Pickaway Township (part 3 of 49)

Ebenezer Zane was commissioned to map a road through the Ohio wilderness in 1797. This road is known as Zanes Trace and it ran from Wheeling, Virginia to Maysville, Kentucky. Zanes Trace came into Tarlton and Salt Creek Township. Most pioneers followed the road and when they saw the lush green forested area along Salt Creek, many stayed. They cleared the trees and cultivated the soil. Some of their offspring still live in the area today.

Tarlton was laid out in 1801 by Benjamin Newell. He first named the village Newellstown. He transferred the land to John Shoemaker, who renamed it after the British General, Sir Benestre Tarleton. It is the oldest village in Pickaway County and the second oldest in Ohio. The oldest legible stone in the Tarlton Cemetery is dated 1808.

Conrad Stumpf purchased land in Section Twenty-Four of Salt Creek Township. He was very generous to the church there and the church was named the Stumpf Church.and cemetery. The brick church still stands, but is beyond repair. This is the oldest cemetery in Salt Creek Township. Jane Defenbaugh was the first person buried there in August, 1804. Salt Creek Township has eight churches and eight cemeteries.

Tarlton set up the first post office in 1812, and it sill has a post office in the store, Tarlton Market. The settlements of Stringtown and Whisler also had post offices. Today, there are no stores or post offices in either location.

Five new motor school buses and drivers, 1939. Ford owned and driven by Laurece "Bundy" Woodward Ford owned and Driven by Floyd Reid International owned and driven by Ernie Enoch International owned and driven by John Morrison Ford owned and driven by Floyd Dunkel

Whisler was first called Prairie and sometimes it was nicknamed "Pinch Gut". The first school of the township was a log structure in Section Thirty-Three, in about 1805, and was called Prairie View School. About the same time, a log structure was put up in Tarlton for a school. The Prairie View School has been moved twice. It is currently part of a house located on Jackson Road in Whisler.

Before 1900, a brick one-room school was erected in each of the ten school districts of Salt Creek Township. On November 13, 1915, the voters of the township elected to pass an issue to build and furnish a centralized school. The Salt Creek Centralized School opened September 18, 1916.

In the late 1800's, people and families gathered for reunions, camping, and visiting at such locations as Mineral Springs, near the Salt Creek, the Stump Grove, near the Stumpf Church and the Heffner Campgrounds north of Whisler on Jackson Road.

The Southeastern Ohio Fair Association grounds were located in Section Thirty-Six. Horse races around a mound, livestock classes, agricultural displays, and fine arts were enjoyed by many people. There were displays of new farm machinery and implements. Excursions were offered on the Karshner Railroad to Kingston and beyond.

"Old Rosie" was the engine of the railroad line which ran from South Bloomingville to Laurelville and north through Tarlton and on into Fairfiled County. The line was nicknamed the "Zig-Zag" and the "Twister". That train service ended about 1918.

The 1900's brought about big changes for Salt Creek Township. Telephone service came about 1904. Natural gas wells and pipelines came in the 1920's. In 1930, the South Central Rural Electric Co-Op brought electricity to the township. A Standard Oil full service gasoline station was built just west of Laurelville on Route 56, in 1937.

Farming changed, in 1900, with the use of large steam driven tractors, grain threshers, and saw mills. 1910 brought the Oil-Pull, a smoother and more powerful tractor. The 1930's really improved by most farmers using gasoline powered tractors. Most blacksmith shops, by this time, had become automobile, tractor, and machinery shops.

Fred Fetherolf, an amateur radio operator, started his television sales and service business about 1944, on Route 56, just north of Stringtown.

The 1950s introduced farm chemicals and better fertilizer that increased crop yields. New and even better methods of farming, with bigger equipment, came in the 1960s. Along with these changes, also came debt and a larger population to the township. Many men and women of the township started working at factories and other businesses to help supplement their income.

about twenty family farms remain with seventeen major farmers working between 100 to 2500 acres of land that they own or rent in this township.

The Tarlton Salt Creek Fire Department was formed in 1955. Twenty-one members took the basic fire-fighting course. Malcolm Wolfe was the first fire chief. The first modern fire station was built in Tarlton. A fire station was later built in Whisler, about 1971, and a new station replaced it in 2005. Both Tarlton and Whisler stations have EMT service, that Tarlton started about 1975.

The fire departments have had several fundraising events to help purchase new and better equipment. The fish fry and the annual fox drive are well attended. The fox drive started about 1945 and is held each January. Because of new hunting laws, it is now called the Annual Coyote Drive. The Salt Creek Town and Country club ladies furnished food for the fox drive, until the fire department took over about 1988.

The Salt Creek Township trustees maintain thirty-eight miles of roads. The trustees have a new office and storage building that was built in 2003.

1988 started a flashback in agriculture for the township. Amish families began to move into the area. By the fall of 1993, over one hundred Amish folks were living, farming, and building in the area. Many have now moved on, while a few remain in the township.

The Earnhart Hill Water District, Phase Three, started installing water lines through the township in 1991. Before then, water wells were dug by hand or motor driven rigs. Some of the wells dug by hand were dug by the hands of Digger Davey Patrick. He could tell wild stories, sing funny songs, dig ditches, graves, wells, and he loved to use explosives to blow holes, rocks and stumps.

The Leistville Hotel and Tavern along Route 159, west of the Route 56 and Route 159 Intersection. The Nitroglycerin explosion of August 6, 1918, -Submitted by Robert L. Bower blew out all the windows in the hotel. The building was built in 1839. It was first owned and operated by Thomas Leist, until 1870. The building was taken down in the 1920's.

On January 12, 1810, Scioto Township was formed from a part of Franklin County being bounded on the west and south by Darby Creek and on the east by the Scioto River. Later, Jackson Township was formed with Scioto contributing a portion of its territory to the new township. In 1830, Scioto gave up a considerable portion of land to Muhlenberg Township. In 1878, a portion of Darby Township was transferred to Scioto Township.

Scioto Township, located in the north central part of Pickaway County, is about seven miles long and from four to seven miles wide and contains 42 square miles. In 1830 there were 462 inhabitants and in 1870 the population was 1545.

Most of the land was in large tracts owned by non-residents for many years. Having no prairie land and being covered with a heavy growth of timber, its settlement suffered. Early settlers were mostly from Virginia and western Pennsylvania.

In 1856 a building was purchased by the territory of Scioto Township for use as a township house for the purpose of holding elections and for any other uses needed. Today, 2005, the building is now used as a restaurant and called the "Station House."

In 1871 the township and corporation bought a lot and erected a brick building at Commercial Point for township and corporation purposes. The first story was built by them and the second story was built by the Masonic fraternity to use as a lodge hall.

In the first years of the 19" century (1800-1808) early settlers were families of Thompson, Ballard, Fitzgerald, West, Williams, Widener and Williamson.

In 1829, Wiley Beckett came to Scioto Township and purchased land at $1.25 an acre. James Burnley arrived in 1833. In November of 1841 Beckett and Burnley decided to start a town. The two men could not decide on a name for the town - Mr. Beckett named his half Genoa and Mr. Burnley named his Rome. On March 21, 1851 a special act of the Ohio Legislature incorporated the town under the name of Genoa. It was not until 1872 when another special act by the Legislature incorporated the village as Commercial Point. >

In 1842 Dr. Revnaugh settled in Genoa. Afterwards the first store was established in 1844 by Mr. Beckett and there followed a cobbler, blacksmith, wagon and cooper shop. At one time there were three saloons, a butcher shop, three general stores, Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges and two churches.

The first school house and churches were log structures because the surrounding country was all forest. It is said that persons in the vicinity were buried in log coffins.

A Presbyterian Church was first in the village, organized in 1829 at the home of James Miller. A log church was built in 1835 and replaced by a frame building in 1857. One of the earlier preachers was the Rev. Thomas Woodrow Wilson, grandfather of President Woodrow Wilson.

The Methodist Church was organized between 1829 and 1834 and known as Point Pleasant Church. In 1834 a brick structure replaced the log church.

Orient was a station on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the northwest corner of the township. The main businesses in Orient were the Grain Supply Company and Belt Manufacturing Corporation. (Pic #4) It was the location of the State Farm Mental Institution, the largest of its kind in the state. Located now outside of Orient are the Pickaway Correctional Institution, the Orient Correctional Institution, and Corrections Training Academy. These institutions are probably the largest employers in the area.

Two small settlements in the township were Matville (Jacktown) and Robtown. Businesses serving these settlements were a general store, several groceries, a gas station and a church.

The Teays Valley Local School District serves Scioto Township with an elementary school in Commercial Point and the middle and high school students attending school at Teays Valley Middle and Teays Valley High School buildings located on State Route 752 near Ashville, Ohio. The old elementary school in Orient, built about 1923, still stands and in 1992, the Hale Imaging Systems purchased the building for a business. The township is still mostly an agriculture community but many private homes are now being built.

The Scioto Township Service Center on Route 762 west was erected and occupied in 1997. Trustees today in 2005 are Joe Ehman, Keith E. Kauffeld, and Michael Struckman, with Vickie Fleming as clerk.

Every year for four days, the Men's Club sponsors the Commercial Point Homecoming Festival the second week in June. In year 2005 was the 78" annual event. Revenue helps benefit the scouts, little league and other organizations and needs in the community.

The first settlement in the township was in 1797 or 1798, when William Williamson and his brothers, Cornelius and John, came from Hampshire County, Virginia. Other early settlers were Bucks, Martins, Crites, Wards, Morris', Longworths, and Hedges'. Others, were the Tallmans and Hookers from Pennsylvania, and the Hoovers from Virginia. Also, there were Duryea, Hott, Trone, Cromley, May, Snyder, Peters, Bell, Blue, Oman, Reber, and Westenhaver families.

The first burial place was in section 16. The first burial was for a child of Cornelius Williamson. Later, there were 12 small family burial plots in the township. In 1876, John Reber donated 32 acres in section 22 for a township cemetery. The first sextons were George Adkins and George Marion. Charles Trone was a sexton for many years in the 1900's.

Early township records (1829-1849) list the householders in each school district. These records are available at the Pickaway County Genealogical Library. In the 1870's and the early 1880's, each of the 11 school districts had a brick school.

