association and whether these ‘institutions’ are authorized by the Word of God or are they the inventions of Men?” The result came a mere two weeks later with the church membership presenting the following unanimous resolution: “We believe that religion is a social principle, begotten in the souls of all true believers, by the Spirit of the living God; which cause them to love the Lord with See Rock Mills, page 8
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This Advertisers’ Directory page will be very useful for quick reference. The staff of the Record-Herald would like to thank each advertiser for supporting Spectrum 2013. We look forward to another fine year of serving our community.
Churches of Fayette County
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Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
Grace Community Church: Serving upward, inward, outward By Bev Mullen
I
n 1990, looking for a new direction, seven families embarked on a new religious path by starting the Grace Community Church. I have always been impressed by the generosity with which Grace Community Church offers the use of their facility, dedicated in 1995, to community entities for a variety of activities. My guide into the heart of Grace Community Church is Donova Stickley, church Administrator by title, but ‘knower of all
Grace Community Church things’ by longevity of duty. Donova explains that when Grace Community Church was established, it was decided that its mission statement would include Upward, Inward, and Outward…meaning always upward toward God,
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inward refers to caring for the church family, and outward is the Church’s ministry to those in the community. It is a mission that is strictly adhered to. No en- Grace Community Church is located at 525 Glenn Ave. tity is given permission to use the building if it will interfere with the Church’s own ministries for its members. The thought is do more than we can ask that without the strength of Submitted by or imagine. The year was Donova Stickley the members nothing can 1990 and a small group of be accomplished. You take Christians gathered in the he story of Grace care of the base first. It’s a living room of Woody and Community Church good business plan for all Teresa Seyfang to study is one which bears organizations. the Bible and to seek witness to the faithfulness of God, and His promise to God’s guidance for the fuSee Grace, page 8 ture. From that modest beginning a church would be born and today hundreds of Fayette County residents worship at Grace Community on a weekly basis. The property which was purchased by the young church in 1995 is located at 525 South Glenn Ave. A 40,000 square foot building can be found at that loca101 E. East Street, tion, which is the culminaWashington C.H., OH. 43160-2227 800.479.7797 740.335.8008 Fax: 740.335.0762 www.fayettecountyohio.com
Why Should You Own A Home? There has never been a better time to own a home. Interest rates are at an all time low. And we have a loan program that does NOT require any money down. CALL NOW! (740) 335-1831 Being ENERGY EFFICIENT means a lot more than just installing the right appliances and mechanical equipment. We do that of course, but we do a lot more. Every SELF-HELP home is built with the homeowner’s future energy needs in mind. Using the latest methods of construction, along with the most advanced methods of sealing and insulating, provides you a home that is warm and dry. The result is a home that reduces energy bills by as much as 30%.
Success is measured by faith …
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tion of three phases of construction and additions. The 18-acre lot includes a popular playground and pavilion picnic area, as well as a large garage and storage building. The people of Grace Community Church recognize, however, that the real story cannot be told by looking at material things such as buildings and grounds. Success must be measured by being faithful to God’s Word, the Bible, and by the testimony of lives that have been changed by the grace of God.
THAT’S WHY YOU SHOULD OWN YOUR OWN HOME! Call today for your FREE credit analysis and get started on your way to owning your very own ENERGY EFFICIENT home. Give your family the home they deserve. CALL NOW! (740) 335-1831 Visit us on the web at www.cacfayettecounty.org Click on Self-Help Housing
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visits CAC of Fayette County
See Faith, page 9
Patty Griffiths
Tina Dahmer
Kathy Mickey
Housing Director
Loan Packager
Group Coordinator
Bill Davis
Brad Willett
Frank Dunn
Construction Manager
Construction Supervisor
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LET’S HELP MAKE FAYETTE COUNTY A SHOPPING DESTINATION! Page 6 – Spectrum 2013
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On Wednesday, June 27 United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited the Community Action Commission of Fayette County’s Self-Help Housing program site and the home of the Noel family in Washington Court House to celebrate National Home Ownership Month. From left to right: Denise Pontius, Fiscal The CAC of Fayette County has been running Officer; U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Patty Griffiths, Housing Director; Bambi their Self-Help Housing program with a USDA Rural Vilsack; Baughn, Executive Director. Development Grant for over 20 years. The program requires families to complete at least 65 percent of the labor needed to construct their home and receive a USDA 502 mortgage. Additionally, participants are required to attend weekly homeowner education courses during the home’s construction, ensuring proper, long-term maintenance of the home. Since the program started in 1993, over 250 homes have been provided to county residents with The Noel family with Secretary Vilsack. self-help grants totaling more than $3.5 million.
Phone: 740-335-1831 • Fax: 740-335-2190 Address: 1360 Forest St. (facing Peddicord), Washington CH, OH 43160 Email: tinadahmer@gmail.com Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. Page 7 – Spectrum 2013
Grace Continued from page 6
Pastor Fox explains that the HOPE Counseling Ministries is open to the Grace Community Church family as well as to the whole community. Explains Pastor Fox, “If an individual thinks things can never get any better, that nothing they have tried is really working, that there is no way out of their situation, then Biblical counseling could be the thing that could help them. Our counselors use God’s Word to provide instruction, correction, encouragement and hope. We are providing real answers to today’s real problems.” HOPE Counseling Ministries is open for all types of life situations: addiction - both alcohol and drugs marital problems, anger management, parenting issues, financial problems, and depression. Currently, there are five trained counselors on staff
Rock Mills Continued from page 5
all their hearts. And also begets in them a principle of love one towards another. And we further believe that for the better enjoyment of those principles, the Lord in infinite wisdom hath instituted his church, with all the rules and regulations thereof, and, that those rules are laid down in, so plain a manner, that a child, may understand them. “We believe that among other necessary things, those
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
at Grace Community Church with at least that many in training. Each counselor is dedicated to providing Biblical solutions in a compassionate manner. I asked if the counselors also get counseling when there have been too many people who have not really wanted help. Those who come to the ministry because they are ordered by the court, or are in ‘blaming the other person’ mode, those who are close to losing their jobs, those who stop their negative behaviors (which is good) but don’t make the leap to God’s Word. Pastor Fox was quick to answer, “Only occasionally. We know we have shared God’s solutions openly. As counselors, we take no credit when it ends successfully, and we take no blame when someone chooses not to follow God’s Word.” The HOPE Counseling Ministry asks three things from its participants. One, that they be truthful about their situation; two, that
they show up on time with all homework completed; and three, that each participant allow the counselor enough time to address their problem. “Bad habits are often formed over a period of years,” explains Pastor Fox, “developing new, healthy habits could require several weeks.” Homework? Are you kidding? Yes, homework. “While in counseling, there will be a lot of talking. Some of that talking will be about how to make small changes that will turn into new habits. But this takes practice. So practical assignments will be given and they are best practiced at home.”
I asked Pastor Fox all the regular questions: how long does counseling last? How much does it cost? How does a person get an appointment? “Most of the participants will have eight to 10 weeks of counseling sessions. Remember, we need time to understand the situation and to make healthy changes. As for the cost, Grace Community Church and our counselors provide their services for free. However, we require a $25 deposit fee which is returned if the participant leaves the program or graduates. If the participant has a last minute cancellation, has excuses for lateness, or
is a no-show, the fee is forfeited to the Counseling Ministry. People in need of these services may call Grace Community Church at 333-5433 or go online at www.gracecommunity.net for more information. There may be a two or three day wait before they receive a counseling packet. After the forms have been completed and returned, an appointment will be set up with one of our counselors.” Pastor Fox had a final thought about HOPE Counseling Ministries: “Hope starts by doing things God’s way. Realizing there is hope can have a huge impact on a person’s
life. I am reminded of Paul Tripp’s words in his book Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, a book about helping others, where he writes ‘people in need of change, helping people in need of change.’ We are in a constantly evolving world with more and more to distract us from God’s Word. Grace Community Church is filled with people in need of change, helping people in need of change.” If you have questions about HOPE Counseling Ministries or interest in Grace Community Church, please call 333-5433. The individuals I have met there are people truly living their faith.
rules direct, that, every individual member is left to the liberty of his own conscience, with, regard to, his acts of charity. We believe that the religious institutions of the present day, are nowhere warranted, by the Word of God. But that they are the entire invention of men; and that they are full of sophistry (sic) and priestly design, and that in them, there is an evil disease. Resolved that in conscience, we cannot, nor will not, aide, or directly, or indirectly, encourage or support any of those institutions. “Resolved, that we do
believe in missions and that all God’s Ministers, are Missionarys (sic). And further that the Scripture has laid down ample means for their support without the inventions of Men. And that the church is not duty bound to support them.” This resolution was signed by the 24 members present at the meeting. It was also affirmed that this resolution be read at the next six church meetings. In its early days the church, referred to as the Paint Creek Primitive Baptist Church, was located across the road from Rock Mills
Cemetery (see map). Later the church was moved closer to Rock Mills on the northeast corner where Rock Mills-Good Hope Road meets Miami Trace Road and was now known as the Old School Baptist Church. The map is from the 1913 Fayette County Platt Book so we know the move occurred prior to that year. In 1840 the church, known then as the Paint Creek Church, was asked to join the Scioto Baptist Association. During the Civil War (1861 - 1865) there was an unfortunate split of the members, which was never
healed, however, Paint Creek Baptist remained an active church until 1922. The church building was torn down in 1980. Remains of the mill may still be seen a few hundred yards upstream from the Miami Trace Road bridge. One of the Paint Creek Church record books used for this article was loaned to The Record Herald by David Ogan, Jr. The second Paint Creek Church record book was loaned to this writer by the Fayette County Historical Society. There is a third record Book for this church and if you know of
its whereabouts The Record Herald would be interested in examining it. The Fayette County Historical Society also provided access to archival information including the History of Fayette County Illustrated 1881 and the 1913 Fayette County Platt Book used for the map photo. If you are interested in more information about the families living in Rock Mills, Wayne Township, starting in 1816, call the Fayette County Historical Society at 335-2953 and ask for an appointment to peruse their library.
Faith Continued from page 6
Grace Community Church
Page 8 – Spectrum 2013
This was the vision of the people who started Grace Community Church and of its first pastor, Dr. Robert Gromacki. When the church began, Dr. Gromacki was a distinguished professor of Greek and New Testament at Cedarville University. He continued in the challenging dual role of senior pastor and college professor for 12 years, and established a foundation of solid Bible teaching that continues to this day. Over the years numer-
ous new ministries were created and today Grace Community Church enjoys an active children’s ministry, youth program, Christian sportsmen’s club, counseling center (Hope Ministries), music and drama, café, small groups which meet in homes, and several regularly scheduled Bible studies that are held throughout each week. Grace’s newest staff member, Youth Pastor Jon Skorich, arrived in Washington C.H. in April 2012. Jon is a graduate of Moody Bible College and Denver Seminary, and is joined by his wife, Bethany, and their daughter, Eliana. In their
short time here they have had a positive impact upon the lives at Grace Community’s Junior and Senior High students. Another focal point for Grace Community is worldwide missions. The church is actively partnering with missionaries in Burma, Brazil, Canada, Central Asia, Chile, Germany, the Middle East, Mozambique, Philippines, South Africa and Ukraine. Many members of Grace Community have themselves served internationally on short term missions trips. In 2012, Grace sent teams to Mozambique to dig wells in villages, to Ukraine to minister to or-
Spectrum 2013
phans and to Guatemala to build a birthing center. Since its inception, Grace has been privileged to contribute well over $1 million to various mission endeavors. Grace Community Church will always be thankful for the legacy of the past and seeks to maintain and build upon that legacy in the present. Nevertheless, the families and individuals of Grace Community Church strive to be forward looking in their vision, remembering the words of pioneer missionary William Carey: “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God!”
For more information about Grace Community Church or the community services it offers, visit www.gracecommunity.net or call 333-5433.
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THE NEWLY REMODELED MAHAN BUILDING AT THE FAYETTE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
For larger groups, the Mahan Building provides catering (or have your own catering) and plenty of seating. We also have space for a band or D.J. and dancing. The newly remodeled Mahan Building
The newly remodeled restrooms.
THE SCHOOL HOUSE AT THE FAYETTE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS is the perfect setting for cozy, smaller get-togethers or meetings. 50-person seating capacity.
Fine Arts Building
The Breezeway
The Mahan Lobby
Has seating for groups up to 250.
Has seating for up to 100.
Has seating for up to 80.
For more information and available dates Call Faith Cottrill at 740-335-5856 • www.fayettecofairoh.com. Follow us on Facebook@Fayette Fair Page 9 – Spectrum 2013
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Churches of Fayette County
Churches of Fayette County
Rose Avenue Center: Seeking out the lost and broken By Bev Mullen
‘R
ain or shine, people need love and food.” Those were some of the first words Mr. Greg Fessler spoke to me as I sat down to talk to him for this article. He had come to the office early to straighten it up a bit for our meeting. However, opportunities to help others kept getting in the way. Greg is the volunteer, part-time Director for the Rose Avenue Community Center and Church. He is quick to inform me that the
Rose Avenue Center Community Center is not a ministry for only members of Heritage Memorial Church but for the community as a whole. Heritage Memorial Church supports field missions but, as Greg explains, local mission is the most important, “Jesus did not stay in the Temple
to minister to the believers. He was out there building relationships with the lost and the broken.” After the new millennium, Heritage Memorial Church members began to give some thought to becoming a multi-site ministry. When the Rose Avenue Elementary School went up for auction in 2009, Heritage Memorial Church bought the building thinking it would be a second church site, maybe with different music, maybe with different
From the beginning … Submitted by Rebecca Milstead and Dean Hawk
H
istorically, churches have assisted their communities in good times and bad. Communities have learned to depend on the church for not only spiritual support but also for daily tangible help with the things that are needed to survive. Hundreds of churches have given food or clothing to those in need for many years. Heritage Memorial Church was no exception, having operated a clothing center and food pantry since the turn of the cen-
tury. In 2008, Pastor Bruce Morrison ran a survey of the churches in Fayette County to learn how many of our 29,000 population were in church on a typical Sunday morning. He learned that there were about 7,000 people in all the combined churches. That leaves 22,000 who are not in church regularly. The church was mobilized to try to reach as many of this 22,000 as possible for Jesus. From this concept was born the desire to start a new church in the See Beginning, page 12
See Rose Ave, page 11
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TORES
Continued from page 10
preaching. But as members began exploring the new building, they began to see the wider potential of this new building. Greg believes God will provide what is needed just as Rose Avenue Community Center provides to the community. For instance, when it was decided to expand the Heritage Memorial Church pantry by remodeling the second floor of the Community Center into a pantry there was talk of how it would be not impossible - just difficult - to get the food donations up the flights of stairs. Shortly after, without anyone asking anyone, a mechanical lift was donated to the center. Now vehicles will be able to unload at a ground floor area and the food donations will be lifted to the second floor. It will still take muscle to move items to the pantry area but nothing compared to hauling canned goods up several flights of stairs. There is an impressive array of programs, or min-
istries, available to those in the community. And, these same programs are available to community members who may want to volunteer some time to help. There is Safe Place Recovery, an alcohol and drug recovery program. This is not a counseling service but a recovery program usually led by lay people who have been addicted and are now recovered and able to help others dealing with the same issues they dealt with. When there are enough to have a class, there is a Divorce Care program; L.I.F.E. Pregnancy Center holds a parenting class weekly; a Coupon Class meets twice a month; and, Angels Awaiting Maternity Home holds meetings at the Community Center several times a month. A Kid’s Only Clothing Center is open two days a month and the regular Clothing Center is open three to four times a month. In the future, there will be a Teen Girls Only Clothing Center that will open in conjunction with the current H.O.P.E. Teen Girls Club that is being offered. At one time a program
for the deaf was offered. If the need arises again, the program will probably be reinstated. Also offered is the Teaching the Nations English as a Second Language class. This class meets each week and is very popular. The Community Center has its own library with over 1,500 books and tapes neatly lined up on shelves. Currently it is open only on Saturdays. Once the need for trained volunteers is met, the library program will be able to expand its hours and programming. Friday is Gospel Music night and Saturday evening is reserved for the weekly Meal and Worship and the weekly Children’s Service. Also, there is a growing list of annual events. The annual Memorial Day Community Picnic with bounce houses, food and fellowship; the annual pumpkin give-a-way sponsored by Lin’s Stuff; and, the annual Trunk or Treat event that is a kid’s safe Halloween place on Beggar’s Night. There is also a growing list of worship service firsts: the first wedding was last year as
Spectrum 2013 outreach program for Heritage Memorial Church. The Community Center just acquired its 501 (c) 3 status as a public charity. It is now known as the Rose Avenue Community Center and Church because Heritage Memorial Church now rents space from the Community Center to provide services. Greg believes that the Community Center is more effective than if they were a Sunday morning, Wednesday night only church. “The focus is still on Jesus, but the programming is about building relationships within the community. We are not here to increase church numbers, but to offer the choice for a person to hear the word of God while attending to their immediate needs.” Just as there were “opportunities” to help others getting in Greg’s way prior to my arrival, there were interruptions of “opportunities” during the interview. I was introduced to a nice couple who stopped by with several boxes of clothes to donate. A couple of neighborhood kids ran
The Community Center has its own library with over 1,500 books and tapes.
Rose Avenue offers a clothing center.
well as the first baptism. Pastor Justin Siler leads the worship service and it is a “come as you are, relaxed, family atmosphere. Everyone is encouraged to worship in their own way.” What began four years
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Churches of Fayette County Continued from page 11
in asking for a basketball. They called Greg ‘grandpa’ and Greg told me Melody is ‘grandma Mel.’ Another opportunity happened with a phone call that furthered plans to move some heavy boxes up to the second floor over the weekend. Greg and Melody tell me it is always like this, someone always wanting to help or someone needing help. Not everyone who volunteers at the Community Center is a member of Heritage Memorial Church or any church for that matter. The Fessler’s are very proud of the groups who
Beginning Continued from page 10
Rose Avenue area as many of our members have roots in that neighborhood. Church leaders were soon looking longingly at the Rose Avenue School property that stands on an entire city block. This school was scheduled to be closed and demolished as the Washington C.H. City Schools were building new modern school buildings. Pastor Morrison made inquiries with the school board about getting an opportunity to purchase the property for a community center. In the spring of 2009, the building was
do help on a regular basis. The OSU Women’s softball team and the Miami Trace High School cheerleaders often serve meals on Saturday nights. Girl Scout Senior Troop 1332 serves meals, too, and is on call for special occasions. It was this group of girls that helped stuff 2,000 plastic eggs for the Easter egg hunt last year. All in all, the Rose Avenue Community Center is meeting its mission. A need to serve was there, the building became available, and now a whole county is reaping the benefits. Greg estimates that close to 20,000 people came through the doors of the former elementary school just last year. Maybe they came to at-
tend a meeting, maybe they came for a meal or to bring a donation for the clothing center. Maybe they came because they felt a need to ‘pay forward’ or they came because they had nowhere else to go. Whatever the reason, the Community Center is there to help provide the service needed. “As the needs of our community change, so will the Community Center change to meet those needs. That is our mission.” Greg smiles and tells me all the activity, joyful and heart-rending, reminds him of words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times, and when absolutely necessary, use words.” Greg and Melody
asked me if their names could be left out of this article - they believe all the glory for the success of the Community Center should go to God. I understand the humility but I also know that Jesus chose apostles to spread His word. The two apostles at Rose Avenue Community Center are called ‘grandma’ and ‘grandpa.’ For information about any of the programs, or how you may help, call the Community Center at 636-7673. Office hours are between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you are not sure where you might be of service, just spend a few minutes with Melody and Greg. They will help you discover your potential.
offered at auction and the church board of Heritage Memorial Church purchased the Rose Avenue School property and renovations began. Initially, the clothing center was open twice each month, and everyone shopped in one room. Currently, the clothing center is open each week with daytime hours and evening hours. There is room for men’s and women’s clothing, a children’s room, and the newest addition is a junior/teen shopping area. The clothing center serves approximately 125 people each month. Donations are accepted daily from 2 to 5 p.m. The Food Pantry of Heritage Memorial is in
the process of moving to Rose Avenue. An electric lift, larger storage areas and easier access for clients will all be benefits of the new facility. The Rose Avenue Food Pantry will continue to distribute groceries by appointment only. Please call 636ROSE for more details. A hot meal and friendly environment characterize the Saturday evening meals at Rose Avenue Community Center. Meals are served at 5 p.m., restaurant-style and people enjoy catching up with each other over a hot cup of coffee and a dessert. Meals are prepared at Rose through the generous donations of local community groups, church donations and gro-
cery store donations. After dinner at 5:15 5:30 p.m., the Saturday evening Rose Avenue Church service begins, complete with music by the Worship Team and Campus Pastor Justin Siler bringing an inspiring message. There is also a service for children at the same time in the Children’s ministry room. Another time of fun and fellowship with friends is during the Gospel Music Family Friday concerts each week. Sandwiches, chips and drinks accompany the free gospel music. Typically 70 to 75 people attend and enjoy high quality singing groups. Concerts start at 7 p.m. Free transportation by shuttle bus is offered for
Page 12 – Spectrum 2013
Fayette Christian School Academic Excellence in a Caring Christian Environment
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Melody and Greg Fessler
both Friday and Saturday programs. Rose Avenue Community Center offers afterschool tutoring and mentoring for neighborhood children from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Snacks are provided and adults are on hand to help with homework, lend a listening ear, or to play games. The after-school sessions are supervised by adults and volunteers are appreciated. The newest ministry at Rose Avenue Community Center is classes designed to help Spanish speaking adults in the community to improve their English language skills. Some 25 people are taking advantage of this opportunity to become more integrated
into the local community. The greatest opportunity at Rose Avenue is the chance to meet people where they are and to give them the assistance they need whether it is spiritual or physical. The church has always been about making people’s lives better. Rose Avenue is no exception. The goal of all outreach opportunities at Rose Avenue is to make life better for the people served. Greg Fessler volunteers parttime as the Director of the Rose Avenue Community Center and Justin Siler is Campus Pastor. Either or both will stop what they are doing at the drop of a hat and share their Jesus with one who seeks spiritual help.
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Spectrum 2013
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Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
The Gathering Place
St. Colman: County’s Catholic church dates back to 1866 By Don Moore
St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church
T
he origins of the Catholic Church in Fayette County and Washington C.H. can be traced back to a Mass celebrated in 1852 by a visiting priest from Xenia at a private home on West Market Street. Those in attendance were largely railroad men engaged in constructing the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad and their families, most of whom left the area when the railroad was completed. Thereafter, Mass was celebrated on an irregular basis in private homes or in a rented “rickety” hall from 1852 until 1866 when
By MARK FAHEY Staff Writer
F
visiting pastors from nearby parishes and traveling priests began monthly visits, sometimes bringing a choir with them. It was not until the fall of 1879 that a resident pastor was appointed to actually live in Washington C.H. Through continued fund raising drives, the city’s first Catholic Church was See St. Colman, page 16
The interior of St. Colman of Cloyne.
Integrity
Quality
ayette County’s St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church is thriving under the leadership of a new pastor. Father James Hatfield joined St. Colman in July 2012, leaving St. Francis De Sales in Newark to switch places with Father Jan Sullivan, St. Colman’s pastor of 12 years. Sullivan requested a change to be close to family, and Hatfield had placed the parish high on his list of preferred assignments. “I’ve always wanted to live in the country,” he said. “I love [St. Colman].
The people are very kind and they’ve been very welcoming and very supportive, which for a new pastor is just about the greatest gift one can receive I think.” Under Sullivan, St. Colman saw its first major renovations since the 1950s, a complete refurbishing that included new oak floors, a repainted ceiling and new air conditioning and heating. Sullivan’s predecessor oversaw the construction of a new parish center with offices and a kitchen. “It’s one of our blessings…the inside is completely refurbished close to its original splendor,” said See Hatfield, page 18
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Front, left to right, Scott Pfeifer, Wayne Webb, Back, left to right, Steve Spears, Pastor John, Rick Binegar
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Staff photo by Mark Fahey
Father James Hatfield became pastor of St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church in July 2012.
2360007
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Churches of Fayette County Continued from page 14
built with considerable indebtedness in 1866 on the west side of North Main Street on lots 103-104 which had been purchased on March 1, 1861 for $1,000, and which today is the site of the Rodgers Chapel AME Church at 325 North Main St. The two-side walls and front wall of this present structure are from the original church building, whereas the rear wall of the building was torn away and the present church was expanded. Mass was celebrated monthly by priests form Circleville and Morrow. This original church was officially named the Church of Our Lady of The Assumption, but was more commonly called Saint Mary’s. The congregation was so limited in funds that a table served as the altar and the interior was unfinished for several years. The population of the city at that time was 2,200. Within two years, in late 1868, the congregation had increased to such an extent that it was proposed that a larger place of worship be built. A public picnic, which included contests for a gold headed cane and an Irish poplin dress, netted $1,700 for the building fund and the congregation unanimously agreed to purchase a plot of ground on North Fayette Street. In 1870, lot 8, located where the parking area adjacent to the alley and next door
to the current police station, was purchased, but because of congregational dissatisfaction was sold by 1874. In the meantime, five and three-eights acres of land had been purchased in 1871 adjoining an area obtained in 1867 for a cemetery east of town on what is now East Elm Street next to the Cincinnati & Muskingum Railroad. On this newly purchased property a substantial two story brick church building, 40 by 62 feet with a tower, was erected in 1872 and the old North Main Street Church was sold for $2,000 in March 1873. As it turned out, the new church built in the cemetery was too far distant from the central part of town and because Elm Street did not then exist and was only accessible by taking the railroad. When the archbishop came to officiate at the laying of the cornerstone, he had to be taken to the church on a handcar. History does not record precisely when or why or upon whose authority the name of this new church was changed from Our Lady of The Assumption to Saint Colman. The earliest indication of the name change is found in a baptismal record of August 1880. While there always had been a strong Irish element within the congregation along with a German one, it is more than likely that it was the influence of the aggressive cemeterybuying and church-building priest at that time, with his strong Irish background, who engineered the transformation.
In the fall of 1879 with the arrival of its first resident pastor, Saint Colman began a new phase of its history as a distinct parish rather than being a mission or station of some other church as had been the situation previously. This immediately presented the problem of finding a suitable residence for the pastor. The new pastor thought the church was located in the wrong place and he advised the congregation to build a church and rectory in the center of town. After considerable discussion and dissension within the congregation and with various pastors, the Bishop was asked to visit and decide the issue. He finally agreed on Oct. 19, 1880 to approve the purchase of the land where the church is presently located, if $3,000 could be raised toward the $4,000 purchase price within 10 days. At this juncture, five members of the congregation, calling themselves the Trustees for the Saint Colman Congregation, without authorization, and using church funds and their own money, purchased part of the out lot 27 on the corner of East and North Streets in their own names. This action was roundly condemned by the pastor, who was told that they “would run the affairs” and all he had to do was provide Mass every Sunday along with his assigned duty to say Mass once a month at the St. Thomas mission church in New Holland. The issue resolved itself in early 1883 when a new pastor began the work of
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constructing the new and now third church, which was under roof on Monday, Sept. 7, 1885. The following day, Sept. 8, at 8:07 p.m., a cyclone struck the county killing six people and causing $500,000 in damage as it swept through the city. The church in the cemetery was demolished with the exception of the tower archway which stood in ruins for many years. Only the bell tower and foundation of the church on East and North Streets remained standing. One paper reported “This had been the largest church building in town and was decidedly the most costly and the finest. The congregation suffered twice as much loss as any other.” Still in debt for the church now destroyed, the 60 family congregation, See St. Colman, page 18
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Page 16 – Spectrum 2013
2362982
St. Colman
Spectrum 2013
740-333-4100 Cell 740-207-1431 3260 St. Rt. 22NW
Washington C.H., Ohio
The land now known as Highlawn Cemetery was originally deeded March 1, 1928 to T.E. Clemmer (aka: Turchin Clemmer.) In 1963 Highlawn Memory Gardens was formed under the direction of Nelson McCann. In December 1992 the Wellman Family acquired the cemetery from the Huntington Bank. At that time the name was changed to Highlawn Cemetery and upright monuments were permitted. Oscar "Fuzz" McKinney became the superintendent and began the improvements. Highlawn Cemetery is a public cemetery that offers a well maintained, secure area for the resting place of your loved ones, as well as a free grave space to honorably discharged veterans.
Washington C.H. Page 17 – Spectrum 2013
Churches of Fayette County Hatfield Continued from page 14
Hatfield. “Everything’s been taken care of. Just to see the parish grow, that’s my task.” Hatfield worked for the Catholic Church for 10 years before he chose to pursue the priesthood. After joining the Church in 1988, he began work as a program coordinator in 1990 while he also worked as the librarian in the cathedral bookshop, his work bringing him in close
St. Colman Continued from page 16
five of which were German, immediately made plans to begin to raise funds to rebuild it. Several appeals to various religious and non-religious sources were initiated. The new church before its destruction had cost $5,368.44. The rebuilding costs were $3745.50, and the church was reopened in December 1885 for the Christmas services. The last indebtedness was paid off in 1887, and the church was dedicated the following year. In 1890 an immense bell weighing 2,500 pounds, which daily rings the angelus, was placed in the church tower. Four years later, the Craig home at 219 South North St. was purchased to replace the old rude wooden rectory which was situated against the rear of the church. During the following two years, steam heat was in-
Spectrum 2013
contact with the vocations office. In May 2010, Hatfield graduated from the Pontifical College Josephinum seminary. Unlike his previous two parishes, St. Joseph and St. Francis De Sales, St. Colman is a small parish and does not have a parochial school, but it does have a Sunday school with about 70 students. “In a way there’s nothing like being in the classrooms and seeing the children grow and being in that part of their lives for so many years,” said Hatfield. “But I still get a
chance to visit with the children and be a part of their faith formation and watch them grow in their faith lives.” And having fewer administrative responsibilities makes it easier for Hatfield to spend time visiting parishioners and serving Catholics that are sick or in nursing homes. “Having a parish of this size really gives you the great opportunity of really being a pastor to the people,” said Hatfield. “Those kinds of things are really the most important things that we do.”
