“What enduring legacy lies within these walls?” I ask. We’re standing before Messiah United Methodist Church. This church boasts a history spanning over 200 years. It stands as a testament to faith dedication and service.
Messiah United Methodist Church’s story reflects a community. This community committed itself to growth in faith. It served others and created spaces for worship. Volunteer historian Pam Allen lovingly preserves and shares these stories. She offers a window into the moments people and places shaping Messiah United Methodist Church.
The archives here offer rich insights and memories. They cover everything from early pioneers to sacred spaces. One such space is the Olde Methodist Cemetery. The archives also detail the ministries impacting this community.
Let’s journey back. In the early 19th century hearty settlers ventured westward. They brought families livestock and faith to the Ohio Country. Blendon Four Corners became a critical hub for these pioneers. This area sits just south of present-day Westerville. The Garret Sharp family established Sharp’s Settlement.
Initially settlers traveled to Worthington for worship. Worthington had a building for gatherings as early as 1804. By 1808 the Methodist Episcopal Church established a circuit at Alum Creek. Local congregations began meeting in homes. Ruben Carpenter’s home on Alum Creek’s west side was one. Settlers and some Delaware and Wyandot Indians attended these services. Circuit riders like Rev Nathan Emery served the growing congregation.
In 1817 the first Great Camp Meeting occurred. It was held on Alum Creek’s east side. Pastors Lemuel Lane and William Swayze inspired the congregation. They decided to build a permanent structure. In 1818 a small cabin was built on land south of Westerville. Robert Jamison donated the land. It served as both a church and a school. This was the first permanent home for the M.E. congregation.
Despite a national fiscal crisis from 1819 to 1821 the Methodist Church grew. By 1825 the Ohio Conference split the four-week circuit. Congregations then had services by an ordained minister every two weeks. Local pastors covered the intervening weeks.
Recognizing the need for a larger structure trustees accepted land from Matthew and Abiah Westervelt. A new brick church was built on this site. It cost 3000 dollars. Rev Jacob Young dedicated it in the fall of 1838.
Simultaneously trustees began building Blendon Young Men’s Seminary. Matthew and Abiah Westervelt and Matthew’s brother Peter donated land. The seminary struggled to compete with Ohio Wesleyan University. It was eventually sold to the United Brethren in Christ Church.
By 1854 the congregation had grown large enough to become a station. It got a full-time pastor. Rev Lovett Taft was the first followed by Rev Carmen Van Anda. For 37 years the M.E. Church stood as a beacon for worship. Sharp’s Settlement expanded. It became the city of Westerville in 1858.
From 1885 to 1888 Rev Robert D Morgan raised funds for a larger building. The original structure was replaced with a Romanesque building. J W Yost designed it. It cost approximately 10000 dollars. This new edifice was dedicated in 1887. An addition was made in the early 1920s. It housed an auditorium and Sunday school space.
Following the Civil War attention turned to alcoholism. Westerville became the headquarters for the Anti-Saloon League. Leaders held rallies and prayer vigils at the M.E. Church. Rev Nelson D Creamer and Rev Dr George H Heizer were involved.
In 1939 the Methodist Episcopal Church North merged with the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The local church became Westerville Methodist Church. The Forward Movement began in 1947. It raised funds for a new sanctuary. Building began in 1957. Six years later the Roberta Walker Chapel was constructed. It replaced the razed 1887 building.
The 1968 merger created the United Methodists. The local churches became Churches of the Messiah the Savior and the Master. The latest addition occurred in the late 1980s. New facilities were dedicated on May 31 1988. These included new offices McVay Fellowship Hall and a gymnasium.
Growth and community service define the Methodist congregation in Westerville. This tradition continues the legacy of faith established by early pioneers. As we stand here let’s remember the enduring spirit. It has shaped Messiah United Methodist Church.