Kathryn (Cardwell) Reber were teachers there. ¢ No. 6, on Ringgold-Northern Road in Section 24, no longer exists. Joint No. 6 was built later at the corner of S. Bloomfield-Royalton Road and St. Rt. 674. It also accommodated students from a portion of Amanda Township in Fairfield County, and is used now as a residence. ¢ No. 7, located on St. Rt. 188 in Ringgold, was the only 2- room school of that period, and is now a residence. Peter Balthaser taught there. ¢ No. 8, at the intersection of Hagerty and Winchester Roads, no longer exists. ¢ No. 9 on Hagerty Road west of Walnut Creek Pike is now a private residence. : ¢ No. 10 was at the inte 23 and no longer exis

In 1921-22, a new consolidated school was built in section 22. Prior to 1922, there was no high school in the township. Walnut Township had 1/3 interest in the Ashville High School. There were some students from Walnut Township who attended high school there. The students' parents furnished transportation. Homer Reber, Nelle Oesterle and Martin Cromley graduated from Ashville High School.

Teays Valley High School was built in 1962. It was built at the northern edge of Ashville. The district included Walnut, Harrison and Scioto Townships.

During the 1870's and later, there were post offices in Nebraska and Ringgold. In February, 1891, a new post office was established, named Walnut Post Office. Mr. Harvey O. Blue was appointed postmaster. The building was later used as a grocery/ general store. A designated person picked up the mail and took it to his neighbors.

The grange built a hall in the story of the D.F. Weaver & Son store, in Nebraska in 1874. The first store was owned by Andrew Hedges. He was a postmaster, and it was known as the "Hedges Store". Mr. Hedges later moved to Iowa and was a postmaster in a little town there.

The very first store was started by Edward Kennedy in 1834, at what was later the Walnut Post Office. Later, J.E. Weiser had a store there with general merchandise of all kinds. Jonathon Brinker had an implement store at Brinker's Corner, in Section 9. David Davis was a wagonmaker in 1878, and later lived in section 14.

The township has always been primarily a farming area. Glenn Hay had a poultry farm from the 1930's through the 1980's. J. Wright Noecker supplied seed corn for the area farmers. In the past, there were probably two dozen dairy farms. Today, there is one. At the present time, the township is predominantly grain farming, and the township could be called "a bedroom community" as many resident commute to Columbus, Circleville and Chillicothe to their jobs.

There are two streams that run through the township - Walnut Creek and Turkey Run. Two covered bridges were torn down in the early 1970's. Three mounds near Ringgold are attributed to the mound builders. There were doctors in the township who had offices in their homes. In the 1890's dwellings (homes) rented for $4 and $7 per month. ies

Prior to the 1930's, all township roads were graveled. Township records of the 1870's show that farmers were paid $4 a day for a team, wagon, and driver, for hauling gravel to the roads. Laborers were paid $2.50 a day for shoveling gravel.

East Ringgold, an early platted settlement, is near the highest point in the county. At one time, there were four grocery/general stores in Ringgold, owned by John Barr, Rudolph Bowers, Frank Brown, and James Ward.

There were five blacksmith shops in the township. They were operated by Bill Eveland, Mr. Hutchinson, El. Longenbaugh, J. Longenbaugh and A. Young. There were three water-powered mills and one water-powered sawmill in the township. According to the

The Peerless steam engine in the picture owned by Frank Brinker was the largest engine at that time in Walnut Township. The thresher was owned by John Sark and Clayton Weaver. It was the first thresher in the area to have a straw blower on it. The late Alva Barringer of Tarlton used this engine to demonstrate this thresher on the farm of Ezra Hedges near Ashville. The straw blower was such a great improvement over the old slat stacker, which required up to four men on the straw pile, that farmers came from a large area to see the demonstration.

Mr. Barringer also used this engine to move the office building of Dr. George S. Courtright from the village of Lithopolis to his farm in Walnut Township. This trip down what is now State Route.674 took one week to'complete. The office building is now the out sah on gtie oe Woolever farm.

occupied by Wilson and Lois Ett an South Bloom field-Royal ton Road w est of the Walnut Creek Pike. People eft to right: Driver of water wagon = = unidentified. Standing.gn water wagon 2Samuel coal wagon + Clara Sark -(later Mrs. Herbert Swayer); Rosé Woolever - (later Mrs. Viola Woolever; fourth girl in coal wagon witidentified; Standingion back of engine - 1gine - Frank Brinker; Standing in front of coal wagon.=Mrs: Markwood

Washington Township is twenty-four square miles on the southeastern side of Pickaway County, it's eastern border being Fairfield County. Hargus Creek flows westerly through the northern third of the township; its main tributary, Hominy Creek, flows westerly through the southern half of the township.

Washington Township became subject to entry in 1801. The first permanent settlers, arriving in 1797, were John Anderson, his wife, ten children and step-son, David Culberson. David was a Methodist Episcopal minister and held early religious meetings in his cabin. Nicholas Miller arrived around the same time and established himself as a blacksmith. George Pontius and brother Conrad and their wives arrived in 1806. George built the first brick house in the township. In 1808, George Pontius, Sr. came to the township with the rest of his family and son-in-law Peter Row. Peter was a potter for a large part of his life. Between 1804 and 1806, George Hitler, Sr., brothers David and Andrew Leist, Christopher Earnest, George Hoffman and John Harmon located to Washington Township. Between 1810 and 1817, Jacob Spangler, William Bowman, Henry Dreisbach, Leonard Warner, John Metzger, George Wertman, Thomas Wells, John Stout, Francis Dedo, John Clark, Henry Sackreider, George Wise, John Gray and George Heise settled in the township.

Census data from 1840 noted 1194 people in the township. By 1900 there were 1050. The 1990 census lists 2951 people in Washington Township. The 2005 officers are Jim Lands, Gerald Wolford, Nelson Stevens - trustees; Karen Huffman, clerk.

The first church organized in Washington Township was Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Formed by a minister named Foster in 1808 or 1809, it's original meeting house was a two-story log building near the junction of Winstead and Ringgold Southern Roads. Zion also had the first cemetery in the township and the first burial was a child of Andrew Leist. St. Paul Evangelical Church was organized in 1830. The original 1849 structure was replaced in 1870 by the current brick building on Ringgold Southern Road. The Pontius United Brethren Church was also organized around 1830 and they erected a church building in 1848. Its located on Stoutsville Pike between Trimmer and Bolender-Pontius Roads.

The Morris United Brethren Church was organized in 1842 on Tarlton Road on the south end of the township and the Bethany United Brethren Church was established in 1838 or 1839. The Bethany Church was built in 1874 near the junction of Stout and Ringgold Southern Roads. Each of these churches established cemeteries which remain today.

Cemeteries not associated with churches include: Griffith and Graffis Cemeteries in the northwestern corner near State Route 188; Leist Farm Cemetery at the southern end of Hargus Lake; Infirmary Cemetery near the junction of State Route 22 and Ringgold Southern Road; Stout Cemetery at the end of the eastern section of Winstead Road; Hitler-Ludwig Cemetery in the far southwestern corner of the township on Hitler Road No. 2.

The first school in the township was held in a cabin owned by George Hoffman, and later in a log house on Jacob Greenough's farm. By the 1850's, Washington Township had divided into six districts, building one-room brick schools. Washington High School, on Stoutsville Pike, opened for the 1917-1918 school year. Today this building houses one of the four elementary schools of Logan Elm School District.

At the corner of State Route 22 and Ringgold Southern Road, where Wintergreen Hills subdivision is located, stood the County Infirmary and Children's Home. This area was a farm owned by Christopher F. Branstadt. The commissioners bought this 256 acre property in 1868 for $18,000.00 The Infirmary was completed in 1873 and John and Elizabeth Morris were the first superintendent and matron. In 1906 the Infirmary housed 64 males and 25 females.

The Children's Home occupied the remodeled farm house until it burned down in 1897. The children moved into a building nearer the Infirmary, originally constructed for insane inmates. By 1905 a two story brick building was finished and George W. and Carrie T. Runkle, superintendent and matron, moved in with 44 children. The Children's Home closed in 1968, the Infirmary in 1965.

The Circleville Bible College is located on State Route 22 on the western side of the township. It originally began in 1948 as a Church of Christ in Christian Union School at the Mount of Praise Camp meeting grounds on East Ohio Street in Circleville.

In 1966, under president Rev. Melvin Maxwell, The Mount of Praise Bible College was renamed and moved to its current location. Today, Circleville Bible College has 40 acres of campus and approximately 200 students.

Construction on the Hargus Creek dam began in 1948 between Bolender Pontius and Ringgold Southern Roads, with part of the lake covering Warner Huffer Road. In 1950 Hargus Creek Lake joined the Division of Parks and Recreation. The lake was renamed A.W. Marion State Park in 1962 for the Pickaway County native who was the first director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The Pickaway Country Club is member owned and opened in 1927 on Stoutsville Pike, east of Circleville city limits, as a nine hole golf course. Today it has an eighteen hole golf course, pool and clubhouse/restaurant. The current clubhouse replaced the older structure in the early 1990s.

There are several homes of note in the township. A two story brick Drovers house sat less than a quarter mile south of the railroad tracks on Ringgold Southern Road. The north and south sides of the house could only be accessed from the outside so the residents could offer rooms to drovers and other transients. It was demolished in the 1980s for safety reasons.

The Glick house was built around the turn of the century by the Asa B. Glick family. At the time it was considered one of the most affluent homes in the township. It featured pocket doors and beautiful wood paneling. Before it was completely finished, Mr. Glick died and the house became a rental. The John Bowers family acquired it in the late 1980s. It sat on the west side on Ringgold Suthern Road between Old Tarlton Pike and Tarlton Road. The Bowers moved it a few hundred yards south and to the east side of Ringgold Southern Road and restored it.

The core of the house that currently sits on the corner of Stoutsville Pike and Ringgold Southern Road is the original log cabin built in the late 1860s. Its original site was on the north side of the field where it currently sits. Using teams of horses, it was moved in the early 1900s to a spot across the creek and then several years later to its current location. In the 1950s a small general store was run from its premises.

