The Little Hocking First United Methodist Church dates back to when the early settlers lived in Farmers' Castle which was located on the banks of the Ohio River about four miles up stream from Little Hocking, during the years 1789 and 1790.

The Rev. Daniel Story, chaplain of the Ohio Company, preached the first sermon in Belpre in 1789. Rev. Daniel Story's visits to Belpre were made in a canoe down the Ohio River from Marietta. Religious services were regularly held at Farmers Castle in the residence of Colonel Battelle.

In the year 1790 some of the settlers in Farmers' Castle moved down stream and another settlement was made at Newbury, Ohio, which is located about two miles below Little Hocking.

The Newbury Methodist Episcopal Church was formed about 1811 or 1812. The first services were held in the school house until the year 1829, when a house of worship was erected which was occupied for more than fifty years. The organization was effected by Rev. Marcus Linsey, of Kentucky. The church at one time had about thirty five members, but changes in the population had reduced the membership to nineteen by 1881. The church was a source of much good in the community. This Newbury church stood near the intersection of what is now Ohio State Rt. 124 and Washington County Road 84 (Old U.S. Rt. 50 and State Rt 124). The writer of the 1964 history of the church (James L. Coggeshall) remembers his father telling about attending this church when he was a young lad.

The windows in the church were built high to prevent the boys from looking in and disturbing the meetings; and a partition about four feet high divided the sanctuary, with the men sitting on one side and the women on the other, and it was a brave youth who dared to sit with his girl and endure the gaze of all eyes.

The pulpit was a square box, with the minister closing the door after entering the pulpit box. When he knelt to pray, not even the top of his head was visible.

In time the interior of the church was remodeled, the partition being removed and the pulpit changed.

In 1879 it was decided to move the church to the village of Little Hocking. Services were held in the two room school house at Little Hocking until the present edifice was built and dedicated in 1881. On June 10, 1881, for a consideration of $100.00, L.R. Curtis and E.A. Curtis deeded to S. Humphrey, W. Scott, R. C. Minzie, and N. R. Coggeshall, trustees of the Little Hocking Methodist Episcopal Church, the land on which the present church stands. A contract for the construction of the new church at Little Hocking was given to Lemon Wilson and Archimedes Williams of Reedsville, Ohio. They would row a john-boat with their carpenter tools up the river from Reedsville, Ohio, each Monday morning, and return home on Saturday evening.

After moving to Little Hocking, the church grew in membership and always enjoyed good attendance. The first minster for the Little Hocking Church was Rev. W.H. Gibbons.

The lights in the new church were two large cast iron chandeliers which held four oil lamps each. To light the lights the janitor would pull the light fixture down with a long pole and would light each oil lamp with a match, then a large spring would pull the light fixture back up to its original position. These lights were used until 1913 when they were replaced with four gasoline lights. Then in 1929 the gasoline lights were replaced with the electric lights. The old oil lamp chandeliers laid in the church attic until 18 December, 1977, when they were refurbished and equipped with new oil lamps by Howard Cornes and Wayne Mulligan. The chandeliers hang in the rear of the church sanctuary and are used on special occasions during the year as a reminder of years gone by.

The heating system consisted of two pot-bellied coal stoves, and these were in use until November of 1944 when a coal furnace was installed. Then later with the natural gas line coming to Little Hocking the coal furnaces were replaced with 2 gas floor furnaces near the altar, and then in January of 1964 a contract was given to Wayne Mulligan for $1,400.00 to install the two forced air furnaces that are in use today.

The bell in the church today is the original bell and is one of the largest in this entire area. It is of the alloy type which accounts for its deep rich tone, and on a clear day it can be heard for a great distance . The bell was purchased in 1880 by a Horace (called Hoddie) Curtis and his wife Isadora (Dora) Griffin Curtis, members of the church who went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and had the bell specially cast for this church. The bell was shipped to Little Hocking by steam boat. The bell is still rung each Sunday morning.

In April, 1941, a meeting was held and the trustees voted to put a basement under the church. Up to this time the church consisted only of one room and no basement. Work was started immediately to remove dirt and rock from under the church. During the excavation of the extremely hard rock, in desperation, it was decided to try using dynamite to loosen the rock. Mr. C.E. Newman set the charge of dynamite and when the dust settled they discovered that there was a hole in the floor of the church and a rock in the sanctuary. No real harm was done however, since the new floor in church covered the hole. Labor was mostly volunteer. By late summer of the same year the basement was completed and put into use. The only entrance to the basement was outside steps on the north side of the church.

