History of West Union Methodist Episcopal Church

Reprinted from: A Manual of Methodism by Rev. Willis Palmer
Printed by the People's Defender Print 1886, reprinted 1978

The West Union Methodist Episcopal Church is among the earlier churches of the country. Moore's 1795; Chillicothe, 1798; Bushnell, later called Burkett's, now the Stone Chapel, 1798; Peter Rankins, called Fitch's, on Elk River or Eagle Creek, 1797 or 8; Pee Pee, 1797; White Brown's, on Deer Creek, 1800; Bryan's, now Bethel, 1799, and West Union, at the house of Peter Shultz, 1807. The first class was organized at the house of Father Shultz, by Rev. John Collins, in October, 1807. Rev. Joseph Bennett was the colleague of Father Collins, and Rev. John SAle was the Presiding Elder. Father Shultz lived, at that time, in a hewed log house in the northwest corner of N. Branson's lot, opposite the residence of Wm. Brown, east. Here the early church was permitted to hear two of the most eloquent men of modern times -- men of great intellect and wonderful powers in oratory. Here vast congregations were overcome by eloquence sublime. Hundreds of hearers left this house praising God at the top of the voice. Hundreds of souls found the "True Light" of eternal life in this humble German's home. Peter Shultz was its first steward, an office he carried with honor to himself and blessings to the church till he removed to Maysvill, Ky., which occurred in 1830. On the 19th of June, 1807, William Russell moved to West Union. This man was a firm friend to Methodism, a very lowly man, and a man who exerted a great influence in the community. He was appoionted the first Class-Leader. In the month of May, the 21st, 1806, William Armstrong settled in West Union, removing from Maysville, Ky. He was a great support to the church.

The following are the names of the members of the first class: William Armstrong and wife, William Russell and wife, Peter Shultz and wife, Mary Robe, Mary Woodrow, Nancy Cole, and Hannah Hood.--10. Soon after the organization the calss increased its numbers. Very early, the names of Abraham Hollingsworth, (whose daughter, Miss Caroline, lives in the old home, opposite the parsonage,) John Meek, and Greenberry R. Jones, appear as active members of the society. John Meek and G. R. Jones became quite prominent ministers of the Gospel. Brother Meek was several times on the circuit, as also was Brother Jones. Brother Jones served one term as Presiding Elder of the Ohio District, from 1821 to 1825. Brother Jones built the dwelling house just west of G. N. Crawford's store, now occupied by Mrs. Steward in the years 1821-2. It was for a long time the finest dwelling house in Adams County. Here he lived for many years. This was his home while Presiding Elder, and also while preacher in charge, in 1834, 1836, and 1838. The house is a good, respectable dwelling yet some of the oldest citizens recall many hallowed associations, and happy seasons of grace in this old building. This good man was born in Pennsylvania, April 7th, 1784. Came to West Union in the year 1815. Was made a trustee of the first M. E. Church in 1815, also Secretary of the Quarterly Conference. Was licensed to preach in 1810 by the Connelsvill Quarterly Conference, John Meek, Presiding Elder, in Pennsylvania. Was admitted to the Ohio Conference in September, 1818. He continued his relations with the eConference till his death, which occurred in Marietta, Ohio, September 20th, 1844, aged 60 years, 6 months, and 13 days. He was an uncle by marriage ot sister Caroline Hollingsworth, her mother and his wife being sisters. Brother Meek was never a member of the Annual Conference after his return from Pennsylvania in 1810, but did nearly as much traveling as those in the regular work.

Of the first members of the West Union Society, as above given, little is known, except the names of Mary Rape and Hannah Hood. Hannah Hood was the mother of our aged fellow-townsman, James Hood. She united with the Methodist Church in the 12th year of her age, and when the class was organized here, she united with it. She continued a faithful member till the day of her death in November, 1863. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1799, and came to West Union in 1806. Mary Rape was the mother of our esteemed Brother, William R. Rape. She died March 25th, 1841, full of good works. Her influence was always on the right side-a true mother in our Israel. Peter Shultz, the father of Methodism in West Union, has one great-grandson living near West Union. His name is William Shultz. It is our understanding that Father Shultz moved out West some time in 1838 or 1840. He was a leader of the class for a good many years, when he was succeeded in that office by Brother Abraham Hollingsworth. Brother Hollingsworth's name appears on the records as an official member, February 10th, 1821, and he held the office of class-leader till 1860, when William Allen succeeded him. William Russell, one of the first class, was appointed the first class-leader. He continued faithful till the year 1820, when he was succeeded by Leonard Cole, who held the position till January, 1846, when William R. Rape succeeded him as class-leader; this esteemed Brother has continued in the office, without an intermission, ever since. This class has ever been the "afternoon class." The morning class has had William Armstrong, Peter Shultz, Abraham Hollingsworth, William Allen, and J. K. Pollard. The last two are with us yet. Brother Rape, who appears to be a young man yet, remembers William Russell very well. He has led this class successfully and successfully for 40 years this April, 1886.