St. Colman has about 260 families, has an active youth ministry and has seen steady membership for quite some time, said Hatfield. The parish is promoting the Catholic Church’s New Evangelization to heal divisions and misunderstandings between the church and parishioners and to bring back Catholics who have left, he said. “Helping every single person realize that they have a task to perform in going out and sharing the gospel message,” said Hatfield. “So people can
again feel like coming back to St. Colman is like coming home again… that’s my number one priority.” Hatfield also hopes to emphasize cooperation between all the churches in the Washington C.H. area, including joint outreach programs like The Well, which provides food, clothing and household items to those in need, and St Vincent De Paul. “There’s a wonderful spirit of cooperation between the churches here that I find very refreshing,” said Hatfield. “I’ve
met a good deal of ministers here and there’s a wonderful spirit of cooperation, and I think that’s the way it should be.” Hatfield said that he hopes to be in Washington C.H. for a while. After seven years of moving around between parishes, he said he’s ready to settle in. “To me, the parish is the most important thing,” he said. “The lives of the people there, the wonderful and loving community that I have found, not just at St. Colman’s, but all of Washington Court House.”
stalled and the 15 painted/stained glass windows and four door transom lights were donated by private individuals and by organizations associated with the church. From 1881, when it had 18 families and several single men, until 1918, the St. Thomas Mission church at New Holland had been irregularly serviced by the St. Colman pastor. The church was located near what is now 28 South Main St. (Kirkpatrick Funeral Home). The building was originally built as a school house around 1840 at Cedar Grove (located on Judas Road about 4 miles south of New Holland). When it was replaced by a brick school house the congregation purchased the building for $350 in 1882, and had it moved to the church site on South Main Street. It measured about 23 feet wide by 26 feet deep plus a sanctuary of about eight feet by 15 feet and it had a short tower capped with a cross. The
walls were 12 feet tall. It had no lights and was heated by coal/wood stoves. All services were usually held on Fridays. In one article referred to as St. Michael’s, the St. Thomas Church closed in 1918 and was sold in1924 to the Kirkpatrick family, who used it as a garage until it was demolished in 2009. Many of its congregation are buried in the Washington St. Colman cemetery. In a 1944 realignment of the Ohio diocesan boundaries, Saint Colman parish was removed from the Cincinnati Diocese and placed under the administration of the Bishop of Columbus. At the time of the transfer, there were 81 families in the parish. A fund raising campaign was begun in 1951 to enlarge the church’s seating capacity from 185 to 240 by extending the church and building a new sanctuary and a classroom wing. The plan included removing the old two story
wooden rectory building at the rear of the church which had been used for the sacristy, meeting rooms and class rooms. Meanwhile, the Dahl home next door at 223 East St., was purchased to be used for a convent, which was opened in 1950 for four nuns who would teach, care for the sacristy and sanctuary, and assist with the choir. It was closed in 1967 and it became the rectory. The original plans for enlarging the church were almost doubled by Father Richard Connelly, and the seating capacity of the church was increased from the projected 240 to 350 to care for the increased size of the congregation. He installed a new altar and canopy, and a seven foot cross with a five foot hand carved corpus. This work was completed in November 1953. Fr. Connelly served as the Chaplin for several professional football teams, most notably the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, and
was the national Chaplain for the Elks who honored him at their 1957 national convention in Alaska. A gifted presenter and wellknown throughout the state, he had many speaking engagements. After many years of planning and fund raising, a new Parish Center, noted for its ornate wooden ceiling and which could house about 200, was completed in 1999. Within seven years, the congregation, led by a new and energetic pastor, returned the church and steeple to their original 1800s-style slate roof, established a prayer garden, and developed plans for a major renovation of the interior of the church. Prior to the restoration, records were reviewed that indicated that the parish had been named for Colman of Cloyne, and the name of the church became known as Saint Colman of Cloyne. In the words of the architect, the $850,000 new interior restoration com-
pleted in 2010 “reflects not only the Victorian Gothic of the original church, but a particularly Anglo Irish Gothic within the milieu of a new classicism. The symbols of St. Colman (miter, shield, cross-fitchie, and dove) are incorporated, along with Irish symbols like the Irish cross, shamrock and harp.” One art critic has said that “the painted ornamentation is simple and sparingly well used to highlight the significant original plaster ceiling and wall designs.” The renovation was celebrated on the 125th anniversary of the dedication of the present Church.
Page 18 – Spectrum 2013
Sources for this article were the St. Colman Pictorial Directories of 1978 and 1985; The Cyclone Article in the Fayette Connection Volume 29; History of New Holland by Chris Sprouse, Bulletin of the Catholic Record Society of the Diocese of Columbus Vol.32 No. 12; and St. Colman archival materials.
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Churches of Fayette County
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Spectrum 2013
Second Baptist: A house that God built
South Side Church of Christ: Celebrating 75 years of worship
Submitted by Clarabelle Yellets
The South Side Church of Christ began on Oct. 23, 1938, over a liquor store on Court Street in Washington C.H. Forty-three people were present for the first service. In the late spring of 1939 they began to worship in the old Perry Park shelter house for Sunday services. The shelter house was used until late autumn when it became necessary to meet in the homes of members until a permanent place of worship could be obtained.
T
he Second Baptist Church was first known as ‘The Second Union Anti-Slavery African Baptist Church,’ and was organized on June 12, 1855, by Elder George W. Bryant with three members, Jordan Kelly, James L. Thornton and Boswell Kelly. On Oct. 28, 1858, a lot on North Street opposite the Old Central High School was originally deeded by Henderson P. Lewis to the African Baptist and Anti-Slave Society
Second Baptist Church for a sum of $145 and the first church was built of boards and logs. In 1863, a more modern church of bricks was built at the same location and stood for a great many years. With the population shifting, the leaders of the
Second
See Second, page 21
Fayette County Memorial Hospital Proudly Recognizes Employees With 25+ Years of Dedicated Service To Our Community. Back Row - left to right: BEVERLY HUGHES - 25 yrs. TERESA SUE HERTENSTEIN - 25 yrs. JENNIFER RILEY - 26 yrs. JEANA HARRIS - 30 yrs. ANTHONY TAYLOR - 33 yrs. TAMMIE WILSON - 25 yrs. SHEREE MONROE - 27 yrs. DEBRA ROBERTSON - 36 yrs. JANE WILSON - 26 yrs.
Front Row - left to right JANE MOORE - 27 yrs. ROBIN BENSON - 35 yrs. CHERYL ROYSTER - 36 yrs. DOUGLAS BOEDEKER - 37 yrs. MARY GRAY - 36 yrs. JOYE GARDNER - 32 yrs.
*Not Pictured: RICHARD DEMBSKI - 26 yrs.; DANIEL RIGGS - 26 yrs.; DANITA MCFADDEN - 28 yrs.; JUDITH BAYER-FISHER - 31 yrs.; LYNN TIDD - 31 yrs.; DOROTHY WINLAND - 35 yrs.; MARY KAY SOLLARS - 35 yrs.
www.fcmh.org Page 20 – Spectrum 2013
Continued from page 20
Society decided that the church property and location had become too valuable to be held as church property and the location was also no longer convenient for the members and a new site was selected. The property on North Street was sold for $5,500 to Werter Shoop in the year 1920. After the disposition of the North Street church, the congregation moved to a temporary home in the upstairs of the GAR Memorial Hall on Court Street. There they remained until the present site at 828 Columbus Ave. was purchased for the sum of $3,000. The cornerstone was laid June 26, 1921 and the new church was erected in a little more than 18 months. The program for the dedication was held the afternoon of July 2, 1921
Late in 1939 the Wesley Chapel, located at 921 S. Fayette St., was purchased from Grace Methodist Church. The first service was held there in January 1940. Although Wesley
Chapel is no longer here, this is the current location of the South Side church building. In 1962 a building committee was appointed to make plans for the future. The ground breaking service was held in March 1963 and the Fellowship Hall/Educational Wing was completed in September of that same year. Work then began for a new sanctuary in May 1964 and the first service was held there on Sept. 23, 1964.
The first live nativity scene was set up in December 1967. This has become an annual tradition that continues each year. In May of 1995 plans were drawn up for a proposed Family Life Center. The groundbreaking service was held in February 1996 and a Miracle Day Offering was received on Easter Sunday of over $150,000. Construction began in September and the building was dedicated on Aug. 24, 1997.
with the Honorable Simeon D. Fess, U.S. Senior Senator, speaking on behalf of the President of the United States, delivering a masterly address. The pastor read a letter from President Warren G. Harding, stating his regret for his inability to be present due to pressing state obligations. The new church was completed in early 1922 and Rev.
Charles C. Hart was the first pastor. After many years of hard work and prayers the huge debt was paid in full and a great mortgage burning celebration was held on Aug. 13, 1944. Rev. Frank J. Reynolds of Dayton, Ohio, was the pastor at that time. In the year 1994, the church purchased the property at 814 Columbus
Ave. and the house on the lot was demolished for use as a parking lot. Since April 2001, Second Baptist has been led by Rev. Lester Eugene Sanders, who has helped to accomplish much good for the church. The Second Baptist Church has a great heritage and surely this house is indeed a “HOUSE THAT GOD BUILT.”
South Side Church of Christ
South Side and several other churches joined together in 2009 to open The Well at Sunnyside. This community center offers a Free Store with clothing and other household items
and free meals several days a week. Throughout the years the church has supported a variety of missions in our See South Side, page 22
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Spectrum 2013
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Churches of Fayette County South Side
Fayette Bible Church: 1960s Bible study is genesis of modern church
Continued from page 21
own community and around the world. Haiti, the Philippines, Mexico, Ghana, New Zealand and Austria are just a few of the nations that the church has supported. The vision of South Side is to Love God, Love People and Change the World. Each Sunday morning South Side offers two worship services at 8:30 and 10:45. Sunday School meets at 9:45 and Sunday evening we have a worship service, small groups and youth groups at 6. Wednesday evening Bible Study begins at 6 each week. This year the church celebrates her 75th anniversary. God has blessed South Side in so many ways and the church is looking forward to the future as we reach out to this community.
Spectrum 2013
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South Side Church of Christ
Churchgoers pose for this vintage photo in the churchyard.
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ayette Bible Church started in the mid 1960s as a Bible Study meeting in the Old Washington Hotel on Main Street. The group of people that met at that time became burdened to begin an independent ministry that stood for the fundamentals of the faith and took a noncompromising stand on the religious issues of the day. So in March of 1967, Fayette Bible Church began and met for five years in the old Sunnyside School building. In 1972, the Board and Pastor Howard presented a plan to build a church located on a piece of property on Dayton Avenue. The church approved and construction was completed by the end of the year. The church voted to start a Christian School in
Fayette Bible Church
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1974 and expanded the facility in 1977 to accommodate the needed classroom space. The expansion included seven classrooms, a small gym, and a teacher’s supply room. An adjacent field was also purchased and transformed into a soccer playing field. The ministry has been under the leadership of several men through the years. Reverend Graydon Cox was very instrumental in getting the Bible Study underway and the church started. Reverend Cox was
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Page 23 – Spectrum 2013
United Way of Fayette County
Churches of Fayette County Continued from page 22
employed by the Ohio
Bible Mission, the evangelistic arm of the Ohio Bible Fellowship. Rev. Clyde Broadbelt then came to assume the pastorate for the
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next two years. Denis O. Howard became the pastor in May of 1970. Under his leadership, the church building was constructed, the school was founded, and many programs were established. His ministry continued for 12 years until November of 1982 when he moved to Tucson, Ariz., to pastor a church. After a brief ministry of K. Spencer Brown in 1983, the Lord led Thomas N. Coffman to assume the pastorate from March of 1984 to June of 1999. In July of 1999, Pastor Tony Garren was appointed interim Pastor. He, along with his wife, had served at Fayette Bible Church as the Youth Pastor. In September of 1999 he was called to become the pastor of Fayette Bible Church.
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Snapshots show the progress of the Fayette Bible Church building construction in 1972.
uring the early and mid-1800s, many blacks, both free and those escaping the cruel enslavement in southern slave states, followed the pathways of the Underground Railroad and made their new homes in Ohio’s Fayette County. They settled in and helped develop several surrounding communities. Many made their homes in Washington C.H., Bloomingburg, Jef-
Rodgers Chapel
fersonville and several other settlements or farms throughout the county. There is great evidence that these new residents were industrious contributors to the local economies. They were entrepreneurs and hired workers in occupations
such as: janitors, college instructors, midwives, housekeepers, school teachers, surgeons, porters, chefs, waiters, militiamen, barbers, blacksmiths, millers, nurses, maids, brick masons, carpenters, policemen, horse trainers, plasterers, farm hands, itinerant preachers, lawyers, and several other trades and professions. In 1864, a religious club or prayer band was formed in Washington C.H. They met in the homes of Thomas Kees, Frances Brown, Sarah
Jackson and others. This sparked the earliest beginnings of Rodgers Chapel. The prayer band welcomed the services of several itinerant ministers whenever one was traveling through the county. From 1864 to 1865, they were blessed to have the consistent ministry and spiritual guidance of a Rev. Gibson when he visited each month. Various ordained and lay ministers would provide the preaching ministry over the next few years. By July of 1867, the Rev. O.P. Ross, a local
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Spectrum 2013
Rodgers Chapel: Building on 149 years of faith and tradition
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Bible
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
Page 25 – Spectrum 2013
preacher from St. Paul A.M.E. (African Methodist Episcopal) Church in Circleville, formally organized the group into a true congregation. Rev. Ross received great support and guidance from Rev. Benjamin W. Arnett, pastor of St. Paul AMEC in Circleville (later the 17th Bishop of the AMEC). They quickly petitioned the A.M.E. Church for membership in the denomination. The Ohio Annual Conference met in October that same year. The Conference accepted the
group from Washington C.H. on behalf of the denomination. Because Rev. Ross was in local relations with St. Paul AMEC, the Ohio Annual Conference appointed Rev. H.W. Toney as the first official pastor of the “new” congregation. They would be known as the Washington Court House “Society” or “Mission” for most of the next six years. The charter members of the congregation included: Thomas and Sophia Kees, Dennis See Rodgers, page 26
Churches of Fayette County Rodgers Continued from page 25
and Francis Brown, Richard Lucas, Lewis S. and Mary Chester, Harry Terry, John and Sarah Jackson, Chapman and Margaret Johnson, and Agnes Weaver. Two prominent white families in the community were also among this number the Honorable Mills Gardner family (he was an Ohio State Legislator and local attorney) and the David Rodgers family (Rodgers was a local merchant and financier). The membership rapidly outgrew the use of
private homes. As they grew, they went through a series of rented halls. A Mr. Andrew Hamilton, a white citizen who was a friend of the congregation, helped secure the use of the Old Methodist Church on the southwest corner of Market and Fayette streets. The desire to own “their own vine and fig tree” (a place of worship) was very strong. As a Trustee, Bro. David Rodgers was appointed to lead the search committee for a permanent home for the congregation. On March 3, 1873, through his skillful negotiations, the congregation arranged for the purchase of the old
Catholic Church property at 325 N. Main St. The asking price was $2,000. Bro. Rodgers personally paid the full purchase price and sold the building and property to the congregation for $1,000 by loan. Bishop David Alexander Payne, 6th Bishop of the A.M.E. Church and Presiding A.M.E. Bishop of the Ohio area, came to dedicate the new building. It was suggested that the official name of the church become “Payne Chapel” to honor Bishop Payne. He declined, offering in its place the current name of Rodgers Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church to honor the
man responsible for the purchase, David Rodgers. The name was adopted with unanimous approval. Since 1864, Rodgers Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church has been engaged in our mission and ministry: individual spiritual development; community outreach and witness; Christian social action; and racial inclusiveness. In 2013, we are building on 149 years of faith and tradition. Pray with us as we continue to reach up to God for direction, reach into each other for support, and reach out to our community and our global family as servants of all.
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
For additional copies of Spectrum 2013, visit the Record Herald office, 320 Washington Square, Washington C.H. Ph. 740-335-9966 Fax 740-335-0388
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Spectrum 2013
Bloomingburg United Methodist: Rooted in family By LANCE CRANMER
Bloomingburg
Staff Writer
E
very quarter-century, Bloomingburg United Methodist Church puts together a small magazine full of church history, events and picture of all the current members and their families. Carol Cramer flips through the old keepsakes and looks at the pictures of her friends. Some are members. Others have passed away. Some who
United Methodist
were just youngsters in the old pictures are adults who today attend Bloomingburg Methodist with children of their own. “You look through these and see some of these people,” Cramer said. “It’s a very family-
oriented church. Everybody is close.” Though she moved out of state for a while and travels frequently for her job, Cramer has always come back to be a part of the church she was baptized in 73 years ago. “You’ll see people there today that were part of the families that I knew that are all gone now,” she said. “The grandkids of all the old members. It’s their children and grandchildren that still come today.” This September, Bloomingburg United
Methodist Church will celebrate 200 years of existence - which is actually a few years older than the town itself. The church was organized in 1813 at a time when Bloomingburg was known as New Lexington, or more commonly “new purchase.” At the time, most preachers travelled from area to area in large circuits. The preacher credited for founding
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Pictured, left to right: Jason Grewell, Kathy Patterson, Julie Howe, Sherri Sattler, Denise Hill, Candis Thomas, Kim Penwell.
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she reaches full volume several months from now. In the weeks to come, Suncea will attend weekly speech therapy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and bi-weekly “tune ups” to adjust her processors as her toleration for sound increases. In the mean time, Suncea and her family are adjusting to her new world. Suncea has already made the discovery of music. To watch her face light up and see her begin to twirl and dance to the sound reassures those closest to her that the decision to move forward with the Cochlear Implants was the right one. This is only one of our miracles, please visit healthypedshealthysolutions.com to find out what we are about.
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Churches of Fayette County Bloomingburg Continued from page 27
Bloomingburg UMC - who also is believed to have been the church’s first leader - was Jesse Rowe. The original church, which did not stand on the current site of Bloomingburg UMC, is described in the church’s historical documents as a very simple structure. “They started in little clapboard buildings,” said Cramer. “In 1893 they built a brick church at the present location.” Church documents said, “Considerable delay occurred in selecting a loca-
Spectrum 2013
tion and in getting the right man to do the work of building. A committee consisting of the Reverend H.W. Hargett, C.T. Lynch and S.N. Brown was appointed to obtain plans and specifications for the new church.” A lot was purchased on July 11, 1893 from M.W. Morris, along with an adjacent partial lot, at what is currently 5 Cross Street in Bloomingburg. On April 5, 1894, R.M. Johnson, Jr., of Mount Sterling, was hired to build the church, except for the pews, at a bid price of $6,400. The bell, which is
Bloomingburg Continued from page 28
Photo courtesy of Carol Cramer
See Bloomingburg, page 29
At Bloomingburg United Methodist Church, all of the children in attendance at a Sunday service are invited come down from to the front for a special service designed especially for the youngsters.
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still in use, was then purchased from Buckeye Bell Company in Cincinnati. The first full shovel of dirt at the site was turned over by Abner Minear, one of the eldest members of Bloomingburg UMC, and on June 5, 1894 the cornerstone was laid by Dr. J.C. Jackson of Columbus. The total cost of building and furnishing the brick building, which is the same building used today, was $8,500. According to church records, “This building was dedicated as a house of worship on September 23, 1894 by the Presiding Elder, Mr. Cherrington.” The wood-framed building that had served as the church until the construction of the new one was sold to James Judy and Henry Wills for $127. It was moved from its previous location near the new building to a new spot on Main Street where it served various uses until it was destroyed by the cyclone of 1948. Church records said, “The twister blew in the large stained glass window, together with part of the brick wall on the west side of the church, damaging the pews on that side of the church and breaking the floor down. The wind, then being inside the
church with no place to go, blew the large window on the east side out and taking part of the brick wall.” In all, nearly $15,000 of damage was caused by the cyclone. While the church was being repaired, Bloomingburg UMC members were welcomed to the nearby Presbyterian church to participate in services. As the years progressed, Bloomingburg UMC began to grow in several different ways. In the 1950s, the church began Christmas programs, hired an organist and elected its first women to its Board of Trustees. “The church was becoming more and more family-oriented,” the historical documents said. “It was continuing to grow and expand in Christian services to the community as the changing times demanded.” In the last few decades the church has put a heavy focus on working with its younger members. A Sunday School class and a Young Adult Class were organized in 1986. Today the church has continued to keep the same kind of focus on teaching its children. “We have a well-established younger children’s worship message and a separate church program, where our three-to-eightyear-olds learn about Jesus and Being a Christian,”
For additional copies of Spectrum 2013, visit the Record Herald office, 320 Washington Square, Washington C.H.
said current minister-intraining Phillip Webb. “We have a fun time in worship with the kids, who then learn songs and do informative projects in the second half of church each week.” The total number of
church members has fluctuated throughout the years, but Cramer estimates today’s membership at around 35 people, which is significantly lower than it was just a few decades ago. “It’s enough to keep it
Spectrum 2013 going because it’s a very loyal and dedicated group that will not let this church fail to survive,” she said. Cramer added that although membership numbers are down, anyone who stood outside the
Bloomingburg United Methodist Church on a Sunday morning to listen could never tell the difference. “We sing like we’re a hundred,” she said. “We let fly. We love our music.”
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Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
Staunton United Methodist: Church dates back to 1820
Submitted by Owen Ivers
T
he Staunton United Methodist Church was established in the year 1820, some 40 years before Abraham Lincoln was elected president. The first gatherings were likely held in the homes of the founding members. The first formal place of worship, a rude log structure, was erected in 1833. Later, in 1851, a frame church was built. This building was enlarged and remodeled from time to time until the congregation had finally outgrown the small building. The framed structure was moved to the edge of
the village and eventually sold to Grace U.M. Church. The building was again moved to the south end of Washington C.H. where it was used by Grace U.M. as a “branch” of their then growing congregation. Once the building was reassembled and remodeled it was given the name “Wesley Chapel.” A great deal of new space was added to the building. The church retained the two front doors, one for women and the other for men. In keeping up with modern times however, the custom of separate seating for men and women had mostly been abandoned. A
Staunton United Methodist sizable spire originally adorned the structure but was badly damaged by lightning just a few years after the move and was eventually removed. The building was sold for $1,500 in 1939 to South Side Church of Christ and used until the early 1960s when it was finally torn down to build their modern brick
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tory. In just seven years, (2020) we’ll celebrate our bicentennial. Through the hard work and dedication of its congregation and many Pastoral leaders throughout the years, Staunton church remains to be a beautiful place of worship unlike the more modern mega-churches of the present day. Most recently, the church was remodeled last summer, which included a new metal roof, interior paint and a new heat and central A/C system as the major projects. Careful consideration has been made to preserve the history of this quiet country church, untouched by the big screen TV’s, rock bands and gymnasiums of today’s more modern congregations. Although we are what some people would call a “small” church, we continue to be a beacon in our community and work to support many local, national and world-wide missionary projects. Our apportionments are paid to
the Methodist Conference to help to support humanitarian efforts all over the world in times of war, famine and natural disasters. Nationally, we sent blankets to victims of the recent storms in New York and New Jersey. Locally, we helped a family, who was burned out of their home during the holidays, with clothing, food, money and Christmas gifts. We did a canned food drive during the holidays to benefit the Fayette County Food Pantry and throughout the year we take up a special offering every third Sunday of the month to give to the Food Pantry. We also are fortunate in that we own a spacious meeting hall with full kitchen and facilities that we rent out for meetings, family gatherings, wedding receptions, parties, etc. Staunton Church, small may it be, continues to do big things and strives daily to strengthen our relationship with God and to spread the love of Jesus Christ.
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Phone: 740-335-2200 Fax 740-335-2446 Cellular: (740) 572-1413 maxhughes@gusweiler.com
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building still in use today. In 1900, our present beautiful gothic-style building was built at an amazing cost of only $19,420.98, a large sum at that time. The size of the new super-structure called for the relocation of several graves in the cemetery surrounding the church. The building featured slanted hard-wood floors, large brilliant stained glass windows, cathedral style ceilings with exposed wood beams and two towering steeples over both entrances. The steeples were later removed in 1962 due to leaking and maintenance issues. The leading incentive to build the new church was a bequest of $1,000 left by the late Robert Worthington, with which the building committee purchased a beautiful stained glass window depicting the “Good Shepard,” in his honor. On average, the present building had been remodeled and redecorated about every 10 years since 1963 and has been well taken care of in its 113-year his-
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Fax (740) 335-3713 Cell (360) 929-0451
JOSH BRANNIGAN Internet Sales Manager Joshb@gusweilertoyota.com GUSWEILER TOYOTA 1132 St. Rt. 41 SW Washington C.H., OH 43160 Visit us at gusweilertoyota.com
CELL:740-505-2451 Bus. Phone 740-333-3860 1-800-450-3863 Fax 740-333-3854
Page 31 – Spectrum 2013
www.chford.com
(740) 335-1670 (800) 358-3673 Cell (740) 572-6774 Fax (740) 335-3713
Bread of Life Food Pantry: Ministry serves manna to families STANDING
IN
OHIO
CHIP CHIP HOORAY 2,1:56.2; 3,1:53.3 (($1,149,626) Pine Chip-Share A Victory-Valley Victory Leading money-winning trotting sire standing in Ohio • Sire of the winners of over $2 million in 2012 and over $12 million lifetime • Sire of The Meadows’ 2012 “3YO Filly Trotter of the Year” Miss Chip K 3,1:56f ($116,545) and multiple 2012 stakes winner Ciao Dough 3,1:56.2f • Sired the three top-priced Ohio-eligible trotting yearlings at 2012 BHS-Fall • In 2012, he bred his largest single book of mares since 2005 2013 Fee $2,500
FEELIN FRISKIE p,2,1:54.3; 3,1:49.1 ($784,210) Artiscape-Nadia’s Sister-No Nukes Ohio’s #1 pacing sire – on the racetrack and at the sales • Leads all Ohio-eligible pacing sires in 2 & 3YO earnings with over $1 million in 2012 • His offspring swept the 2012 Ohio Sire Stakes 2YO Championships, with Feelin Lika Winner p,2,1:54.1f (colt) and Cating Around p,2,1:54.4f (filly) • Leads all Ohio -eligible pacing sires in number of individual stakes winners in 2012 • Sired the top-pricd yearling at BHS-Fall at $45,000, another at $32,000 2013 Fee $2,500 VICTORY SAM 3,1:54.1 ($558,789) Valley Victory-Raging Sam-Lindy’s Crown Sire of classics winners and OHSS standouts • Sire of the winners of over $1.3 million in 2012 and over $6 million lifetime • Sire of one of the top open trotting mares of the past several years, classics winner Autumn Escapade 1:52.3f ($895,492) • Sire of 3-time OHSS 2YOCT winner in 2012 Final Breath 2,2:00.1h • Sire of 2012 Ohio State Fair 2YOFT winner Tiffany’s Victory 2,2:02f 2013 Fee $1,000 ART OFFICIAL p,3,1:47 ($2,082,885) Art Major-Naughty Shady Lady-Falcon Seelster Somebeachsomewhere’s conqueror is now in Ohio • Established World Records on both mile (1:47) and half mile (1:50.4) tracks • One of only three horses in history to pace two winning miles faster than 1:48 • Winner of the $1M Meadowlands Pace in a battle royal, defeating first-crop siring sensation Somebeachsomewhere in 2008’s “Race of the Year” • Fastest and richest son of the highly successful sire Art Major 2013 Fee $5,000 (Multiple mare discounts available) BIG BAD JOHN p,2,1:50.4; 3,1:49 ($1,000,559) Western Hanover-Trulyawork Of Art-Artsplace World Champion & Jug winner stands his second season • World Champion 2-year-old (1:53h) and winner of six 2-year-old stakes races • Straight heats winner of the Little Brown Jug (1:50.2h-1:50h), defeating the best of his generation – Roll With Joe, Betterthancheddar and Up The Credit
• A dark and handsome son ($130,000 yearling) of “sire-maker” Western Hanover • Bred a full book of 140 mares his first year with his initial book closing early 2013 Fee $4,000
BREAK THE BANK K 2,1:55.3f; 3,1:51.3 ($1,104,620) Revenue S-American Misty-American Winner Breeder’s Crown Champion with Hall of Fame bloodlines • At 2, winner of the year’s first open stake, the Harriman Cup at the Meadowlands • Winner of 11 stakes races at 2 and 3 including the 3YO Breeders Crown, one of two occasions where he defeated eventual Horse of the Year Lucky Chucky • “He’s got all the attributes to be a highly successful sire.” – his driver, Brian Sears • An outcross stallion perfect for Ohio’s mares; standing his first season in 2013 2013 Fee $3,500 ($3,000 for multiple mares)
STANDING IN INDIANA ARTIST’S VIEW p,2,1:55; 3,1:50.4; 1:49.4 ($788,811) Artsplace-Lady Ashlee Ann-Camtastic Breeders Crown Champions run in this family • Breeders Crown 3YO Colt Pace winner, defeating Always A Virgin and Tell All • Half-brother to Breeders Crown winner and World Champion Betterthancheddar • Early 2YO speed – won his first start at 2 in a NJSS at the Meadowlands • By sire of sires Artsplace and from a dam who has produced winners of $4 million • Tremendous upside! Standing his first season at stud in 2013 2013 Fee $2,500
JAILHOUSE JESSEE 2,1:59.3; 3,1:58.3h; 4,T1:53.3 ($256,350) Donerail-Jailhouse Rock-Balanced Image Once again, Indiana’s leading money-winning trotting sire • #1 trotting sire in indiana in 2012 all-age earnings ($3,088,772) and in 2-year-old earnings ($1,132,329) – from just his first Indiana-sired crop of 2YOs) • Indiana’s leading sire of 2:00 2YO trotters (11) and individual takes winners (19) • Sire of $200,000 Indiana Sire Stakes Gold Final 2YO winners Jesse Lane 2,1:57.4 ($191,806) and Ajuama 2,1:58.2 ($173,100), two of four $100,000-winning 2YOs 2013 Fee $4,000
REAL DESIRE p,2,1:50.4; 3,1:49; 4,1:48.2 ($3,159,814)
By Kenna Barringer and Tami Dawson A warm cup of coffee and a good conversation; some groceries and discussion about Jesus - back in 2008 this was the desire of young couple A.J. and Rachelle Dawson. Their dream led to the creation of the Bread of Life Food Pantry, a place to reach out and help the needy families of Fayette County by striving to meet not only their physical needs but their spiritual ones as well. In the Gospel of John 6:33-35, Jesus declares to the people that He is the bread of life that has come from heaven to give eternal life to those who will believe. AJ and Rachelle used this passage as their motivation when they opened the food pantry in October 2008, in the old Skyscraper building in downtown Washington C.H. When the Bread of Life opened that autumn, a few individuals came at 9:30
Life Sign-Deadly Desire-Troublemaker First Indiana yearlings will sell this fall • The only Indiana pacing sire with two current 2-year-old World Champions in Mystic Desire and Sheer Desire, both career winners of more than $680,000 • Sire of 102 $100,000-plus winners lifetime, and winners of $5.5 million in 2012 • Top performers are led by $1.5-million earner and classics winner Tell All p,3,1:48.3 • Bred to full books of mares in each of his first two seasons at stud in Indiana 2013 Fee $5,000
119 Midland Avenue Bloomingburg, Ohio 43106 (740) 437-7800 or 437-7326 (Nights) Dr. Robert Schwartz Dr. D.E. Mossbarger Dr. John C. Mossbarger Jay Mossbarger Dr. Lisa Santa-Emma 2361968
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Bread of Life
a.m. that Saturday morning to enjoy a cup of coffee and some donuts. Someone would then share a short devotion around 11 a.m. and have a time of prayer. The servants would offer a small lunch and a bag of groceries upon departure around noon. As the months carried on, however, the small building would continually become crowded and cramped as more and more people heard about this wonderful ministry. Throughout this unexpected growth phase, the Bread of Life members were constantly amazed at the provision of God for this outreach. On days when no food was sitting on the pantry shelves, some-
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
one, somehow, would donate money or groceries to give away to those who needed them. The Bread of Life (BoL) is offered through the mission program at Grace Community Church. Through resources at Grace and private donations of food and finances, the BoL continued to grow as it served more and more families and individuals. Starting out with a handful of volunteers and patrons, it was soon discovered that the small, narrow Skyscraper was not going to be able to serve our needs for long. In April 2010, the BoL food pantry relocated to The Warehouse, a nonprofit youth center located at 313 S. Elm St. This move gave the BoL more tableroom for guests, a separate area for food distribution, and a café-style serving area for lunches. The number of families given groceries at this time had See BOL, page 33
BOL Continued from page 32
jumped up to 40-50 families per week. In addition to the grocery bag of food, the BoL was now able to give away bread items and produce items as well. While The Warehouse was a huge improvement in space from the small Skyscraper building, the BoL members were constantly thinking about other ways to reach out to the community. By this time it was nearing 2012 and The Well at Sunnyside had opened as an inter-denominational community outreach center in town. These two organizations began communicating regarding a possible integration of the food pantry into The Well. For awhile now the board members of The Well had desired to have the ability to offer food and groceries to families in town, in addition to the weekly meals they serve. This co-operation seemed inevitable and led by God, so in March of 2012 the Bread of Life food pantry opened on a Saturday morning for the first time at The Well location on South Fayette Street. This move offered the use of the large auditorium with sound system, a full kitchen facility for meal preparation, and classroom set aside specifically for use by the BoL. At this point in the life of the BoL, over 60 families and individuals were being given groceries each week with nearly 40 receiving a hot meal and hearing a message from the Bible. Today the Bread of Life food pantry is continuing to grow and branch out. We
have partnered with numerous organizations and businesses in the area that provide food items and monetary donations which help to keep this ministry thriving. The Good Hope Lions Club, Washington Lions Club, and Altrusa Club are just a few of the organizations in the community that have helped the Bread of Life over the years. A typical Saturday morning begins at 9 a.m., with volunteers arriving as early as 7:30 a.m. to prepare for the morning. Coffee and hot chocolate are offered in the morning, along with donuts, bagels, and muffins. At 9:30 a.m., we begin handing out groceries using a number system. Once your number is called you will receive a bag of produce (potatoes, tomatoes, etc.), a bag of fruit (grapes, apples, etc), loaves of bread, and a bag of grocery items. Occasional ‘extras’ are available as well, such as yogurt cups, cheese, hot dogs or eggs. These items are dependent on the donations of the week. During grocery handout, birthdays are announced and other news is reported. Once the groceries have been received, someone from the community, from Grace, or from the Bread of Life will share a short devotional message followed by a time for prayer requests. Around 11:30 a.m. the meal is served for lunch, with tea and lemonade to drink. Clean-up is usually finished around 12:30 p.m. On Saturday mornings a children’s class is now offered for kids in Pre-K Fifth grade. They are able to make a craft, hear a story from the Jesus Storybook Bible, and eat ‘family style’
Spectrum 2013
in their classroom before joining their parents in the auditorium. For the ladies of the BoL, a canning and freezing class was offered last year to teach our patrons how to can veggies. We also made grape jelly and apple jelly with enough jars for everyone to take home a few jellies to sample. Annually the BoL also hosts an Easter meal and a Christmas meal. We hand out free tickets in advance to estimate the number of people we can expect. At the Christmas meal in December 2012 we served a delicious lunch to about 220 people. Each week our volunteer count ranges from 15-20, with new people stopping by Volunteers work to package food. to help all the time. We cur- Life has been a ministry or- grow in the future. rently hand out 70-75 bags dained and sustained by the If you would like to be of groceries to our neighbors hand of God. We are able involved in this ministry or in the community with our now to serve more people in would simply like more inmeal count close to 50 hot Fayette County than ever be- formation, please visit the meals every week. From its fore and we are anticipating website of Grace Commuconception, the Bread of the ways this outreach will nity Church at gracecom-
munity.net under the Ministries, Missions Tab, or The Well’s website at wellsunnyside.org. You can also stop by The Well on Saturday mornings to check out the Bread of Life.