Wayne Township is and has always been primarily a rural farming community. Located in the mid-southern portion of Pickaway County, it is bordered by Ross County to the south, Deer Creek Township on the west, Jackson Township to the north and follows the winding Scioto River bank on the eastern edge. The smallest township in the county, it was formed in 1798 and named after General Anthony Wayne. The land first belonged to the Mound Builders. Their ancient works were used as burials and signal stations and are widely spread over the area along the Scioto River. Findings consist mostly of articles of pottery, implements, weapons and ornaments made of flint, bone, stone and shells. No wooden articles or items of dress have been found. The next to occupy the territory until 1797 were Indian tribes - chiefly Mingos (offshoot of Iroquois) and Shawnees of the Algonquins.

Unlike the early years, there are no villages or towns in Wayne Township. Children attend Circleville City Schools and there is no post office in the 26 square mile radius of the township.

The principal north-south road existed prior to 1802 when Wayne Township was actually known to be part of Ross County. However, it was in September of that year when the first survey for our present day State Route 104 was filed. Over the years, the road went by many names including the Chillicothe to Franklinton Road, Franklinton Turnpike and Chillicothe to Columbus Pike. The major east-west road through Wayne Township was the Washington Turnpike now known as U.S. Route 22.

In 1798 Abel Westfall platted the first village in Pickaway County. His town, Westfall, "by the bend of the river" was the only settlement and was located near the site of the Indian Village of "Old Chillicothe". It was close to where the present day Canal Road, Sisk Road and State Route 104 meet. Settlers came and built homes and started businesses. William and Sarah Green King, Quakers, came from Bourbon County, Kentucky. They lived among the Indians without friction and raised 5 children. Dr. Potts and Dr. Park both practiced medicine, there was at least one general store, a carding business to prepare wool and a building with looms and other machinery to manufacture cloth. General John Morgan opened a hotel at Westfall and'there were four known distilleries erected in the area. All lands on the west side of the river were granted by the Virginia Military District and owners cleared the forests and tilled the fields. They built log cabins as shelter from the weather and wild animals.

When digging for the Ohio and Erie Canal through the township began in 1825, other settlements appeared. There was Spunkeytown, in the northeast section, closest to the Scioto River aqueduct construction at Circleville. This encampment of families came to the area to work on the canal and at the two mills located there. Those thriving graineries were started by Henry Nevil and by the Foresman brothers, Philip and William. In 1835 the Ohio Legislature authorized a toll bridge to be built across the Scioto River, just north of the canal aqueduct. This bridge connected Circleville to Spunkeytown and Wayne Township. U.S. Routes 22 and 56 are the highway bridges at this site today.

Following the opening of the canal through the township, the village of Montgomery was laid out. There were 40 lots and 5 streets platted for the site, just half a mile south of Westfall. It was situated at the end of present day Hickory Bend Road (previously known as Kinderhook Road), between Route 104 and the canal and river banks at the location of today's capped landfill.

Another settlement came later with the advent of the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad. On each side of Route 138, where the railroad crossed, were several homes and at least two stores. Around 1855 it was a stop and/or drop off point for the U.S. Postal Service and became known as Wayne Station. This was discontinued in 1858.

The population of Wayne Township in 1830 was 959, but had dropped to 779 by 1840. Many settlers died of "Milk Fever", which resulted when they drank contaminated buttermilk. It seems the cows ate snake root plants, which did not effect the cow, but poisoned the humans who consumed their milk. People fled the area villages and the settlements were never successfully re-established. The old cemetery, on the west side of Route 104, is all that remains of Westfall. It is now known as the Wayne Township cemetery and is cared for by the local township trustees and clerk. Burials there date as early as 1806 and as recent as 1998. William and Sarah King, the first settlers, died in 1833 and 1836 and are buried there. A daughter, Jemima, married Titus Dungan of Virginia and located on Yellowbud Creek in the township. They are both buried on their farm. Other first families were: Owens, Kirkendall, Thompson, Warner, Fleming, Thomas, Brown and McCollisters. Other known burial grounds in the township include the Dungan; Terwilliger; Chipman; McAbe Farm; Campbell/Owens (also known as Canal

Road Cemetery) and Mueller Family plot. The Wayne Township House situated at 25218 State Route 104, directly across from the Wayne Township Cemetery, is used by the Trustees and Clerk for their monthly and special meetings. It is also used by the Pickaway County Board of Elections as the only precinct voting site in the township. Additionally, the Westfall Livestock 4-H Club, the oldest continuing club in Pickaway County, has met there for more than forty-five years.

The earliest school in Wayne Township was built in 1814 on the William Fleming farm. In 1817 a frame school was erected at Westfall and became known as Sub district #3. The brick Wayne Township School was eventually constructed on the same site, just behind the Township House. In 1958, township residents voted to turn the school and assets over to the Circleville City Schools and have their students bused to town for classes. The building was later purchased by the Pickaway County Commissioners for teaching special education to Brooks Yates School children. Following that school's relocation into town, the commissioners sold the building and land at public auction. The property is now owned by the River of Life Church.

Other township schools were Sub district #1, Owens School, located on the south side of Route 22, | mile east of Route 104; Sub district #2, Union Grove School, situated on the west side of Route 138 just south of the junction of Route 22; Sub district #4, Dungan School, originally built on Dungan Road, was rebuilt around the corner on Westfall Road where it still stands; Sub district #5, Ferguson School, a brick building now seen | _ miles west of 104 on the north side of Hickory Bend Road; and Sub district #6, Tootle School, converted to a home on the east side of Route 104 just one mile north of the Ross County line.

Religious worship was conducted in township homes until Union Chapel was completed in 1860. They were served by Methodist ministers coming from the Williamsport Circuit. There were 30 members with Terwilliger, Thompson, Alkire, Schryver and Hall as leaders. Residents of the southern area attended in Yellowbud.

canal gave interior farmers access to markets and to deliver needed goods. A huge warehouse had been built over the large marshalling yard (basin) at the intersection of our present Route 104 and Canal Road. During dry weather the pillars can still be seen there. Slightly east of the warehouse location was a major Scioto River ford. William King had established an early river ferry at that spot. After the construction of the canal, a swing bridge provided a crossing leading to the ford. The bridge was steel with wooden plank flooring known as the "dump" type, which also worked to provide a means for the farmers to load their grain onto "freighter" flat boats for shipment. Locals enjoyed recreational rides between the locks, they skated to Circleville when the canal iced over in the winter, some goods and mail were delivered ashore but most cargo floated by. In 1913 a major flood pushed this bridge downstream. It was not damaged, but was moved to Walnut Township. The cement abutments for that bridge are still visible today.

The school house still standing on the east side of SR, was constructed in 189] by Willis Ater. It was known as the Tootle School and was subdistrict No. 6. Wayne Township. Carl Gearhart taught at this school.

Constant flooding and expensive upkeep caused the canals usefulness to be overtaken by the more modern railroad system. Just north and east of the form swing bridge site, the WPA built a dam across the defunct canal. Stones for this project were obtained from Canal Lock 33 near where the railroad crossed (known as Whiskey Switch). At the dam site, also bordering the Scioto River, a park with shelter house, bath house and restrooms was created. Later the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Division, established a parking area south of the dam. In recent years the Pickaway County Historical Soceity has taken over its care.

Economic struggles following World War I and the Great Depression again called for government action. There were small frame homes, and sizable two story barns built in Wayne Township for those who qualified. In addition to the buildings, they received 50 acres, a team of horses, five cows and 100 chickens. Many of these homes can still be seen in the area of Immell Road.

In the 1950's and 60's, there was an A&W Drive-In just west of the Scioto River bridge, where Route 56, Route 22, Mill and Canal Roads all meet. Patrons ordered from their vehicle through an outdoor speaker at each covered parking spot. Waitresses, sometimes on roller skates, delivered the order, which usually included A& W rootbeer in heavy glass, ice frosted mugs, on a tray that attached to one's auto window. In 1959, flood water nearly covered the roof of the restaurant, which is now a private residence.

A quarter of a mile west, Howard Thomas, at that time, had an airplane hanger and adjacent air strip to accommodate small planes. He also raised thousands of turkeys on his farm.

Hafed Murphy ran a gas station and restaurant at the intersection of Routes 104 and 22 in the 1940s and 50s. The building later housed many other tenants and businesses including Hutchinsons Hydraulics, Stonerocks Diner and Graves Restaurant and Carryout. Today its Gibsons BP, Carry-out and Farm Market. In 1968 gas sold for 20 cents per gallon. A gallon of gas today costs as much as $2.40.

Another well know eatery in Wayne Township during the mid 20" century was Wardells Party House at 5198 U.S. Route 22. For more than 35 years, Dorothy Wardell Phelps served homestyle meals and delicious cinnamon yeast rolls to groups in her converted home.

Tom Ebenhack, son of Emmett and Martha Hitler Ebenhack, is a township native. He graduated from Circleville High School in 1968. Following graduation from The Ohio State University, he opened his Veterinary office at the intersection of Routes 22 and 56, where his practice remains active.

Methodism in Circleville started in the early 1800's. Within a year after the establishment of Pickaway County in 1810, recognized Methodist itinerant preachers were first to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to those choosing this organized faith. The first class of eight (5 white women, | man, 2 black women) under the leadership of Judge McArthur met in private dwellings, a one-room schoolhouse, the new courthouse in the center of the circle and later relocated to the Circleville Academy for worship until 1830.

During those twenty years (1810-1830) most ministers were not ordained so they could not administer sacraments requiring the presid ing elder of the district to visit periodically and growth was slow.

The Presbyterians had built and dedicated a church buildin in 1829 so the Methodists decided that they, too, must have a sanctuary. In 1830 they purchased lots 171 and 172 from Charles Shoemaker for $200 on the south side of Watt Street between Court and Pickaway Streets. This structure burned in 1851, presumably from a defective flue. Since the town was extending southward, the trustees sold the site of the destroyed church and bought a cheap, low-lying lot on the corner of Main and Pickaway Streets. They drained the pond and dug a shallow basement with an elevated foundation; thus there are steps to every entrance of the present church. This new church cost $12,000 but there was no money for a bell so a local business man, Mr. Frederick Cogswell, who was running for judge, promised a fine bell if the members of the church would vote for him. The plan worked and although the Presbyterians purchased a bell a few hundred pounds heavier, the Methodist bell can make the most noise!