August 15th, 1819, when Leroy Swormstead was Preacher in Charge, and John Collins, Presiding Elder, steps were taken to build a meeting house. The following named persons were appointed trustees: William Russell, Peter Shultz, John Meek, Greenberry R. Jones, and Abraham Hollingsworth. A beautiful site was secured of William Armstrong, on lot No. 89, for which the trustees paid $50, and a deed, warranty, according to the form in the Bood of Discipline of the Church, was executed by him, and duly signed September 30th, 1819. The next year a good, comfortable brick church house was finished and dedicated, free from debt, by the Rev. John Collins, Presiding Elder. The cost of the house was about $1,800. Size, 25x44 feet. Here Bishop Bascom, James Quinn, Russel Bigelow, John Collins, Augustus Eddy, John A. Baughman, Leroy Swormstead, Maxwell P. Gaddis, M. Morley, Bishop R. S. Foster, Joseph M. Trimble, and many others preached "the unsearchable riches of Christ." Hundreds of "spirits of just men made perfect" first saw the heavenly light at the altars of this old church. Many of our older brethren are fond of speaking about the good, old revivals in the First church. This house was occupied till 1868, when it was pulled down, that a more commodious house might take its place. In 1866, Rev. T. E. Fiddler was appointed to the West Union Circuit, and Rev. James Kendall, the Presiding Elder of the Hillsboro District. Brother Fiddler was returned a second and third time. It was during his second year that the new church house was built. The new house is a good, substantial brick church, 38x65, with 18 feet ceiling. It has a large vestibule and two class-rooms in the front, capola, spire, and a most excellent toned bell. The corner-stone was laid by Rev. M. P. Gaddis. Enclosed in this stone is a tin box containing a copy of the Holy Scriptures, "Book of Discipline," "Western Christian Advocate," "Ladies' Repository," "West Union Scion," and "The People's Defender;" also, a copy of the subscriptions, with the names and amount subscribed by each person, names of the Board of Trustees, Presiding Elder, the Preacher in charge of the Circuit, and the workmen who built it. Over $6,000 was expended in its construction. It was dedicated with a heavy debt hanging over it. This debt proved a great injury to the church--it well nigh ruined it. The church embarrassed by this incumbrance, accomplished but little for a number of years. The amount of this debt was $1,000. Nothing of consequence was done to relieve the church till Rev. C. J. Wells came to the charge, September 1877. He remained two years. The second year of his pastorate every dollar of this debt was raised, and the church was once more free. Many improvements were needed, but the church was not able to do anything then. The matter remained so till the present pastorate began September, 1884. During the summer of 1885, the Board of Trustees ordered the pastor to raise what funds he could for improvements. A subscription was circulated and very generally signed. At the regular meeting the first Monday evening in July, it was agreed to repair the church. The repairs should consist in iron roofing, ventilating heaters, new double iron form, and new pulpit, etc. The pastor, Rev. W. Palmer, was made the superintendent of the work, and authorized to purchase paper and heaters. In due time the contract for the work was let. Rev. E. Zimmerman & Son took the contract of roofing at $200, the paper-hanging to John Brawner & Son at $45, wood work and window decorations, $33. The paper was furnished at a cost of $100 by a Cincinnati firm, C. F. Andress & Co. The total cost of the pulpit, pulpit chairs, and choir chairs was $125. Total cost of improvements, $900. The house was closed for repairs just six weeks. It was reopened for worship Sunday August 30, 1885, by Rev. W. F. Whitlock, D. D., of Ohio Wesleyan University. Two hundred dollars was called for, and secured, when the church was formally reopened clear of debt. It is now a model of beauty and elegance. It is the handsomest finished church in the county. Since the repairs, the church has had omens of blessed prosperity. From the very first of the organization, the West Union church has been the recognized head of the circuit, paying more to pastoral support and benevolence than any other class in the circuit. From the very first it has been blessed with men of parts. It appears now that a bright future awaits this church. For the past year and a half (January, 1886) regular station work has been given it, and omens of thrift are abundant.

Rev. Willis Palmer
Pastor, M. E. Church, 1886

History of West Union Methodist Episcopal Church

History of the West Union U.M. Church