Monroe  Township, Pickaway County, OH

Church History & Records

The Hebron M. E. Church, situated in the southwestern part of the township, was formed soon after the settlement. Meetings for a time were held in the log cabins of the settlers and subsequently in the little log school-house near Foster's. Revs. Joseph Hays and William Morrow were among the' first circuit preachers on this charge, which was attached to Deer Creek Circuit. The early ministers were the same that had charge of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Williamsport. The church is now in the Darbyville Circuit; Rev. F. B. Davis is the pastor. Leslie Lewis is superintendent of the Sunday-school. The church edifice of this society, built in 1838, was probably the first one built in the township.

The Greenland M. E. Church, known as the Timmons Church, which is located about four miles from Five Points on the road to Era, dates back to about 1834, when a class was formed here under the ministry of Revs. Philip Nation and Joshua Boucher, of the Lon-don Circuit. Meetings were held in private homes until the erection of the log church which was called the "Timmons meeting house." In 1853 a frame church was erected and the present name substituted. Among the early ministers who had this charge were Revs. E. Webster, William Morrow, N. Hugh, John W. Still, George Fait, M. Wolfe, C. B. Warrington, T. Hurd, S. Maddux, T. Hall, W. Browning, J. Young, D. Smith, J. Martin, J. Q. Lakin, F. F. Lewis, J. Laws, A. M. Alexander, S. Rankin, D. Mann and A. R. Miller. In the division of the circuit, the Greenland Church was assigned to the Mount Sterling Circuit, of which it is still a charge. Rev. S. A. Crosby, of Mount Sterling, is in charge of the circuit at the present time. The church has a flourishing Sunday-school.

Pleasant Grove M. E. Church, located at Five Points, was formerly attached to the London Circuit but is now in charge of the Mount Sterling Circuit, Rev. S. A. Crosby being pastor. The first meeting was held in 1849 by Rev. James Marshall at the house of John C. Berry, where a class of 11 members was formed. In 1852 a meeting-house was erected at a cost of boo. This was removed to Five Points in 1871, and was used until a new church edifice was built, in a894, at a cost of $2,500. Soon after the formation of the church, a Sunday-school was organized which still continues, with an average attendance of about 50 at the present time. Adam Hanson has recently become superintendent, succeeding George W. Winfough, who retired after holding the position for 17 years.

The Yankeetown M. E. Church has a membership of 86. The Sunday-school, at which there is an average attendance of about 100, is under the superintendence of C. C. McCafferty. Rev. J. H. Mindling, of Derby, has charge of this church. The church property is valued at $2,000, of which amount $1,500 is represented in the frame church building, erected about five years ago.

Clark's Run Christian Church. -- This church which is no longer active was one of the first formed in Monroe township, as early as 1822. Meetings were held in a small log building that had been erected for school purposes. In 1844 a hewed-log meeting-house was erected, which was replaced in 1868 by a commodious and substantial building. The ministers of the Williamsport Christian Church conducted services at this station. At one time this church had a membership of over l00 members and a good sized Sunday-school.

The Christian Church at Five Points was formed by Rev. Caleb Morris in 1864. Meetings were first held at the homes of Pleasant and John Southward. In 1866 a church building was completed at a cost of $1,300. The church now has a membership of 125 members, and Rev. H. J. Duckworth, of Mount Sterling, is pastor. The Sunday-school was established contemporaneous with the church and now has an average attendance of about 50. J. T. Davis is superintendent.

The Renick Church in Derby township was removed about two years ago to the vicinity of Deer Creek, in Monroe township, where it is now used by the Holiness Church.


Source: HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY, OHIO AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS, EDITED AND COMPILED BY HON. AARON R. VAN CLEAF.  CIRCLEVILLE, OHIO