DEAN A PARTMENTS
Kathy Dean, Manager
Glenn Ave., Washington C.H. Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m.-1 p.m.
• 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments • Private Patios • Air Conditioned • Washer/Dryer Hook-Ups • Stove/Refrigerator/Dishwasher Furnished Page 33 – Spectrum 2013
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Churches of Fayette County
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
Keep Your Child Safe
Sugar Creek Baptist: Started in a 1830 schoolhouse, still serving Submitted by Carolyn DeWeese
S
ugar Creek Baptist Church, 3263 U.S. 35 Northwest, is one of the oldest in Fayette County, having been organized in 1830. At first, meetings were held in a log building that was used as a schoolhouse during the week. The cemetery is very old and must have been selected before the church organization because there are monuments standing, dating from 1810. Henry Baughn, a settler from Culpepper, Va., and his son Zachariah gave the land for a meeting house and burying ground to the trustees of the Regular Baptist Church known as Sugar Creek on Nov. 17, 1838. In 1840 a long one room frame building was erected, which was in use until 1900. Documented early members of the church include Henry Baughn, Elizabeth Baughn, Zachariah and Rebecca Baughn, Simeon Baughn, Charles Sexton, Samuel Highbee, Richard Baughn, Enos R. Yeoman, Joab and Elizabeth Carr, and Peter Fultz. The Sunday School was organized in 1850. Church records prior to 1906 were lost in a house fire. Sunday School records exist from December 1887. Offering was an average of 45-55 cents per Sunday and attendance ranged from 37 to 56. The church did not
have a full-time preacher, but did hold Sunday School every Lord’s Day. Some of the early preachers were Sam Smith, D.D. Johnson, Jimmy Jones, Rev. Thomas, Rev. Bond, and Rev. Burnett. At a business meeting on Feb. 11, 1900, the church members voted to empower the building committee to proceed with the promotion and completion of a new church building. The last services were held March 4, 1900, when a picture was taken of the congregation and the old church. At this meeting deacons from the Methodist Protestant Church at the corner of Palmer and
Sugar Creek Baptist Bush Roads came and invited the congregation to a meeting with them during the building construction. Tearing down the building began the following day. The building committee consisted of Elon Thornton, Jackson Baughn, Judson Baughn, Noah Baughn, and Jesse Fultz. The supervising carpenter was Tom
Michael. The building was dedicated on Nov. 12, 1900, and was rededicated, free and clear of debt in September 1901, by the first pastor of the new church, Rev. J.E. Medick. This was an ultra-modern country church. It had a baptistery, acetylene gaslights, beautiful stained-glass windows, and Sunday School room, a coal furnace, and an elevated floor. In 1916 Sunday School was held every Sunday and worship services were held the first and third Sunday. In 1958, the church called its first bivocational pastor, the Rev. Paul Minnich. At various
times the church was served by student pastors from Denison University. While Mr. Spoerri was pasturing the church, he started the Baptist Young People’s Union, which started work on digging the basement in 1927. The work extended to church members, and men of the community joined in to complete the task. Recent additions have been 1933-electricity, 1951-first oil furnace, 1967-water system, 1976lowering of ceiling, 1972aluminum siding, 2004-vinyl siding, 1993air conditioning, 2005 new wheel chair ramp. Groundbreaking for the new Sugar Creek Chris-
tian Center adjacent to the existing church building was held March 23, 1997. It is used for Sunday School, fellowship gatherings and community events. Members of the steering committee were the Rev. Gerald Koster, Robert Goodson, Olan Bentley, Michael Campbell, Stephanie Campbell, Mark Workman, Danny Merritt, Jim Thomas, Martha Carman, Jack DeWeese, and Mike Inskeep. Services are held every Sunday with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. followed by worship services at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Bobby Joyce of Lebanon brings a message from the Bible every Sunday.
Shaken Baby Syndrome and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Free e Must call and register for classes m o h e tak Second Thursday of each month - 6:00 p.m. ial mater at Fayette County Memorial Hospital Board Room No Child Care
S h a k e n B a b y S y n d ro m e
Center, Neighborhood Ministries, Kirkwood Camp and Conference Center, The Racetrack Chaplaincy, S.O.C.K.S., The American Legion Christmas for Kids, Hospice of Fayette County, and The Life Pregnancy Center. They help local emergency situations with funds from their benevolence budgets. They volunteer two months each year at The Well at Sunnyside, support its Utility Club and the monthly challenges. They make a monthly contribution to Loads of Love, a mission of The Well. They collect food monthly for The Fayette County Food Pantry.
« Learn seven steps
« Develop a 4-part plan to prevent inflicted head trauma from occurring
to keep your child safe
« Witness the effects of shaking an infant or young child In 2006 they purchased school supplies which were sent with a church member when he was deployed with his reserve unit to Kyrgyzstan. In 2007, following the ban of the Ten Commandments in certain places in the U.S., they purchased and had installed a lighted stone monument displaying, for the community, the Ten Commandments in front of the church. Through steadfast prayer and with the help of our Lord, this small church makes an impact on the local and world community with gifts of resources and volunteer time.
C h il d S exu al A bu se
« Learn the dangers associated with shaking infants and young children
Impacting the world… Sugar Creek Baptist Church has several groups organized within the church that help with community and mission charities. These include the Crusader Adult Sunday School Class, the Board of Deacons, and the American Baptist Women’s Missionaries. Through their initiatives they help address the issues of oppression that affect lives here at home and in other countries. Through projects and an annual yard sale, they support a scholarship student from Ohio, several missionaries across the globe, and missions in Ohio. Overseas ministries include the Congo, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, Liberia, and Myanmar. The church family has also donated to The Fayette County Food Pantry, The Well at Sunnyside, The Dayton Christian
Snack s Door Prizes
See
from sexual predators
Elijah’s Story
Did you know …
Did you know …
• Shaken Baby Syndrome is one of the most preventable forms of
• You can prevent child sexual abuse
child abuse
• Limiting one-on-one time can prevent child sexual abuse
• There are long-term effects to Shaken Baby Syndrome • Having a PLAN will help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome • Fayette County Family and Children First Council offers FREE Shaken Baby Syndrome trainings Trainings … • January • July • March • September • May • November
• Statistics show … 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before they are 18 years old • Most predators are close to your child Trainings … • February • April • June
For more information, contact Julie Stepter at 335-0350 Ext. 273 - faycofcfc@gmail.com 2363412
Page 34 – Spectrum 2013
Sponsored by Fayette County Family and Children First Council
Page 35 – Spectrum 2013
Funded by Ohio Children’s Trust Fund
• August • October • December
Keep Your Child Safe Shaken Baby Syndrome and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Free e Must call and register for classes m o h e tak Second Thursday of each month - 6:00 p.m. ial mater at Fayette County Memorial Hospital Board Room
Snack s Door Prizes
No Child Care
S h a k e n B a b y S y n d ro m e
C h il d S exu al A bu se
« Learn the dangers associated with shaking infants and young children
« Learn seven steps
« Develop a 4-part plan to prevent inflicted head trauma from occurring
to keep your child safe
« Witness the effects of shaking an infant or young child See
from sexual predators
Elijah’s Story
Did you know …
Did you know …
• Shaken Baby Syndrome is one of the most preventable forms of
• You can prevent child sexual abuse
child abuse
• Limiting one-on-one time can prevent child sexual abuse
• There are long-term effects to Shaken Baby Syndrome • Having a PLAN will help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome • Fayette County Family and Children First Council offers FREE Shaken Baby Syndrome trainings Trainings … • January • July • March • September • May • November
• Statistics show … 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before they are 18 years old • Most predators are close to your child Trainings … • February • April • June
For more information, contact Julie Stepter at 335-0350 Ext. 273 - faycofcfc@gmail.com 2363412
Sponsored by Fayette County Family and Children First Council
Page 35 – Spectrum 2013
Funded by Ohio Children’s Trust Fund
• August • October • December
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
Bloomingburg Presbyterian: A long history of community work By Alice Craig
W
ithin short years of its founding on Nov. 22, 1817, the Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church was already known especially for “providing a wealth of support to people in need.” The people most direly in need at that time were transients of the most historic kind: slaves escaping from the South. Abolition: Local historian Kenneth Craig (father of Washington C.H. dentist Dr. Warren Craig) always believed that the controversial antislavery issue was the main reason the church’s first minister, the Rev. William Dickey, ended up with the Bloomingburg congregation, which he subsequently served long and well, for 40 years. Dickey had been born in 1774 in South Carolina, was educated in Tennessee and Kentucky, and preached in Kentucky for 15 years before coming to Ohio. During those early, formative years in the South, he developed a strong aversion to slavery. At first, Dickey preached at Washington C.H.’s First Presbyterian Church, then added the Bloomingburg congregation; but after three years in a dual ministry, he decided to concentrate on the Bloomingburg church. (Today, one can merely speculate why.) Men of the latter congregation hitched oxen to wagons and literally moved their minister’s
log cabin to Bloomingburg. Evidence of “Father Dickey’s” influence on his Bloomingburg worshipers became newly available about a decade ago during a four-year investigation of the Underground Railroad made by the 1998/2001 Research History classes of well-known teacher Paul LaRue at Washington High School. Those classes concluded that “the Presbyterian church was the most actively involved of any denomination in the area” in the Underground Railroad, and that it was ministers William Dickey, James Dickey (his halfbrother), Samuel Crothers and Hugh Fullerton who had the greatest impact on area Presbyterian congregations concerning abolition. Many local Underground Railroad station keepers were members of this particular Bloomingburg church, and the church hosted a series of debates that led to the organization of the AntiSlave Society in the 1830s. (One notorious incident occurred when church windows were broken by a pro-slavery mob.) Thanks to efforts by LaRue and his students, in the summer of 2000 the Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church was selected as one of Ohio’s first historic sites to receive a marker flag from the Friends of Freedom Society for its Underground Railroad activism. The
minister at that time, the Rev. Gary Miller, was the church’s 32nd pastor. Education: Another supportive field in which the Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church figured prominently in its first half-century of existence was higher education. Col. James Stewart, who in 1817 had housed the first Presbyterian services in his log barn, bequeathed upon his 1862 death $2,000 and ground for the purpose of building an academy. The brick school building that current readers of the Record-Herald remember, although not the structure originally built, did stand on the same site north of the village as had the academy. An association was founded in 1863 under supervision of the Presbyterian Church; and a stock company was formed and shares sold at $50, again with the Presbyterian deacons supervising. The academy building was finished in time to start school in 1865. Bloomingburg Academy existed until 1877 or ‘78, when the building was used for a Normal School. After a few years it was changed to a Common School, with the first high school class graduating in 1888. By 1914 a four-year course of study was instituted. In the fall of 1962, local high school students traveled away from the village of Bloomingburg for the first time to the newly opened Miami Trace High
School, while the old brick building continued in use as the Miami Trace Junior High. With the recent building of new structures on a single Miami Trace campus, Bloomingburg’s historic old building was razed and education was no longer provided in the village. Other early support: A time capsule was placed in the cornerstone of the Fayette County Court House in 1883, while the Rev. Ferdinand von Krug - who had been born in Germany and changed from the Lutheran Church to the Presbyterian after he had immigrated to the U.S. was serving as the seventh minister of Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church. During renovation of the court house a few years ago, this time capsule was discovered and opened. It contained a wealth of information concerning all aspects of the Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church’s first 66 years of existence. Of relevance to this topic of providing support to people in need may be a document that listed “Benevolent ContribuSee BPC, page 38
Page 37 – Spectrum 2013
William Dickey, B.P.C.’s longestserving pastor (1817-1857)
Judith Birdsall, B.P.C.’s only female minister (1996-1998)
Churches of Fayette County A history of Bloomingburg Presbyterian … By Alice Craig
F
or 196 years the Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church has served its sometimes thriving, sometimes waning small community in northcentral Fayette County. The charter: In January of 1817 the Rev. William Dickey, then serving the recently organized First Presbyterian Church in Washington C.H., was invited to come to Bloomingburg and preach the Gospel there as well. Bloomingburg’s prospects looked good at that time. When the village was being laid out two years earlier (in 1815 as “New Lexington”), hopes were high that the village might become the county seat - which did not come to pass. In November of 1817, 26 people met in a log barn just north of town probably across from the recently-razed brick school that had been called Miami Trace Junior High in its final reincarnation and signed a charter forming the Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church. Named as its first ruling
BPC Continued from page 37
kingdom,” the Bloomingburg congregation in 1883 dedicated its offerings most first Sundays of a month as follows: January - Foreign Missions.
BPC
elders were Elijah Allen, Judge James Manary, Robert Robinson and Col. James Stewart. Additional charter members were Matthew Gillespie, Margaret Gillespie, Jane Stewart, Kelley Robinson, William Devalon, Jane Devalon, Phoebe Devalon, Catherine Elliott, Peggy Elliott, Catherine Manary, Elinor Allen, Hester Thompson, William Gunning, Jane Gunning, Andrew Gunning, Barbara Gunning, Jane Sinsabaugh, Nancy Gibson, Joseph Gibson, Betsy Gibson, Elizabeth Boyer and Peggy Allen. Earliest buildings: In March of 1818 the members bought an acre of land from Matthew and Margaret Gillespie as both a burying ground and a site for their church. That log church was situated in the northwest corner of the present-day Bloomingburg Cemetery. In 1824 an adjoining three-fourths of an acre was purchased, and later records show another addition to the southern part of the grounds. This land was used by the congregation as a burying place for over
60 years, when it was transferred to the township for use as a permanent cemetery. After brief use of a brick building - torn down after the discovery of faulty workmanship that made it unsafe - the Presbyterians built again in 1847 on their site at the corner of Wayne and Market Streets. Their third church forms the nucleus of the current church, and is known as the oldest structure in Fayette County still serving as a church. The current church building: The 1847 structure was originally a onestory frame building with two entrances to its single large room. At some point during the next 20 years, a front hall was added, as well as a room across the back of the church, allowing for three classrooms for Sunday school. Sunday school, which had started in 1818, has continued for 195 years, to this very day. By 1870 it was considered necessary to enlarge the building again. The feat of raising the roof and putting another story on top of the existing one was con-
sidered quite an engineering accomplishment for that time. Almost 100 years later, in 1965, the vaulted ceiling was “dropped,” and more modern lights were installed to replace the electric lights that had themselves in the early 1900s replaced the original oil-burning chandeliers. In 1952 a concreteblock addition called “the annex” was built onto the back of the church and furnished largely by manual labor of the church members. Wilbur Vernon headed the finance committee for this ambitious do-it-yourself project; cousins Harry Craig and Dan Thompson were cochairs of the building committee; Raymond Scott was the treasurer; and Stanley Scott drew up the architectural plans. This structure added a spacious kitchen, two restrooms, and one large room that could be divided by folding curtains into five separate classrooms. The facility housed two elementary classrooms of Bloomingburg School one overcrowded year, and was rented to the county’s Head Start satellite pro-
gram for more than a decade. Today the annex is the scene of social hours prior to each Sunday worship service, plus occasional wedding receptions, anniversary parties, family reunions, auctions, and the like. For about half a century, accessibility and heating difficulties discontinued most use of the upper story, called “the sanctuary,” so that all regular worship services took place during those decades on only the ground floor, in the so-called “Sunday school room.” Just in the past few years, however, church members renovated the sanctuary; and a chairlift installed in October of 2009 can take mobilityimpaired people to the upper level, which is reached via striking curved staircases that ascend on both sides of the entry foyer. Now from spring into fall the Bloomingburg Presbyterians again enjoy inspiring worship services in their historic sanctuary. Pastors: Of the 33 men who have thus far been ministers at Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church, only
three served more than 10 years; and those three whose pastorates total 75 years - are also the only ones whose remains rest in the local cemetery. Father Dickey served 40 years (1817-57), Robert Wilson 14 years (1851-65), and John Glenn 21 years (1927-48). Although to date it has been almost exclusively men who have “accepted the call” as pastors, two former ministers’ wives deserve special mention for their roles in the lives of the Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church worshipers. Mrs. Paul Elliott used her considerable musical talent to build up the choirs during her husband’s 1952-57 tenure; and Mrs. John Glenn, who outlived her husband by many years, helped immeasurably in the women’s association and taught a Sunday school class as long as her health permitted. Elizabeth Terry, wife of current minister Randy Terry, is herself an ordained Presbyterian minister, and at some worship services provides special music for the glory of God.
February - Works among Freedmen. April - Missionary Department, Board of Publication. May - Home Missions. July - Sustentation Fund, to supplement small salaries in weak, but promising churches. October - Board of Education, to assist worthy
but poor young men in preparing for the ministry. November - Church Erection Board. December - Relief Fund, for the support of disabled and aged ministers and their families. Current support to people in need: Today’s Bloomingburg Presbyterians are committed to two
major goals: maintaining their historic building, and helping primarily the residents in their small community. They have good contacts in the volunteer fire department, who alert them when a local family has suffered and needs direct assistance, such as clothing or household goods, paying an electric
bill, or similar. The church will be the future headquarters of an annual free soup supper for the entire community that has been put on by the village’s volunteer fire department, Masonic Lodge, and churches. Bloomingburg Presbyterians also provide food for the Fayette County
Food Pantry, housed at First Presbyterian Church in Washington C.H., and contribute each month to the projects of The Well at Sunnyside, an ecumenical mission where several church members also participate regularly in meal preparation.
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Churches of Fayette County
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See BPC, page 39
Continued from page 38
For a number of years starting in 1991, the church’s annex housed a permanent satellite operation of Fayette County’s Head Start program, giving area young children a healthy educational foundation. To the disappointment of church members, however, this mission did not result in a surge of new churchgoers. “Serving religious needs”: In one particular year, the church must indeed have been serving religious needs spectacularly, for in 1830 “the Holy Spirit came upon the congregation in great power, and 109 were added to the church on profession of faith, and five by certificate: the largest annual accession in its history.” By 1883 (thus in its first 66 years) Bloomingburg Presbyterian membership rolls had reached a total of 1,075 names. Out of that number 14 had already gone forth as ministers of the Gospel. Closer to home, however, the church families were being guided to “read some good Religious Newspaper, devoted to the interests of the church, and also some Missionary Periodical, giving regular information of the spread of the kingdom of God. “Such reading is necessary for full information, it is very interesting, and your own soul will be thrilled as you hear of the wonderful things God is doing in all parts of the world just now. The Pastor [i.e., Ferd. v. Krug] and Elders will be glad to aid you in getting such reading at low prices.” At that point (again according to documents in the 1883 time capsule), there was a Sabbath School with eight officers and nine teachers, a Ladies’
Missionary Society that was an auxiliary to the Woman’s [sic] Missionary Society of the Chillicothe Presbytery, a Young Ladies’ Missionary Society, and a Sabbath School Association. Memorable periods in the church’s cyclical prosperity and decline: During the 1930s Depression, financial difficulties forced the “yoking” of the Bloomingburg congregation with that of McNair Presbyterian Church in Washington C.H. This relationship continued amicably from 1932 until 1965, when each church considered itself viable enough to stand on its own again. Mother Nature - or an “Act of God”? - was largely responsible: After a 1948 tornado severely damaged the Bloomingburg Methodist church, both congregations worshiped together for nearly a year in the Presbyterian building. The fact that some families [note: including this writer’s] continued to attend the latter church even after the Methodist sanctuary had reopened brought new life to the Bloomingburg Presbyterians; and the congregation experienced several prosperous, active decades. Activities during those glory years inspired a strong sense of fellowship and spirituality. These activities included family nights every three months; a Maundy Thursday potluck and an Easter breakfast prepared by the men; special programs on Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day; a worship service for graduating seniors prior to high school commencement; Vacation Bible School; and summertime ice cream socials and Sunday school picnics out in the country In addition, the congregation participated in food preparation for Monday night suppers for the village’s Lions Club and for Midland Acres’ Show Day each
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The church’s plain New England-style exterior is shown above in this January 2013 photo.
Labor Day weekend; a Pheasant Safari sponsored by the Lions Club; a pre-election supper that for more than 60 years drew hundreds of diners and politicians from all around Fayette County; a community Thanksgiving Eve service that alternated annually among the various denominations of Bloomingburg; a Christmas Walk fundraiser; and a Christmas Eve candlelight service at which food was collected for the county’s food pantry. In 1967 the congregation commemorated its 150th anPage 39 – Spectrum 2013
niversary. There were 153 registered members at the time of this sesquicentennial, with church attendance averaging around 45 each Sunday. In the last half-century, however, people appear to consider religious needs less important, and membership in many mainline churches has been decreasing. In January of 1983, to stay afloat, the Bloomingburg Presbyterians were forced to yoke again, this time with Midway Presbyterian Church in Sedalia (Madison County). Thirty years later, the two small congrega-
tions continue to share the expenses of a half-time “supply pastor,” currently the Rev. Randy Terry, who commutes each Sunday from Jackson, Ohio. These days the size of the congregation, which at the start of 2013 had 39 names on its “active member list” but rarely sees that many at a worship service, tends to be similar to that 196 years earlier, when 26 devout citizens met in the log barn of Col. James Stewart to organize the Bloomingburg Presbyterian Church.
Churches of Fayette County
Fayette County Food Pantry: Feeding families in need since 1982 By LANCE CRANMER Staff Writer
M
ore need doesn’t always mean more donations. Especially in the winter time when the need is so high. “It does go up in the winter,” said Karen Bloedel, the Manager of the Fayette County Food Pantry, located in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church on North Hinde Street in Washington C.H. “People want to do things for their families. If they take funds they don’t have and use them for Christmas, then they don’t have funds for other things.” Bloedel said that during 2012, a total of 1,351 families visited the food
Fayette County Food Pantry pantry at least once. The majority, 83 percent of those families, came four times or less. “That’s telling me they came four months when they probably couldn’t make a payment or were running short,” she said. The Fayette County Food Pantry is currently accepting donations from the community to help feed families in need. “We’re noticing that we have more families, but they’re smaller families,” she said. “We’re looking
for things like complete meals, which are terrific. Two people might not do a lot of cooking. And things like cereal are always terrific for families that do have children.” The food pantry accepts donations of all sizes, ranging from a few dollars to big donations. For instance, Hospice of Fayette County (HOFC) just donated 38 pounds of peanut butter. “HOFC recognizes the importance of community support. Helping other organizations as much as we can keeps our community of Fayette County and surrounding areas united,” said Erin Rickman, Volunteer Coordinator at Hospice of Fayette County. “It’s important to support our community organizations as these people are
Churches of Fayette County
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The early origins of Washington C.H. churches… By Wanda Jones Mickle
I
t was a quarter of a century or more after Fayette County - its villages and county seat - came into being that the first houses of worship were built in Washington C.H. On Sept. 8, 1885, the churches with more ambition were virtually destroyed by a cyclone.
According to Grace United Methodist Church records, Washington C.H. was laid out in 1811 and that was the first quarterly meeting held by the Methodist Church. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1817 by Thomas Soloman Carr at the home of Thomas Wilson. There was another Methodist Church erected in 1845 and
Many of the early churches were destroyed or damaged by a 1885 cyclone used until 1955. It was destroyed by fire in 1959. The new Grace United Methodist Church was built on the same site on Dec. 3, 1961. It was headed by Reverend
Mark Dove and aided by Reverend Allen Puffenberger. The Presbyterian Church, which came about at the same time as the Methodist Church, was organized at a meeting on
Oct. 10, 1813. Reverend Gerald Wheat is the pastor of the first Presbyterian Church. The Baptist Church was founded on Feb. 21, 1840. The Pastor of First Baptist is Reverend Ralph Wolford. In 1879, the Church of Christ held its first services. The first house of worship was See Origins, page 44
The Well at Sunnyside: Churches unite for good of the people By MARK FAHEY Staff writer
From left to right, Bruce Johnson, Karen Bloedel, Cheryl Fisher and Ann Winkle work together to fill food bank orders.
our neighbors and will be the neighbors of our next generation.” Frequently the Fayette County Food Pantry receives donations of money, which is then compiled and taken to stores to buy groceries once a month. Bloedel said that the food pantry focuses on necessities when making purchases, so sometimes more expensive items cannot be bought. That’s where food donations come in handy. “Things we do have trouble getting that are costly are like beef stew,” Bloedel said. “And frills are always appreciated. Frosting. Any kind of treat things. We are no frills. If Staff members at Hospice of Fayette County recently delivered a donation of 38 it’s not donated from the pounds of peanut butter to the Fayette County Food Pantry. community, we don’t do Page 40 – Spectrum 2013
it.” Anyone looking to make a donation to the Fayette County Food Pantry can do so by visiting the First Presbyterian Church. The food pantry itself is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. If the pantry is closed there is a box for food donations. Any monetary donations can be dropped off in the church office. Bloedel said that the greatest need for donations comes at the end of each month. “It’s the hardest,” she said. “People run out of their assistance and they run out of their food stamps.” To be able to use the Fayette County Food
Pantry, Bloedel said that families much receive a referral from either a church or the Fayette County Office of Job and Family Services. The food pantry opened its doors in 1982 and has worked to help those in need in Fayette County for 30 years now. “We started with about 20 families a month or so,” Bloedel said. “Now we see 400 to 500 families a month.” She said that she is thankful that the generosity of the community has allowed them to stay in business this long. “We’re really appreciative of all the support we get from the community,” Bloedel said. “Without them we couldn’t do it.”