This church building was ruled unsafe and was razed in 1908. The new and present building was erected, decorated and dedicated in 1910 at the cost of $142,500.

The parsonage was next door until 1957 when property was bought at 832 North Court Street. This served as the parsonage until 1972 when 346 Meadow Lane was purchased for the pastor's residence.

The title of the church was changed in 1939 as a result of a merger of the Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Protestant churches; we were henceforth known as The First Methodist Church of Circleville. In 1968 another step was taken toward unity of Protestant Christian Churches: Officials of the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist churches voted to merge. Four Methodist churches in Circleville had to find a new title and The First Methodist Church of Circleville became The Community United Methodist Church of Circleville as we are known at the turn of the century.

Membership grew and more educational facilities were needed so "WE BUILT ... FOR THE PEOPLE HAD A MIND TO WORK" ... Neh. 4:6. The Christian Education Building was dedicated on May 17, 1970, cost was $211,717 and was paid off in five years. An Educational Assistant was hired to coordinate programs for all age levels and to establish a curriculum of study that would appeal to more youth. Capital improvements have been the parking lots, modern furnaces and air conditioning units and restoration and enhancement of the wonderful Bunn-Minnick organ.

This is the present Community United Methodist sanctuary including the Educational Unit at the rear. The sanctuary was dedicated May 15, 1910; The Educational Unit was dedicated May 17, 1970

Youth Fellowship United Methodist Women

2. MEN'S BROTHERHOOD ... came and went, then returned as CUMEN EPWORTH LEAGUE ... came and went and returned as YOUTH FELLOWSHIP LADIES AID ... became WOMEN'S -FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY, then WOMEN'S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE and is presently COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST WOMEN.

3. MRS.MARION'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS met from 1912 to 1994. After 20 years, no longer a Sunday Schooi class, they continued to meet monthly for sixty more years, contributing | or 2 projects a year to Community United Methodist.

Continuing 123 years of service, First English Lutheran Church gives pastoral care to a congregation made up of Ashville and surrounding area residents. The first Lutheran services were held in Ashville in 1882 when the Reuben Smith family moved into the village of Ashville from their Madison Township farm and saw a need for a Lutheran church. Through the efforts of Smith and the Rev. J.L. Trauger from Capital University, occasional services began.

A small stand served as the pulpit and rough boards placed across old beer kegs provided seating for worship. The primitive services were first held over Samples Stable and Bridle Shop located on West Main Street. In 1885, Lutherans from St. Paul and East Ringgold began attending services in Ashville.

Needing a bigger place to worship, a hall was rented over a storeroom attached to the Hoffhines and Hoover Mercantile building on East Main Street. A lighting system was installed, chairs purchased and a rostrum build. The Rev. Trauger held evening services on a regular basis every two weeks. Communion was seldom offered and when offered was served only to church council members. A Sunday School was organized with Willis E. Hoover as superintendent. There was a membership of 20 people in January 1887. At this time the Rev. D.E. Snapp from St. Paul Lutheran Church organized a meeting to perfect a permanent congregation with elected officers. Along with his assignment at St. Paul, the Rev. Snapp became the first church pastor with 25 active members. The next goal was to have a church building in which to worship.

A building lot was bought at 94 Long Street and the church building was erected and completed in February of 1888 at a cost of $2,200. The building was dedicated on June 18, 1888. At this time the membership was 40. In 1894 the alley was cleaned and hitching racks were installed for horses.

In the summer of 1895 the present pulpit recess and choir area were added. In 1898 the Sunday School and social room were added. In 1900 the Beaver residence adjacent to the church was purchased for $1,200 and used as a parsonage. There were no church pews in the church for 20 years. The pews that are still being used were purchased in 1906 for $423.

In 1915 the congregation was accepted into the Joint Synod of the Lutheran Church of Ohio and became a part of sister congregations of St. Paul, Ringgold and Lockbourne Lutheran Churches. This synod was the forerunner of the American Lutheran Church (ALC).

In 1918, $10,000 was spent on memorial stained glass windows and other improvements. Additional memorial windows were installed in 1923. In the 1930's the name First English Evangelical Lutheran Church began appearing in the church records. In 1936 a bigger kitchen, restrooms and a new furnace were installed. In 1948 an electric organ was purchased to enhance worship services.

In 1973 the Messick property south of the church was purchased for $31,000. For the most part this property was rented until it was razed in July 2002 by former member Rob Bluck of Washington Court House.

In 2000 a large church sign was purchased and placed in the yard in front of the church. This sign replaced the lighted sign that was purchased and mounted on the church building in the middle 1940's/

First English Lutheran Church continues to serve the community with weekly church services and Sunday school classes. The Ashville Food Pantry operates out of the old parsonage under the direction of church member Kathryn Dum. A week-long Amazing Grace Day Camp is held each summer and is open to all area children many of whom are unchurched. Free meals and snacks are provided along with organized games and Bible study.

During the December 2004 Christmas ice storm, the church was open and used as a sanctuary for families without electricity. The current pastor is Grace Werzinske. Pastor Werzinske and her family live in the church parsonage on Glenn Road. The current parsonage was purchased by the church members in 1967.

L to R: Pastor Grace Werzinske, Bishop Callon W. Hollway, Jr., Bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod and Michael Ramey, church council president.

The First United Brethren in Christ Church of Circleville, Ohio had its beginnings in 1837. Regular services were held on alternate Sundays at the Court House which then stood in the center of the old circle, where Main and Court Streets cross. The Religious Telescope, a conference periodical, established on December 31, 1834, brought Rev. William Hanby to Circleville as treasurer and two years later was made editor. He pastored our church in 1838.

Our first church building was erected in 1839 and Rev. John Coons was the first pastor. In 1841 he was elected Bishop. Again Rev. William Hanby served in 1843 and was later elected Bishop. He was the father of Benjamin Hanby who wrote "Darling Nellie Gray." He was followed by David Edwards in 1844 who was elected Bishop at the age of thirty-three in 1849. The Religious Telescope was moved to the First United Brethren Church basement in 1845. It was moved to Dayton, Ohio in 1853. The equipment was transferred from Circleville to Columbus, Ohio by canal boat, from Columbus to Xenia by railroad, and from Xenia to Dayton by wagons.

April 27, 1880, a Women's Missionary Society was organized in our church with eleven charter members. The first girls' society was formed in our church in 1885 when Rev. A.E. Davis was pastor. The organization was known as the Gleaner's Band. The name was to be changed later to Otterbein Guild.

A house east of the church was purchased for a parsonage and a house west of the church was purchased for a place for fellowship meetings in 1920, during the pastorate of Rev. A.B. Cox (1918-1920). Rev. Wright came back to the church he had built twenty-two years earlier and dedicated the newly purchased buildings. Quoting from an article written for the Religious Telescope by Mrs. Ralph Long, "Sunday, August 1, 1920, was a day of thanksgiving, praise, and last but not least, real sacrifice. Rev. Cox announced the debt all clear at the end of the day. Hearts were touched with the presence of God, who so wonderfully had blessed us that day."

The church celebrated its one hundredth anniversary in 1939 when Dr. T.C. Harper (1931-1939) was our pastor. March of that year we had a Homecoming and dedicated an electronic Orgatron organ to the glory of God.

Rey. Carl L. Wilson (1945-1954) was pastor when we became the First Evangelical United Brethren Church and a youth chorus was formed called Fidelis Chorus in 1946. The Christian Service Center was built in 1951. The chancel in the sanctuary was remodeled and new pulpit furniture was constructed. During this time our Sunday School Attendance reached a record 300 people and our church membership increased.

Rev. O.F. Gibbs (1954-1965), was pastor when the second floor of the Christian Service Center was completed. A new parsonage was purchased at 555 Ridgewood Drive, Circleville. The old parsonage was razed to make way for a parking lot.

The Rev. Eugene Flowers (1965-1976) was pastor when a new Allen organ was installed in 1968. We merged with the Methodist Church and became the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Carillons were installed on the organ with memorial contributions in 1970.

Pastor William Bauman (1983-1989) was pastor when a new parsonage was purchased at 537 Edgewood Drive and the building project to remodel the sanctuary and build onto the Christian Service Center was completed in 1970.

Pastor Dennis Dinger (1997-2002) had inspiring sermons and very patriotic veterans services. A new keyboard and Allen organ were purchased in 2001.

May 18, 2003, we burnt the mortgage for the building and remodeling project started in 1986. We became debt free in 2003, while David Wilson was our Pastor (2002-2004).

Pastor Roland G. Perkins came to Good Shepherd Church as a Ministerial Assistant in the summer of 1992. His tireless efforts to promote God's work is an inspiration to all who know him. We at Good Shepherd Church are extremely blessed to have Pastor Rollie.

Some of the members that have gone into the ministry from our church are: Robert Gehres, Orin Baker, Ernest Seymour, Ewing Ross, Fred Brown, Emmitt Eccard, Branson Hawkes, Richard Thomas, Robert Thomas, Brian Meadows and Scott Watters. Some that entered the Mission Fields are Ruth Yocom, and Sharon and Wayne Hatfield.

We need to continue to put Christ First in our lives. As Mrs. Ralph Long concluded her article in 1920, "May God still continue to bless us and may we be willing and ready to do our part in the great program of saving souls."

The Wesleyan movement, the United Brethren Church, and the Evangelical Association all had close ties. Philip Otterbein and Bishop Asbury were friends during early circuit days. There was a discussion on different occasions of the group joining into one union, but it was not until 1969 that we became the United Methodist Church.

The great founders of Methodism - John Wesley and his brother, Charles Wesley, came to Georgia in 1735 from England as missionaries and through the years, they and their fellow men spread the Word of the Bible. Methodism's symbol is the circuit preacher on horseback, with cloak trailing and saddlebags bulging with the printed word. Records show that by 1811, traveling preachers came to our area. It is a known fact that Bishop Asbury, himself, preached in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1803 at the cabin of Broad Cole, which was just 4 miles east of the spot where Hedges Chapel now stands.

