Church concludes 200th celebration
BRISTOLVILLE — The Bristolville United Methodist Church concluded its 200th anniversary year with a homecoming rededication ceremony, which celebrated memories of the church over the years.
The church has held events with guest speakers and special gatherings for the past year, with one event held in each season.
The church began in 1818 and today has grown to be a main part of the township community and sits in the township center.
Pastor Shirley Stoops-Frantz said the church has had many pastors over the years and began with eight members. The church was founded by Ira Edy, a pioneer circuit rider, and by 1845, the congregation had grown to 113 members.
The first members of the church are listed as John and Sarah Hammond; Magdalene Kline and her sister, Mary Kline; Mr. and Mrs. John Norton; Keziah Moore; and Moses Frazier, who was the church’s first lay leader.
Mary Ann Raidel, church historian, who coordinated many of the events, said a concert was held with David Calendine, a Champion High School graduate who attended the church when he was growing up in the area. Calendine attended the church with his grandmother, Isabel. Calendine played the organ and piano in the church sanctuary as a teenager and a young man.
“We wanted to celebrate the members of the church who have been here for many years. We are 200 years as a congregation, with many congregation members here most of their lives,” she said.
The Rev. Lea Mahan, a retired pastor, was the speaker.
With the theme, “Remembering the Past, Looking Toward Our Future,” Raidel read said the concluding anniversary event was to celebrate the past accomplishments of the church and look to the future.
The names of members with 50 or more years were recognized, including Gwen Shumaker Richman, who has 70 years. Other longtime members include Enid Mills with 69 years and Paulette Pierce Earnest at 65 years.
The original church was built at cost of $2,500. The first church was patterned after a church in Bristol, Conn., and was a one-room structure with a narrow cloak room and two doors to the west.
Church members said remodeling took place at the church over the years, including general beautification of the church.
The federal government placed pictures of the church on file in the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. in 1947, making it a building of historic interest and a national treasure.
Fire destroyed the church on Feb. 9, 1951. The cause was believed to be a defective chimney or a short circuit in the wiring of the building.
At cost of $55,000, the church was rebuilt, and on May 1, 1953, was consecrated. A rededication of the church was held Feb. 6, 1955.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com
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