O
n any given day, the hallways at The Well at Sunnyside are busy with local families exploring the center’s many offerings, from free meals and clothes to tax filing advice. The Well is an ecumenical center, a project shared between more than 30 Fayette County churches that provides a wide variety of programs to support the local community. “It’s important to the community because there are many people in need that can’t afford to go buy clothes or buy some of the items we have,” said Chiquita Nash, free store director and volunteer coordinator at The Well. “There are many people that could not eat if they couldn’t come to here and the other churches.” The center serves more than 1,000 household
The Well at Sunnyside members each month and provides more than 13,000 meals each year, said Nash. A steady group of about 75 volunteers staffs the center each month, sorting donations, serving meals and staffing the center’s free store, with assistance coming from individual area churches each month. “It’s helping people, which is what we’re supposed to do as Christians, said Bertha Terry, a volunteer from First Church of God. “That’s our mission.” The center is run with money from each of the member churches and fundraisers with other groups in the community. The free store is also stocked through donations
from around Fayette County. Dinners are provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays and lunches are available on Saturdays, said Nash. The Well also helps local families feed their children during the summer with seasonal Kids Cafe lunches and gives away about 500 backpacks with school supplies each year in August. During tax season, the center helps people file their taxes for free. This year, more than 190 tax returns have already been filed in less than two weeks, said Nash. “We have a lot of people saying they’re tired of making H&R Block rich and they want to keep the money themselves,” Nash said. “That’s basically what we’re here for, to save people money.” A new free clinic program is scheduled to begin operation in April. A doctor and nurses from Fayette County Memorial Hospital will be available to help uninsured people
Betty Slone and Stephanie Collins pick out clothing at the free store at The Well at Sunnyside.
with serious or chronic illnesses. The clinic will begin with appointments on one Wednesday a month, but may expand depending on demand, said Nash.
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Nash said that The Well is always looking for volunteers, churches and local organizations that want to help with their mission. “We’re always looking for churches that want to
be members, because we have two months that we don’t have filled yet,” said Nash. “We’re making some changes, and if anybody would like to join us we’d love to have them.”
Proudly Serving Fayette County Since 1974 Major Sponsor of Area Sports & Scholarships
The 2012 McDonald’s Fayette County Championship Trophy is presented to the Miami Trace Panthers team and coaches by Nick Epifano, McDonald’s owner, following the Saturday morning sports wrap-up show on WCHO.
Nick Epifano, left, McDonald’s of Fayette County owner, awarded the McDonald’s Fall Scholar Athlete Awards on Saturday, Nov. 17 following the WCHO Sports Wrap Up Broadcast. Pictured with Epifano are (l-r): Cameron Morgan, WCH soccer and coach Aaron Teter; Hayden Hufford, Fayette Christian School soccer and coach David Kephart; Amy Sheeter, Fayette Christian School volleyball (coach Angela Harris not pictured); WCH tennis coach Lana Shoemaker with Sarah Nester; Miami Trace soccer coach Kim Pittser with Judith Straathof; Brantlyn Decker, Miami Trace football (coach Steve Barlett not pictured); and Randy Young of WCHO.
®
McDonald’s of Jeffersonville Holds Grand Re-Opening Event During the McDonald’s of Jeffersonville Grand Re-Opening Event Owner/Operater Nick Epifano presented 12 groups with a $1000 donation each. Groups in attendance were: Fayette Christian School, MiamiTrace Local School,Washington City Schools, Fayette County Memorial Hospital Foundation, Hospice of Fayette County, United Way of Fayette County, M.A.D.D., Ronald McDonald House of Columbus,The Well at Sunnyside, Fayette County FamilyYMCA, Red Cross of Fayette County, Fayette Sheriff's Auxiliary, for a total of $12,000 Signifying 12 years of owning the McDonald's restaurants in Fayette County. The ceremony ended with a ribbon cutting (pictured above) and closing prayer.
FCMH Partners in Pink Mammograpy Program McDonald’s of Fayette County Winter Sports Award Winners left to right: Randy Young, Mary Miller, Miami Trace swim coach; Lindsay Burns, Washington C.H. swim coach; Daniella Straathof, Miami Trace swimming; Cassie Miller, Fayette Christian School basketball; Alex Janasov, Washington C.H. girls swim team; Landon Gibbs, Miami Trace swimming; John Wilt, Fayette Christian School basketball; Grant Bender, Washington C.H. swimming; Nick Epifano, owner of McDonald’s; and David Kaphart, Fayette Christian School basketball coach.
McDonald’s of Fayette County owner Nick Epifano presents $500 donations to the scholarship funds at Miami Trace and Washington C.H. Schools. Left to right is MT superintendent Dan Roberts, Epifano and WCH superintendent Keith Brown.
McDonald’s of Fayette County Spring Sports Award Winners pictured, left - right; Randy Young WCHO, Terry Smith Miami Trace softball coach, Carly Strayer Miami Trace softball, Luke Mesker Washington C.H. tennis, Carly Laswell Washington C.H. Track, Louis Reid Washington C.H. track coach, Chris Miller Miami Trace baseball coach, Brady Ward Miami Trace baseball, Nick Epifano owneroperator of McDonald’s of Fayette County.
FOUR LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: Page 42 – Spectrum 2013
Last fall, Nick Epifano, owner-operator of McDonald’s of Fayette County and a Foundation Director, sponsored the first McDrink Pink event. For each strawberry milkshake or strawberry banana smoothie sold on Oct. 27, McDonald’s donated $1 to the FCMH Foundation for the Partners in Pink Mammography Program. Foundation Directors, members of the FCMH Partners in Pink Committee and others joined the McDonald’s staff to learn how to make the beverages and serve customers. A table with educational literature was set up in the restaurant with hospital and program staff available to answer questions. The Partners in Pink Program provides routine mammography screening for women 40 and older, along with diagnostic mammography services for men and women of any age, all of whom are uninsured or underinsured, meet the financial guidelines, and are residents of Fayette County, (including the entire Village of New Holland). Fayette County ranks second in breast cancer mortality in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Columbus service area, which serves over 30 counties. Mammograms are the best screening tool to find breast cancer early.
1401 LEESBURG AVENUE WASHINGTON C.H.
I-71 & US RT. 35 NW JEFFERSONVILLE
2012 McDonald’s Holiday Basketball Shootout
Athletic directors met to finalize plans for the 2012 McDonald’s of Fayette County and Jamestown Holiday Basketball Shootout. Left to right: Jim Wolverton, London; Mark Rinehart, Greeneview; Nick Epifano, owner and operator of McDonald’s of Fayette County and Jamestown; Aaron Hammond, Miami Trace and Matt Mason, Madison Plains. In back is Stu Gardner, sports broadcaster for WCHO radio.
Mark your calendars for our second annual McDrink Pink Event at all Fayette County McDonald’s locations on Nov. 2!
At a FCMH Foundation board meeting, Nick Epifano, center, presented a check representing proceeds from the first McDrink Pink event. These funds will be used to support the FCMH Partners in Pink Mammography Program.
280 ELM STREET 102 W. WASHINGTON ST. WASHINGTON C.H. JAMESTOWN
Drive-thru open 24 Hrs. Leesburg Avenue & Jeffersonville Locations
Dan Roberts, Miami Trace Superintendent and Nick Epifano, owner of McDonald’s of Fayette County, holding the trophy for the 26th Annual McDonald’s Miami Trace Wrestling Invitational.
Pictured are Nick Epifano, owner of McDonald's of Fayette County and Jamestown with Mary Link of the Fayette County S.O.C.K.S. program. Each December Nick shops for toys that go to many needy area children through this program and help them to have a brighter holiday.
2012 MADD Red Ribbon Campaign Kick-Off Left to right: Sue Young, MADD representative, Andy Biven, Chief Deputy, Fayette County Sheriff’s Dept., and Nick Epifano, owner-operater McDonald’s of Fayette County.
Drive-thru open 24 Hrs., Leesburg Avenue & Jeffersonville locations only. Join our team … apply at www.mcohio.com/5361 Page 43 – Spectrum 2013
Churches of Fayette County Origins Continued from page 41
acquired in 1886. The First Christian Church saw Isaac Jenkins baptized after the Civil War. Reverend Ray Russell was the pastor. The Christian Church mission was found in 1879 and a church was destroyed in 1885 by a cyclone, and then rebuilt in 1888. The South Side Church of Christ was organized by a group which held its first meeting on Oct. 23, 1938 in a room under the State Liquor Store. Church of Christ in Christian Union on Gregg Street held a meeting in City Hall in 1906. The present church was built in 1908 but since has gotten larger. Reverend Stan Toler is the present pastor. A Catholic church named St. Mary’s Church was erected in 1836. The present church was built in 1885, except the tower, and it was destroyed in a cyclone in 1885. Reverend Father David Petry is the present pastor. The First Episcopal mission was formed in Washington C.H. in 1880 with Reverend Norman Badger as rector. The Christian Science Church, established in 1917, was introduced by May Millikan in 1914. The Lutheran mission was established in 1959. German settlers first attempted to organize a Lutheran Church in Fayette County in 1873. The Rodgers AME
Church was formed by African-Americans who escaped the enslavement of southern states. The Church of God emerged from open air meetings held on Harrison and Newberry streets in 1906. In 1917, the present Church of God was built, currently directed by Jeri A. Bomgardner. One of the older churches is Second Baptist Church, formed in 1858. The current church was dedicated in 1922 and the current pastor is Reverend Clinton Powell. The first meetings for the Church of Nazarene were held in 1930 and often conducted in tents. The Church of Nazarene is headed by Reverend Sam Slade. The Branch of Jehovah Witnesses was organized here in 1941 in a home on Florence Street. A reorganization meeting was held in 1950. The name of their place is Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses. Immanuel Baptist Church is under the direction of Rev. Brian O. Donahue. There are four other churches in Washington C.H. with past records: Weslyan Church, Church of God, Full Gospel Church, and Church of Christ. They are under the direction of these ministers: Clyde D. Blazer, B.E. Mullins, Louis S. Reynolds, and Lowell Williams. It is said that these four churches have taken steps to a progressive since of well-being for recent congregations.
Rose Avenue, a safe haven for local kids At right, Rose Avenue Community Center Director Greg Fessler talks with a student in the Center's After School Program. Below, students gather at the center for a Friday After School session, and in bottom photo, enjoy games at the Center.
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Churches of Fayette County
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Grace United Methodist: A helping hand at home, abroad Submitted by Dawn Ward
G
race Methodist Episcopal Society was organized in 1817 in the city of Washington C.H. In the beginning, Methodists met in private homes and later in public buildings because more space was required as the congregation grew. On the present corner of North Street and Market Street, there have been three church buildings. The first was an impressive rectangular brick building with tall arched windows and a spire piercing 105 feet into the sky, built in 1867. Methodists came from all around Ohio to attend an annual conference here. The 50 by 80 foot building could seat 500 worshippers, but the fast-growing congregation needed more space by the late 1800’s. Church leaders studied plans and visited several churches before selecting the plan for the imposing blue-gray stone structure which was dedicated in 1895. The magnificent octagonal dome was surrounded by four towers. Passers-by and town visitors often stopped at the church just to admire the window facing North Street which showed Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Inside they were awed by the massive 1,200 pipes of the tubular pneumatic organ which filled the front of the church, and the sanctuary which rang with beautiful,
Grace United Methodist majestic music. This building served the community well until it was consumed by fire within a few short hours on Jan. 14, 1959. Many people still remember where they were when the fire alarm went out that cold January morning. Seventy-five firefighters from eight different fire departments were on hand to battle the intense flames. Most of the church records and historical data were consumed in the fire. A colossal effort was launched to replace the building, and the congregation met in the High School Auditorium for services until it could be rebuilt. Sadly, beloved Pastor Poe died of a massive heart attack the following October 1959. A new pastor came to heal the congregation, and continue the work to be done. Few items remain from the old stone church: a small stone cross, which sat atop the front door of the old church, (and can be seen in the photograph of the spectacular fire) was salvaged from the fire and now has a place of honor on the roof of the Chapel of Grace United Methodist Church, and the corner-
stone of the 1895 Church was built into the courtyard of the current building. Small silver bells were cast from the fire-salvaged metal bell of the church, and many years later two partial pillars and a stone header from the front entrance were found in a local salvage yard. The current building was dedicated in November 1961 with a jubilant service beginning at the temporary meeting place, the High School auditorium. Approximately 800 members walked two blocks to the new church, led by the choir in their new robes, which replaced the robes lost in the fire. As a group, they sang “Onward Christian Soldiers” and filled the new sanctuary with praise and thanks. Although the building was not complete compared to what you see today, it was ready for worship and giving thanks. The beautiful faceted art glass windows were not yet in place, as they would be added later after further fundraising efforts were completed. The Carillon Bells you hear each day at noon and 5 p.m. were not added until later, as was a Schantz pipe organ and completion of the Chapel. Tradition has always been important to the people of Grace Church. An organ has led the worship music since the 1860’s when the only organ in Washington C.H. was carted by wheelbarrow See GUMC, page 46
The church is currently supporting missionary work in Jamaica.
Two Sundays of the year, the church forgoes worship service to go serve the community as part of the “Be The Church” program.
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Churches of Fayette County GUMC Continued from page 45
from the home of Richard Millikan to church every Sunday and returned that evening. There has been a robed choir in worship here since 1920. The candlelight Christmas Eve service tradition began in 1933, as for the first time the congregation sang “Silent Night” by candlelight as the clock struck midnight on Christmas morning. The annual Lenten Luncheons began in 1970 and continue each year. The Lenten luncheons feature delicious food served by the United Methodist Women, and a message by pastors of different Fayette County churches. In the early 1980’s, Grace Church established Grace Weekday Ministries for Children. This state accredited school for young children incorporates an enrichment for 3-year olds class, half-day preschool curriculum, and in 1997 we added a preschool plus childcare full-day program. Here children prepare for elementary school in a Christian and loving environment. We also have a before-and-after school care program, serving children through the fifth grade. Most recently, in 2011, Grace United Methodist Church began a new tradition - a contemporary worship service. This contemporary service is in addition to the traditional service, and is led by a
praise band, and current Christian pop songs are played on guitars, drums, and the keyboards. Over the 196 years Grace Church has been in existence in Fayette County, many people have worked tirelessly for missions, charity, and church projects. Grace Church has a rich history of service to others, and continues that service today. Grace Church, for many years, has hosted a large Easter Egg Hunt for the children of the community, complete with breakfast, the retelling of the Easter story of Jesus’ resurrection, and hundreds and hundreds of toy and candy filled eggs to find. Grace Church has also been serving a series of Lenten Luncheons for over 43 years, inviting pastors from other local churches to come in and give inspiring messages while the community enjoys a delicious lunch prepared by the United Methodist Women. Vacation Bible School has also been a long-standing tradition at Grace Church, where we open our church to local children every weeknight for one week in the summer. At VBS, each child is fed dinner, and then rotates around stations in the church to play biblically themed games, make crafts, hear stories, learn songs and have an opportunity for age appropriate worship, and have a snack. Each year VBS highlights a local mission to support, from The Well at Sunnyside, to the Food Pantry, Loads of Love Laundry
Outreach, and more. The children really get into the missional aspect of VBS and bring in more donations of money or goods than we ever expect. In December, our traditional Night In Bethlehem evening is held. The church is decked out just like we were back in a marketplace of Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago when Jesus was born. Our members dress in period clothing and lead people through different markets to make jewelry, pottery, write in calligraphy, and most importantly, hear the story of Joseph and Mary’s travels and Jesus’ miraculous birth. At that event, over 100 food baskets are given to area residents who are in need. The United Methodist Women also adopt residents at a local nursing home and provide them with Christmas gifts and a celebration. Grace Church also has an active youth program, serving kids from the community from sixth to 12th grade. This mission focused group has raised funds for and participated in mission trips, bought shoes for other school children in need, participated in 30-hour famines to raise awareness of world hunger, raked yards for elderly in the community, served community meals, and supported many other causes. In addition to these long-standing traditions, Grace Church is very interested in partnering with other local churches and organizations to make Washington C.H. a better
EDITOR’S NOTE: Because of its length, the original, complete history of the the church that was submitted can be found in its entirety on the RecordHerald’s website when the 2013 Spectrum edition is published. Submitted by Roger Schafer
F The church lost its building in 1959 when it was destroyed by fire.
Eight hundred members file into the new church building built following the 1959 fire.
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Pleasant View Church of Christ: Church dates back to 1877
and stronger community. Our members and Pastor provide a worship service for residents of Court House Manor every other month, and for residents of Wintersong Village every month. Grace Church financially supports many local outreach organizations headed by other churches here in Fayette County, such as the Food Pantry, the Well at Sunnyside, S.O.C.K.S., FCMH Auxiliary, Habitat for Humanity, L.I.F.E. Pregnancy Center, Meals on Wheels, Relay for Life, Commission on Aging, Red Cross….the list goes on. Nationally, Grace Church mobilizes mission trips to places affected by disaster such as Pearlington, Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina and Joplin, Missouri following the devastating tornado in See GUMC, page 65
Churches of Fayette County
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ollowing is a timeline showing the history of Pleasant View Church of Christ. June 30, 1877 In the 1870s, the country village of Pleasant View was well established at the one crossroads in the 10-mile stretch between Jeffersonville in Fayette County and Jamestown in Greene County. There were some 50 residences, two churches - Baptist, located on the northwest corner of the crossroad, abandoned around 1900, the property bought by Charles Scott; and Methodists located south about an eighth of a mile on the corner of the O. B. Vannorsdall farm, abandoned around 1920 and razed in 1958 - an elementary school, grocery store, blacksmith shop, saw mill, and a tile and brick kiln with rather extensive storage sheds. Highly productive farm lands immediately surrounded to the northeast Jahue Horney, northwest James O. Flax, southwest Riley Vannorsdall and southeast Matthias Flax. Within the community, some 14 residents resolved
Pleasant View Church of Christ to establish a Church of Christ, which had been started in the early 1800’s by Alexander Campbell, based on the New Testament as the only rule and guide of faith and practice. The 14 charter members were: Benjamin Rankin, Thomas Crow, S. W. (Sam) Strong, (who built the church and the pews which are still being used) W. R. Stevenson, Mary Brown, Vincent Glass, Catharine Glass, Levenia Stevenson, Powhattan Glass, James Flax, Mary Flax, Fredonia Strong, Annie Flax, and Henry Sharp. You will find the church referred to as the “Pleasant View Christian (Campbellite) Church” and “Disciples of Christ” in the earlier years in some publications. The Standard Publishing Company of Cincinnati, established in 1865, was the one source of religious news and church literature; Preston P. Glass of Jamestown, brother of Vincent Glass of Pleasant View, gave a news item to the Standard reporting that he had made several trips to advise with the group as to ways and means to provide a place of organized worship. 1877 On June 30, 1877, the
church was organized at the residence of Benson Glass, and the decision was made to build a church. The following are the first two entries made in the earliest church record: “A number of Brethren and Sisters met at Pleasant View, Fayette County, Ohio, on the above date (June 30, 1877) for the purpose of organizing a congregation to be known as the Church of Christ meeting at Pleasant View, Ohio. After reading the Scripture and prayer by Bro. P.P. Glass, the names were enrolled and the following officers were appointed: Benjamin Rankin and Thomas Crow were appointed Overseers, and S. W. (Sam) Strong and Vincent Glass were appointed Deacons.” The next entry was made on Aug. 19, 1877: “Bro. James Flax, Henry Sharp and W.R. Stevenson appointed as Trustees of the church.” On Aug. 20, Bro. Vincent and Sis. Catharine Glass sold the property to the church for $135, which the church building was to be built on. 1878 Worship was continued at the schoolhouse (No. 10), and the Standard further reports that the frame building, 30 by 40 feet, was completed March 24, 1878, ready for use, with a church bell and an organ, and free of debt except by around $100, which amount was underwritten by the membership. Formal dedication was conducted by J. P. Ewing of
Sabina. Following the New Testament example of instruction, worship and weekly communion, the adopted pattern was Sunday School, where some half dozen classes met in one room with no complaints about confusion. Church worship followed with prayer, communion and a short sermon by an elder. The women sat on the right side as one enters and the men on the left. Wednesday night was prayer meeting when the presiding male member was in rotation order and all members expected to take part, voluntarily, by reading a passage of Scripture, prayer or personal testimony. Squire James Oliver Flax was an Elder and was one of the 14 which started the church and was the one which preached most of the Sundays for 30 years, along with the other Elders which filled in on the other Sundays. The care of the church was entrusted to a sexton (church official who maintains church property) who kept the place clean, built the fires in the two pot-bellied stoves, and trimmed the wicks of the many kerosene lamps. Each winter a two weeks’ evangelistic meeting was held, conducted by known ministers from small churches. In the early 1900’s, a minister named Stewart made many calls and met John Flax, then almost 90, who had never been baptized. It was a cold winter
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and the nearest pool was frozen over. The men sawed the ice, John was bundled up on the farm sled, was baptized in the gravel pit, rebundled in wet clothes and he never had a sniffle or sneeze. Children’s Day was a special June occasion which involved most of the youngsters; the literature was supplied by the Standard Publishing Company. Another festive and gala time was the mid-summer ice cream supper. The men’s job was to rent the ten gallon freezers, get the ice and set up a long table on the east side of the church with the many borrowed chairs. The women’s function was to bake the cakes, layers high and rich as farm cream and butter. 1905 There was a small congregation of disciples meeting in the Oak Knoll school house on State Route 734 in Greene County. This folded in January of 1905, with some of the members coming to Pleasant View. In June, the Baptistery was added to the north end of the Church. No more cutting the ice to baptize someone in the winter, but the sexton, which was taking care of the church, had the added duty of carrying water and taking care of the heater for the baptistery. 1915 Within the files of the Christian Standard over a span since 1865, and well indexed, the final news account of the Pleasant View
Church of Christ, is the written report of J. M. McKay of Washington C. H. in February 1915, from which is quoted: “I know one church whose practice has always been to follow the New Testament model and whose success is worthy of consideration. The church is the Pleasant View Church of Christ in Fayette County, Ohio, which is 37 years old. It rarely has had a paid minister and the elders have done the preaching and guiding. Each year evangelistic meetings are held by some visiting ministers. Here are some of the results over the 37 years: an average of 100 members, Sunday School attendance an average of 80, has maintained a mid-week prayer meeting averaging 40 members, more than half taking part, has never been in arrears in the payment of bills and contributions made to missions. Over 385 have been baptized.” Since that time, several paid ministers have been with us, however, none of them full-time. In the 1930s till September of 1940 when Bro. Crosby and Bro. Clark were with us, services were conducted by them twice a month with Elders John Evans and Ollie Spengler undertaking the other Sundays of the month. 1930 An addition was added on the north side (back) of the church providing 2 classrooms. See Pleasant, page 79
Churches of Fayette County
Heritage Memorial: A look at the early days of the church EDITOR’S NOTE: Because of its length, the original, complete article submitted by the church on its history will be available in its entirety on the Record Herald’s website after Spectrum is published. Submitted by Scot Madden, Program Ministry Director “OUR ROOTS” It is 1860 The sermon today was largely political. You do not agree with the views of the minister, in fact you don’t believe that partisan politics has a place in the practice of Christian worship. Discussion with others of your views has brought you threats and intimidation. In fact, political agreement with your church and denominational leadership is a condition of fellowship. That was the situation in our nation in the early 1860’s, particularly in Ohio. The big issue was slavery. Both a moral and a political issue, it split churches before it split the nation. By 1864 many people from various denominations found themselves without a church, because politics had become a standard for membership. Some of these strong-willed people began to meet and to join together. On Feb. 3, 1864, a convention was held in Deshler’s Hall in Columbus, Ohio. In attendance were
Heritage Memorial
former Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians, Unitarians and United Brethren. At this meeting Rev. James F. Given, a former Methodist Episcopal minister, read a report outlining a “Christian Union” avowing faith in the scriptures as a sufficient rule of faith and practice. This proved to be a formal beginning of the “Christian Union”. The first general convention of the “Christian Union” convened in Terra Haute, Ind., in July of 1865, and adopted a “Declaration of Principles”. Later state and general councils revised these and they became known as the “Seven Cardinal Principals”. They are as follows: 1. The oneness of the Church of Christ; 2. Christ the only head; 3. The Bible the only rule of faith and practice; 4. Good fruits the only condition of fellowship; 5. Christian Union without controversy; 6. Each local church governs itself; 7. Partisan Political preaching discountenanced. The Christian Union grew dramatically after the Civil War to a point in 1888 that 125,000 mem-
bers in 15,000 churches were reported. By 1900, many of the organized churches were calling themselves “Churches of Christ in Christian Union”. But the name of the organization became a controversial issue. In fact the General Council of the Christian Union in 1902 passed a resolution to permit the local churches and the State Councils to call themselves “Churches of Christ”, “Churches of Christ in Christian Union”, or “The Christian Union”. The General Council of the Christian Union in 1903 was held at Willow Springs, Ohio. Several people who were later to be important to the church at Washington C.H. were mentioned in the official records of that council. J.H. McKibban was shown as one of the ministers at that council. Given C. McKibban and Henry C. Leeth were ordained at that council, Frank T. Leeth was listed as a Liscentiate and Lib McKibban was listed as a lay delegate from Nipgen. “IN THE BEGINNING” In January 1906, a 19year-old evangelist named, Otha L. Ferguson, held a revival in Washington C.H. It was held in a large room above the Mayor’s office and the Fire Department. They took 2’ x 8’ boards and laid them over nail kegs and store boxes for seats. Rev. Ferguson related this account in a message to the Circleville Bible College in a chapel
service in the spring of 1959. He stated that, “God blessed us and gave us a church in Washington C.H. After the revival, meetings were held in various private homes for several months. On July 6, 1906, a meeting was held in the home of Oliver Flint to organize a Christian Union Church. It was called, “The Church of Christ in Christian Union of Washington Court House, Ohio” from the very beginning. At this meeting a church board was elected as follows: First Elder: Joel Tincture Second Elder: Sherman Rowe Third Elder: J.W. Rapp Trustees: S.M. Truitt, Oliver Flint, Daniel Haggard At this meeting, they also voted to build a church building and elected a soliciting committee and a building committee. Rev. O. L. Ferguson served as chairman of the meeting. The following 21 lay persons were present: Sherman Bowe, Oliver Flint, J. W. Rapp, Eli Caplinger, B. A. Ford, Joel Tincture, Isabella Caplinger, Daniel Haggard, Lizzie Tincture, George Cheak, Albert Kelley, Belle Truitt, Alice Dawes, Awilda Moats, S.M.Truitt, Della Dawes, Lewis Moats, Charles Whalesy, William Dawes, Sam Moats, William Zimmerman. The Washington C.H. church was admitted to the Christian Union at the
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Churches of Fayette County
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Christian Union Council held at New Holland in September 1907. O.L. Ferguson was listed as pastor, Daniel Haggard was First Elder, S.M. Truitt and James Tincture were delegates. Average attendance was reported as 35. The congregation continued to meet in private homes as they acquired two lots on Gregg Street from Henry and Herbert Brownell. A man named Linegar is reported to have given liberally in this cause although his name does not appear on membership rolls of the time. The building construction must have gone fairly quickly because the business meeting of March 20, 1907, was held in the church. Financing of the building was discussed in that meeting and Mr. Dial was indicated as one who arranged for the financing. However, the building was not declared finished until 1908. The original church was a 32 foot by 48 foot frame building. The front door faced Gregg Street. There was no basement. When you entered the little church from Gregg Street you climbed two steps from ground level. Two rows of seats faced the platform. An aisle ran down each side of the building and one aisle down the center. Two potbelly wood burning stoves were located at the middle of the building - one on each side. A large opening was left between the seats near these stoves.
Light came from a series of kerosene lamps mounted along the walls on both sides of the church. A low platform was placed on the end opposite Gregg Street. It went across about three-fourths of the building from the right wall, as you face the platform. Three rows of seats were on the platform along the right wall, facing the center. This was for the choir. A pump organ was on the right side platform next to the choir. Along the left side of the platform were three rows of seats. This area was known as the “amen corner”. Some of the men sat in these seats and gave encouragement to the minister. A door opened from the back wall on the left side of the platform into the back yard. In each corner of the back yard stood the traditional outdoor toilet. “THE EARLY YEARS: 1906 to 1918” Rev. O.L. Ferguson pastored the fledgling church in 1906, 1907, and 1908. His salary was about $120 per year in those days. S.M.Truitt, Oliver Flint and Daniel Harrard were trustees the first three years. Joel Tincture was first elder in 1906, then Daniel Haggard was elected to that office in 1907, 1908 and 1909. Sherman Bowe was the original second elder in 1906 but he moved away in March 1907 and was reSee Heritage, page 75
Spectrum 2013
McNair Memorial Presbyterian: A light formed in the darkness By Pastor Steven Watters
‘A
nd the darkness was on the face of the deep.” This quotation from Genesis brings to mind the beginning of McNair Memorial Presbyterian Church, for it was the darkness of sin that cast by, “The Shadow of Death,” a saloon which stood back of the church site, and a little later the “King Anderson Saloon” on Paint Street aroused the good women of the neighborhood. The year was 1892, and so it came about that they began to hold prayer meetings to ask God’s help in bringing about the removal of these brothels. Mrs. Ellen DeGroot felt so strongly about the matter that she bought the building in which the “Shadow of Death” operated. She evicted the tenants and made a dwelling place, moved into it, and began to hold prayer meetings with the women of the neighborhood. It was here than the Church truly began, because God put it into their hearts that a House of God was truly needed. The spirit of God moved in the hearts of these men and women and God said, “Let there be light!” It wasn’t long until others became interested, and in the spring of 1892, the first Sunday School was held at the residence of John Urquhart, who
McNair Memorial Presbyterian
was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, along with John Woodhull, a elder at the time. Meetings were held at the home of John Urquhart for two consecutive Sundays. Meanwhile a house on Wilson and Gregg Streets own by Thomas Hillery was rented and prepared as a home for the Sunday School. The furniture consisted of an old organ and some seats made from a plank walk stretched on beer kegs left by former tenants. It is not strange to learn that some of the small boys made a teetertotter out of the seats during the meetings. This little band of Christians grew in numbers, largely due to the earnest prayers and leadership of the following faithful women: Aunt Nan Barnes, Mrs. Owen Ireland, Mrs. N.S. Craig, Mrs. Charles Campbell, Sarah Williams, Mrs. George Pavey, and Mrs. William Robinson. Finally, more people of the First Presbyterian Church became interested and Dr. J. L. McNair, the minister at the time, began to take the lead in the vision of building a church.
