Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 24, 1881 (part 2 of 2)

Across the road, on the opposite corner, is a fine new schoolhouse - one of the best in Chatfield. The two German Church societies referred to above erected at an early day a building in which to worship, locating it in the northwestern corner in the windfall. The building was a large, almost square structure with one door and four windows, and was constructed largely from black walnut lumber obtained at one of the saw-mills in Seneca County. This became one of the best churches in the township. An early revival increased the membership to such an extent that the building was scarcely capable of containing the congregation that gathered there on almost every Sabbath. A Sunday school was organized and the children were instructed regarding Biblical truths, as seen from the standpoint of German Reformers and Lutherans. These two denominations continued to worship together until a few years ago, when it was decided to divide the congregation, one faction to keep the old church, and the other to erect a new one in the northern part of- the turnpike. This division was made for two reasons : one being that the house was too small and homelj' for the congregation, and the other that the two denominations thought it better for each to own a church of its own. The division was therefore made, the Lutherans retaining the old building, and the Reformers erecting a new one of more imposing appearance a short distance east on the turnpike. The Dunkards erected a church just across the line in Seneca Countj', near the noi-thwestern corner, which obtained many members from Chatfield Township. It was built about 1846, and, after remaining there for many years, was moved across the line in Chatfield. A number of years ago the old building was succeeded by a new one erected near the residence of John Burgbacher. The .Methodists have a large, fine church in Richville, which has a larger membership than any other in the township. Chatfield boasts of having five churches, two of them being brick. The Columbus and Sandusky Turnpike has ever been the great aortic arterj' of the township. It has been of the greatest value, especiall}' in early 3'ears, affording an easj' outlet either north or south, and for man}' 3'ears it was the only road in Chatfield. It divides the township into two unequal segments, passing north and south a short distance west of the center, the course of the road l}'ing a few degrees east of north. It