The Methodist Episcopal Society was first organized in 1841. Locally, the first church was built in 1843, and was known as North Union, located on the Arthur Hines farm. Cyrus Hedges gave the ground and the first Hedges Chapel was built just south of the late Gilbert Humble's home, about 2 miles north of the present Hedges Chapel. In 1887, the ground was donated for the present chapel by Mrs. Joshua Hedges. Neighbors hauled the lumber, and the church was built in 1887. It was dedicated on Saturday, March 24, 1888 at an all-day meeting, and on Sunday, March 25, A.F. Hixon presided. In 1938, the earth was remove the church and soon a beautiful room was created. On Sutday October 9, 1938 the basement was dedicated, with the Rey, Walter Peters, the presiding officer.

In 1959, Mrs. Anna M. Hedges offered the use of the land adjacent to the church property for a parking lot. Joseph Hedges, Mrs. Sarah Jane Gregory, and the late John C. Hedges are descendants of Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Hedges, as well as the grandchildren of Mrs. Anna M. Hedges.

Hedges Chapel was on the Ashville circuit, which consisted of Asbury, South Bloomfield, East Union, Hedges Chapel and Ashville. The circuit was split in 1895 with Ashville, Hedges Chapel, and East Union comprising the new circuit. In 1918, East Union disbanded leaving Ashville and Hedges Chapel to absorb their membership. In 1967, an educational annex was built onto the church with a Fellowship Hall, adjoining the kitchen. By this time, the additional space was needed, due to the increasing membership of all ages.

Through the years, modern conveniences and many other improvements have been made. In 1982, the decision was made to hire a part-time secretary and establish an office. In 1984, after a period of discussion and planning, the Administrative Board voted 9 recommend to the congregation, that the Hedges Chapel church become a | station church. It became a station church in 1986. , a Site for a parsonage was donated by Metta Mae Dill, ory of Arthur and Dolly Sark. A financial drive was held un the g was $40,000, which was raised the first Sunday of the mpaign. The fund soon rose to$48,000. The Fellowship Class donated $5,000. A committee developed plans for the parsonage and it was built in 1987.

Over the years - since the 1930's - the church has met its responsibilities and mission giving through donations and the efforts of having a food booth at the Circleville Pumpkin Show. First, the women's society had charge, then the Booster Class, and finally the Fellowship Class.

Into the 21" century, the little white church on the corner of Winchester and South Bloomfield-Royalton Roads, is still serving a growing community as a generous, caring and God-loying family of worshipers.

Ohio was a newly formed state when the Hopewell United Methodist Church was established along the Pickaway and Franklin County line. In 1804 Ezekiel Groom and his family moved from Hampshire County, Virginia, to central Ohio, and built a cabin on the Walnut Creek Pike.

Being a Methodist in their former home, Groom sought other Methodists in the area. Nine miles south of the present town of South Bloomfield he found a settler by the name of Bishop, who had also been a Methodist in Virginia. The two friends set out one Sunday to follow a report of kindred souls in the To-Be-Town (Toby Town, now known as Royalton). There they met two men, Broad Cole and Jeremiah Williams. They too were Methodists, and were very properly going to a class meeting and took Groom and Bishop with them.

Brother Groom decided to attend services regularly and reasoned there must be a nearer way than the 18 mile route by which they had traveled. In the company of neighbor William Bush, he set out to find it. They went to an Indian camp and asked Billy Wyandotte, an old Indian, the distance to Toby Town. The Indian showed eight fingers meaning eight miles. Billy was employed to pilot them through the forest. Bush and the Indian took their guns. Groom took his axe and blazed the way, scoring the tzees to mark the way home. Thus the first Methodists in this community made their short cut to the class meeting.

In 1805 Rev. Quinn, pastor at Toby Town, organized the Hopewell Society at the cabin of Ezekiel Groom. The initial group was called the Groom Class and was composed of nine members; Ezekiel Groom and wife Rhoda; their two daughters, Mary and Sarah; William Bush and wife, Nancy; and Nancy Burton and her two daughters, Lucy and Betsy. Why the name Hopewell was chosen is not certain and no reference has been located that states the reason. However, Rev. John C. Jackson in J.I. Tyler's book called the area "one of the garden - spots of the world." The fact that the Hopewell Society is celebrating 200 years this year gives further testament to that claim.

The first church structure was built around 1819 near where the old cemetery is located, about a half mile upstream along the Walnut Creek on property sold to the society by Ezekiel Groom and wife Rhoda, for $20 in specie. The deed was transferred to

Charles Rarey, Alexander Cameron, and Adam Hively of Franklin County, and to Shaderach Cole, William Brown, Daniel Rainier, and David Morris of Pickaway County, as trustees.

In 1844, soon after the new London Lancaster Road was constructed, a new church was built on its present location. Although, it has been moved and remodeled several times, it is still the place of worship for the people of Hopewell.

In 1912, the building was moved to accommodate a roadstraightening program and the replacement of the covered bridge which had collapsed. At that time a basement was added. During the period from the 30s through the 60s, many improvements were made to the church building to make it a more pleasant place of worship. Much of the work was done by members of the congregation. The Ladies Aid Society raised money through dinners and other fund raising projects to pay for some of the improvements.

In May 1970, ground was broken for the new addition to the church-building, the most ambitious project since the original structure was built. The addition included a basement; it provided an additional 2300 square feet of floor space that is used for eight classrooms, two restrooms, and a utility room.

The Hopewell Society founded in 1805 later became known as the Hopewell Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1939, due to the union with the Southern Methodist Church, the name was changed to Hopewell Methodist Church. In April, 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist Churches merged and the name became Hopewell United Methodist Church.

The Hopewell united Methodist Church, 4348 London Lancaster Rd., Groveport, Ohio, 43125, is an incorporated body. The minutes of the organization for March 6, 1963, read as follows: "William C. Moody, Howard Fridley and James White are the officers of the newly incorporated Hopewell Methodist Church, a non-profit organization. Louis Hilbert is the agent; William O. Huston, RFD 1, Ashville, Ohio, filed the incorporation papers."

A comprehensive history of the church was written in 2005, celebrating the church's 200 year anniversary. A copy is available for review at the Pickaway County Genealogy Society, Groveport Historical Society, and the Ashville Area Heritage Society.

In April, 1822, the newly formed Circleville Presbyterian congregation became part of the Columbus Presbytery. With 22 members, Circleville's Presbyterians combined with Kingston to call a pastor. In September, the Rev. William Burton was installed as pastor of the two churches at the octagonal courthouse in the center of the Circle. In 1826, a meeting house was begun on the site of the present building. Completed in 1828, this was Circleville's first church edifice.

The first two pastors, Mr. Burton and Franklin Putnam, were of the Congregationalist tradition. Thus, when the national church split, in 1838, over doctrinal and denominational issues, the majority in Circleville joined the New School faction, which favored ecumenical ties with the Congregationalists and opposed slavery. Shortly thereafter a minority formed an Old School congregation. For over forty years the two churches remained separate. The New School church on Mound Street was First Presbyterian; the Old School church on East Main was Central Presbyterian.

In 1843, First Church called Dr. James Edwards Rowland as its pastor. He began his career as a physician and Circleville was his only church. He served here until his death of consumption at the age of 40. A new church was being constructed when he died and he was buried beneath its tower. His remains still rest under the present church tower.

During the last years of their separate existence, Samuel McMullin pastored First and William MacMillan, Central. Only Presbyterians could distinguish which was which and they often received one another's mail. By then the national churches had reunited and, in 1882, the Circleville churches did likewise. They returned to the Mound Street site and Central was sold to the Baptists.

Reunited under Dr. James P. Stratton, the church flourished for fourteen years. Dr. Stratton supported the ecumenical Christian Endeavor movement for church youth. His successor, Frederic Bullard, supervised the construction of a new building. Dedicated in 1901, it has served the congregation with modifications and additions ever since. Designed by Circleville-born Charles Stribling, it contains three outstanding windows by another Circleville native, Marion Darst.

Since 1902, the Circleville Presbyterians have been served by ten regular pastors and two interims. Dr. David S. Tappan was installed in 1902, having come to Circleville from Oxford, Ohio, where he had served as president of Miami University. In 1914, Cyrus Boyd Beckes became pastor and, in 1920, Floyd Emerson Logee. During Mr. Logee's pastorate, the church celebrated its centepnial. 'At that time there were 450 members.

In 4926; Emil S. Toensmeier came to the local pulpit. During his pastorate the national church was wracked by the Fundamentalist Controversy. At thé same time, the nation Was shattered by

In 1937, Mr. Toensmeier retired and was replaced by Robert T. Kelsey, an enthusiastic young man who rejuvenated the youth program. His five years as pastor marked an important turning point.

Carl L. Kennedy's brief pastorate (1943-46) continued the important work with the youth of the church. His sudden death in September, 1946, was a terrible shock to the congregation.

The arrival of the Rev. Donald E. Mitchell in 1946 led to the adoption of the Christian Faith and Life Curriculum and the Westminster Fellowship for the youth. He was also a founder of the Lowery Lane Mission. Ecumenical activities continued under Henry A. Walters (1961-77) who helped establish the annual Preaching Mission. He also led the effort to build the Christian Education wing and encouraged the "Around the Cross" group.

The present pastor, William Morris Campbell, has continued to encourage ecumenical activities. His 23-year pastorate is the longest in the church's 200-year history. Under his leadership the congregation is engaged in an expansion program which will provide a viable facility to begin its third century.

Organists of the last century had been Edward Wittich, Abbe Mills Clarke, Margarette Huston Burkhardt and L. J. (Jack) Mader. A few other significant lay persons of the century were: George Grand-Girard, Melissa Colville, Annette Will, Ed and Edith Grigg, George Foresman and Carrie Olds Kindler. Mrs. Kindler's death at 104, in 1982, ended a continuous membership of 91 years.

Many other important lay persons have been faithful leaders and followers over the last two centuries. As in the past, our present members and leaders face the future with Faith, Hope and Love.

Three 20" century pastors and their wives; Mary Jo and the Rev. Robert Kelsey, Gwen and the Rev. Donald Mitchell, Velma and the Rey. Henry Walters.