The time came when funds were sufficient to enable the building of the church on the corner of Lewis and Rawlings streets. The lot was purchased from Simeon and Julia Brownell for $125, and the church was built at the cost of $1,141.82. The furnishings consisted of an organ, hymnals with no music, 204 kitchen chairs, and coal oil lamps. The rostrum was at the west end of the church, and the chairs were arranged in rows to face the rostrum when there was preaching. The same chairs would be put in several circles for the several churches who met for Sunday School. A coal oil lamp placed in the front yard lit the entrance, along with the iron fence that surrounded the front and side of the church. On Oct. 7, 1894 at 2 p.m., the East End Chapel was dedicated by Dr. McElfresh of the Grace Methodist Church. He preached the sermon dedication. Eli Bereman played a bass fiddle accompanied by the choir and reed organ. Sunday School was held each Sunday afternoon where afterwards Taffy pulls, yard games, and Christian fellowship would take place among the churches of Washington C.H. According to arrangements made by the many ministers of Washington C.H., they would preach on certain occasions, but it was Rev. McNair that gave
Shown above is the interior of the McNair Memorial Presbyterian sanctuary.
more and more time for this vision that he had for this place of worship. The first funeral service held after the dedication was that of Theo Ammerman on Oct. 21, 1894. Mr. Frank Fullerton was the first Superintendent of the Sunday School, along with the various teachers as listed: Dr. C.M. Wilson, Dr. Carey Persinger, Tillie Backenstoe, Mrs. Owen Ireland, Mrs. Charles Campbell, Sarah Williams, Mrs. N.S. Craig. Christian Endeavor began in 1895 and the Junior Endeavor in 1897. They became two Sunday School circles.
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The burden of running expenses of the East End Chapel came to fall on the Ladies Aid who were at the time the following: Mrs. Mary Lydy, Mrs. Ireland, Mrs. Craig, Ella Mayo, Mrs. Julie Robinson, Sallie Bryson, Julia Wright, Margaret Bereman, Tillie Backenstoe, Laura Saunders, Ellen Campbell, Mrs. R.A. Richardson, Mrs. Sarah Williams, Mrs. Mame DeWitt, Nellie Backenstoe, and Ethel Ford. At one time there wasn’t enough money to pay the janitor, so six members paid their dues for the New Year to take care of this shortfall. To generate some capital for ex-
penses, the ladies decided to hold a play called, “The Family Umbrella” and later “Good Hope.” This program was held at the Waters School House and the cast of characters were as followed: James Snapp, Effie Richardson, Clara Waters, Laura Ireland, Will Craig, Will Cubbage, and George McBeth. In 1915, the East End Chapel became McNair Memorial Presbyterian Church. Rev. Roger of Greenfield, Ohio, Rev. Kay of Frankfort, Ohio, and Rev. Kerr of Bloomingburg, Ohio, represented the Presbytery in organizing this new church and its officers. The officers elected were: Sherman Reeder, Charles Bonham and Grant Mansfield. Elders elected at the time were as follows: W.A. Saunders , Richard Sollars, Wert Backenstoe, Will Craig, and Clarence L. Campbell. On Nov. 10, 1915, Rev. P.J. Henness was called as the first minister to be installed at McNair. Several memberships were transferred to this new church from First Presbyterian Church and the Grace Methodist Church to allow continued support. The first action of the church was to become incorporated and the certificate was issued Nov. 20, 1915. The first wedding ceremony to be conducted at McNair Memorial Presbyterian Church was of Herbert A. Snyder and Nannie Highland.
Churches of Fayette County
Anchor Baptist: Young church growing quickly Submitted by Kayla Myers
A
nchor Baptist Church of Washington C.H. began as a church plant mission on Sept. 18, 2008, sent out by the Hillsboro Bible Baptist Church, with 22 people attending the first services. By Nov. 22, 2009, God had blessed the church with 53 members and the congregation chartered as an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church. Pastor Jeremy D. Griffith is Anchor Baptist Church’s founding and current Pastor. In November 2007 Pastor Griffith felt a desire to plant a baby church and his prayer was answered when the Lord confirmed the call on his family to move to Washington C.H. to start a new work. The Lord has continued to bless Anchor Baptist Church over the past four years. They have seen hundreds of souls saved, lives changed, and the church now averages between 210-230 people in attendance on Sunday mornings. Anchor was able to purchase its current facility located at 456 Jamison Rd. Southwest from Merchants National Bank in January of 2010. This building has allowed the church
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
Anchor Baptist Church
Center United Methodist: ‘Tadpole Church’ develops into community-minded chapel
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n 1811, Rev. James Brooks, a Methodist minister, arrived in Jasper Township from Virginia and began preaching in tents and at the Palmer log schoolhouse. As more settlers moved into the area, a Methodist Society was organized around 1848 and met in another log schoolhouse on the William Ferguson farm until the early 1850s. In 1851, the log “Tadpole Church” was erected about a quarter mile south of the present location of Center United Methodist Church. By the late 1860s, members began planning for a new church building. A committee of John Luttrell, John W. Marchant, John Fletcher Zimmerman, and Joe Thompson were selected. The first order of business was to locate Mr. Brown - the owner of the land along both sides of Allen Road - and persuade
the space and facilities it needs to minister to families. Anchor Baptist has numerous ministries for families of all ages to get involved in to help grow their relationship with the Lord. With a growing Bus Ministry, Anchor now has two bus routes in Washington C.H. and one van route in Sabina. Every week dozens of children and several adults are picked up to hear the gospel and learn from the Word of God. This is just one of the many ways Anchor Baptist is reaching out to its community. It is the desire of Anchor Baptist Church to be a light and soul saving station here in our community of Washington C.H. and the surrounding areas.
Center United Methodist him to donate enough land for a new church. Robert Marchant found Mr. Brown in Kentucky and the land was acquired. Stone for the foundation came from New Jasper in Greene County, a sawmill was erected in Luttrell, and the community donated the trees. William Bargell and his crew did the carpentry work and the new frame church was completed in September of 1871 at a cost of $2,200. For the next 50 years, Center UMC experienced a period of membership growth and a vestibule and belfry were added. In the
Anchor Baptist strives to welcome community members to the church. Children, at left, are bused from Washington C.H. and Sabina. Above, a crowd is gathered at a tent revival held by the church. The church offers Vacation Bible School each summer. Page 50 – Spectrum 2013
1930s, a “light fund” was started to wire the church for electricity. Unfortunately the 1940s and ‘50s saw the church doors closed during the winter months and services were held during the spring and summer when possible. The church was in need of serious repair. In 1961, the community began an extensive restoration project that continued for many years. In 1990, the shelter house was built fol-
lowed by the Fellowship Hall addition in 1997. Charles C. Peale was a physician and minister and had three churches on his circuit, including Bowersville and Center Church when his son, Norman Vincent Peale, was born May 31, 1898, in Bowersville. In 1972, when Norman Vincent Peale returned to his hometown to find the house in which he was born, he preached a sermon at Center Church to commemorate the 100th anniversary celebration. He mentioned the church in his autobiography that was published in 1984. In addition to the mission projects shared with Spring Grove UMC, each summer Center UMC provides Vacation Bible School for the community and the third Friday evening in August each year, Center UMC hosts the finest Ice Cream Social in the area. Center United Methodist Church is located at 7850 Allen Road in Jasper Township and its Sunday worship begins at 9:15 a.m.
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What’s in a title? By Bev Mullen
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astor, minister, reverend, priest, rector, parson, clergyman/woman, cleric, vicar - what are the differences? I might say “look it up” but I can tell you that does not really make this any clearer. What I did learn is that certain titles go with certain churches. For instance, the titles vicar, parson, cleric and rector tend to be used more often in Episcopal churches. The term parish (a district with its own church) is used more in Episcopal and Catholic churches. Another aspect of my learning curve on this subject is that the titles seem to be self-explanatory. One who is called minister is usually a member of the clergy of a Christian church; a person authorized to conduct religious worship or one assisting the officiate in church worship. In other words, this time those of the Random House Dictionary, to minister is to give service, care or aid; to contribute, as to comfort and happiness. Reverend is a title of respect applied to or prefixed to the name of a Christian clergy person. It is used as a symbol of respect; someone worthy of reverence. A pastor is a Christian minister having spiritual care of a group of persons, usually in rural local churches. Pastor David Owens has the care of two local churches: Center United Methodist Church on Allen Road and Spring Grove United Methodist Church on Parrett Station Road. He and his wife, Beth, are more than acquaintances of this writer. I asked David to help this unworthy writer understand what all these different titles meant. David explained to me that in Ephesians, Chapter 4, verses 7 - 12, the Bible teaches that God gave gifts to all men…one of those gifts was to pastor. “Just as a shepherd leads and cares for his flock, so does a pastor guide and care for his congregation,” explained David. There were many more minutes of conversation between us, I’m sure some of it related to the topic at hand, and then came the question that sparked this piece. I asked why, when conversing with reverends and ministers, do I know I have been in the presence of reverends and ministers; and why, when in the presence of pastors, I leave knowing I have been uplifted but not aware of how it happened? See Title, page 67
Churches of Fayette County
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First Presbyterian: The oldest active church in Fayette County
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he First Presbyterian Church in Washington C.H. came into being in 1812. At that time, the Chillicothe Presbyterian received a petition from several families in Fayette County who desired to be known as the Washington Congregation. This was two years after the organization of Fayette County and after the plotting of the town of Washington. Only the Friends Meeting at Walnut Creek below New Martinsburg is older in Fayette County, but it has long been disbanded. Consequently, First Presbyterian Church is the oldest active congregation in Fayette County. Church records show the date of organization as Oct. 10, 1813. At that time, Rev. Samuel Baldridge was assigned to the pastorate here. He was followed two years later by Rev. James Dickey. During the early years of the church, pastors served in Washington C.H. on a half-time basis. The other half was given to Bloomingburg. The Bloomingburg congregation became a separate group prior to 1819. Until 1835, services were held in private homes, and for a period of time, a log building was rented for a place of worship. Around 1835, a frame church was erected on or near the site of the present church. In 1856, the congregation purchased the lot at the corner of Market and Hinde streets. Several years later, a small tract adjoining the church lot was purchased. These purchases constitute the present tract of land. During this time, a brick church
First Presbyterian Church was built. It stood nearer to the corner than the present edifice and was not as large. The church was considerably damaged by the famous cyclone of 1885. At that time, it was deemed most feasible to build a new church. Three years later, the present church was completed at a cost of $19,000. The year 1958 was an historic year at First Presbyterian. Due to increased enrollment in Sunday School, it was determined at that time that a Christian Education addition was needed. A financial campaign was conducted, plans were drawn, and construction began in 1961. The addition was dedicated on June 10, 1962. The year 1958 also marked a change in the governing body of the church. In that year, Florence Cook was chosen as the first woman in the history of the congregation to serve as a Ruling Elder. In addition to the church building itself, the church property also includes the manse, which serves as the pastor’s home. This was the former G.W. Blakeley home. The church received a 130acre farm in 1934 from the estate of Ms. Mary Edwards. The proceeds are used for the upkeep of the manse. For many years, Mr. Grove Davis managed the farm. Mr. Edwin Thompson followed Mr. Davis as the farm manager. For more than 50
years, the John Melvin family has farmed the land. The last physical addition to the church occurred several years ago with the installation of a beautiful white cross on the church steeple. Throughout the 200-year history of First Presbyterian Church, members have been involved in many areas of mission work and service-related activities. One of the earliest efforts was the Women’s Missionary Society, forerunner of today’s Women’s Association. This dedicated group continues to focus on Bible study and worthwhile mission programs and projects. More than 20 years ago, the Women’s Association began holding a Mother-DaughterFriend Banquet each spring. This has become a much anticipated annual event. Attendance has grown to 100 or more and musical entertainment has been provided by groups within the church and by vocal groups from our local high schools. For many years, Sue and Dick Maddux have worked hard and graciously chaired this event. The church became involved in local mission work near the end of the 19th century. This effort began as the East End Chapel and is now McNair Memorial Presbyterian Church. Rev. McNair, a pastor at First Church, was interested in this mission and spent much time in the work there. When East End became a separate church in 1914, it took his name. Sunday School classes have operated since the mid-19th century. Today classes are offered for all age groups from toddlers to adults. See FPC, page 53 Page 52 – Spectrum 2013
FPC Continued from page 52
Music has been a very important part of worship experiences for many years. In the 1920s and 1930, there was even a Sunday School orchestra. The church has been blessed to have an excellent ministry of music throughout its long history. The
music department presently includes an adult choir, a children’s choir, and bell choirs. Each service is further enhanced by the glorious music of the pipe organ (installed in 1895 at a cost of $3,000). Our church has been blessed through the years to have had the talents of many fine directors and organists. Today, ongoing missions include: Boy Scout Troop 112, Wednesday Night
Spectrum 2013 Mission Meals, providing a home for the Fayette County Food Pantry, a Relay for Life team, and many other community outreach programs. Members are now excited and anxiously anticipating the celebration of the church’s bicentennial. It is our prayer that First Presbyterian may continue to minister to the needs of the citizens of Fayette County and beyond.
65+ Years Selling Real Estate & Farm Equipment
Recognizing those who have served… Ministers who have served First Presbyterian: Samuel Baldridge James Dickey William Dickey John C. Eastman James Dunlap James G. Hopkins Samuel J. Miller George Carpenter Samuel B. Alderson James McNair David Jones William Campbell William B. Gage J.L. McWilliams Arch H. Nicholson J. Stanley Mitchell J. Roby Oldham
John Abernethy Harold Braden W. Neil Hand Gerald R. Wheat Henry Walters W. Darrell Holmes Rawley Boone Michael Phillips Charlotte O’Neil Everett Miller Organists and music directors have included: Winifred Shoop Amy Hudson Lillie Davis Kathleen Davis Ada Paul Paul Messerall Raymond Hollinger
Pl Our ace
Beautiful stained glass windows adorn the church.
827 E. Market St. Washington C. H. 740-333-4637 Hours: Mon. - Sat. 6am-9pm Sun. 7am-3pm Carry Out Available 2363251
70
Marian Gage Grover Baber Alberta Brennan Kathy Unverzagt Norma Begin Richard Glass Maggie Glass Martha Preston Ruth Ried Fenner Katie Stapleton Judy Carson Lynn Fichner Jana Knedler Becky Thompson Althea Case Miriam Engle Melody Farmer Kristin Preston David Penwell
2012 National Auction Association Auction of the Year!
DAILY Monday - Ham and beans with corn muffins and 2 sides Tuesday - Spaghetti w/garlic toast & salad Wednesday - Homemade Chicken & Noodles and 2 sides Thursday - Baked Steak and 2 sides Friday & Saturday After 4 p.m. Steaks - Chops - BBQ Ribs Salad & Baked Potato Sunday Daily Specials 2364613
Submitted by Lauran Perrill
Churches of Fayette County
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Churches of Fayette County
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Sugar Creek Chapel: Early church serves early Fayette Countians
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t. Olive Church was organized in 1829 under the leadership of Rev. R. Dobbins of Jamestown, Greene County, Ohio. Rev. Dobbins served both in Jamestown and Fayette County before permanently moving to a location along the banks of Sugar Creek, Fayette County in 1831 to be amongst his young congregation. He made his home only four miles from Washington C.H. Beginning members of Mt. Olive Church were Harry Burnett and his wife, Thomas Burnett and his wife, Peter Fultz and his wife, John Coile Sr., and his wife Mary Haus Coile, and George Hinkle and his wife. For some seasons the congregation held services at various members’ homes, barns and even groves exhibiting brave pioneering spirit.
The church today.
Sugar Creek Chapel During the time when Rev. Dobbins lived in Greene and in Fayette counties, he served two terms each on the Ohio Legislature representing both counties. His interests were both in the souls of his flock and also the laws for this new country that were being enacted. By 1843, the tiny congregation erected a rough-hewn cabin along the banks of Sugar Creek on land owned by Daniel Bush. The church building was dedicated as a Methodist Protestant Church and was named Union Church. It was decided by the congregation that it should be open for attendance for all pioneer Christians of all denomi-
nations. Membership at Union Church rose slowly but in 1848, a great revival was held. Rev. Dobbins was then 80 years old but served as head of this enormous event. Both young married couples and older Christians alike traveled from far and near to worship at the event. It became the largest gathering of Christians of that era. Nothing has come to pass to rival this event in the history of Fayette County. Membership continued to grow at Union Church and in 1856 the class was divided, and a branch organization conducted meetings in the Coile School House approximately two miles north of the existing church. This continued until 1863. The Methodist Society erected an elegant frame church building in 1863 on the farm owned by Isaac Coile beside the Coile Cemetery. This new location was situated on
Shown above is the congregation of Sugar Creek Chapel in March 1900.
Plymouth Pike. They named the new structure Sugar Creek Chapel after Sugar Creek, that ran only a matter of feet away from the building. The small but growing congregation worshiped in Sugar Creek Chapel for some time until Sept. 5, 1885 when a cyclone passed through Fayette County. Lost in the devastation that day was Sugar Creek Chapel that was so badly damaged the remains were taken down and hauled away. The lovely frame chapel had been reduced to rubble. The congregation scattered and went to worship in other chapels and churches in the area. Also damaged during the cyclone was a large portion of the City of
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Washington C.H. and outlying areas. Pop-Gun School, which sat near the Sugar Creek Chapel, was destroyed. The Coile Cemetery and adjoining Sugar Creek Methodist Cemetery are the final resting
place of many of the first pioneering Christians from Sugar Creek Chapel and Mt. Sugar Creek Chapel Olive Church. The cemetery is a memorial to the many brave souls who settled in Fayette County.
The ‘new’ building, built in 1900.
2252149
Submitted by Kitturah B. Lutes Westenhouser
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Churches of Fayette County
St. Andrew’s Episcopal: Growing closer to God, self, others Submitted by Sue Timmons
St. Andrew’s Episcopal
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stands in the choir room at the entrance to the church. In 1915, St. Andrew’s acquired a portable tin church, a building placed on leased land on West Market Street, where the Milstead Tire Company now stands. In 1917, the “Tin Church” as it was called, was moved to the military installation at Camp Sherman, near Chillicothe, to serve soldiers of World War I in training there. Mr. Davis Barre served both St. Andrew’s congregation and those at Camp Sherman. Under his leadership the “little church on East Street” was established near the corner of Fayette and East streets. Miss Love’s little hand-
a week in Story Fellowship Hall. St. Andrew’s also serves the community by donating food to the community food pantry at the Presbyterian church and is a partner church along with 31 others in carrying out the various ministries of The Well. Teams of church members minister to residents of two local nursing homes, conducting services and holy communion monthly. And, our pastor and members participated last year in the annual Health Fair, manning a booth, receiving prayer requests, and just being available to talk. St. Andrew’s has a Good Neighbor Program to help people living in our community. We recently assisted and mentored a military family who located here. In September, we host a meal for the approxi-
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mately 236 middle and high school students who are members of the Washington Court House Academy of Scholars to celebrate their academic achievements. Monthly, on the first Wednesday at 6 p.m., we have a community Service for Health and Healing with the laying on of Hands and Anointing, as well as Holy Communion. Our email prayer chain receives frequents requests from the community or via our members from their family and friends. During Lent, we invite the community to join us Tuesday evenings for Soup And A
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he first congregation of Episcopalians in Washington C.H. was known as Trinity Mission, organized in December of 1879. The initial worship service was held in the home of J.M. Love, Superintendent of the Washington City Schools. Services were later moved to a room in the old county court house, which stood where the Sharp Memorial Fountain is now located on the current court house property. That congregation disbanded around 1895, but was reorganized in October of 1911 as St. Andrew’s Mission. The first worship service was held in the G.A.R. Hall on East Court Street in December of that year with 41 communicants representing 18 family units and four single adults. In 1914, the congregation changed its meeting place to the old YMCA, which later became the Washington Hotel on the corner of Market and Fayette streets, where the Willis Insurance Agency building now stands. Shortly after this move, Miss Nannie Love, who taught metal work and wood carving, created a hand-carved, oak table and presented it to the church for use as an altar. This handcarved altar table now
carved altar was replaced by a more elaborate one. The current building was designed and built by St. Andrew’s deacon, the Rev. Bob Lisk (Deacon Bob) on land donated by Jean Howat Dice. The inaugural service was held Easter Sunday 1955. Over the years, St. Andrew’s has been a gathering place for numerous community organizations. The first kindergarten program in Fayette County began at St. Andrew’s in 1955. It later became a preschool, operating until 1999. Today St. Andrew’s is home to the Spirit of Christmas for Kids (SOCKS) program, which provides a way for more than 400 families in need throughout the county to give Christmas gifts to their children. In addition to using the church building for SOCKS distribution, a group from Alcoholics Anonymous meets twice
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
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First Baptist: A modern church in a historic district
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he First Baptist Church of Washington C.H. was organized on Feb. 21, 1840 as the result of a series of evangelistic meetings held at the First Presbyterian Church. The first pastor was Elder A.D. Freeman, who began his ministry on Dec. 24, 1840. For nearly 20 years, the congregation met in the old court house. On March 12, 1857, initial steps were taken to build a new church, but the church wasn’t completed until April 20, 1867. On Sept. 8, 1885, the
First Baptist Church church building was destroyed by a cyclone. A new church was built and dedicated Sept. 21, 1888. The church of 1888 remained unchanged until the 1950s when an educational building was added to meet the needs of the growing congregation. It
was dedicated on Sept. 27, 1957. The old church sanctuary became inadequate in size and structure in 1973. It was torn down and a new sanctuary was built while the congregation met in the basement of the Educational Building. The lovely stained glass windows of the old church were kept and incorporated into the new sanctuary. The new sanctuary was dedicated in 1974. The focal point of our church week is Sunday morning. Sunday School starts at 9:30 a.m. with
classes for all ages. Morning worship starts at 10:30 a.m. and is over between 11:30 a.m. and noon. Wednesday evening is the time of the Bible study and is headed by Pastor Joe Current. It usually lasts for about an hour. The church has an Advisory Board that assists the pastor in his work and in promoting Christ-instruction and ministry for the church membership. The Board of Deaconess assists in the Christ-ministry of the church and in See FBC, page 58
Shown above is a vintage photo of the First Baptist Church of Washington Court House.
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Spectrum 2013
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FBC Continued from page 57
providing assistance in time of need. The Flower Committee and the Social Committee are Subcommittees of the Deaconess. Other committees are the Christian Education, the Helping Hands, Music, Ushering, Stewardship, Counting and Youth. Other important church offices consist of the: Church Clerk, the Assistant Church Treasurer, the Sunday School Superintendent, the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent and the Assistant Pastor Eddie Gault, who can take charge of a service, have Bible studies, visit nursing homes, visit shut-ins, provide reading pamphlets, among various other duties. Our secretarial service is under the direction of the Pastor. The secretary is
available to the boards and committees for the typing of minutes and special projects. An organist, pianist, and choir director are also part of the church’s staff. The First Baptist Church is located at 301 East East St., which has been designated as a historical district. The building is a modern brick structure. The sanctuary is air conditioned and has a seating capacity of approximately 325 people. Downstairs is the Fellowship Hall which is used for dinners or other events. We have a church office, the pastor and assistant pastor’s offices, classrooms, restrooms and storage areas. We are members in good standing with the Clinton Baptist Association, the American Baptist Churches of Ohio and the American Baptist Churches USA. A Sunday School class, the church and a Women’s Ministry Circle help in support-
The First Baptist Church of Washington C.H.
ing our missionaries, Dick and Jackie Rutter. Locally, we are affiliated with the Fayette County Ministerial Association and the Fayette County Church Women United. The church has enjoyed the many concerts of soloists and groups through
the years such as The Kingsmen Quartet, the Dixie Melody Boys, the Dry Run Boys, the Sisters in Christ, the Sonshine Quartet, Ray Cummins and Donnie Sumner, who had been with the Gaithers and Elvis Presley, just to name a few. Before Donnie’s concerts we al-
543 Clinton Ave.
740-636-9663
Washington C.H., OH
Serving the Community for Over 15 Years
ways have a fish fry which has been provided by R.C. Bonzo, his wife Anne and Steve Smallwood. We also have many musically talented people in the congregation. We have a good sound system and now have televisions in other rooms to watch the morning worship. The Block Party has been an outreach for the community as we meet new people enjoying playing games, listening to music, watching the puppet shows, as well as having food provided. The church also reaches out to the community as boxes of food are provided to families at Christmas and by supplying money, clothes and other items to “The Well”. We have a veterans’ program each year with their participation. We all enjoy a dinner afterwards and this day is nicely attended. Ladies breakfast and banquets have been something the ladies have looked forward to. Food, programs and conversation have been
enjoyable times for them through the years. Also, the men meet once a month at a local restaurant and besides enjoying a meal, they have a short program, prayers and concerns about the congregation. The Candlelight Service during the Christmas season is well attended and is very meaningful. Much music is played and sung by the congregation during this time of Christ’s birth. The church helps contribute monetarily to Camp Kirkwood, as the youth greatly benefit from their time there. Also, graduating youth are helped by providing them a Bible and scholarship money to continue their studies. Through the years, Tom and Maxine Mossbarger have generously invited the members and any guest to their home and patio where many picnics have been held. There is usually a short program after the meals. Also, tea breakfasts have been held there for the ladies. Our oldest member, Dorothy West, was a delight as she attended the church for many years. She remained with us through her 105 years. Also, Margaret and Gene Alkire just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with us. Our church has been very fortunate to have a wonderful Pastor and his wife, Sue. Sue has worked in the office to provide us with many services. Our theme is, “To be Fishers of Men” and we invite you to come on Sunday morning and receive a good message of how God loves us through the sermons of Pastor Joe Current.
