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Our History

The Winchester Methodist Episcopal group was organized in 1838. They met in the United Brethren meeting house on alternate weeks until 1850 when the church building was erected on Lot #10 on West Street now called West Columbus Street. In 1900 Reverend Lewis S. Fuller became the pastor. It was in 1901 that it was decided to build a new church structure. It would be located at the corner of West Columbus and High Streets at 15 West Columbus Street. The property was purchased from Frank S. Brown and Dr. J. W. Shook. The planning and building continued until July 1904. The total cost was $6,383.48. The old church was torn down by Christian Judy and the bricks cleaned for $50. The Hopewell Methodist Society purchased the pews in the old church at 50 cents per foot at a total cost of $104.50. Reverend Fuller did not stay for the completion of the church. Reverend D. S. Priest arrived in1903. During the four years he served the group, the Children's Junior League and the Women's Foreign Missionary Society were formed. Reverend Charles Hartshorn served 1907-1909; B. F. Jackson, 1909-1912; and W. S. Fisher, 1912-1916. During Reverend Fisher's time at the church, the membership grew because of a large community wide revival. Reverend Frank Gillilan served from 1916-1919. This was during World War I, and coal was hard to get to heat the church. The flu epidemic was so bad that for two winters it was almost impossible to carry on successful church work. Reverend Pascal Bright served from 1920-1924. In 1920 gas lights were replaced with electric. Reverend J. A. Weed served from 1924-1927, and H. S. Bailey, 1927-1932. During this pastorate, the parish hall was built. Reverend D. H. Housholder, 1932-1933; Russell Bayliff, 1933-1935; and Lewis Berger, 1935-1937; all served as ministers. The Epworth League was flourishing, and the organization of the Men's Brotherhood formed. The church voted to become a station and withdraw from the circuit that had originally been composed of Canal Winchester, Lithopolis, Brice, and Asbury Churches. Brice had left the group in Reverend John L. White served from 1937-1941. A drive for White Cross Hospital netted $1,417. This ranked the church at the top of the Columbus District. The Women's Foreign Missionary Society, and the Ladies Aid Society merged and became the Women's Society of Christian Service. Mrs. B. L. Stradley served as the first president of the 70 charter members.

A new altar was built using the original Methodist pulpit. Rev. White added 52 members to the church roll. Reverend Stanley Jeffrey served from 1941-1943.

World War II was in progress and 37 members were in service at sometime during the war. Dr. Shook's corner property was purchased and turned into three apartments. The property where the barn stood was also acquired Reverend Herman Secoy served from 1943-1946. He is remembered as the "singing" pastor. He secured robes for the choir. Many musical programs were given. Reverend Joy Williamson served from 1946-1949. An organ was purchased and installed in 1946. Dr. L W. Beery gave a generous donation of $1,010 for the organ. It was dedicated to all who had been in the military service. In 1948 at the death of composer and musician Oley Speaks, a bequest of $2,000 was given to the church. This money was invested. Reverend David Weaver served from 1949-1951. In 1950 the church celebrated its 100th anniversary. Special services were held with program, dinner, and afternoon music by Curt and Charlotte Davis. Reverend Floyd Rowe served from 1951-1956. Planning was started for building expansion. Reverend William G. Patterson was pastor from 1956-1960. In 1958 the Sunday school rooms were added to the church. The building committee were chairman, Ralph Bender; secretary, Reverend W. G Patterson; financial secretary, Mrs. M. F. Williams; treasurer, William H. Hockman. Committee chairmen were program, Jack E. Wagner, publicity, Mrs. T. D. Stevenson; finance, W. H. Hockman; trustee, Karl B. Bitler. The architect was A H. Mollenkamp of Lancaster, Ohio. Reverend Victor J. Schroeder, 1960-1964, Richard Baker, 1964-1966, Gordon Lee Groby, 1966-1968, all served as pastors. In 1967 Mrs. Patty Spires was employed as the church secretary. In 1990 she was still the church secretary and much more, due to her knowledge of the church and its history. A 25-year service in this capacity certainly could not be matched any where else in the area. Reverend John Ball served in 1968-1973. In 1968 the Methodist Episcopal Churches and the United Brethren Churches merged. This had been under discussion for several years. It was a very difficult situation in Canal Winchester, with both a Methodist and United Brethren Church located in a small town. Neither church wanted to give up their church and join as one. They finally agreed to be called Faith Methodist and Hope Methodist. Reverend John M. Benson served as pastor from 1973-1979. Renovation of the sanctuary was done in 1978 with a rededication service on May 21, 1978 Reverend G. Keith Nash served from 1979-1984. Some members of the church felt the beauty and age of the church should be recognized. Mr. George Williamson was contacted to see if the church would be eligible for the National Register. Mr. Williamson was glad to take the job of researching the history. In 1982 the church building was placed on the National Register of Historical Places. The Dietz covered bridge was the only other structure in Canal Winchester with that designation at that time. Subsequent pastors were Reverend Richard Kuhn, 1984-1989; and Haskel Moore, 1989-1990.

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