Warren County Local
History by Dallas Bogan |
Contributor: |
Dallas Bogan on 28 July 2004 |
Source: |
Dallas Bogan, Warren County, Ohio and Beyond (Bowie Maryland: Heritage Press, 1979) page 310 |
Return to Index to see a list of other articles by Dallas Bogan |
The Maineville Methodist Church is presently being redecorated for the sesquicentennial
event of July 1994. Among the many guests will be former preachers of the congregation.
The writer thinks some form of recognition should be in order for a church of
such high standard and longevity.
The Maineville Methodist Church has a very interesting history attached to it.
While rummaging through my papers, the writer found a sketch of the early history
of the church that was submitted to The Western Star in 1944, in observance
of its 100th anniversary. The writers were: Ruth Roosa, Mildred
Blickensderfer, Lillian Stotler, Helen Duncanson
and Robert Conover.
Sarah Tufts organized the first congregation in 1842. It was
a testimonial class consisting of two males and nine female members, the group
meeting at the different homes for worship. There was a Baptist log church building
near the Maineville cemetery, which was used by many of the Methodist members.
One year later, in 1843, as the membership grew, a revival was launched. Two
ministers were asked to preach, Rev. W.H. Fyffe and Rev. Moses
Smith. The revival lasted several weeks that resulted in forty new
members. Among the new converts were Seth, Moses
and Benjamin Tufts, brothers of the founder,
Sarah. The trio in the church showed little interest until
the revival took place. Afterward they vigorously joined into the activities
and affairs of the House of God.
A building committee consisting of Samuel Knowlton, Moses
Tufts, and Benjamin Tufts, Jr., was assigned to create
plans for a new church building. The brick for the church came from a kiln owned
by Samuel Cain, located on the Cain farm. Eliphelat
Stevens and Samuel Cain did the bricklaying with the
aid of Benjamin Tufts and other members. Sarah Tufts
gave one-twelfth of the cost for the building.
Completion of the church was in 1844 and dedicated in the fall of that year.
It was named Smith Chapel, possibly in honor of Rev. Moses Smith,
a circuit rider. The building remains the same today except the entrance doors.
At the time of the early opening there were two front doors, the purpose being
that the men and women sat on different sides of the church. The disciplinary
rules forbade the men and women sitting together. No one could enter the church
after the services began because the doors were locked. Sunday morning services
lasted until afternoon.
After dinner the congregation would go to the Negro church to help. Returning
to their church, late in the evening, often resulted in a lengthy meeting. Services
were absent any musical instruments, only singing "by the pitch" given
by the choir director. The song was sung in verses one line at a time or "lined
out."
An organ was purchased from the John Church Company, of Cincinnati, in 1869
for $135.00. The council, which included Frank and Belle
Tufts, Jane Tufts and Julia Tufts,
traveled to Cincinnati on February 25 to acquire the music piece. The long seven-hour
journey down the Three-C Highway was in a peach wagon. The Tufts' family returned
several days later, after spending some time with relatives. A special dedication
service of the organ was given, with Rev. Quarry preaching
the sermon.
Circuit riders were roving evangelists who periodically checked on the congregations
in their district. Another of their functions was to hold communion services,
to perform weddings, funerals, and baptisms that had gathered. Rev.
Quarry was probably a circuit rider for there are no records of regular
ministers until 1877, when Rev. C.T. Crum became the preacher.
Burials were held frequently, but the preacher regularly held services. Once
a preacher was found to lead the assemblage, the follow-up was to send out special
formal invitations to friends and relatives ascribing the occasion.
Circuit riding preachers were always welcome at the Tuft's
home. There was a room set aside for the event called the "Preacher's Room."
In 1877, the membership of the Methodist Church stood at 150, and still growing.
An additional forty members started another revival in 1884, which saw the church
grow. A new belfry and bell were installed in 1925.
Names of the early builders of the church are placed in memorial plaques on
beautifully stained glass windows on the interior. These names are: Benjamin
and Permelia Tufts, Moses and Jane Tufts, Seth
and Eliza Jane Tufts, Eliphalet and Mary Stevens,
John and Sarah Ertel, Drew Ertel, Mabelle
Lewis and Lillian Lee Lewis.
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This page created 29 July 2004 and last updated
28 September, 2008
© 2004 Arne H Trelvik
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