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Celebrating 45 Years
Spectrum 2013
Fayette Progressive Industries, Inc. 1330 Robinson Road SE Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 (740) 335-7453 2362373
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Page 58 – Spectrum 2013
ities tal Disabil evelopmen D f o rd 45th a o unty B brated its Fayette Co ilities cele anges in their e b a th f is o D l ry ta ersa men any ch 45th Anniv of of Develop dergone m unty Board community has un ayette County Board provide o C e tt ye a d F F to le e e b h g a th T in is 2 e. d lv 1 In 20 ars the h a voic ever evo e last 45 ye citizens wit of the way year. In th recognized as equal een there each step es will be heard. h people wit b ic quest to be tal Disabilities has nity so that their vo in its recognition of e fall of this th u en rd m m ilities. In tal the com ep forwa Develop needed to ental disab k a giant st en the support e state of Ohio too boards of developm tion and Developm ht students In 1967 th establishing county of Mental Retarda ol opened with eig nd the ho er a oard s by disabilitie e Fayette County B ssive School. The sc consisted of a teach re th ff g r ta ro a S P . ye h e e tt sam aye Churc e s opened F sbyterian 8 to includ Disabilitie ent of the First Pre rds of 193 tered worka d n ta S r m o in the base trator, Fern Ginn. e Fair Lab D establishes a shel is ment of th D first admin gs about the amend ounty Board of MR e old 1971 brin abilities. Fayette C enter. oused at th gC DD was h approximately 20 dis R in h it M in f w ra o s T lt rd lt u u oa ad nd w Fayette Ad 8 adults, a years the board gre e County B shop called ll of 1976 the Fayett cluded 46 students, two ter t en ex C n g se in in fa o in By the to ding and 26,400.00. Over th Fayette Adult Tra 1 e School buil n continued Sunnyside dget had grown to $ to two buildings. Th ustries. The childre County d u e in staff. The b e need to separate ayette Progressive In ent and the Fayett ym th F lo d p to n u e em g fo n d d a re n a ch expand. find shelte icial name ntinued to son co D had an off e adults continued to tablished. D R M rd of es th n Robin learn and mpics program was Fayette County Boa s current location o cation for it e du Special Oly next two decades th dustries moved into ppropriate Public E Progressive e e A In tt th d e n ye r iv a a ve O gress Free ms. F andated a Childhood Fayette Pro tion progra Over time deral government m oped special educa d closes. The Early Ave. n fe el rg Road. The l school systems dev hool age program a t location on Leesbu mental “ sc all and loca nger had need of a into their permanen heard and the term yette County d a lo re School no s growing and move s and their voices a MRDD is now the F a f d o w n a m rd st a ra y o g it . B Pro with the d commun ard of DD tte County The disable removed. The Faye Fayette County Bo epartment, we work ve to ri s: D is st ie n ” it e o n il retardatio elopmental Disab upport Administrati have determined. W are enrolled ev S eeds they mately 100 adults Board of D ugh the Service and with the n xi Now thro serve to assist them employment. Appro vide direct nd we a t a g n th vi le li p and we pro goal is to in peo ty ce ci a en p d . ca en D at fD ur dep promote in tte County Board o continues to remain tely 120 children. O life and a m in aye with the F y Childhood Progra services to approxim best possible start ud when 3 Our Earl on and preschool receive the r lives. We were pro eir kinderenti th so that they thei early interv milies and children hool and the rest of ed perfect scores on fa iv sc r c ce u li o re b t u n is p re ss d le a il budget of ady to tack at their ch our initial supportm o leave us re ies reported to us th fr : es rvic ard il County Bo th in our se of our fam iness placements. t the grow Initially the Fayette ec d a fl re re to en n rt . a g es has grow .5 million atever com Our budget current budget of 3 ff. ow that wh ensure the kn o a r d u st o e 5 W 4 to . to tizens employ the $10,000 nnot tell with our ci f 2 we now hin and to ring we ca ed a staff o next 45 years will b will continue to walk and contribution wit , What the unty Board of DD acceptance Co elonging, the Fayette hat we all desire: b w security of at large. community
Fayette Progressive School 1351 Leesburg Avenue, Suite 200 Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 (740) 335-1391
For more information visit our website: www.fayettedd.com Page 59 – Spectrum 2013
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Churches of Fayette County
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Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
Christ Victory Church: Mrs. Hidy’s mission from God Submitted by Sue Walker
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orn Sept. 9, 1918, Pauline Hidy, one of 11 children, was born to George and Mildred Haynes in Fayette County. She attended Cisco School and later the family moved to the Bloomingburg area. In November 1936, she married Daniel Louis Hidy from Greenfield. They traveled several years across the states. Daniel was a mechanic for the pipeline companies. Later he owned and operated Hidy Farm Drainage business. Pauline was a homemaker. They had no children. While in California, she became seriously ill, having major stomach surgery. It was at this time God spoke to her about repentance of her sins and serving Him. She attended church there, but eventually moved back to Columbus, Ohio. At age 29, God began to speak to her concerning ministry. Having had no formal education for such, she began to pray and rely on God for instruction. She was willing to do anything God would show her to do. Many of her family members, including her parents, still lived in and around Bloomingburg. She began to feel the need to start a church here. After much prayer, thought, and planning, she and Daniel purchased a small property at 26 Bowers St. in August 1950. Daniel and a few family members began construction of a block building that would serve as a church for the
Christ Victory Church local people. Mrs. Hidy’s desire was to especially offer a Sunday School for the children of the community so they could see God’s great love for them. The building is still standing and open for church services today. As attendance increased during the year, additional rooms were built onto the church in June 1971. The Hidys purchased the adjoining property and lived next door to the church the remainder of their lives. Daniel totally supported Pauline in her work for the Lord, knowing she was truly obedient to the will of God. On July 1, 1951, the church opened under the name of “Bowers Street Holiness church”. The first Sunday school was held with 17 children attending - total attendance that day was 31. Mrs. Hidy ministered Sunday mornings and evenings and also on Thursday nights. During the years, other visiting/local ministers assisted her at times. She was a Bible/God taught minister and preached repentance of your sins and then being filled with the Holy Spirit and living a sinfree holy, sanctified life. The church was chartered with the state of Ohio on June 8, 1953 under the name “Christ Victory Church.” It is
still known today as “Mrs. Hidy’s church.” On May 9, 1954, the church started a radio broadcast directly from the church on Sunday mornings at 9 on WCHO 1250 AM radio station, having singing, preaching, and prayer for the sick and needy. This service proved to be a great blessing for those who were homebound and also reached out to some distant areas. Many letters and phone calls were received throughout the years from people who enjoyed the program. The broadcast continued until 1981. Throughout the years, the church held baptismal services; often going to Paint Creek on State Route 38 outside of Bloomingburg. These times were certainly blessed by the Lord and many passersby would stop to observe. We have also seen many people physically healed at the church. Many years ago, a middle-aged woman was led into the church, totally unable to see anything. After prayer, faith, and laying hands upon her and anointing her with oil (as the Bible teacher), this lady walked out on her own and her vision was fully restored! At the time of her death, many years later, she was still able to see. Another time, a 6-yearold boy was unable to walk and his family carried him into the church. After prayer and anointing, he was able to walk on his own and until his death at age 45, he still had no problem. A middle aged woman, a few years ago, was facing
Christ Victory Church is shown above today and below, in its early days.
surgery for severe back pain with nerve involvement. She is living, still pain-free, today and continues to praise God for His healing power. What has made the church so well-known is the home missionary work that we do. We have in previous years supported the foreign missionaries in New Guinea and Honduras, but Mrs. Hidy truly felt the need to strongly support our local people. She always seemed to find out about what the people needed and never once did she tire of doing for others. Whether it be food, fuel, clothing, shelter, transportation, utilities, or just a need for prayer, or maybe taking a meal to someone who was ill or just home from the hospital, she and her church family were always there to help someone. Also and even now at Christmas time, many peo-
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ple receive food baskets and toys for their children, who would otherwise have very little to celebrate. Mrs. Hidy continued to minister to the church congregation and also to many people she would meet while out and about. When her health began to fail, Rev. Creed Thomas from Portsmouth, Ohio, assisted with the services. Christ Victory Church is still open for services on Sunday mornings and evenings and also on Thurs-
day evenings. The presence of the Lord still blesses and we are continuing to see the power of God moving in our midst. We are so grateful that one person was willing to obey God and His calling so many years ago. Our pastor is Rev. Creed Thomas. He and his wife, Loretta, have recently moved to Bloomingburg. Any questions can be directed to Pastor Thomas at 740-574-2733 or 740-2855586.
Churches of Fayette County
First Church of God: Worshipping, working together Submitted by Pastor Timothy L. White
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he congregation of the First Church of God, Washington C.H., was established in 1910 through faith in God. Established in love for all people, the congregation has always been interracial and is an example of how the people of God worship and work together. Reverend Emma A. Crosswhite, a Godly woman of faith and keen insight, was the first pastor of the congregation and remained the shepherd for 45 years. The congregation began to flourish under her leadership and became grounded in the Word of God. After serving faithfully, failing health impeded her ability to serve God and his people as meticulously as she would have wanted, therefore her decision to step down as the pastor was accepted by the congregation and Pastor U.S. Jackson filled the pulpit as an interim pastor. On Oct. 23, 1965, Elder C.W. Lott was installed as the second pastor of The First Church of God. Pastor Lott fed the children of God, teaching and preaching the good news for more than six years. A man of great faith who experienced many outstanding healings, Brother Curtis Bennett, one of the local ministers of the congregation, helped fill the pulpit from 1961-1963 during the time
First Church of God the church was without a pastor. During the time the church was without a fulltime pastor, the church became spiritually weak, but God in his wisdom blessed the church with a full time pastor on Nov. 22, 1963. Reverend Ozie G. Wattleton officially accepted God’s call to the pastorate of the First Church of God, Washington C.H. Many were saved under her ministry and stood/stand true to God. Under her ministry in November 1963, a twoweek indoor camp meeting began, the first week Pastor Wattleton delivered a prophetic word from God each evening. In December 1963, two weeks of all day services helped bring back what had been lost during a vacant pulpit. While leading the congregation back to Godliness, Minister Delores Rayle and Minister Jerri A. Bomgardner joined as her associate ministers. In August 1967, Pastor Wattleton resigned as pastor and Reverend Maurice Phillips became the pastor until 1968 following his resignation. After much fasting and praying, and hearing
God’s will, on Oct. 1, 1968, the congregation unanimously accepted Jerri A. Bomgardner as pastor. God used Pastor Bomgardner mightily and added to the congregation which made it possible to build a new edifice in which to worship God in his beauty and holiness. Minister Norman E. Crosswhite, Sr., and Minister Lawrence Woodson joined Pastor Bomgardner in the building of the congregation. Under the direction of Minister N.E. Crosswhite, Sr., with the assistance of Brother Joel Bailey and Minister Lawrence Woodson, the majority of the construction of the building was completed. The congregation moved into the new structure on July 4, 1976. After 39 years of Discipleship, leading the flock by the Word of God, Pastor Bomgardner retired and moved to Mississippi. After her retirement, the church was once again left without a pastor. In-house ministers, as well as ministers from different locations, filled the vacated pulpit as interim ministers, bringing the Word of God with fear and trembling. After praying, fasting, listening and waiting on God, the congregation continued to seek God for His guidance and delivery of a full-time pastor. Timothy L. White served as a supply minister for six months. He heard
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
Jeffersonville United Methodist:
Variety of services brings the community into the church
Submitted by Pastor Tom Knauff
T
The First Church of God in Washington C.H.
God’s call and accepted God’s will and became the pastor. Unanimously accepted, Timothy L. White was officially installed as the seventh Pastor on Sunday, July 25, 2010, - 100 years after The First Church of God, Washington C.H., founding. Pastor White continues to preach the undisputed word of God with understanding. Believing what God has promised through
Page 62 – Spectrum 2013
his word, delivering God’s word without waver, fulfilling the task of feeding the flock as a good shepherd. Under Pastor White’s leadership, many have come to accept God as their personal savior, been baptized and the congregation has flourished. It’s all because of God’s love, mercy and grace that the church is alive. We thank God for our
heritage and we honor those pioneers of faith who lived and died trusting the Lord. Many have gone on to be with the Lord. Many of the earlier members’ children and grandchildren continue to worship, trust and follow the word of God and are members and leaders of this congregation because of the foundation established.
Spectrum 2013
he Jeffersonville United Methodist Church was originally a member of the Methodist Protestant Denomination. The Methodist Protestants broke away from the main group of Methodists (Methodist Episcopal Church) in 1828 because they had become dissatisfied with the increasingly exclusive power of clergy, particularly bishops, and the exclusion of laymen from the councils of the Church, including the Annual (regional) and General (national) Conferences. The Methodist Episcopal Church eventually became more democratic in its church governance; hence, most of the Methodist Protestant Churches reunited with the main group in 1939, which is now The United Methodist Church. The congregation traces its beginning to 1842 when a Sunday school was conducted in the home of Nathaniel McCandless. Preaching services and a Sunday school were held in the schoolhouse section of the McCandless home because a church building did not exist in Jef-
Jeffersonville United Methodist fersonville; in fact, none of the denominations were financially strong enough to support a typical church building. A decision was made that a church should be built, and it should be available for any denomination strong enough to affect a regular congregation. The old frame Union Church was built on Main Street and dedicated in 1849. Most of the citizens in Jeffersonville contributed to its construction. Methodist Protestant ministers from the Spring Grove neighborhood began holding services in the Union Church. In 1874, the First Methodist Protestant Church building was erected on the site of the present building (13 East High St.) with P.F. Johnson as pastor. In 1901, that building was torn down and the present building was erected. Much of the construction expenses were met by a donation from Mr. James Fent, whose father,
Built in 1901, the Jeffersonville United Methodist Church, at right, is located at 13 E. High St.
William Fent, had been one of the many citizens who had assisted in the erection of the Union Church. In 1966 an addition was dedicated that provided more classrooms and office space. The present pastor is Thomas Knauff, and the administrative secretary is Ruth Barlett. The church participates in the Kairos Prison Ministry and offers karate classes, Praise Moves, Vacation Bible School, small group studies, a youth group and ministries for men and women. The church’s Christmas Bazaar attracts a crowd, and its rummage sales provide an opportunity for people to purchase clothes and household items at a low cost. Everyone is welcome. Jeffersonville United Methodist Church is located at 13 E. High St. and its Sunday worship is at 9:30 a.m. with Sunday School at 11 a.m. Its website is jeffersonvilleumc.org.
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Churches of Fayette County
B
urning Bush Community Church, located at 1217 Forest St., has a long spiritual foundation in Fayette County. The church was founded by Bishop L. A. Dahmer. At that time, the church was All Nations Church of Christ. Bishop Dahmer was a very learned man of God. He not only served as pastor but was the editor of the Apostolic Voice of the
Burning Bush
Church. This newsletter was distributed nationally every three months. Several offspring of Bishop Dahmer have kept the church alive and vibrant throughout these many years and continue
to minister the gospel through their witness and living out God’s word. Many people’s lives are continuing to be changed through the ministering of the sound word of God. The seed Bishop Dahmer planted has come to fruition. Burning Bush is a “come as you” church. Services are Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday night Bible study is at 7 p.m. Present Pastor Esto Haithcock Jr. invites all to attend.
New Holland’s oldest church
M
The New Holland Church of Christ is located at the corner of Bloomingburg-New Holland Road and Egypt Pike.
Submitted by Susan Eggleton
T Shown above is Burning Bush Community Church’s congregation in 1955.
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he New Holland Church of Christ in Christian Union is located at the corner of Bloomingburg-New Holland Road and Egypt Pike. It is the oldest church in the New Holland community. The original structure was built in 1837 and was then known as the Church of Christ. In 1902, the present Church of Christ building on North Main Street was finished and the old building was turned over to the Church of Christ in Christian Union. The first pastor of the Church of Christ in Christian Union in New Holland was Clarence Schirm. A potbelly stove stood in the floor for heat in the winter. In the summer, lengthy revivals were held. There were so many people
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Spectrum 2013
Spring Grove Methodist: Working together to minister to those in need
Burning Bush: Keeping the Word alive Church of Christ:
Submitted by Annetta Baker
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
New Holland Church of Christ in attendance that some had to stand outside and listen through the open windows. J.C. Irvin preached in New Holland in 1874 and began a mission in Washington C.H. In 1879, the now Heritage Memorial Church was born. The cost of upkeep to the old New Holland structure became more than the building was worth, so in 1988 seven members of the church decided to step out on faith and build a new church on the same existing site. The doors were opened for the first service in September of 1989.
Nancy (Dolly) Hart, then the oldest member of the church, cut the ribbon for the opening of the new building. The original pulpit from the old church was preserved and placed in the new church, where it is still used today. Pastors of the New Holland Church of Christ in Christian Union include: Ernest Knisley (19701973), Gordon Hayes (1973-1975), William Rose (1975-1976), Ernest Knisley (1976-1979), Dan Schaeffer (1979-1981), Mike Pratt (1981-1983), Floyd McCall (1983-1984), Jerry James (1984-1986), Mike Hodge (1986-2003), and Larry Doss (2003-present). The New Holland Church of Christ in Christian Union is known around the community as “the loving church” and is open to anyone who wishes to attend.
ethodism came to Fayette County in the early 1800s through the evangelistic efforts of circuit riders who gathered the early settlers together under the trees or in log cabins to worship. Rev. A.H. Trumel organized the Jeffersonville circuit that included: Jeffersonville Union, Creamer, Blessing Chapel, Pleasant View, and Spring Grove. As more families moved into the area and communities grew, worshippers began to build churches. The first church structure near to the current site of Spring Grove United Methodist Church was built in the 1840s on the edge of the Creamer Cemetery. As membership grew in the Creamer
GUMC Continued from page 46
2011. This summer, members of our congregation will return to Joplin to help restore, renew, and rebuild that amazing community. Globally, our congregation supports one of our own, Allison Beekman, who is currently serving with CSI as a missionary in Highgate, Jamaica for three years. We have also taken mission trips to Jamaica to build homes. Important support is given for UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), which gives national and international aid following a disaster, Oper-
Church, a need for more space was evident and a well was dug in 1871 on the Spring Grove UMC site and in 1878 a new brick church was built using locally produced bricks, donated by Elias Parrett, and timbers. The church’s location, land previously owned by Wallace Creamer and George Parrett, upon a small knoll surrounded by trees, back a gravel lane, is a very peaceful setting.
Worshippers have gathered each week at Spring Grove UMC ever since. Pews installed in 1880 are still used and the colored glass windows are admired. Kerosene lighting gave way to electric lights in 1932 and coal stoves gave way to propane furnaces, and this one room church continues to serve the families of the community. Spring Grove UMC is very grateful to the many families and ministers who have supported this church through the years. Spring Grove UMC and Center UMC, as a two- point charge, work together to minister to those in need. They support the Food Pantry, My Sister’s House, The Well
ation Christmas Child Shoeboxes, which introduces Jesus to children overseas, and the burgeoning United Methodist Church in Vietnam. Through our very active women’s organization, the United Methodist Women, we strive to support organizations that seek justice and offer mercy to women and children around the world. Beginning in 2010, Grace Church implemented a “Be The Church” Sunday, where instead of enjoying a worship service two Sundays per year, the congregation instead went out into the community to “Be The Church”. Groups from Grace Church have gone out to pay for gasoline and to pray with peo-
ple, if requested, at Swifty Gas Station. Some went to clean up local parks, or to pick up trash along the banks of Paint Creek. A painting crew went out to repair gutters, and paint the eaves and shutters of an elderly gentleman’s home who could not afford to have the work done otherwise. One group cleaned out a trailer that was about to be condemned so a local woman would not lose her home. Groups go to visit area nursing and resident homes, visiting and praying and singing with our neighbors. Often these days would include a prayer walk, where people would stop in front of every home on a block and pray for the people inside the homes. We have raked
Spring Grove United Methodist
Spring Grove UMC is located at 8062 Parrott Station Road in Jefferson Township.
at Sunnyside, Hospice of Fayette County, Habitat for Humanity, and the Kairos Prison Ministry at Ross Correctional Institution.
The SonShine Servants have donated their time and talents to sew over 320 pillowcase dresses for an orphanage in Haiti these past two years.
Spring Grove UMC is located at 8062 Parrott Station Road in Jefferson Township and its Sunday worship service begins at 10:45 a.m.
leaves, cleaned out planting beds, built new front porch steps, filled children’s home sandboxes for free, repaired bikes, held an instructional baseball clinic, given free back-toschool haircuts, and more. Always a meal was served to those we touched that day. In 2012, with the arrival of Pastor Mick Whistler, the people of Grace Church decided that two Sundays per year was just not enough. In addition to these activities, an outreach event would take place inside the church walls (or in the parking lot) every other month. This was kicked off in August with our Rock The Block Party, where our praise band played in the
parking lot and we offered free food, carnival style games, child safety finger printing by the Sheriff’s Office, a chance to explore the new ladder truck of the Washington Fire Department, more free haircuts and school supplies, and of course, a meal to our neighbors. In October, we offered a Halloween party to the children of Fayette County, complete with dinner, indoor trick or treating, games and crafts. In December we enjoyed our traditional Night In Bethlehem event, and in January of 2013, a spa and pampering day was held here at the church for clients of the L.I.F.E. Pregnancy center, complete with manicures, pedicures, candlelit dinner,
and worship. Every Sunday, Grace Church offers a free meal to the community beginning at 5:30 p.m. and follows the meal with a brief contemporary worship experience, or open discussion on current faith topics. It has become ever more clear that the people of Grace United Methodist Church want to make a difference in this world. Our mission statement is to Make New Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World. And we don’t just say it, we live it. In reaching out to people of our community and beyond, we wish to offer help, offer hope, and offer Christ to everyone we touch.
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Churches of Fayette County County takes part in National Day of Prayer
Continued from page 51
Submitted by Mary Estle
David looked at me with amused eyes. “Look, Bev, I am just a local pastor. When I don’t have many people at a Sunday morning service, I may not stand at the pulpit. I may pull out a stool and sit close to those in attendance. Now, there are some congregations who would be appalled by that. But I believe we are all in this together. Of those of who carry the titles, some of us can make the connec-
Fayette County National Day of Prayer coordinator
O
Back row L-R Lance Cranmer, Mark Fahey, Ryan Carter, Julie Howe, Gary Brock, Denise Hill, Kim Penwell, Melvin Ward Front Row L-R Jason Grewell, Janice Snyder, Kathy Patterson, Jayla Wallingford, Jessica Wolfe, Sherri Sattler, Candis Thomas Not Pictured - Sheril Hosch, Frank Yoakum, Chris Hoppes
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n the national scene, there has been a National Day of Prayer since 1952. That year, President Truman and Congress passed a bill that set aside one day a year for prayer. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill into law that made the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Having a set day allowed people to plan prayer events. Ohio began celebrating this day in the early 1990s. Fayette County followed in 1995. Participation has grown each year. Last year, 679 were in attendance at the several events planned for our county. The NDOP is based on Judeo/Christian beliefs. Shirley Dobson, wife of well-known author James Dobson, is the National Chairperson. NDOP’s mission is to encourage prayer
tion and others can’t. Don’t make this a ‘title’ war. This is about having the ability to be ‘one of’ regardless of the title.” I am so blessed to have friends in many diversified fields: nursing, finances, the law, politics, teaching…but when spiritual uplifting is needed, whether I know it or not, it’s good to know a pastor or two. If you appreciate the work of your religious leader, let him or her know. It’s a fairly big responsibility guiding and caring for a large flock. Even titled people need a pat on the back.
Staff photo by Ryan Carter
Many knelt and prayed for the county, state and nation during the 2012 National Day of Prayer event at the Courthouse Gazebo held the first Thursday in May.
for America and its leaders. They emphasize praying for seven spheres of influence - government, military, business, church, family, education, and media. The Fayette County NDOP has a task force that plans events for Fayette County. It is usually comprised of 15 to 20 concerned citizens that meet once a month from
January to March and twice in April to plan the prayer events. Besides the main service which is held at noon at the Court House Gazebo, there is an evening service and a prayer walk. In the past, there has also been a lady’s prayer luncheon, men’s prayer meeting, contests, prayer in nursing homes, a pastors’ and
elected officials’ prayer breakfast, as well as rallies for children and teens. The Task Force works hard to provide as many avenues for area Christians to come together to pray as possible. They feel there is no better way for the churches and people of Fayette County to come together than to pray together on the National Day of Prayer.
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Churches of Fayette County
Madison Mills United Methodist: The little roadside church Submitted by Jane Grim
I
n 1868, a group of men in the Madison Mills community, among them William Satchel, James Noble, Thomas Smith, H.S. Crow, Henry Fulton and Isaac James, secured pledges of $800 to build a church on land purchased from Harper Smith. Logs were donated and James Noble sawed them at his mill for lumber to erect the church. Madison Chapel, completed in 1869 with Rev. Alexander as the pastor, was at first part of the Mt. Sterling circuit, but in 1870 was changed to the Bloomingburg circuit where it remained until 1994 when it became a single charge, with a parsonage being built in 1996. The pulpit was a gift of the school children of Madison Mills. They presented a play and raised $27 for the purchase. Several members and friends of the chapel contributed to a fund to buy a clock for the church
Madison Mills United Methodist
sanctuary. It was purchased December 1879 from Worrell Jewelers for the sum of $5.60. The names of the contributors were found on a list on the back of the clock and the clock still remains in our annex. After Gen. John A. Logan designated May 30, 1868 as the first Memorial Day to decorate the soldier’s graves, services were held in Madison Chapel each year. People of the community would bring flowers to the church. The women of the church would make them into bouquets, one for each soldier buried in the Madison Mills cemetery. The bouquets would be carried by the children, marching from the
church to the cemetery. After the playing of taps and the gun salute, they placed the flowers on the graves. Before 1900, an entrance way, two rooms and a belfry were added at a cost of $1,600. Other structural changes include an annex built in 1954; a kitchen and rest rooms in 1969; the nursery completed in 1981; and the office set up in 1996. Adjoining property was purchased in 1963. Shelter house was built in 1992 and concession trailer was purchased in 1999 for food services at auctions and other events. In the early years the women organized a Missionary Society, later forming the ladies Aid Society in 1918 and later the United Methodist Women. These ladies are an active and useful group of the church that continues to render beneficial service to missions, institutions and to the community. Particularly pleasing are the Chrismons made for the Christmas season.
A
round the year 1800, several folks in the community followed the suggestion of Mr. Darius Bryan to start a church. Fifteen years later in 1905, it became a reality. In the meantime folks gathered at the one-room red brick schoolhouse, North Star and later the Maple Grove schoolhouse on the White Pike near Dogtown. (The Maple Grove schoolhouse has been kept up by the church and has been “modernized” with electricity, water, and heat, and has been used for church suppers, family re-
Various Sunday School classes have all made valuable contributions to promote and enhance worship, while donations given by individuals and families honor the memory of loved ones.
Under the present leadership of Pastor Robert Sholis, the little church by the roadside stands as a monument to our forefathers as a symbol of thankfulness for God’s goodness.
O
n Aug. 14, 1906, the Church of Christ in Christian Union purchased two lots located at 424 Gregg St. from W.H. Dial for $300. A church was built on these two lots. On Dec. 23, 1963, the church purchased an adjacent property from Geoffrey Lambert for the price of $10,000. When the lot was purchased, the name was changed to the Gregg Street Church of Christ in Christian Union.
Gregg Street Worship Center By the time the revival hit in February of 1970, approximately 500 people attended Sunday school. The revival was scheduled to last for three days with Evangelist Edith Gallagher and music by the Adams Boys but it continued for 28
days. One of the stories told during this time was about a man speeding. When he was pulled over by the police, the policeman asked him why he was in such a hurry. The man replied he didn’t want to be late for church. The policeman said that was the first time he ever heard that excuse. During these years, a famous songwriter and singer Dottie Rambo visited two to three times. On Dec. 1, 1980, the property was sold to the
Immanuel Baptist Church. The Gregg Street Church of Christ in Christian Union moved to a new location and is presently the Heritage. On Oct. 23, 1987, Zoe Ministries purchased the property. The church was then named the Gregg Street Worship Center. The Gregg Street Worship Center is a non-denominational ministry with Pastor Donald Dillon, assistant pastors Patricia Gardner, Regina Salter and youth pastor, Hilda Harper. In September of 2011,
Page 68– Spectrum 2013
the food ministry was changed to a “Kid’s Backpack Program.” Eighty backpacks are delivered every week to the Miami Trace Elementary for children in kindergarten through the fifth grade. These backpacks contain enough food for the children to eat over the weekend. If the child has a threeday weekend or a school break, the ministry adds to the quantity of food items in each backpack to ensure that each child has enough to eat. Last year, a member
of the ministry purchased flip-flops for each child before summer recess. The church body donates food, funding and time to pack each of these backpacks to deliver to the school every week. The food ministry also visits the Heritage Green Community. Each month, a box containing meat, vegetables, fruit and other food items are delivered to the door of the residents. The church also works with other agencies to supply the needs of the local community.
Spectrum 2013
Maple Grove: Early church gathered in one-room schoolhouse By Neil Rowland
Gregg Street: Church provides basic needs for the community Submitted by Regina Salter
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
Maple Grove
unions and a voting place). A building committee was elected composed of Robert Rowland, William Rutledge, John Hutchison, John Stookey and Benton Garrison, who was later replaced by Charles Arahood. They drew up plans and started a drive to collect money to cover the construction costs.
Virgil Bryan, son of Darius Bryan, donated the land. Construction started in August 1905 and was completed in December 1905. Many people donated their time and money. The total cost was $2,500. (A new gas furnace in 2010 was about $3,000). At the dedication service, Dec. 31, 1905, the congregation marched from the schoolhouse to the new church. To be able to obtain a minister the church was accepted into the Methodist Episcopal denomination. Down through the years, the church has been on several circuits or charges, usually with five other
The Maple Grove congregation moved on from gathering in schoolhouses to its own building built in 1905.
churches which were served by one minister who
traveled by horse and buggy. He would have serv-
ices in the morning, afternoon and night. Presently the church is on a two-church charge with Good Hope. Thirty-eight different ministers have served the church. Rev. Jon Cook is the present minister assisted by Jon Silveous. In the 1970s, a fellowship room was added to the back of the church. Even though the congregation is small, the members are very faithful. My grandfather Robert and my father John were active members in the beginning of the church, as are now some of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
New Holland United Methodist: Church dates back to 1825 Submitted by Ann Thompson
T
he early settlers of New Holland came from Flanders County and Loundoun County in Virginia. The village was first named Flemingsburg and the plat of New Holland was acknowledged on Sept. 2, 1818. The town was incorporated on March 9, 1835. These settlers had a longing for church fellowship and a place to worship. Some of them must have been Methodists in their old homes, for the Methodist Church was organized as early as 1825. The first Sunday School Class consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hasselton, Mr. and Mrs. George Bohrer and daughter, Loraine, Mr. and Mrs.
New Holland United Methodist Andrew Matter, Gus Lindsay and daughter, Nancy, and three other members. Samuel Hasselton was chosen as the leader. Prior to 1825, religious services were held in various homes with Reverend Frances A. Wilson in charge. This same gentleman was the first mayor of the village. A small log building which stood on South Main Street served as the next place of worship for the people. In 1827, Judge Tallman donated some land on what
is now North Church Street. A small frame church was constructed on this site. The Presbyterians purchased this same edifice in 1867 and moved it to another site. A more modern building that cost approximately $2,500 was erected on the original location on Church Street by the Methodists. Smith Chaffin, Jacob Hasselton, J. Lewis and George W. Gooly served as trustees at this time. At the time this church was built, there were no automobiles, so a hitching rack at the front provided a place to hitch the horses that provided transportation for the people who attended the services. Some rode in buggies while others rode horseback. This building was used as their place of worship for 43 years. During
this time the minister lived in a house on North Main Street near the Church of Christ. On May 10, 1886, the New Holland Women’s Home Missionary Society was organized by Miss Ella Betts. The membership at this time totaled 16, but it later increased to 29. The first group of elected officers was as follows: President, Mrs. Charles McCafferty, First Vice President, Mrs. Bradley - the pastor’s wife, Second Vice President Mrs. Barbara Loyd, Third Vice President Mrs. Robert Dunlap, Corresponding Secretary Miss Lida Orr, Recording Secretary, Mrs. Emma Bartholomew and Treasurer, Miss Lida Evans (she rode horseback to collect the dues). New Holland has the honor of entertaining
Page 69 – Spectrum 2013
the first annual convention of the Chillicothe District in September of 1889. This group continued its work until 1904. In 1900 the parsonage was built on South Church Street and in 1910, it was decided to build a new church. The first $100 for the new church was raised by the Ladies Aid Society. The group held a bazaar on Main Street which had the appearance of an old time sale day. Everything was included from a needle to an engine. Col. W.S. Robinson, an auctioneer from Mt. Sterling, sold chickens, hogs, farm machinery, buggies, fertilizer, and much more. In the evening the ladies served a delicious supper in the basement of the new church. The various Sunday school classes had booths
from which many different articles were sold. Col. Sweptson, Jr. of Chillicothe served as auctioneer in the evening. The total proceeds of the day neared $1,100. The Ladies Aid Society pledged a certain amount to the building fund for the new church. The building site that was selected for the new church already had a residence on it. The house owned by Thomas and Ida Gooley was moved to a lot just south of the corner site chosen for the new church. The Gooleys donated the land. Construction for the new church began and the first cornerstone was laid. Inside of this stone was placed a Bible, certain papers and documents. See NHUMC, page 70
All about community…
I
n 2012, the Pathways to Discovery, an afterschool program, was discontinued due to students getting back into New Holland late after the consolidation of the elementary school at the Miami Trace campus. The program was started 17 years ago by Ann Thompson with the support of the United Methodist District Mission Society who provided funds along with the funding by our church. The program was held in September through April twice a month with an average attendance of 55. Enrollment was 80 children. The program was designed to teach children the Love of God and how to have respect for themselves and others, how to be kind and sharing and respect others’ property. The school was very cooperative in this program because they felt it helped many, many children. We have a very active United Methodist Women locally, and officers in the District and Conference
United Methodist Women. Anna Mae Conrad, Pat Taylor, Carmen White and Ann Thompson have served or are serving in District and Conference Offices. We are well represented in the District as Harold Thompson serves as Chairman of the Board of the Capital Area South District Board of Directors. On July 1, 2010, Atlanta and New Holland United Methodist churches decided to dissolve the two point charge and each became individual churches. This arrangement has worked out very well for both churches. Senior Citizen Day Out was started by Nancy Davis in 1990 and has grown each year to an average attendance of 150 and provides a wonderful homecoming for current and former residents. Along with our current minister Rev. Michael Thompson we are blessed to have two excellent Lay Speakers, Kay Oughterson and Carmen White.
