Ready to explore a church with a history woven into the very fabric of its community? That is Mount Tabor United Methodist Church. Let us step back to when it all began.
In 1812 Methodist circuit rider Rev. William Mitchell journeyed from Steubenville Ohio. He preached in this area. Four local Methodist families started meeting regularly for religious services. Alexander Cameron became the group’s first leader. Years later a small log church was erected on Liberty Street in Osnaburg. This village was later renamed East Canton in 1918.
The present location of Mount Tabor United Methodist Church at 108 East Walnut Street was purchased on April 1st 1859. Anton and Barbara Zuber sold lots 27 and 28. By 1860 Mount Tabor Methodist Episcopal Church was built. The trustees were John Sausser John Holwich and Cornelius Sullivan.
Imagine the first church. It was one large room. Two entrance doors faced north. Men entered and sat on the west side. Women sat on the east side. The pulpit stood at the south end between two clear glass windows. On either side of the pulpit were three seats facing each other. These were known as the “amen corners”. Seats with partitions ran through the center of the church. Two stoves provided heat. Four oil lamps gave light.
One of the first improvements was removing the “amen corner” on the ladies’ side. This made room for the choir. They also removed the sanctuary seat partitions. In 1905 a furnace replaced the stoves. The sanctuary ceiling was raised. A metal ceiling was installed. A new slate roof was added.
During Rev. O. W. Dunn’s time the church expanded in 1914. An extension was added to the east wall for a larger pulpit a minister’s study and a choir loft. Seating was changed to face east instead of south. New pews were installed. Sunday School classrooms were added on the west side. A new entrance and belfry were built onto the northwest corner. Reason A. Schmuck donated the bell still in use today.
Mount Tabor United Methodist Church was once an out-appointment. Early ministers also served in Malvern Mount Zion and Waco. The first parsonage was purchased in 1925 beside Village Hall on Cedar Street. This made East Canton the head of the charge.
In 1929 under Rev. Lee Whiteman Jr. the choir loft was changed. A new brick entrance was constructed. The basement was modernized into a kitchen dining hall and furnace room.
The Methodist Episcopal Church reunited with two breakaway denominations in 1939. This formed the Methodist Church. Mount Tabor Methodist Episcopal Church became Mount Tabor Methodist Church.
A new organ was installed in 1949 during Rev. Arthur Uphoff’s service. The sanctuary was redecorated. A new heating system was installed. That year the church became self-supporting. It was known as the Mt. Tabor charge.
A new parsonage was purchased on Third Street in 1951. In 1954 the original Sunday School classrooms belfry and entrance were raised. A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Educational Building belfry and entrance. This was under Rev. Donald A. Burge. Many tasks were “do-it-yourself” jobs. The men of the congregation built cupboards and painted walls. The building was dedicated in 1955. This new addition more than doubled the size of the church.
Mount Tabor held its Centennial Celebration in 1960 under Rev. Dwight E. Lewis. The $70000 mortgage for the new Educational Building was burned in 1962.
The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church merged in 1968. Mount Tabor changed its name again. It became Mount Tabor United Methodist Church the name still used today.
The original sanctuary served for 112 years. It was replaced in 1972 during Rev. Paul Crooks’ time. This renovation more than doubled the church’s size. The addition was consecrated on February 25th. The belfry was extended. A large illuminated white fiberglass steeple was added.
The circular stained-glass window from the original 1860 sanctuary was restored. It was placed inside the church in the dividing wall between the Parlor and the Narthex.
The sanctuary replacement cost $262254. The $160000 mortgage was burned in 1981. Church treasurer Donald A. Thoma signed the check and burned the mortgage. He had served for 40 years.
The 1954 educational building and the 1972 sanctuary are still in use today. They have undergone multiple renovations. These include a new electronic organ renovated offices new carpets an elevator air conditioning and kitchen renovations. Audiovisual systems were added. The parsonage moved to Shadyside Street Northeast.
So as you stand here remember the journey of Mount Tabor United Methodist Church. It is a story of faith community and continuous growth.