This made it necessary for the children that met in the basement for Sunday School classes to go outside the church. The basement was a great help in alleviating the over-crowded condition in the sanctuary.

About this time the lectern, which we believe out-lasts the memory of anyone living today, was refinished, and for sentimental reasons has never been replaced with a more modern one.

In the late summer of 1953 the Trustees met in the Church with the pastor, the Rev. Harold Hugus, to discuss the possibilities of adding more room to the Church or remodeling the present structure. After some discussion it was decided by a majority vote to remodel rather than build a new room. The reason for this decision was that the Church was built in the year 1881 and no remodeling had ever been done on the building. The Church had the original home made pews, the same floor which was badly worn, the same doors, windows, etc.

The Church had wall paper on the walls and ceiling, and a wainscot on the walls extending up about four feet from the floor. There were two aisles and the pews on each side of the Church butted up against the wainscoting.

The paper on the walls and ceiling was coming off due to the poor condition of the plaster. These conditions made it seem that remodeling the then present structure was more practical than building a new addition.

In November, 1953, the old pews were removed from the Church, and stored in a barn in the village, and the remodeling of what is now the Sanctuary was begun.

The wall paper was removed from the walls and ceiling at a cost of $150.00. The wainscoting was removed by volunteer labor. A contract was given to Earl Stokes for furnishing labor and material to replaster the entire Sanctuary of the Church at a cost of $600.00. This was paid for by the Sunday School. The replastering job was completed January 3, 1954.

The original Altar of the Church was made of pine pieces of lumber 2" X 4" in size, with posts about four feet apart supporting the top piece. This was remodeled in beautiful oak paneling and top made flat so it can serve as an Altar and Communion Rail. The labor on this was volunteer.

A new oak floor was laid in the Sanctuary by Lyman Reese, a local carpenter. The material for the floor cost $235.00 and was paid by the Paul Reed family.

The Church was rewired and six new ceiling lights were installed in place of the four that were there previously. Four wall lights were also installed at this time. The wall lights were donated and part of the labor of rewiring also was donated .

The new oak pews were ordered from the Bluefield Church Furniture Co., Bluefield, W. Va., on November 12, 1953, and installed in the Church on January 29, 1954. Cost of the new pews was $1,600.00. About one-half of the cost of the new pews was financed by personal donations.

There was a door on each side of the vestibule which led to each of the two aisles of the Church. These doors were closed up and a new set of doors was installed in the center of the vestibule in order that a center aisle could be had. This was completed in December of 1953 by volunteer workers.

In the spring of 1954, the first piece of carpet for the Church Sanctuary was purchased from The Belpre Furniture Co., Belpre, Ohio, at a cost of $200.00. This was paid for by the W.S.C.S.

These new improvements added greatly to the Church services. People began to take a greater interest in the Church and the Church grew and prospered.

In the summer of 1954, the first vacation Bible School was conducted by Rev. Orla Bradford assisted by his wife Louella. Rev. Bradford was a gifted chalk artist and musician. During his revival services which he conducted (1950-1957) in the evenings in conjunction with Bible school, he always concluded his evening service with a chalk drawing which was presented to the family who had invited the most visitors. Bible school is still held each year.

In March of 1955 a set of new oak exterior doors was ordered from The Parkersburg Lumber Co., Parkersburg, W. Va., at a cost of $150.00. These doors were installed in May of 1955.

In April, 1956, the members of the Little Hocking Methodist Church felt the need of additional space for Sunday School Class rooms due to the increase in attendance. After much consideration on ways and means to raise the necessary funds to finance the addition it was decided by a vote of the Sunday School to set aside the Sunday School collection of the second Sunday of each month as a building fund. On June 24, 1956, the first of these collections was given to the Building Fund. The amount of that collection was $31.54. This special Sunday school collection is still used for the building fund.

After a few months it was decided that this collection would not be sufficient to meet the financial needs of the new addition. In the summer of 1958 the Sunday School voted to take a Special collection at the close of Sunday School each Sunday in addition to the second Sunday collection, and this collection also to go to the Building Fund. This first special collection was taken Aug. 31, 1958, and the amount was $39.25. Such collections have been taken every Sunday since. In addition to these collections, several individuals donated money to the Building Fund. Sunday School classes and the W.S.C.S. have given donations, and also sponsored fund raising events, such as bake sales, auctions, etc. For example the Beginners Class gave $1.50 all in pennies. There were Auction Sales held at Oakes' Packing House which netted over $1,000.00.