NHUMC Continued from page 69
On April 23, 1911, the church was finished. The total cost of the structure was $20,000. The dedication of the church was attended by the District Superintendent, W.D. Cherrington, who offered prayer, followed by a beautiful solo by Mrs. John Hyde Dunlap of Williamsport. Bishop W.H. Moore of Cincinnati delivered the morning sermon. His purpose was to dedicate the new church provided that the people were able to meet the conditions; that is, able to raise enough money to cancel the indebtedness.
A total of $16,750 had been given which left a balance of $3,250 to be contributed. Within a short space of 30 minutes and exactly at noon, $3,438 had been donated, more than enough to liquidate the debt and assure the dedication for the afternoon meeting. At 2:30 p.m., the services began with nearly 1,000 people in attendance. Reverend W.E. Prior was the pastor at this time. In the early 1930s during the depth of the Depression, a meeting of three official board members made a very important decision regarding the existence of the church. The members, Ansel Kirkpatrick, Sr., Ernest Rowland, and Mary Withgott, were confronted with the problem
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was chartered on Aug. 29, 1940, with Mrs. John Dick appointed as president. The remaining officers were Vice President Mrs. Harold Costlow, Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Glenn Grimes, Recording Secretary Mrs. Herbert Louis, Treasurer Mrs. Dorsey Bumgarner. There were 83 charter members. In 1968, the organization became known as the United Methodist Women. Another major event for the church was the renovation of the basement. A new floor was poured and tiled. The existing renovation was rebuilt and a new ladies’ room was added. The kitchen was renovated with Nell
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of lack of funds to pay the current expenses. They discussed closing the church, but that was something none of them could bring themselves to do. All three of these fine people donated money of their own to cover part of the expenses. The pastor, Reverend H.O. Harbaugh, offered to go without his salary for a few months. Due to his generous offer, the church members decided to have a food donation for his family. A huge table of food was presented to the surprised couple. Another generous gift was presented by Charles C. French. He donated coal for the winter’s heat. The Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS)
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Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
NHUMC Continued from page 70
Hughes serving as chairman of this project. A fund was started by Mable Dick to purchase an organ. A generous portion of this came from the estate of Charles C. French. The New Holland-Atlanta United Methodist Men was organized on Jan. 21, 1954. The minister at this time was Reverend J.K. Price. The purpose of this group was to promote Christian fellowship and spiritual growth between the men of the two churches. They also hoped to provide funds for the taxes and needs of the parsonage. The first slate of officers was: President Nick Fannin, First Vice President Paul Peck, Second Vice President Harry Armstrong, Third Vice President Dr. L.M. Tarbill, and Secretary/Treasurer J.C. Roberts. There were 24 charter members. The group had ladies’ nights, gave to missions and had annual Pancake and Sausage Suppers. A special event for the group was the Methodist Men’s Father and Son Banquet held on April 29, 1964 in the Atlanta School with Bob Feller, “Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher”, as the
guest speaker. The Atlanta Grain Company donated autographed baseballs to 300 fathers and sons in attendance. The women of the churches provided the meal. Reverend Orlo Freshley was the minister at this time. The past 25 years have been full and fruitful in the life of the New Holland United Methodist Church. On April 23, 1961, we celebrated the golden anniversary of our church dedication. The pastor requested that any members who were present at the dedication 50 years ago to stand. There were only four: H.T. Gooley, Mrs. Jolly, Mrs. Henrietta Hearn and Mrs. Samantha Zeller. The name of our church was changed in 1968 with the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church. This merger created new policies and programs for both church denominations. Hebron Church was added to the New Holland-Atlanta charge. Under the leadership of our present minister, Reverend Ken Ludwig, a new camping ministry has been started at the Deer Creek Campgrounds during the summer months. Many new improvements have been made to the church
building during the past 25 years. New carpeting, large ceiling fans and plexiglass storm windows have been added. The stained glass windows have been releaded and the basement and kitchen have been remodeled. Our church basement is the center for various community activities and the church is always open for use and service in addition to a Christian setting for Sunday School classes. Boy Scouts, CampFire Girls, 4-H clubs, Lions clubs and others use the facilities. During the school year, the New Holland kindergarten of the Miami Trace School District was housed in the church basement. Our church is also designated as a disaster center for emergencies. The members of the church work hard on several projects for missions. When the tornado demolished Xenia in 1974, our youth group raised over $500 in cash and also donated baby supplies, food and clothing for the people. During the Christmas season the youth promoted the community interest in religion by designing and building religious floats for the Christmas parade in Washington C.H. The Red Bird Mission has been one of our mission proj-
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cern for all of the members. At the present time, our worship service is averaging an attendance of 75. As in the past, funding for the church expenses has been needed. Some of the projects we have had are smorgasbords, holiday bazaars, turkey and ham suppers, rummage sales, farm sale dinners, a pizza stand at Community Days and ice cream socials. A special thanks goes to all former and present officers, teachers, janitors, organists, choir members, members and friends of the church who have given hours of service over the years. We have not included individual recognition for fear of missing a devoted worker.
Fayette Veterinary Hospital
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and Atlanta churches. The youth and choirs of both churches adds much to the Advent season. Our church parsonage has been completely redecorated with new carpeting and drapes. A new two car garage has been attached to the house and a new roof and siding has been added to the parsonage. The New Holland United Methodist Church sponsors Cub Scout Pack No. 157 and Boy Scout Troop No. 157 which were chartered in 1942. The troop had eight Eagle Scouts. Our Sunday School Department had high attendance in the 1960s with an average of 180 attending. The attendance has declined over the years and this is a great con-
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ects for a number of years. Clothing, toys, bedding, books and money for a Christmas party are sent to them each December. The United Methodist Women also save Campbell Soup labels to get sports equipment for the children. Food baskets are given to the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We are starting a Food Pantry this November. Church members will be donating food to share with the less fortunate. Vacation Bible School is a big part of our summer ministry to children. Retreats for the youth and young adults have been held at Lancaster Campgrounds with as many as 50 attending. These experiences provided spiritual and social enrichment for all involved. Mother-Daughter Teas and Father-Son Banquets have become a part of our church social activities. Special events at Christmas are the “Hanging of the Greens” and the lighting of the Advent candles. Each year a Chrismon (Christ symbols) Christmas tree graces our sanctuary and gives us an opportunity to learn more about the Christian symbols. Christmas Eve candlelighting services are alternated each year between the New Holland
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Churches of Fayette County
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Daryl L. Waits, D.V.M.
Churches of Fayette County
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Good Shepherd Lutheran: A church aiming to be Christ-like Submitted by Denise Kiger
G
ood Shepherd Lutheran Church was born out of the prayers and faith of many people. Among those and the most instrumental in establishing Good Shepherd was Ramona (Mrs. Roger F.) Miller. In 1957, when she and her family moved to
Washington C.H., she was very disappointed and dismayed there was no Lutheran Church. Since her faith and Lutheran heritage played such an important role in her life, she was determined her three children, Mike, Steve and Denise, would be raised and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. In the fall of 1957, she began active work to con-
Good Shepherd Lutheran ceive a Lutheran church in the city. After contacting the director for the Ohio Synod of the Lutheran
Church, she learned much ground work was necessary. Ramona pressed on spearheading an extensive survey of the community by going door to door and placing many telephone calls. As interest increased, a community of interested individuals was organized. Ramona was elected President; Richard Kilian, Vice-President; William
Kensley, Secretary and Mrs. William Kensley, Treasurer. After nearly two years of preliminary ground work, the Ohio Synod extended a call to mission developer, Rev. Joseph Radabaugh of Mt. Clemens, Mich., to guide the organized group. At the time of the calling of Rev. Radabaugh, a search was launched to find an
adequate parsonage. The search resulted in the purchase of a home located at 664 Willabar Drive. On Oct. 12, 1959, over 50 adults gathered at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Parish Hall to make plans for the first worship service. A steering committee was formed and the first See GOOD SHEPHERD, page 73
Board of DD: Helping disabled citizens be recognized as equals Submitted by Debbie Yoho
I
n 2012 the Fayette County Board of Developmental Disabilities celebrated its 45th year. In the last 45 years the disabled community has undergone many changes in their quest to be recognized as equal citizens with a voice. The Fayette County Board of Developmental Disabilities has been there each step of the way, ever evolving to provide the support needed to the community so that their voices will be heard. In 1967 the state of Ohio took a giant step forward in its recognition of people with disabilities by establishing county boards of developmental disabilities. In the fall of this same year the Fayette County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities opened Fayette Progressive School. The school opened with eight students in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church. Staff consisted of
County Board of DD a teacher and the first administrator, Fern Ginn. The year 1971 brings about the amendment of the Fair Labor Standards of 1938 to include adults with disabilities. Fayette County Board of MRDD established a sheltered workshop called Fayette Adult Training Center. By the fall of 1976, the Fayette County Board of MRDD was housed at the old Sunnyside School building and included 46 students, eight adults, and approximately 20 staff. The budget had grown to $126,400. Over those next two years the board grew and found the need to separate into two buildings. The Fayette Adult Training Center had an official name change to Fayette
Progressive Industries. The children continued to learn and the adults continued to find sheltered employment and the Fayette County Special Olympics program was established. Over the next two decades the Fayette County Board of MRDD continued to expand. Over time Fayette Progressive Industries moved into its current location on Robinson Road. The federal government mandated a Free and Appropriate Public Education for all, and local school systems developed special education programs. Fayette Progressive School no longer had the need of a school age program and it closed. The Early Childhood Program was growing and moved into their permanent location on Leesburg Avenue. The disabled community stands and their voices are heard and the term “mental retardation” was removed. The Fayette County Board of MRDD is now the Fayette County Board of Developmental
Disabilities: Fayette County Board of DD. Now through the Service and Support Administration Department, we work with the people that we serve to assist them with the needs they have determined. We strive to promote independence in living and employment. Approximately 100 adults are enrolled with the Fayette County Board of DD. Our Early Childhood Program continues to remain at capacity and we provide direct early intervention and preschool services to approximately 120 children. Our goal is to assist our families and children so that they receive the best possible start in The Board of DD’s Early Childhood Program provides life and leave us ready to services for approximately 120 kids. tackle public school and services: from our initial We do know that whatever the rest of their lives. We budget of $10,000 to our comes, the Fayette County were proud when three of current budget of $3.5 mil- Board of DD will continue our families reported to us lion. Initially the Fayette to walk with our citizens to that their children received County Board supported a ensure the security of what perfect scores on their staff of two - we now emwe all desire: belonging, kindergarten readiness ploy 45 staff. acceptance, and contribuplacements. What the next 45 years tion within and to the comOur budget has grown munity at large. to reflect the growth in our will bring we cannot tell.
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Churches of Fayette County Good shepherd Continued from page 72
meeting was held Oct. 20, 1959. Members of that committee were: Rev. Radabaugh, Chairman; Richard Kilian, Vice-President; James Berray, Secretary and Parish Education; Lloyd Fennig, Treasurer; R.D. Carlson, Financial Secretary; Orum E. Price, Evangelism; Roger Miller, Stewardship and Finance; Gustaf (Ted) Anderson, Property; Mrs. James Berray, Historian; and Mrs. Russell Reston, Nursery. The first worship service was held on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 25, 1959 in the Sunnyside School (now known as The Well) auditorium with a total attendance of 93. Worship participants were Rev. Radabaugh as worship leader, Naomi Philips as organist and Mike Miller as acolyte. Palm Sunday, April 10, 1960, marked the signing of the charter of Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church. It was signed by 79 adults and 51 children. On May 22, 1960, the new congregation officially came into being with 86 adults and 61 children on the roll. The formal establishment of a Lutheran Church in Washington C.H. was declared on this date. A committee was formed in March 1961 to select a site on which the congregation would construct a church building. The members of this committee were Ted Anderson, Maurice Farmer, Bob Linder and Hilbert Meyer. They located five-and-a-
half acres at 1003 N. North St. (formerly known as Buck’s Greenhouse) which was later purchased in November 1961. During this same time period, an organization called the “Women of the Church” was organized. That organization is now named the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (WELCA). With two ladies circles established, the women made 12 choir robes as their first project. This women’s group has worked very diligently through the years to provide many things needed, not only at the church or in the community, but to mission work throughout the world. They remain active today! A building committee was appointed with Richard Kilian, Chairman and Dr. Ralph Gebhart, Vice Chairman. After a successful building fund drive, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the chilly, wet day of April 5, 1964. The bulk of the congregation attended this long-sought after event along with Ohio Synod dignitaries. The first service in the new church building was attended by a capacity crowd on Dec. 13, 1964. The church was dedicated to the glory of God on Jan. 17, 1965 with the Rev. Herbert Veler, D.D., President of the Ohio Synod of the Lutheran Church of America officiating. The Sunday School program gained membership and the church also established a Vacation Bible School (VBS) for two week sessions every
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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
summer. The youth of the church, known as Luther League, were guided by advisors Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fries. The National Cash Register Company (NCR) closed its Washington C.H. division early in 1972. Nineteen families of Good Shepherd were affected by this move. This was quite a blow to not only to the church, but to the WCH community. Many families left the area to relocate in other states with NCR. However, through faith, diligent work and prayers, the church survived this adversity. In April 1979, Good Shepherd extended its services to the Court House community by sponsoring a Food Co-op Service. This service made available fresh fruits, vegetables and other staples at near wholesale prices. The program was geared for low income families, but anyone in the community could participate. The groceries were delivered from a Cincinnati warehouse every other week. With the Pastor’s leadership, church members bagged and weighed the items for
pick-up. The program was a success and continued for six years. The most important event of 1979 was the burning of the Parsonage mortgage. The Planning Committee for the event consisted of Violet Davis, Ingrid Harrison, Jim Meyer, Roger Miller, Diane Murphy, Warren Pollock and George Walker. The event took place May 11, 1979 with three members taking part in the mortgage burning: Cora Fennig, 85-year-old senior member; two-anda-half month old Jodi Smith, junior member (assisted by her father Roger, Church Council President) and Ramona Miller, church organizer. This was also the celebration for the 19th anniversary of the church. With many activities continuing through the years, the next big event for Good Shepherd was the 25th anniversary celebration on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 28, 1984, recreating the first service of the Mission Church held at Sunnyside School auditorium on Sunday, Oct. 25, 1959. Participating in this service were charter members: June
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Fennig, soloist; Ramona Miller, lector; Mike Miller, acolyte; Bob Angus, Maurice Farmer, Lloyd Fennig, and Roger Miller as ushers; Roy and Jean Coe, greeters. The actual 25th anniversary date for Good Shepherd was May 22, 1985. An anniversary banquet was held Saturday,
May 25, 1985. A symbol (sheep) and slogan (He leads, We follow.) for the occasion was created by Martha Hoffman. Mrs. Jennie (Kilian) Meyer was the general chairman for the banquet. Pentecost Sunday, May 26, 1985, the 25th anniversary service with Holy Communion was celebrated. During the service, the church montage was burned. The Rev. Joseph Radabaugh (first pastor of the church) lit the match that burned the paper while members of the original steering committee gathered around to collect the ashes from the flame. Bishop Kenneth Sauer was the pastor for the service. He stated, See Good Shepherd, page 74
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Churches of Fayette County Good Shepherd Continued from page 73
“Pentecost, the birthday of the church. There could not be a better day than this to celebrate the birth of this special church. Happy birthday to you!” After the excitement of celebrating the 25th anniversary, the year 1986 was spent with the various ministries becoming quite active. The Social Ministry conducted devotional services at Court House Manor Nursing Home every other month. They also sponsored skating parties at Roller Haven with the proceeds going to the Easter Seal Society. Contributions were made to the Food Pantry at the Presbyterian Church and Christmas baskets were delivered to the needy. Support was given to the Ministerial Association to support the Chaplaincy Program at Fayette County Memorial Hospital. In cooperation with the American Cancer Society, members of Good Shepherd drove cancer patients to big city hospitals for treatment. On Soap Sunday, they collected soap products to be distributed to the needy through the Children’s Services Department. The highlight of 1987 was the dramatic change to the appearance of the sanctuary - from tile flooring and folding metal chairs to installed wall to wall carpeting and cushioned pews with kneeling benches. What a blessing this was for the church
and its people! For many years, the church opened its doors to provide a meeting place for AA, Easter Seals, Scouts, and other nonprofit organizations. Good Shepherd had a softball team, coached by Bob Cotner, which participated in the inter-mural Church Softball league. In 1988, the team won first place in their division and brought home a trophy! In 1990, the Fayette County unit of the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program (for mastectomy patients) needed volunteer drivers to transport local cancer patients for treatment in Columbus at the larger hospitals and clinics. Good Shepherd provided more miles than any other church or organization in the county. What a huge honor for such a small group of people. This was only possible due to the dedication and desire of the people to be the hands and feet of Christ to others. In 1993, Good Shepherd opened their doors to house the Rock-A-Bye Day Care in the basement of the church. This day care opened through the efforts of the Kiwanis, Fayette County Early Childhood Council and the congregation of the church on May 3, 1993. They were housed there until January 1998. The Day Care was a good outreach program for the church to the community. The biggest accomplishment since the actual construction of the church building in 1964 was completed in early 2012. After
a very successful capital improvement pledge drive, the church building received a complete transformation on the building facade and inside sanctuary. The facade was redesigned to showcase five cathedral-style windows in place of a solid wall of glass windows. A Luther Rose stained glass window was designed and installed above the entry doors. The sanctuary was updated with new coverings for the pews and kneeling benches and laminated flooring with beautiful oak trim to match. While the renovation was being completed, the congregation of Good Shepherd rented the former First Christian Church to hold their Sunday services and related activities. Once the renovation was completed, a re-dedication service was held March 11, 2012. The Luther Rose stained glass window, a gift to the church from the family of Roger, Ramona and Mike Miller, was dedicated in loving memory of them on Palm Sunday, April 8, 2012. Of the original 79 adults and 51 children charter members, five still participate in the life of the church with their prayers and dedicated service: June Fennig, Jennie (Kilian) Meyer, Denise (Miller) Kiger, Lavina Patterson and Lois (Mrs. Ned) Wolfe. The oldest of the remaining charter members is Jennie (Kilian) Meyer, soon to be 95. When asked about her favorite memory related to Good Shepherd, she recalled moving to Washing-
ton C.H. and attending a Welcome Wagon meeting. At the meeting, she was asked what church she attended. She said she was Lutheran but since there was no Lutheran church in Washington C.H., she and her husband would probably travel to Circleville to attend a Lutheran Church there. After the meeting, Ramona Miller went to Jennie and “recruited” her and her husband Dick to join the WCH Lutheran Church organizational team. Jennie was a Sunday School teacher and worked on VBS for several years. She remembered how families of the church signed up for cleaning the church on Saturdays. The sign-up was for a month at a time and she and Cora Fennig did their cleaning time together. Jennie had lots of good memories to share. The oldest male member of Good Shepherd is Warren Pollock who is 88. When asked what memory of the church was near and dear to his heart, he told of planting 46 trees on the church property. With help from other men of the church and arborist Don Creamer, this really added to the beauty and value of the church property. Warren told of one tree being held by one of the guys while the hole was being dug when the tree flipped out of the guy’s hand and smacked Warren in the face right between the eyes. He said his glasses flew off his face and were not to be found. He believes they are in the hole where the tree was planted and
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Spectrum 2013 remain there today. Every spring he checks the trees for any needed pruning and when fall arrives he gazes out the church windows at the beautiful colors of the leaves on the trees. He was also instrumental in getting a water line run out to the front of the church property to save wear and tear on the dedicated souls watering the “new” trees and plants. Warren served on the building/property committee of the church for many, many years. Lois Wolfe has been active at Good Shepherd since day one. When asked about her memories of years past at the church, she recalled the “big move” from Sunnyside School auditorium to the new church building in 1964. She also remembered the church being filled to near capacity every Sunday until the devastating departure of NCR from Washington C.H. Lois, who loves working with the “little ones”, still teaches Sunday School (54 years) and still serves as chairman of the Christian Education committee. She loves her church family, who as she put it, “has always stuck together and pulled out of bad times and embraced the good times.” Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church has been led and blessed by the pastoral services of: Rev. Joseph Radabaugh, 1960-1966; Dr. Herbert W. Veler, 1966-1971; Rev. Elmer E. Burrall, 19711973; Rev. Harold R. Shank, 1973-1978; Rev. Dr. James A. Harrison,
1991; Rev. Randy Rau, 1991-1997; Rev. Karen K. Kepner, 1997-2002; Rev. Match and Rev. Wallace (interims), 2002-2003; Rev. Christopher C. Adams, 2003-2009; Rev. Martin Francis (interim), 2010-2012; and Rev. Mary Katherine (Kate) Crecelius, 2012-present. Good Shepherd’s mission statement: As believers in the Triune God and members of the church of word and sacrament, we not only need to nourish our members through worship, teaching and fellowship, but also to share the love of Christ through word and deed with all people. In living out the mission statement of Good Shepherd, the congregation faithfully serves the Lord by being the hands and feet of Christ to our community and beyond and to each other. The church family of Good Shepherd would like to extend a very warm and friendly invitation to everyone to attend worship services with them. The church is located at 1003 N. North St. in Washington C.H. The Sunday School program offers classes for all ages. Fellowship time begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by individual class time. The Sunday worship service begins promptly at 10:15 a.m. The summer worship schedule, the first Sunday of June through the first Sunday of September, has worship services beginning at 9:30 a.m. For any questions of further information, please contact the church office at (740) 3354682 or via email at goodshepherd@ameritech.net.
Churches of Fayette County Heritage Continued from page 48
placed in a special election by James Tincture. In Augus 1907, Joel Tincture was elected to that office which he held until 1909. J.W.Rapp held the office of third elder from 1906 until 1909. In the early days the office of first elder was very important to the Church. The pastor served more than one church and was sometimes only available to preach on alternating Sundays. The first elder was class leader - he led in prayer and testimony meetings and he served the needs of the congregation almost the same as a pastor. Some even preached at times. In January 1909, James H. (Uncle Jimmy) and Elizabeth (Aunt Lib) McKibben moved to Washington C.H. James H. McKibben had been a Christian Union minister as far back as 1888. He and a young associate, Henry Leeth, held an important revival at New Holland in February 1903 that was famous for the very large crowds and many conversions. In 1904, “Uncle Jimmy” held a revival at Waterloo, Ohio (now Pancoastburg), which lasted 19 days and had 47 conversions. From this revival the Waterloo Church was organized. In 1904, James McKibben’s reports first mentioned people being “sanctified”. He is also credited with organizing local Christian Union Churches at Greenfield, Ohio and Jeffersonville,
Ohio in 1905. During much of his career, J.H. McKibben had expressed concern for the need of a periodical printed by and for the South Ohio Council of Christian Union. In March 1907 when Rev. McKibben was 62 years old, he and Elizabeth sold their Pike County farm for $3,000. Agreeing together that God was directing them, they bought the “Twin City Vidette”, a newspaper in Spring Valley, Ohio. On Sept. 17, 1907, they printed the first issue of the “Church of Christ Advocate”, from Spring Valley, Ohio Early in 1909, James and Elizabeth McKibben bought a home in Washington C.H., and rented a big creamery building with four living rooms, a Bible room, a printing room, and an office on Oakland Avenue. It was from this location that the “Advocate” was published for several years. In August 1909, James H. McKibben was elected as pastor of the Washington Court House Church of Christ in Christian Union on Gregg Street. He was to preach on alternating Sundays, both morning and evening services and was paid $5 for each of those preaching days. He also pastored the New Holland Church at the same time. It was in 1909 that Roy Ross was elected second elder, He was to hold either the office of second elder or first elder for more than 30 years. At the same business meeting, delegates were elected to represent the Church at the
29th session of the Annual Council of South Ohio in Christian Union that was to meet at Marshall, Ohio in Highland County. These delegates were: Oliver Flint, William Haggard, Roy Ross, and James Tincture. This council was to meet on Sept. 1, 1909. One would expect it to be greatly anticipated as the church was growing, they had completed a nice building and this was to be their third council in the denomination. Travel from Washington C.H. to Marshall was not really easy, there was no public transportation between those towns, just horses and buggies or wagons. This trip would take nearly all day and one would expect to stay a couple of days for council and perhaps a few days of camp meeting. Imagine their surprise and consternation when the delegates, their pastor and first elder were denied credentials! To gain the right to vote they were required to sign a legal document that was cleverly written, agreeing to points it was clear that those who believed in entire sanctification could not sign. There were other issues about the name to be used but the churches preaching the doctrine of entire sanctification or “holiness” were cut off from the Christian Union. It must have been a long frustrating trip back to Washington C.H. Under the leadership of J.H. McKibben, a group of preachers began the legal work of starting a new denomination. They wasted no time and on Sept. 29, 1909 they filed the Articles
of Incorporation of The Churches of Christ in Christian Union with the Secretary of State in Columbus, Ohio. On Oct. 27, 1909 a constitutional convention convened in the Advocate Publishing House in Washington C.H. to endorse a Charter, a Declaration of Rights and a Constitution for the Churches of Christ in Christian Union. Nine ministers and 17 laypersons signed these documents. At least seven of these people are named in the early records of the Washington C.H. church. Then on Oct. 29, 1909, the first Council of the Churches of Christ in Christian Union met in Jeffersonville, Ohio. During the years 1910 and 1911, Rev. James H. McKibban and Rev. Henry C. Leeth pastored the Washington C.H. church. By this time it was being called the Gregg Street church. Rev. Otha L. Ferguson came back in 1911, and alternated with Rev. Henry Leeth until 1914 when Rev. Henry Leeth pastored until 1918. WAR CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON During the years 1917 and 1918, World War I was raging in Europe. We have not been able to find a listing of soldiers from the church but it is certain that young men of the church would have been in that conflict. Also in the church there were clouds of disagreement. One of the most respected of the founders of our denomination and our pastor at that time, Rev. Henry Leeth, became involved with a religious experiment that proved to be very contro-
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Spectrum 2013 versial. This was called “All Things Common”. The plan described by a man named Wayne Runyan was to buy a farm, lay it out in lots and establish a small town. The plan included a school, a home for orphans and eventually a home for the aged. Members of this organization would pay off their debts, then pool all their resources and live in a communal society. Rev. Henry Leeth became the recognized leader of this movement. He secured property on Washington Avenue and started a church and a camp meeting in that location. The people who made up this organization proved themselves to be ingenious in the ways they supported it. A store was opened in Washington C.H. in which judicious purchasing of goods permitted church members to buy necessities at a lower price than at local stores. Churches were organized in other towns, calling themselves simply “The Church”. Later they were to be called “House of Prayer”. A farm was purchased near Urbana, Ohio and an attempt was made to operate as a commune. This effort failed due to a faulty understanding of economics, and ultimately disgraced the concept of “all things common”. However, the House of Prayer and the camp meeting survived and grew through the years as it was ably pastored by Rev. Henry Leeth for 42 years until his death in 1967. This movement still flourishes to this day and exists as the first of several spinoffs from the original
Gregg Street Church of Christ in Christian Union. THE CHURCH ESTABLISHES ITS POSITION IN THE COMMUNITY Rev. Frank Leeth and Rev. E. A. Keaton shared the pulpit at Gregg Street Church from 1918 until 1920. Over the years many of the pastors of the Washington C.H. church held leadership positions in the denomination. Rev. Keaton was to go on to become the moderator of the camp meeting and leader of the Churches of Christ in Christian Union through the years of great growth. He was a great pastor and an able leader. In 1920, Rev. James Sylvester became pastor of Gregg Street Church. He was often called “big Jim” as he was a very large man. This was a time of change as members of the congregation were changing from coming to church on horseback and in buggies and wagons to driving cars. In 1920, a mass produced Model T Ford could be purchased for $290. Times were good, prohibition became law in 1919 and the nation was in a rebellious mood. Authors were writing about the loss of personal, moral and spiritual values. There was much to preach about. Rev. E.A. Sager became pastor in 1923 and he held that position for six years. There were many controversial issues during these years. Secret Societies were an issue for the church and the most infamous of these was the Ku Klux Klan that reached its peak of popularity in 1924. Teachers in some See Heritage, page 76
Continued from page 75
schools were beginning to teach evolution and the famous Scopes “Monkey” trial pitted Clarence Darrow on the side of the evolutionists against William Jennings Bryan for the creationists in July of 1925. On March 21, 1928 Sister Mary Johnson left for India for the first time. She was the first missionary sent out by the Churches of Christ in Christian Union. Her home church was in Springfield, Ohio but she had a number of supporters at Gregg Street Church. Rev. Roy Wolford was elected pastor of Gregg Street Church in 1929 at a time when the good times were starting to collapse. In fact, the stock market crashed on Oct. 24, 1929 and before the year was out the nation was in the depths of depression. Rev. E.A. Sagar came back as pastor for a year in 1930. The nation was still in depression, cash money was really scarce. Many of the Gregg Street congregation were farmers and even the town people had gardens, some had chickens and a cow. By and large the Gregg Street people had plenty to eat as they raised most of their own food and traded for what they needed. It was very common to invite the pastor to the private homes for a meal that usually consisted of fried chicken, potatoes and vegetables, most of which
was raised or grown by the host. It is from this that preachers got such a reputation for liking fried chicken. Rev. Paul Ferguson was elected pastor in 1931. He was the son of Rev. O. L. Ferguson, the founder and first pastor of the church. Money was still extremely scarce. It was common for people to bring cream, eggs, pork or beef and even live chickens to the pastor when they didn’t have cash to pay their tithe. The pastor was well taken care of in spite of the shortages of money during the time of the depression. YEARS OF GROWTH AND BUILDING Rev. Frank Sollars came to Gregg Street Church in 1932 and served for 11 years. Like most pastors of that time, they worked at other jobs during the week to help support themselves. Brother and Sister Sollars were expert paperhangers, painters and decorators. This couple was greatly loved by the congregation. In 1935, a major improvement was made to the church building. The entire building was raised about 30 inches using jacks and a basement was dug under the rear half of the building using horses and drag buckets. An addition that also had a basement was built on the west side of the building. A coal furnace was installed in the basement and ducted to various parts of the building. Rev. Arthur George came to pastor the church in 1943 and was there for six years. Everyone was
somehow involved in the war effort. No new cars were built from 1943 through 1945 as the factories were building planes, tanks and jeeps. In 1944 the house and property at 410 Gregg St. was purchased for a parsonage. Rev. and Mrs. George were the first to occupy the parsonage. A second improvement was made to the church as the remaining area under the front portion of the original church was dug out and two more Sunday School rooms were added as well as restrooms in the new basement. An additional exit was made from that basement to the front of the church and inside to the foyer. On Dec. 27, 1947, on a blustery winter day, Don and Twana Hawk with young Ted and baby Tim crowded into a heavily loaded jeep and trailer. They were accompanied by Don’s brother, Bob Hawk, and his wife Helen and their friend Wayne Forsythe, driving Wayne’s heavily loaded truck as they set out for New Orleans. This was the first leg of Don and Twana Hawk’s journey to their first term in Honduras, Central America where they were going as agricultural missionaries. Don and Twana were to be the first of many of Gregg Street Church’s own people to go as missionaries to foreign fields. When Rev. Knisley was elected to be pastor at Gregg Street he was known to the congregation as “that kind man who runs the dining room at Circleville Camp Meeting.”
