Richwood
Ohio
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Richwood First United Methodist Church
The history of Richwood First United methodist church dates back to the early settlement days of our country. We began as the Methodist Episcopal Church and were organized in Richwood, Ohio on October 17, 1835.
Our pastor at the time of organization was Rev. Warren Frazell. The Presiding Elder was William H. Raper. Mr. William Phillips was Class Leader at the time of organization and was elected first Steward of the newly formed church and also first Recording Steward of Richwood Circuit.
The first leader's meeting was held at Mr. Phillip's shop. There was no church house of any denomination in Claibourne Township at the time this organization took place. The religious meeting were held in such places as could be procured, sometimes in a hop, a storeroom, the little schoolhouse, or in the home of some of the members.
It was during the year of 1837 that the Methodist Episcopal Church erected their first house of worship. This house was built of hewed logs and was reported to be 28 x 36 feet in size. It was finished in the plainest of style. It had a high pulpit ad was lighted by candles. Its seats were benches without backs and the church wqas warmed by one stove placed near the center of the building. It was dedicated during the Quarterly Meeting services, held by Rev. Samuel Hamilton, August 14, 1837.
During the years of 1856 to 1858 the church experienced a most extensive revival. Pastors J. Good and J. M. Longfellow served the church during this period. According to the history books, "Almost 100 persons were converted and added to the church." The old log meeting house proved insufficient and a new house of worship was built. It was a substantial drink building, well situated, and well furnished. The membership of the church at that time was just little over 200. The History of Union County reports that the church had kept up a working Sunday School from near the time of its first organization. In 1859 it was reported that the Sunday School had twenty-five officers and teachers and 160 scholars.
We would like to acknowledge the contributions of all who provided information for this history. Information comes from the History of Union County, local newspaper clippings, and church historical documents.
Our pastor at the time of organization was Rev. Warren Frazell. The Presiding Elder was William H. Raper. Mr. William Phillips was Class Leader at the time of organization and was elected first Steward of the newly formed church and also first Recording Steward of Richwood Circuit.
The first leader's meeting was held at Mr. Phillip's shop. There was no church house of any denomination in Claibourne Township at the time this organization took place. The religious meeting were held in such places as could be procured, sometimes in a hop, a storeroom, the little schoolhouse, or in the home of some of the members.
It was during the year of 1837 that the Methodist Episcopal Church erected their first house of worship. This house was built of hewed logs and was reported to be 28 x 36 feet in size. It was finished in the plainest of style. It had a high pulpit ad was lighted by candles. Its seats were benches without backs and the church wqas warmed by one stove placed near the center of the building. It was dedicated during the Quarterly Meeting services, held by Rev. Samuel Hamilton, August 14, 1837.
During the years of 1856 to 1858 the church experienced a most extensive revival. Pastors J. Good and J. M. Longfellow served the church during this period. According to the history books, "Almost 100 persons were converted and added to the church." The old log meeting house proved insufficient and a new house of worship was built. It was a substantial drink building, well situated, and well furnished. The membership of the church at that time was just little over 200. The History of Union County reports that the church had kept up a working Sunday School from near the time of its first organization. In 1859 it was reported that the Sunday School had twenty-five officers and teachers and 160 scholars.
We would like to acknowledge the contributions of all who provided information for this history. Information comes from the History of Union County, local newspaper clippings, and church historical documents.