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800 South Main Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840 |
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ST. Marks Uited Methodist church |
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United Methodists are... |
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UNITED METHODISTS speak many languages and live in many countries with many different cultures, ethnic traditions, national histories and understandings if Christian faith and practice. WE ARE people dedicated to a life of participation, personal responsibility, generosity, sacrifice and self-restraint, responding to the call of Jesus Christ. WE ARE a covenant community, concerned about God’s children everywhere. In life’s clouds of doubt and division, we see the sunlight of God’s purpose brining healing, harmony and hope. WE LOVE worship, study of God’s Word, music, potluck dinners and a sense of community, a sense of belonging. WE WELCOME people of faith into our church, especially people who are searching for answers to life’s tough questions, because we know what it’s like to feel alone, unsure...to need a welcoming place with open hearts, open minds, open doors. WE ROLL up our sleeves and say, “Let’s get to work,” as we answer the call of making disciples for Jesus Christ. WE LIVE the promise we made the day we joined The United Methodist Church… the promise of our prayers and our presence.. our gifts and our service.
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Our church was originally organized in 1852 by Rev. Arkinson Barry, who at the time was also serving the Stoker and Schoonover (later known as Zion) churches. Meetings were first held in private homes until a regular meeting place was arranged in a schoolhouse on West Front Street. The name, Findlay Church of the United Brethren in Christ, was adopted.
The first permanent church building was erected and dedicated at the corner of West Crawford and West Streets in 1854. The building (which still stands) was later converted into a private home. Rev. Solomon Briggs preached the sermon and dedicated the church on December 31, 1854.
In 1865, the Findlay Church was organized under the laws of Ohio for incorporation under the name of The Findlay Church of the United Brethren in Christ.
The cornerstone was laid for the second church building on property at the corner of West Hardin and South Cory streets on August 6, 1888. Rev. T. J. Harbough officiated at the ceremony. The 49’ X 54’ building served the congregation until 1910, at which time growth in the congregation necessitated construction of an addition, with basement, to house classrooms for the Sunday School.
Property for the present church building at the corner of South Main and Lima Streets was purchased in 1927, but it would be 23 years later before work would start on the new edifice.
In 1946, the United Brethren in Christ merged with the Evangelical Church, and the Findlay Church became the First Evangelical United Brethren Church of Findlay.
It was on February 9, 1950, that Rev. G. L. Fleming lifted the first shovel of dirt for our present church building. The structure was completed two years later and dedication of the building was conducted during the week of October 13-19, 1952. A number of guest pastors assisted Bishop Clippinger, Rev. Fleming, and the Building Committee in dedication ceremonies.
In 1968, merger of the Evangelical Brethren Church with the Methodist Church saw the name of our local church changed to St. Marks United Methodist Church. |
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History of St. Marks in Findlay... |