Second Baptist Church was organized in 1856 by Rev. William Norman with communion members: Lucy Winter, Enoch Weaver, Sarah Holinsworth, Miss Amelia Harris, Mrs. Boone, Mrs. Elizabeth Douglas and Mr. and Mrs. James Wright. Sometimes their meetings were held in homes. Before the first year had ended they had purchased a lot for the church with a dwelling house on it. It was used for their religious services until 1869, when the cornerstone of the present structure was laid. The lot was located on Canal and Mill Street. It was bought for $600.00 and was paid for at the end of the fourth year.

The present brick structure, which was built in 1869, cost $4,500.00, but this debt was also cleared away at the end of the fourth year. The site of the church was changed in the near future because of the plans for a double tracking railroad in the immediate vicinity.

Since the labors of the Rev. William Norman, Rev. Cox, and Rey. Boone in the organization of the church, the church has been served by the following Ministers: Rev. Grayson Jones, Elder Day, Jim Springfield, Jessie Meeks, Andrew Hunt, William Norman, Second Term, Andrew Hunt, Second Term, Wallace Shildon, J.L. Murray, R.D. Grant, Rev. Meritt, Thomas Coleman, Samuel Brown, Rev. Gillman, J.A. Brooks, J.T. Stewart, G. Jordan, Rev. Reed, Rev. Rolliver, C.L. Thomas, Rev. H. Wingo, J.H. Boyd, T.W. Brown, O.H. Miller, Rev. Stephen Bates, C.L. Willis, and Rev. Otis Crowder.

Deacons were: Jonas, Wyatt, J. Thomas, M. Reed, J. Redman and W.A. Jones. Trustees were: Ed Cooper, Thornton Green and Frank Lewis. Superintendent of the Sunday School was Mrs. Henrietta Green.

The present Second Baptist Church Building Cornerstone was laid on Sunday afternoon, October 8, 1911 at 2:00 p.m. Rev. J. Wesley Carter of Chillicothe, Ohio delivered the sermon. The services were under the supervision of Pickaway Lodge Knights of Pythias with L.O. Harris, master of ceremonies, Rev. B.J. Shadd of Gallipolis and Rey. L.W. White of the A.M.E. Church, Circleville, Ohio, assisting. L.O. Harris, D.D.G.C.J., K of P Lodge, assisted in the exercises of laying the cornerstone, a box containing a roster of the officers of the church, the day's programs, copies of the daily Union Herald and the Circleville Herald and a silver dollar were placed in the cornerstone by L.O. Harris. The official board at that time consisted of Deacons: Mathew May, Everett Johnson, W.A. Jones, Michael Reed, Joseph Thomas, Jacob and Edward Redman.

The building was a one story with a thirty-five foot tower. The walls are gray wine cut brick with gray stone trimming and has a slate room. It was ready for occupancy January 1, 1912.

Past Deacons of the church were: John Phifer, Charles Byrd, Frank Smith, Forrest Lowe, James Scott, W.A. Jones, Elwood Victor Harmon, Charles Breath, Carl Smith. Rev. Smith ssociate pastor. Trustees: John Lewis Sr., Walter Jones,

Now serving as Pastor and Shepherd of the flock is Rev. James Lewis. He has been serving Second Baptist for 25 years. Under his leadership we have come a long way with the Lord as our guide and much prayer. Present Officers in Deacons: Emmitt Dade, Robert Jones; Trustees: Ronnie Smith, Gary Phifer; Clerk: Charlotte Hill; Asst. Clerk: Emmitt Dade; Treasurer: Charlmel Simmons; Asst. Treasurer: Paul Hill; Corresponding Secretary: Charlotte Hill.

Scioto Chapel United Methodist Church, Robtown, Ohio was the outgrowth of circuit riders of the Winchester District in 1843 when a Class of United Brethren was organized by Reverend George Hathaway in Scioto Township. Meetings were held in homes including Jacob Stiverson and Luke Wilkin until an old log school house built in 1822 on the Luke Wilkin's property on Westford Road became available. It was moved to Yankee Street (St. Rt. 316) at Robtown sometime around 1847 and used for a church until 1875 when the present edifice was built at an approximate cost of $1000. David and Susan Robison, whose family gave the name to Robtown, deeded one half acre of land to the trustees: Isaac Plumer, Jesse Payne and Elias Hall in 1847. Other early Church families included Robison, West, Hott, Hoover, Prindle, Galbreath and Row. In new articles of 1879, the town correspondent reported that some "village rowdies" burned the old log building which had been left standing in front of the newly built church.

The Church was served by minister of the Walnut Circuit. Some early pastors, prior to 1880 were Isaac Kretzenger, Elias Vandemark, Joseph Hoffines, Daniel Bonebrake and William Fisher. According to an early Discipline, the circuit riders were not to take offerings of money, but the Church was obligated to feed the preacher and provide for his horse. With the incorporation of Ashville in 1880, anew U.B. Church was built, Rehobeth Church closed and their members transferred to the Ashville Church. The circuit became Ashville (now Ashville Zion) and Scioto Chapel remained as a charge until 1985.

Probably due to the Mennonite influence among the early United Brethren, there was an aversion to bells and keeping membership rolls. It was 1915 when a bell tower was built and a bell placed using trusses from the South Bloomfield bridge washing out in the flood of 1913 and ropes to slide it into place in the tower. A Ladies Aid was organized in May of 1916 and continued until 1989.

Sunday Schools were organized separately and probably were not a part of the Church's early years. The first record of a Sunday School Superintendent was James Blacker in 1878. Two annual Scioto Township Sunday School Institutes were held at Robtown in the 1920's as part of the Pickaway County interdenominational organization. The all-day programs of local and visiting speakers focused on Sunday School growth and training teachers. The county Sunday School superintendent, Miss Emma Gibson, conducted as least 3 teachers' training classes at Robtown ca. 1916-20.

A community building was erected east of the church in 1939 for class room and social activities. The new addition also provided needed space for the well-attended annual turkey suppers. It was later divided into 2 class rooms and one became the pastor's office after the Church had its own minister in 1985.

The Church acquired the McBee store property of 1.09 acres in 1977 adding parking space. In 2000 the Church purchased 3.43 acres of the adjoining Wooten property to the west. The lower level of the house-annex is used for Sunday School rooms and the basement for clothing, etc. as a Helping Hands store for the community's needs.

The current membership in 2004 is 100 and the pastor is Delmer Dodrill. Officers serving the Church are: Trustees - Virgil Fausnaugh, Jim Fausnaugh, Betty Fisher, Charles Johnson and Almeda Prince; Council Chariman and Lay Leader - Perry Fausnaugh; Secretary - Lisa Cotner; Treasurer - Sandy Fausnaugh; Financial Secretary - Alice Johnson; Finance Committee Chairman - Carl] Steck; Education Chairmen - Phyllis Dodrill; Worship Chairman - Jodi Hastings; Outreach Ministries Leader - Virgil Fausnaugh; Witness Ministries Leader - Mary Ellen Downs; and Women's Christian Fellowship, President - Kaye Hott.

There is a very faithful choir of 8-10 members that enhance the Sunday services and a contemporary worship service is held one Sunday a month. A drama team of fun-loving characters perform a program about once a year and add their special touch to the Vacation Bible School programs each summer.

The Church remains sensitive to the community, helping families throughout the year. Homemade noodle sales help provide funds for these needs. In support of the agricultural community, the Church held its first "Bless the Farmers Sunday" in March, 2004 and received notoriety in the Central and Southeastern Ohio news media. The event will hopefully become an annual affair.

This is the second church of St. Joseph Parish. It was made of brick, started in 1866, completed in 1868. The lot for this church was on the corner of West Mound Street and God's Alley. (Photo taken 1868).

The beginnings of Catholicism and the establishment of St. Joseph Parish in Circleville go back to the arrival of John McLean in 1836. In 1840, the Riley family and others of the McLean family settled in the town. A number of our pioneer Catholics were German: the Miller brothers, the Snyders, the Bayers, the Smiths, to name a few. The construction of the Zanesville and Maysville turnpike brought many Catholic laborers to the county.

The first Mass was celebrated in Circleville in 1840 in the home of Mrs. Turner who was Protestant. A priest from the Columbus area ministered to the needs of the parish during the 1840's.

Due to the influx of Catholics to the area it was necessary to purchase land for a new church. The ground purchased in 1844 was part of the old circle, thus St. Joseph's was truly part of the original Circleville. In 1848 a small frame building, already built was moved onto the property on East Franklin Street directly north of the Presbyterian Church. It served as the first place of worship. In 1854, a red brick rectory was built beside the church and it was used for about twenty years. Both were sold in 1870._

As the parish continued to thrive it was once again necessary to acquire land for a new church. This time a lot was donated and two were purchased on West Mound Street. The new brick church was dedicated in 1868. A brick rectory was also built and finished in 1873 at the urging of church members for the current pastor.

In 1874 a strip of land, containing six acres laying on North Court Street, nearly opposite Forest Cemetery, was purchased and in 1878 it was consecrated as a cemetery. Prior to the purchase of this property, Catholics had been buried in the old High Street and Forest Cemeteries. Since the new cemetery proved to be quite swampy, and unfit for burials, a new tract of land comprising nineteen acres which adjoined Forest Cemetery on the north, was purchased in 1892. All bodies that had been buried in the first cemetery were soon reburied in the new one.

The first Catholic school was held as early as 1856 for a short period of time. From 1865 to 1869 a school was established, the sessions being held in the kitchen of the rectory on Franklin Street. Work was begun in 1885 on a new school building and it was dedicated in 1886. The Sisters of Charity for Nazareth, Kentucky staffed the school. The school closed due to declining enrollment in 1926. Religious education and First Communion Preparation continued with the help of parishioners. Looking ahead, the school reopened in 1953 and was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Baden, Pennsylvania and lay teachers. In 1970 the Sisters were removed from the parish, which resulted in the closing of the school.

In 1901 plans were made to build a new church. Many activities took place in order to raise the funds needed. After the brick church was demolished that same year, masses were celebrated in the chapel of the school. The cornerstone was laid on April 10, 1910. That same year the bells were blessed and consecrated. The stone church was dedicated in 1911. A splendid new parish rectory was built in 1924.