To continue with the project it was decided to appoint a Building Committee. On November 10, 1958, Dr. Carl Hickey (D.S.) held a special Quarterly Conference in the Little Hocking Methodist Church, and the following members were appointed as a Building Committee: Howard Cornes, Cleo Richards, Glenn Newman, J.L. Coggeshall, Howard Oakes, Bertha Newman, Donald Cornes, Lloyd McComas, and Alice White.

On May 15, 1959, the Trustees of the Little Hocking Methodist Church received a letter from Dr. Carl Hickey (D.S.) giving The Little Hocking Methodist Church written permission to Mortgage the Church for the purpose of carrying forward the building program.

In May, 1959, the Building Committee decided it would be best to incorporate the Church so that no individual or individuals would be personally responsible for securing the payments on the Mortgage Note. Attorney Ernest Erb of Marietta, Ohio, was employed as the attorney for the Building Committee. On July 10, 1959, by virtue of the secretary of the State of Ohio (Ted W. Brown) the Church was incorporated. The name was changed from the Little Hocking Methodist Church to The Little Hocking First Methodist Church, Inc.

The Trustees and Building Committee met on July 27, 1959, and voted to borrow $7,000.00 at 5% interest for a period of five years from The Peoples Banking and Trust Co., Belpre, Ohio, to help finance the project. Also at this meeting they voted to award the contract for furnishing labor and material to construct the proposed addition to the Stephens Construction Co., Parkersburg, W.Va., at their bid of $12,555.82. This bid did not include wiring, painting, varnishing, sanding, fixtures, etc. The new addition was completed in December, 1959, and the $7,000.00 mortgage note was paid off on October 14, 1963.

During the construction work at the Church it was necessary to hold Sunday School and Church services at the Little Hocking Elementary School Building. This period lasted from Aug. 30, 1959, to November 15, 1959.

In October, 1960 the W.S.C.S. sponsored a project of having a water well drilled and an electric pump installed. The well was completed October 21, 196O, and the following summer the electric pump, tank, and hot water heater were installed. The total cost of this project was $772. 00. The W.S.C.S. financed the entire amount. The W.S.C.S. also purchased a set of folding doors for the basement at a cost of $150.00. Also a metal cabinet sink was purchased at a cost of $20.00.

During the next several months other improvements were made such as grading and seeding the lawn, planting shrubbery, installing new walks in front of the church, new basement lights, etc.

To retire the $7,000.00 Mortgage Note at The Peoples Banking and Trust Co., Belpre, Ohio, a payment of $132.00 was paid the first of each month .

In the summer of 1963 the Congregation felt the need for a better heating system in the Church. Although the five year period had not expired on the original $7,000. Note at the Bank, the Building Fund had accumulated enough surplus money to pay off the Note about a year ahead of time. On October 14, 1963, the original $7,000.00 Mortgage Note at the Peoples Banking and Trust Co., Belpre, Ohio was paid in full. On October 14, 1963, another Mortgage Note in the amount of $5,000.00 was placed against the Church with the Peoples Banking and Trust Co., to finance the project of installing a new forced air gas furnace and furnace room, and to lower the basement floor under the old part of the Church, and make the floor on a level with the basement floor of the new addition. Mayle Bros. of Belpre, Ohio, was employed to lower basement floor, install drain tile and gravel, and replace with a new cement floor.

Difficulties encountered in lowering the basement floor on account of very hard rock made it became necessary to remove part of the foundation from under the front of the Church, and pull the large rocks out with a tractor and wire line. After this was done, it was decided that by some extra work and cost, rest rooms could be installed under the east part of the Church. Enough dirt and rock were removed to make space for two rest rooms.

Due to the extra cost of removing the rock and the extra cost of the rest rooms, more money was needed. On December 1, 1963, the trustees voted to make another loan of $6,500.00 and by making this loan the extra improvements could be made and also pay off the $5,000.00 Note made on October 14, 1963. On December 9, 1963 a new Mortgage Note was drawn up in the amount of $6,500.00 in favor of The Peoples Banking and Trust Co., Belpre, Ohio. This Note to run for a period of seven years with interest at 5.2% per annum. To retire this Note, a payment of $95.00 was made to the Bank the first of each month.