Indeed, Rev. Knisley promoted camp meeting very strongly during his ministry. This was the first pastor in many years to have children, so there were children in the parsonage for the first time. The congregation soon grew to love their “preacher’s kids.” An addition was made to the rear of the original church, thus creating additional seating space which could be curtained off to create two new Sunday School rooms on the main floor and two more Sunday School rooms in the basement. Also, an exit was added from the basement to the outside at the rear of the church. At this time the platform was moved from the north side to the east side of the church and the pews were rearranged to face the platform. Rev. Charles Ware, more often called Bill Ware, came to Gregg Street, his first pastorate as a very young man. He is a compassionate person who loved and was greatly
1 year . . .
Healthy Solutions 757 W. Elm St. Washington C.H., Ohio (740) 313-7654
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Heritage
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Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013 loved by his congregation. A fourth addition was made to the Gregg Street building. A large foyer and coat room was added to the southwest corner of the building with a new outside entrance and additional Sunday School rooms in the basement. In those days, Sunday School was a major evangelistic effort. People would bring or send their children to Sunday School and attendance would often be higher in that session than any worship service during the week. The strain of preaching eventually started causing Rev. Ware to have problems with his throat. Facing the possibility of losing his voice he chose to leave the ministry and begin a construction business. In the ensuing years, Brother Ware built many homes, businesses and several churches including his dream, Heritage Memorial Church. Gregg Street Church was the first pastorate for another young man, Rev Charles Williams. He had
1 year. . .
been an evangelist since his teenage years and preached his first sermons at Gregg Street as an evangelist for a youth revival. He came as pastor in 1959 and remained for 14 years until 1973, the longest term of any pastor up to that time. In 1961 the property at 414 Gregg St. was purchased and the only house between the church and the parsonage was removed. A fifth remodeling job was completed. This extended the old sanctuary to the west with a basement underneath. A new heating system was installed, and new carpet and new pews were provided in the sanctuary. The entire structure was refaced with brick. The Gregg Street Sunday School continued to grow and with the dynamic preaching of Rev. Williams, the worship services on both Sunday morning and Sunday evening were filling the church to capacity. See Heritage, page 77
2 years. . .
JACKPOTS SKILLED STOP GAMES SKILLED STOP GAMES
1329 S. Fayette St. Washington C.H., OH (Beside Mugs & Jugs)
Hours: 10am-Midnight 7 Days A Week 2364475
1268 Paddock Loop Washington C.H.
Long & Wilcox, LLC
740-636-1300 2361394
Heritage Continued from page 76
In 1965 a sixth and final addition to the Gregg Street facility was made. This was a modern threestory educational building on the west side of the church that filled the property all the way to the parsonage. The platform was moved to the west side of the building and again the pews were rearranged to
3 years. . .
Located on I-71, Exit 69 to right of Jeffersonville, OH
740-426-6991 Website: www.jcohio.com
face the platform. There was something different at Gregg Street church on those first January evenings in 1970. I had been going there for all the 34 years of my life and had never seen it like this. You could not see it, nor hear it, nor smell it, nor touch it. But you could sense a presence. Perhaps it was similar to the Pool at Bethesda when the angel came and troubled the waters and the first one to get into the
4 years . .
Rural & Urban
High Speed Internet 740-313-4858 or 800-549-6535 2361978
11 years. . .
12 years. . .
2360011
1270 US Rt. 22NW Suite 3 WCH, OH 43160
740-313-4682
Spectrum 2013
revival made it necessary for us to enlarge the church more than was possible at the Gregg Street location. This started out as a Youth Revival. Terry Martindill was the youth president at the time and he led the services. Rev. Charles Williams was our pastor. As it happened, Pastor Williams was preaching a revival in another church during the early part of the revival. The evangelist was Edith Gallagher who
Becky’s Country Candles
5 years. . .
6685 Boyd Rd. Washington C.H., OH 43160
740-335-5680 HOURS: Friday & Saturday 1-6 P.M. or call for an appointment
www.beckyscountrycandles.com 2361384
2359786
13 years. . .
14 Years. . .
Place Our
The Gathering Place
740-335-9641
4 years. . .
www.countryconnections.net
2357712
120 W. Court St. Suite 3 W.C.H., OH 43160
pool was healed. At Gregg Street in that 1970 revival, the waters were troubled for about four weeks and a tremendous number of people were saved. One cannot tell the story of Heritage Memorial Church at Washington C.H., Ohio without telling about the 1970 revival. The sustained growth that came from those saved in that revival and the continued evangelism that spilled over from the enthusiasm generated by this
Your Hometown Pharmacy
2247 U.S. Rt. 22 SW Washington C.H.
740-335-2000 www.jimvandyke.com 2362387
was also the song evangelist. Edith did not have the greatest singing voice in all the world but she had such charisma and she surely was in touch with the Spirit of the Lord during those meetings. She taught us a theme song for the revival and I would find myself singing these words during the day at work: “Faith in God can move a mighty mountain, Faith can calm the troubled sea,
7 years . . .
122 South Main St. Washington C.H., OH.
740-636-0609
2363242
14 years. . .
Herron Financial Group
1122 Columbus Ave. Washington C.H., OH 43160
150 W. Court St. Washington C.H.
740-333-4637
740-335-9900
740-335-1867
Page 77 – Spectrum 2013
2358170
Faith can make the desert like a fountain, Faith can bring the Victory.” The “Gospel Teens” made their popular debut at this revival. Singing and playing music in that group was Mark Weeter, Rosemary Long, Linda Long, Danny Rumer, Teresa Stritenberger, Denver Dixon and Alana Bick. They brought us the Gloria Gaither song “Jesus, See Heritage, page 78
8 years. . .
The Law Office of Buckeye Jeffrey A. Metals McCormick
827 E. Market St. Washington C.H.
2363253
Churches of Fayette County
2361137
406 Jamison Road Frankfort, OH 45628
740-998-4304 www.buckeyemetalroofing.com 2363897
14 years. . .
Reiterman Feed & Supply
Reiterman Feed & Supply 103 N. London St. Mt. Sterling
740-869-3817 Mon.-Fri. 8-5 Sat. 8-Noon 2359251
Churches of Fayette County Heritage Continued from page 77
Jesus, Jesus, There Is Something About That Name” with a reading by Alana that was a Gregg Street favorite for many years. Other singers during that revival included the Stritenberger family with Brian, Teresa and Lisa Stritenberger; the Gospel Melody Boys with Jim Bick, Leroy Crabtree and Kenny Knis-
15 years. . .
Fayette EyeCare “Professional Care Your Eyes Deserve” 7 Commercial Avenue Washington C.H.
740-335-6401 2357769
20 years. . .
CAC Self Help Housing 1360 Forrest St. WCH, OH 43160
740-335-1831 www.cacfayettecounty.org 2361948
ley; also, a group made up of Becky and Violet Williams and Marilyn Salyers. All these singers were from the Gregg Street church. Most went on to sing in other churches and some even made records. The Adams Brothers, Don, Gary, Roland, Darrrel and Farrel Adams were saved during the revival. Later in the revival, they formed a gospel singing group themselves and sang for the revival. This revival was defi-
15 years. . .
nitely Spirit led. After the first week Edith Gallagher, the evangelist, had to leave for a commitment to another church. Rev. Robert Kline came in and preached for a few nights. Rev. Melvin Maxwell came in and preached for a few nights. Some nights there was no preaching. Edith came back for a week or so then had to leave again. Pastor Williams preached for a week or so, then he had to go to fill a commitment in another church and other
15 years. . .
preachers came and it didn’t seem to matter. Finally, after 28 days, the special movement stopped as mysteriously as it had started. Everyone knew we had seen something special and it was over. During that revival, people were saved, reclaimed, sanctified, revived. Following is a partial list of those who testified to a life-changing experience during the 1970 revival: Darrell Adams, Farrell Adams, Don Adams, Joe Adams, Gary Adams,
17 years. . .
Performance Motor Cars Buy here - Pay here 0% interest 230 W. Court St. Washington CH
740-333-RIDE (7433) email: performance203@att.net 2363927
21 years. . .
Dean Apartments Glenn Ave. Washington C.H.
Assisted Living Memory Care
STANDARDBRED TECHNOLOGIES, LLC 543 Clinton Ave. Washington C.H.
740-636-9663 www.sbtechllc.com
21 years. . . Fayette County Family & Children First/ Department of Job & Family Services 133 South Main St. Washington C.H. Ext. 273 2363415
Roland Adams, Don Greeve, Jeff Hall Alan Holbrook,Bobby Holbrook, Karl Holbrook, David Holbrook, Sherry Holbrook, John Martindale, David May Marvine, May Curt Kuntz, Barbara Merritt, Fifi Merritt, Helen Merritt, Jim Merritt, Rick Sears, Bobby Seymour, Cluey Wallen,Jackie Walters, Sonny Walters, Randy Woods, Jean Wynne, and Jim Wynne. The original Gregg Street Church building was
17 years. . . Seton WCH Apartments Comfortable, affordable apartment living for active seniors
400 North Glenn Ave. Washington C.H., Ohio 43160
www.meridiansenior.com
ROBIN’S NEST FLOWERS & GIFTS 6 East High Street, Jeffersonville, OH (740) 426-8897 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm Sat. 9am-3pm; Closed Sunday
OWNER: 2359889 Robin R. Beekman
Page 78 – Spectrum 2013
finished in 1908. It was enlarged six times between 1935 and 1965. After the 1970 revival, it became clear that the church was going to grow beyond the available land at the Gregg Street location. We had been renting property from the railroad for parking and sometimes ran shuttle buses from the city park when large crowds were expected. To read more on the history of Heritage Memorial Church, visit www. recordherald.com.
2361065
23 years. . .
MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK Let MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK Become Your
“Real Community Bank” 128 S. North Street Washington C.H., Ohio 43160
(740) 335-1331 VISIT US ONLINE AT 2360407WWW.MERCHANTSNAT.COM
Pleasant Continued from page 47
1931 On Jan. 6, electric lights were installed in the church by David (Davy) Robinson. The wiring which was installed was known as Knob and Tube (K & T) wiring which was an early standardized method of electrical wiring in buildings, in common use in North America from
19 years . . .
26 years. . .
QUALITY OLLISION CRepair &
D UF F INSURANCE
Refinish
about 1880 to the 1930s. This wiring was the first style insulation made from asphalt-saturated cotton cloth wire. They used porcelain knobs and porcelain insulating tubes to support and protect the wire from the wood, etc. On Jan. 30, the first light (electric) bill paid to Ed L. Brown (he owned a General Store across from the church) at a cost of $1.25 per month. The light bill as it was called on the entry in the ledger was
28 years. . .
Heating Air Conditioning Fireplaces
CROP INSURANCE
Mike Duff 52 Main Street Bloomingburg
Locally owned & operated
Washington C.H.
740-437-7681
740-335-8344
1628 St. Rt. 38 NE. Washington C.H.
Email:duffinsurance@sbcglobal.net
1406 U.S. Rt. 22 NW
For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 740-333-3434.
21 years. . .
Email: faycofcfc@gmail.com 2362054
THE GARDENS AT CARRIAGE COURT 2359247
2363974
740-335-0350
740-335-8912
500 N. Glenn Avenue, Washington Court House An Affordable Alternative to Nursing Home Care
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
2359787
Fax 740-437-7518 2363939
23 years. . .
29 years. . .
Wellman-Kinzer Funeral Home
Mossbarger & Smithson
(740)333-7048 2363499
29 years . . .
paid to Ed L Brown or to Mrs. Ed L Brown till Aug. 4, 1936 when the light bill was paid to Dayton Power and Light at a cost of $1 per month. 1939 On Nov. 10, a furnace was bought for the church at a cost of $125. 1941 On May 4, Bro. Elmo B. Higham started preaching as a part-time minister at Pleasant View and holds the record of years of service in that position for 30
28 years. . .
years, four months. He had to retire due to poor health on Sept. 12, 1971 and died April 15, 1975. He also preached at the West End Christian Church, Atlanta, Ga., Church of Christ, Springfield, Ohio, Christian Church, Niles, Ohio, and the Church of Christ, Bellefontaine, Ohio before coming to Pleasant View. 1942 On Oct. 2, Pleasant View started donating $2 per week to the New Holland Church of Christ
29 years. . .
Spectrum 2013 “work.” The last donation was made March 21, 1943. 1944 On Feb. 9, the church floor was replaced with new hardwood flooring (1,400 feet cost $133). On June 12, Earl Swaney was granted a lease of the back part of the church’s lot for 99 years so he could expand his leaching field. 1947 In March, The Ladies of the Church formed an Aid Society with a
monthly meeting held since. This Society later became know as the Ladies Aid and they still meet each month. During this time, some of their functions included making cookies and fruit baskets for the shut-ins at Christmas time, clothing fairs, providing school supplies, preparing meals for the church members when a loved one is lost, helping to collect money for
29 years. . .
29 years. . .
DOUG MARINE MOTORS
Bright Furniture 747 W. Elm St. Washington C.H.
740-335-4215 Family Owned & Operated Since 1985 2358396
210 E. Market St. Washington C.H.
1120 Clinton Ave. Washington C.H.
740-335-3700 dougmarinemotores.net
740-333-7037 2364233
2358981
30 years. . .
30 years. . .
32 years. . .
South Central Ohio
1101 Columbus Avenue Washington C.H.
Office 740-335-3342
207 Glenn Ave. Washington C.H.
Public Transportation and Wheels to Work
(740) 335-2820
Washington C.H., OH Fax 740-335-3344
320 Washington Sq. Washington C.H.
Fax (740) 333-0818
Greg Godorhazy Funeral Director
mosscpa@sbcglobal.net
740-335-2020
740-335-9628
740-335-3611
2362984
2361018
2364047
2342484
22,000+ Circulation
2361622
Page 79 – Spectrum 2013
477 BloomingburgNew Holland Rd. NW Washington C.H. Across from Miami Trace High School
740-335-9633 www.mcclishs.com 2359172
33 Years. . . Anderson Equipment Inc.
Southern Ohio’s Finest
509 Washington Ave.
See Pleasant, page 80
1229 Robinson Rd. SE Washington Court House OH 43160 parrishtrucks@in-touch.net
Ph. 740-335-9966 Fax 740-335-0388 2361018
9611 Post Rd. Washington C.H., OH 43160
Phone: 740-437-7803 Fax: 740-4377875
KINZE • GREAT PLAINS www.andersonfarmequipment.net
Quality Farm Tools Grain Storage and Handling
2363953
Continued from page 79
Christmas presents for the children in the Christian Children’s Home of Ohio. Looking back in the church history, the Ladies Aid started sponsoring what was known as The Mid-Summer Ice Cream Supper in the earlier years. This event became known as The Lawn Fete and today it is know as The
33 years. . .
Homecoming/Ice Cream Social which is held every year in July. 1948 On Jan. 6, a new furnace was purchased for $600. On July 10, a donation of $75 was made to the Grape Grove Church of Christ for the building fund. 1949 On Nov. 26, the church made a donation to help with, as they called it a “Fire Cistern”. This was
37 years. . .
C & J AUTO SERVICE Service Specialist
317 S. Main St.. Washington C.H.
740-335-6505 www.cjautorepair.com 2361135
44 Years. . .
another time the church and the residents of the Pleasant View area came together to help the Jefferson Township/Jeffersonville Fire Department in their battle to fight a rash of fires which was said to be occurring in the area at that time. The Fire Department found itself with very little water to fight these fires, so with a lot of manual labor provided by the church members and the community, an underground concrete water
38 years. . .
holding tank or cistern (est. 1,000 gallon) was made on the church’s property to provide water for the Fire Department. There is no record as to know whether it was ever used to fight a fire and I was told the fires stopped after it was completed. 1976 In October, restrooms were added on the southeast side of the church. 1977 On June 5, a Centennial Celebration was held
39 years. . .
Call today: 740-335-7262
FAYETTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 555 N. Glenn Avenue Washington Court House, Ohio 43160
740.335.9290 Fax: 740.636.0954 www.courthousemanor.com 2359248
45 years. . .
1315 Dayton Ave. Washington C.H. 43160 website:
www.fayettechristianohio.weebly.com
2013-2014 Enrollment Is Underway 2360600
48 years. . .
“PROUD TO BE A PART OF FAYETTE COUNTY SINCE 1974”
1401 Leesburg Ave. Washington C.H. Interstate 71 & US Rt. 35 NW Jeffersonville 280 S. Elm St. Washington C.H. 102 W. Washington St. Jamestown 2360727
51 years . .
Fayette County Board of DD
to celebrate the church’s centennial in honor of that first gathering 100 years ago. The centennial committee was Mr. & Mrs. Dick (Kay) Cline, Mrs. John (Donna) Evans, Mrs. Ray (Fern) Bentley and Steven Warnock. On Sunday, June 5, the current members of the church dressed as they did in the 19th century for the 10 a.m. service with the men sitting on one side of the room and the women sitting on the other as was
custom in 1877. The dayfilled celebration was complete with antiques, kerosene lamps being used, old pictures on display and an old pump organ being used as well. All had the chance to enjoy a picnic lunch on the church grounds at 1 p.m. The celebration was open for all, not just the members. The completion of the east side addition, which
43 years. . .
44 years…
See Pleasant, page 81
Roberts Electric Motor Service
Landman Insurance
226 Jonesboro Rd. Washington C.H. ELECTRIC MOTOR SALES REBUILDING-REWINDING
740-335-9475
2362285
51 years. . .
Pleasant Continued from page 80
was added to the restroom section, made room for a kitchen in one end, fellowship area/classrooms and a nursery. 1980 A foyer was added to the front of the church to have a front entrance area for greeting and an area to hang coats, etc. 1988
110 years. . .
1903-2012
New Holland, Ohio
Carnegie public library
Jim Landman ~ Crystal Dryer
127 S. North St. Washington C.H.
335-2540
495-5234 or 1-888-626-5600
8 N. Main St. Jeffersonville 2360437
51 years. . .
2361968
1351 Leesburg Ave., WCH
740-335-1391 2362377
www.dettysmarket.com 2364415
2359883
Page 80 – Spectrum 2013
HILLSBORO, OH
JAMESTOWN, OH
937-393-5797
937-675-4951
LONDON, OH
WILMINGTON, OH
740-852-1051
937-382-2253
2363972
+
& ( " )
+
%
!
**%
( "( + #"
,
I-71 & US Rte 35 Jeffersonville, Ohio
Five Locations to Serve You
#%
"
(740) 437-7800
740-335-7453
10 W. High Street Jeffersonville, OH (740) 426-6331
'
$(
119 Midland Avenue Bloomingburg, Ohio 43106
1330 Robinson Rd., WCH
77 years. . .
1991 On May 22, Bro. Roger Stanforth donated his property on the east side of the church’s property to the church to make room so a Fellowship Hall could be built. On Sept. 22, the board voted to support the Mt Sterling Church of Christ with a $100 a month donation. 1992 On June 18, Earl Swaney relinquished his 99-year lease agreement of
3 years. . .
>>>&
0 < ? 0 < 2 B ? A E & @ C 3 & 7 ; & 8 .
) = 5 & : : * & : 5 C 5
1201 East Temple Street
(740) 335-3580 (740) 335-3582 (740) 335-6856 Fax 2363510
20 years. . .
1360 Forrest St. WCH, OH 43160
2358396
740-426-6991
Washington C.H., OH 43160
747 W. Elm St. Washington C.H.
740-335-4215
Located on I-71, Exit 69 to right of Jeffersonville, OH
the church’s back lot so the Fellowship Hall could be built. Bro. Neil Garringer made the church a really nice cabinet for our towels and supplies for baptisms. On Dec. 21, the board voted to continue to support the Mt. Sterling Church of Christ with the $100 per month. 1993 On March 25, Bro. Larry Garringer sold his property to the church at the south east corner of
33 years. . .
Spectrum 2013 Upper Jamestown Road and Pleasant View Road to be used as a parking lot. On Dec. 5, a Dedication Service was held for the new Fellowship Hall which was built on the north side of the church’s property. When the approval by the congregation to build the Fellowship Hall was received, the work was started. The formal dedication was conducted by Bro. Mike Henry as well as the Sunday Service. The special
7 years . . .
740-335-1831 www.cacfayettecounty.org 2361948
Website: www.jcohio.com 2357712
Assisted Living Memory Care 500 N. Glenn Avenue, Washington Court House An Affordable Alternative to Nursing Home Care
THE GARDENS AT CARRIAGE COURT For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 740-333-3434.
740-335-6505 www.cjautorepair.com
21 years. . .
740-636-0609
2363242
44 years…
Dean Apartments Glenn Ave. Washington C.H.
740-335-8912
www.meridiansenior.com 2359247
122 South Main St. Washington C.H., OH.
317 S. Main St.. Washington C.H.
2361135
17 years. . .
music was provided by Judy Craig and Gene Smith, Dawn King, Jody King, Cherish Massie, Robin and Vickie Tidd and Willadean Free. Past memories were provided by Marcelle Glass. The Fellowship Hall is still being used as classrooms and a gym area where there have been many different events held in it now as well as previous years. Some events See Pleasant, page 82
37 years. . .
C & J AUTO The Law Office of SERVICE Jeffrey A. McCormick Service Specialist
CAC Self Help Housing
Family Owned & Operated Since 1985
2361198
Johnson Insurance Agency
Bright Furniture
OIL COMPANY 907 Columbus Ave. Washington C.H., OH 43160 (740) 335-0690
426-9292
28 years. . .
HARTLEY FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1962
On April 5, a new addition was added on the west side of the church to accommodate the overflow from the sanctuary and included an office in one end at a cost of $30,000. The contractor also removed the old chimney which was located at the south west corner of the church. 1989 Pleasant View hired their first full time minister, Bro. Danny Dodds, and the start of a Church’s weekly Newsletter.
Books and Beyond
2362399
Pleasant
Churches of Fayette County
Spectrum 2013
2362054
Page 81 – Spectrum 2013
Landman Insurance
555 N. Glenn Avenue Washington Court House, Ohio 43160
740.335.9290 Fax: 740.636.0954 www.courthousemanor.com 2359248
14 years. . .
Herron Financial Group
New Holland, Ohio Jim Landman ~ Crystal Dryer
495-5234 or 1-888-626-5600
2362399
Churches of Fayette County
150 W. Court St. Washington C.H.
740-335-1867 2361137
Churches of Fayette County Pleasant Continued from page 81
included the church activities, a place for the Girls and Boy Scouts to meet, basketball games, exercise classes including a zumba class, church & family dinners, weddings, etc. 1994 On June 24, the church purchased the house and property on the west side of the church’s property at
69 years. . .
Auction Marketing Manager:
Nick Cummings, CAI Washington C.H., OH
800-556-6353 www.schraderauction.com
6922 Upper Jamestown Road to be used as a parsonage at a future time if needed. This property was purchased from the heirs of Bro. Earl and Sis. Margaret Swaney estate. 2003 The parsonage was paid off and now the church is clear of any debt. 2009 On March 1, the Fellowship Hall was made available as a Red Cross Mass Care Shelter in case of a disaster in the area.
77 years. . .
100 years. . .
79 years. . .
1201 East Temple Street Washington C.H., OH 43160
(740) 335-3580 (740) 335-3582 (740) 335-6856 Fax
740-335-0701
Carnegie public library 127 S. North St. Washington C.H.
New Holland
740-495-5216
8 N. Main St. Jeffersonville
2359428
2360437
426-9292
Insurance Agency, Inc. FDIC INSURED
MAIN OFFICE
740-335-0510 1-800-828-0510
740-335-6081 1-800-466-6081
1050 Washington Ave. Washington C.H.
BRANCH
128 years. . .
5401 Inskeep Rd. N.W. Washington C.H., OH 43160 Phones/Fax: 740-335-4311 1-800-360-3510
& Inpatient t Outpatien Available!
what we’ve done to the place.
335-3772
2359250
2361413
134 Years. . .
184 years. . .
Patient Centered Care Outpatient One-On-One Therapy Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy Surgeon and Hospital Preferred Private Rooms Available Community Involved Atmosphere Comprehensive Wound Care Pain Management Education
Area’s Largest Furniture Store
9 W. Front Street New Holland, Ohio 740-495-5181 1-800-870-KIRK (5475) Open Daily Until 5 P.M. Mon. - Wed. - Thurs. Until 9 P.M. 2359246
199 years. . .
Fayette County Ag Society
Phone: 740-335-5856 Fax: 740-335-6940 Web Site:
www.fayettecofairoh.com Follow us on Facebook@Fayette Fair
2358215
Page 82 – Spectrum 2013
320 Washington Sq. Washington C.H.
COURT HOUSE MANOR Washington City Schools 306 Highland Ave. Washington C.H., Ohio 43160
740-335-3611 www.recordherald.com 2361621
740-335-6620 2361376
Pre-Sur ge Registra ry option t tion o pla your rec n for overy!
We Offer Care & Rehabilitation Centered Around You Including:
213 Fairview Ave. Washington C.H., OH 43160
Family owned and operated, we have been serving Fayette and surrounding counties for over 100 years!
You are going to L ve
Parrett
335-3771
335-2540
www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com
100 years. . .
Washington C.H.
2361060
Washington C.H.
91 years. . .
204 N. Fayette St. Washington C.H.
McDonald & Son
1903-2012
AIM - Adventure IN Missions, Bloomfield, Ind. Butler Springs Christian Camp & Retreat Center, Hillsboro Christian Children’s Home of Ohio, Wooster, OH CMEA - Christian Men’s Evangelizing Association of central Ohio. WORSHIP TIMES Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship service 10:30 a.m. Wednesday night Bible study 7 p. m.
134 E. Court St. Washington C.H.
Books and Beyond
Kirkpatrick Funeral Home
started the church. The church has supported many other Churches of Christ, groups, people and the church members over its years in Pleasant View and below you will see just some of the ways we continue to offer our support today: 2013 Christmas baskets to help families in need at Christmas time. The Well at Sunnyside, Washington C. H. MISSIONS
100 N. Glenn Ave.
2362887
110 years. . .
just care takers using his facilities. The goal of Pleasant View has always been to feed the spiritual souls of everyone and to help the local area when there is a need as much as possible. We believe the New Testament as the only rule and guide of faith, practice and that the Holy Bible is the divine word of God. We still follow the same principles and remember the vision which the first 14 charter members had when they
84 years. . .
Willis Agency Neil Coleman Johnson Insurance Agency Insurance, LLC
2363510
2364614
2012 In November, the Knob and Tube (K & T) wiring, which was installed in 1931, was replaced with new wiring and lights. The history of a church is nice as we are able to see what has happened over the years, but we must remember that there were many Christians involved, not just the ones whose names appear in this article. However, the most important thing is to remember, it all belongs to God and we are
Spectrum 2013
555 N. Glenn Avenue Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 740.335.9290 • Fax: 740.636.0954 www.courthousemanor.com Jeri Flowers 2359241
Take a tour and let the journey begin
ST. CATHERINE’S MANOR OF WASHINGTON
COURT HOUSE
a tradition of caring 250 Glenn Avenue Washington Court House, OH 43160 Phone: (740) 335-6391 Fax: (740) 636-1689 www.StCatherinesCourtHouse.com Holly Cottrill
YOUR FULL LINE CHRYSLER CONNECTION FOR THE PAST 29 YEARS. 2013 Dodge Charger
2013 Chrysler 300
~ SALES ~ ~ SERVICE ~ PARTS ~ LEASING & DAILY RENTALS
2013 Jeep Wrangler
2013 Chrysler 200
2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2013 Ram 1500 Crew 4x4
1120 Clinton Ave., Washington C.H., Ohio
2013 Dodge Dart
2013 Chrysler Town & Country
740-335-3700
SALES: 9-8 Mon., 9-7 Tues., Wed., Thurs., 9-6 Fri., 9-4 Sat. • SERVICE & PARTS: 8-8 Mon., 8-5 Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri.
www.dougmarinemotors.net
2358979