As the years continued, work was started on the school building, which lasted for several years. Altar-Rosary Society and the Knights of Columbus were begun as well as CYO. Religious education classes were started for our children. Extensive work was done on the cemetery. Parish Council was formed. Liturgical and funeral choirs were organized. A new organ was installed. Stations of the Cross were erected at the cemetery. Major changes occurred to the interior of the church during renovation. Communion was provided to the shut-ins, hospitalized and nursing homes weekly. The Blessed Sacrament was moved to a special sanctuary. The Renew or faith-sharing program began as well as Adult Sunday School. A new access ramp was build; out church hall was renovated as well as the rectory.

The priests who served our parish were: Rev. Fathers P. Tschieder, DeHope, Michael Ford, Nicholas Thisse, John Duffy, Edward Fitzgerald, Christopher Pindar, Sergius Stchoulepnikoff, A.M. Mazeau, D.B. Cull, A.O. Walker, M.M. Meara, Charles Watterson, John S. Hannan, Joseph Herman, Edward Reidy, George Mason, Joseph McGlynn, George Buchmann, David Petry, Frank Meagher, Robert Reilly, and at present Stephen L. Krile. Through the years many other assisting and substitute priests have also served this parish, which are too numerous to mention.

God has truly blessed our Christian community. We hope and pray He will continue to send His blessings up@n this parish as we strive to do His work and will.

This is the third church of ST. Joseph Parish. ¢ The cornerstone was laid April 10, 1910. It was built of Berea Sandstone, quarried near ~ Cleveland. It was dedicated Junedee, 1911.

In 2005, St. Paul United Methodist Church on Ringgold Southern Road, east of Circleville, is celebrating 135 years in the present brick building. The church began as the Evangelical Church with meetings in the barns of Henry Dreisbach and John Moyer around 1817 to 1821. The new church grew as families such as Leist, Heffner, Walkey, Johnson and Bolender joined the young congregation. A frame church was built in 1849 just south of the present one. It was dedicated on December 23, 1849, by Presiding Elder J.G. Zinser and named Evangelical Church. Rev. A. E. Dreisbach and Rev. Henry Downey were the first pastors. A few years after the church was built a railroad was laid out in this section which passed within a few feet of the church. Thus the name "Railroad Church" came into being. Another name was "Bull's Head Church." The name originated in 1855 when the first trains began to run. One of the stories explaining the name was that a bull, pasturing in the vicinity of the church, became enraged at the engine and rushed it, crushing its head against the "steel horse".

The frame church served the community for 21 years and then was replaced by the present brick church in 1870 at a cost of $3,100 and dedicated January 15, 1871. Rev. E.C. Turner was the first minister. The name St. Paul was given to the church. Soon after the brick church was built, a cemetery was laid out behind the church.

The church was part of the Lancaster Circuit which included parts of Ross, Hocking and Pickaway Counties. In 1909 it was changed to the Stoutsville Circuit with four churches: St. Paul, St. John, Ebenezer and Pleasantview. In the early 1920's Ebenezer Church closed. The St. Paul Church congregation added a vestibule to the church in 1920. The Evangelical Church merged with the United Brethren Church in 1947 and St. Paul congregation became Evangelical United Brethren. A new educational unit was built by members of the church in 1954 and dedicated by Rev.

E.E. Nietz. It was built at a cost of approximately $9,000. Stain glass windows were donated by organizations and memorials were added. The first organ was purchased in 1958.

The Adult Fellowship of the church began in 1945. The group was responsible for conducting a food booth at the Circleville Pumpkin Show for many years. Proceeds helped pay for the educational unit of the church and the purchase of the first organ.

In 1966 the St. Paul Church was part of a three-church circuit which included St. Paul, St. John and Fairview. In 1968 the E.U.B. Church merged with the Methodist Church becoming United Methodists. The education unit was expanded in the 1970's, a P.A. system was added to the sanctuary and the carpeting was again replaced. In January 1982, a disaster was narrowly averted when a fire was discovered in the basement under the brick church. A malfunctioning furnace had sent a flow of fuel onto the floor where it was smoldering and sending black smoke into the upper rooms.

The people of St. Paul realized a dream in 1995 when the June Conference of the West Ohio United Methodist Church recognized St. Paul as a station church and appointed William Tardy as pastor.

The membership of St. Paul realized another dream in 2004. The 1954 educational unit has been replaced with a 6400 square foot single level floor plan including 8 classrooms, a modern kitchen, and a large fellowship hall built at a cost of $550,000. The building was dedicated by Pastor William Tardy in January 2005. The members of St. Paul hope to use this expanded gathering place with open hearts, open minds and open doors for the community.

The building at St. Paul is important, but even more so is the 180 some years of continued Christian worship, Bible study, missionary efforts, and the impact this church has had on its community and beyond. God grant that this work continues to be productive in the years ahead.

On May 26, 1817 St. Philip's Episcopal Church was organized following Divine Services performed in Circleville, Ohio by the Rev. Philander Chase of Hartford, Connecticut. During the next decade, the people of St. Philip's met in the city's original, octagonal courthouse and were served by a series of supply priests.

St. Philip's first building was erected in 1834 on Lot No. 101 "on the mound," part of the ancient Adena earthworks. The parish was served during the 1830's by a priest from Fr. Rogers' former parishioners in Lacock, Wilts, England to be used for the purchase of communion silver. Today the "Rogers" communion silver is still used on certain occasions throughout the year. During the early years of the parish, the way of funding the church's ministries was by renting pews, which was a common practice in the Colonial and Victorian eras. Parishioners selected which pew they desired to sit in and "rented it" by paying a sum appointed by the vestry. Interestingly enough, the most expensive pews were those located at the front of the church, which were rented for the price of $280 per year. The pews located at the rear of the church were for a mere $12 per year. Numbers still remain attached to the end of each pew event though pew rental is no longer practiced.

By 1846 members of the parish were planning the possible purchase of land for a new church or rectory. In 1859, a house on the corner of South Washington Street and East Franklin Street (No. 239 E. Franklin) Circleville, Ohio, was purchased as St. Philip's first rectory. In 1860, plans to build a new church were revisited. Another building campaign was launched, and in 1866, the old structure was razed and work on the present church began. The Lutheran congregation purchased the salvage materials from the old building including the bell, but excluding the organ and furniture. According to church records, while the new church was being built, Episcopalians worshipped in "the little Baptist Church on South Court Street opposite the school building." The new St.

The building's configuration has seen few changes over the years and still retains its gas light fixtures and walnut pews. The original pipe organ was located in the gallery and later moved down on the nave level. A larger organ was installed in the reconfigured chancel and a third installation completed in 1984. The building's beautiful and colorful original decoration included painted gothic arches on either side of the sanctuary with illuminated gold-leafed printing of the Lord's Prayer and the Apostles' Creed. The nave was trimmed with various colorful stencil treatments including elaborate Fleur-de-leys surrounding each window, and a verse from Habakkuk "The Lord is in his Holy Temple" printed over the sanctuary arch. The words, "Holy, Holy, Holy," from The Sanctus, were printed above the lancet windows over the altar.

In 1917, another building campaign resulted in the addition of the present parish hall. The structure included a gymnasium on the lower level and was dedicated in 1918. During that same year, a large brick home located next to the church was built by one of St. Philip's parishioners, Georgia Hoffman James, who had the house built to resemble a home she had admired while vacationing in Salem, Massachusetts. The house was later bequeathed to the church in 1947 for use as its rectory along with a portion of land from Mrs. James' family farm. The proceeds from the farm were to be used for the upkeep of the large home. Oil was later discovered on the farm property and is now known as "St. Philip's well."

The first Methodist meeting in Saltcreek Township was held in the home of Abramen Monnette. He also helped to organize the Tarlton class about 1825.

Before the present church was erected in 1839-40, the meetings were held in a log school house which stood a block to the left from the present church site. The land where the present church was erected was transferred from Otis and Elizabeth Ballard on the 15" day of June, 1839 for the sum of $80.00

In 1915-1916, the church's interior was remodeled under the pastorate of Rev. A.L. Vandergriff. The square rostrum, which extended the full width of the auditorium was changed into a semi-circular one making room for the back stairway, which is present today. The chancel rail was installed at this time. Hardwood floors were laid and the straight back pews exchanged for the present ones. The main lights in the auditorium were the gifts of Mrs. John Hiatt. The electric lights in the basement were given by Porter Hiatt and Mrs. Laura Fogler, who was the great aunt of Dale Fogler and Evelyn Fogler Turvey, who are still membesr of the church.

The present church structure was altered in 1919 when the high spire was blown off during a storm. In 1994, the front steps of the church were moved and a wider threshold was installed and railings were added on each side of the steps. The original step that was removed was engraved by Chuck Weliman with information concerning the church. This step is mounted on the south side of the church.

Other improvements include new sidewalks, roof, spouting and metal eaves. The restrooms were refurbished and the original kitchen was made into an office. A new kitchen was built in the west basement. New storm windows, the front entrance and a

The history of St. Jacobs can be traced back to the establishment of the German Reformed and the German Lutheran societies to 1807 in the community of Newellstown, later named Tarleton, but today spelled Tarlton.

This was a time when many settlers were migrating to this section of Ohio from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Many were coming via the Old Zane Trail that runs through Tarlton connecting it to Lancaster and Chillicothe and now known as State Route 159.

The Rev. George Wise of Lancaster organized the German Reformed Society. Both societies united shortly afterward and erected a log meeting house where both worshipped until 1830 when a log and frame building was built and used until 1860.

The German Reformed Society erected a brick church of their own and the Lutherans built a frame church edifice at a cost of $1,200. A major split occurred in the German Reformed Society over established usage and their Rev. Samuel Jacobs joined the Cumberland Presbyterians taking most of his congregation with him. After a few years the German Reformed Society fell into difficulties and the church sold a t a sheriff's auction and the society disbanded.

In 1811 the Rev. Jacob Leist, a licensed missionary from the Pennsylvania Synod of Lutheran Churches, was sent to the Tarlton area to "gather the scattered children of the church" and was the organizing pastor for St. Jacobs which presumably was named in his honor. He also organized several other small Lutheran congregations in the area. Trinity Lutheran in Circleville is also believed to have been organized by the Rev. Leist.

The Ohio Lutheran Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, was formed in Ohio in 1818 in Columbus, Ohio and the Rev. Jacob Leist was ordained that year by the Ohio Synod. Tarlton was on the list of sites being considered by the Synod but Columbus won out. Rev. Leist was married to Elizabeth Shoemaker, the daughter of Judge Jacob Shoemaker, in 1812. After organizing and preaching for over fifty years he retired on his farm at Leistville and practiced medicine. The Rev. Leist passed away at his home in 1876 and is buried in the old Tarlton Cemetery.

At the time of the formation of St. Jacobs in 1860, the Union Church, called the Stumpf Church, northwest of Laurelville just off Route 56, was disbanded and many of its members united with St. Jacobs. Many of the old names of early members still remain on St. Jacobs' old registry. The empty Stumpf Church Building is still standing and the Stumpf Cemetery is nearby.

St. Jacobs has been in several parish alignments such as Israel, Zion, East Ringgold, Stumpf and St. John prior to 1891 and in that year under the leadership of the Rev. J.M. Wenrich formed a parish sharing a pastor with Trinity Lutheran in Stoutsville, Fairfield County, and remained in that parish until Trinity dissolved in April, 2002. A parsonage in Stoutsville also was shared for our ministers until 1968 when it was sold. Trinity has now been sold and soon will be demolished to make way for apartments.

By 1906 St. Jacobs numbered 125 members and Orestes Mowery was serving as Sunday School Superintendent with a membership of 50. In 1918 in order to strengthen the Lutheran witness in the community, St. Jacobs merged with the English Evangelical Lutheran Church which had been established in 1835 under the leadership of the Rev. Nathan B. Little and was a congregation of thirty members.

In 1923 on August 1, the ground was broken for a new St. Jacobs on the corner of German and Pleasant Streets in Tarlton and the cornerstone was laid on October 7, 1923 Wenrich Stuckey, accompanied by Charles Creager, transported the cornerstone from Lancaster, Ohio in Stuckey's Ford truck. St. Jacobs was dedicated on July 19, 1925. The first marriage in the new church was that of Virginia Mowery, daughter of Orestes and Nellie Mowery, to Wayne Luckhart, on July 4, 1926 by the Rev. J.M. Wenrich. Virginia is presently St. Jacobs oldest member at the age of 98.

On October 16, 1985 St. Jacobs celebrated its 125 years under the leadership of the Rev. Marlin R. Drake. The following have served as pastors: The Reverends J.E. Weiner, W.H. Fishburn, G.W. Hudson, J.F. Beattes, W.L. Hunton, J.M. Wenrich, H.L. Bosserman, J.A. Schofer, H.L. Dressler, H.R. Merle, J.S. Rumbarger, S.M. Wenrich, F.J. Heine, H.B. Drum, Frank Csaszar, Ronald Brant, Dr. Harold Zietlow, David Petterson, Marlin R. Drake, S. John Michles, Shirley Ross-Jones, Donna Kraus, and at the present, Julie Martin.

Church officers are: Tim Hartranft, President; Wilma Fraunfelter, Vice President; Wilma Strous, Secretary; Dorothy Drum, Financial Secretary; and Wanda Hartranft, Treasurer. Our pianist is Diane Valentine and organist is Mary Swain.

The spirit of love and fellowship the members of St. Jacobs have shared with the community is a tribute to our great faith and we strive by the Holy Spirit to be Jesus' disciples so all may know Him. St. Jacobs stands as a symbol of stability in the Tarlton community and our prayer is to reach the unchurched.

Lutheranism began in Pickaway County in 1811 when Rev. Jacob Leist was sent to organize Lutheran congregations in Ohio. In 1837 while Rev. Joel Swartz was pastor of the English Evangelical Lutheran Church on what is now West Franklin Street, a schism occurred over matters of doctrine. A group who were called the 'old school' withdrew from his church, organized as Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, and soon built a brick church and parsonage on East Mound Street. An elementary school was operated by the church from 1888 to 1893.

In August 1898 Rev. G.J. Troutman began serving Trinity, and in 1901 the congregation decided to build a new church. The new building was dedicated in July 1903. A new parsonage was built west of the church in 1907. In 1928 the old parsonage was removed from the east side of the church and a Parish House was built there. In November 1930, a re-opening and dedicatory service was held to celebrate acquisition of a new organ and a remodeled church.

The Peal of Bells donated to the church by Rev. Jacob Barthelmas was dedicated in October 1939. The three bells were given to the Glory of the Triune God and in memory of his wife Amelia, his mother Barbara, and his mother-in-law Lena Webbe.

After many years of service at Trinity, Dr. Troutman retired and became Pastor Emeritus in June 1941. Rev. George L. Troutman, who had been serving with his father since 1929, assumed the full responsibility of the church. Since 1929 he had been serving also as pastor of the East Ringgold Lutheran (Warner) Church which was organized in 1839 by German Reformed and Lutheran congregations and in 1880 had a membership of 140. By 1942, services there had been discontinued.

Pastor Carl Zehner became minister of Trinity in July 1954. During his tenure, the congregation of Christ Church of Lick Run in Jackson Township merged with Trinity. That congregation had been organized in March 1885 and for many years had been served by the pastors of Trinity. In 1947 a special Memorial Day service was held to honor the 165 members of this Circleville Parish who served in the Armed Forces of our country. Pastor Zehner also led Trinity's strong support of the formation of the Circleville Mission on Lowery Lane.

As Trinity's congregation grew, the need for a larger church with adequate educational facilities became apparent. The last service in the second church building was conducted in September 1962. The cornerstone of the new church was laid in January 1963 and the edifice was dedicated in December 1963.

tenure were Rev. Roger Lawrence, Rev. Alfred Krebs, and Rev. John Boldt. Dr. Mittermaier resigned in 1989, and several months later he accepted the request from the congregation to serve as part time Visitation Pastor, a position which he continues to hold.

In 1989, Pastor Roy E. Godfrey was installed as senior Pastor of Trinity and in 1990 Pastor Eugene Bensch was installed as Pastor for Outreach. Interim pastors who served the congregation during this era were Rev. Dan Mortinger, Rev. Thomas Baumgardner, Rev. Alan Schwochow, and Rev. Ronald Wolter. The Trinity Lutheran Preschool was established in the fall of 1990 with Mrs. Ruthann Godfrey being named its first director.

A reconstruction project was begun in 1992 to remodel the Parish House and join it to the church. The rooms added between the two buildings provided additional office space, a library, meeting rooms, and an elevator making the facilities accessible.

In 1993 the senior choir directed by Katie Wilson Schneider began holding an annual May Choir Festival. Choirs from several local churches presented anthems and then formed a mass choir singing to the glory of God. The festival continued for twelve years and was a very successful ecumenical event.

Senior Pastor Donald Bachman, Jr. was installed in September 1994. About a year later the "Dream Come True" project was launched. Completed projects include a first-floor bedroom with bath and deck, wheelchair ramps, and siding for homes. Dream Come True volunteers also helped during construction of the St. Paul A.M.E. Church. During Pastor Bachman's tenure, associate pastors have been Rev. Karl Hanf, installed in 1999, and Rev. Karen Kepner, installed in 2004.

Trinity can claim an influence in sending nineteen sons and daughters to the ministry. The church cooperates in the local Food Pantry, the Clothing Center, the Brown Memorial Home, Eden Place and the Circleville Community Mission. Church organizations continue to serve as auxiliaries for church work, support the worship services, and contribute to the life of the congregation. The educational ministry continues to be strong through the Sunday

Early in 1889, the Village of Ashville had a population of fewer than five hundred persons. A small group of citizens, focused on future development, met at the home of V.R. Duvall intent on establishing a Methodist Church. They initiated a campaign for funds to build. Two ladies, Emma Soper Wright and Mrs. Josh Hedges, traveled by horse and buggy to canvas for funds. After several weeks the decision was made to begin construction of the Ashville Methodist Church.

Uncie Ezra Hedges, as he was known, donated a lot on which the church and parsonage were to be built. Ben Beavers was chosen to oversee the construction that started in the latter part of 1889; in the spring of 1890, with a total cost of $3,500.00, construction was completed. Reverend A.T. Hixon, who resided in South Bloomfield, became the first minister.

Sunday, April 6, 1890, the faithful few met to organize the first Sunday School. The first session was held April 13, 1890; seven classes were created hosting a total of sixty-six persons, garnering a collection of ninety cents. On April 25, 1890, the church was dedicated by the Reverend Moore of Cincinnati, assisted by Reverend Hixon. The new church immediately organized spiritually based programs. Hymn books entitled, "Songs of Redeeming Love" were ordered on May 6" and the first Children's Day Service as held June 6".

The new church became a part of the South Bloomfield Circuit (including Ashville, South Bloomfield, Asbury, Hedges Chapel and East Union). Reverend Hixon remained on this circuit until the fall of 1890. He was succeeded by Reverend Frank Gillian. In 1895, the circuit was divided (Ashville, Hedges Chapel and East Union to be known as the Ashville Circuit) while (South Bloomfield, Asbury and Renick Chapel of Darbyville) would become the South Bloomfield Circuit. East Union disbanded in 1918, leaving Ashville and Hedges Chapel as a yoked circuit.

In 1927 the decision was made to expand, adding a junior and primary department along with a modern kitchen and dining facility. I.M. Spindler, H.M. Fridley, E.F. Schlegel, Walter Hedges and Dr. J.L. Spindler comprised the building committee; Walter Hedges headed the construction and the project was-eompleted in the fall of 1927. The re-dedication of the newly remodeled church was held November 27, 1927 with Rev. A.E. Smith, president of Ohio Northern University presiding, assisted by the local pastor, Rev. J.B. Taylor.

Again in 1955, under the leadership of Rev. Emerson Abts, the decision was made to remodel. New altar furniture and lighting were put in place; in 1957 the basement of the church was remodeled, and in 1959 chimes were purchased to enhance the music ministry. Additional parking space was acquired adjacent to the parsonage in 1964. With the 1968 merger of Conferences, the new name of the church became Ashville Village United Methodist Church. In 1969, further improvements were made, adding new pews and carpeting. Further enhancements during the 1970's included the present organ, a gift from Ethel Siegel and the grand piano, a gift from Donald P. Courtright in memory of Grace Courtright. Also in 1986, under the able leadership of