In January, 1964, the W.S.C.S. gave $250.00 to the Building Fund to be used for the completion of the rest rooms. The Trustees met in February, 1964, and voted to employ Mayle Bros., Belpre, Ohio, to install a 1000 gallon septic tank and install a 300 Sq. Ft. filter bed. The gravel for the filter bed to come from Lancaster, Ohio, (State Approved Gravel). Also to connect the septic tank to existing tile near the east side of the Church. On April 9,1964, this project was completed, including installation of fixtures and toilet compartments in the rest rooms. On August 11, 1964 after many years of faithful service the old outside toilet was torn down.

In February, 1964, the acoustical ceiling title was installed on the ceiling of the basement with volunteer labor.

In May, 1964, two pulpit chairs were purchased from the Tiffin Mfg. Co., Tiffin, Ohio, at a cost of $126.00. These chairs were paid for by the Sunday School Classes which meet in the basement.

December, 1964, the vestibule was dry-walled and redecorated at a cost of $125.00.

In February, 1965, new carpet for the church sanctuary was purchased from Reps Furniture Co., Parkersburg, W. Va., at a cost of $825.00, and a new Hoover carpet sweeper costing $55.00.

Further improvements were completed in January, 1974. These consisted of new drywall on the east, west, and south walls of the sanctuary, the north wall having been done in new metal lath and plaster at the time the addition was built. A new suspended ceiling with "drop in" lights was installed, and new paneling behind the altar completed the job.

In the fall of 1976, a new reinforced roof was installed on the original church sanctuary, and in the spring of 1979, at a cost of $8,150.00, vinyl siding was installed on the entire structure.

For several years the Little Hocking Church was a member of the five point Coolville Charge, consisting of the Coolville, Torch, Hockingport, Little Hocking, and Decatur Methodist churches. Following a trial period, a new two point Little Hocking Charge was established in June 1977. This new charge was formed by the Little Hocking First United Methodist Church and the Decatur United Methodist Church.

The new two point charge started a monthly newsletter, in October of 1979, which is mailed to members of the church or anyone else in the community which has asked for a copy.

One of the popular things at several of the area churches at this time in history, in an effort to increase attendance, was what they called a bus ministry. On September 7, 1979, the church board purchased a used 1970 Ford, BlueBird, 36 passenger school bus for $3,200.00. After many hours and several dollars of repair the bus was placed into service, but after only a few month's service the bus once again failed to meet the necessary state highway codes and the bus was sold in the fall of 1981 for $900.00.

The first few years the new charge rented the former home of Harold and Dorothy Wootton, members of the church, for use as a parsonage. This home was located at the junction of US Rt. 50 & 7 and Washington County Rd 712.

On October 10, 1980, the Charles Schoot residence located in the Stacy Meadowcrest Subdivision on St Rt 555, was purchased for the new charge parsonage. This nice 12 year old brick house with 3 bedrooms, one and half baths, full basement, and 2 car-garage was purchased for $56,400.00. The Little Hocking Church share of the home was $31,185.69 (55 per cent of the total cost including closing costs). The trustees used $16,685.69 from the building fund and borrowed $14,500.00 from the First Federal Savings and Loan, at Belpre, Ohio. The interest rate for this loan was 10 per cent, with monthly installments of $139.93.

The purchase of the parsonage was made possible through pledges of the members and through several generous donations. The first of which accrued several years before in 1972 when Howard Oaks, a long time member, donated a building lot in the Oakes sub-division, which he hoped could be used for a new parsonage. However, with Howard's approval, this lot was sold in 1978. Then in December of 1975 the church received a gift of $15,000.00 from Mrs. Edrie C. Davis of Huntington, W.Va., in memory of her grandparents, Thomas and Adelaide Collins. These donations were placed in the church building fund and the majority of which was used for the down payment on the new parsonage. The mortgage on the new parsonage was retired on May 16, 1982.

The church purchased the Stanley and Ruby Gillian property for $14,040.70 on May 29, 1981. The property bordered the original church lot on the north. The house on the lot was later sold to Gordon Hoyt for $2,000.00 and moved to Franklin Street. The garage that was left on the property is used by the United Methodist Women of the church for garage sales and the remainder of the property is used for parking.

The church also purchased the Samuel Holmes property on September 8, 1986, at a cost of $14,000.00. This piece of property lays parallel to both the Gillian and the original church lot to the west. The small house on this lot was razed and the property landscaped. The monthly mortgage payment for this purchase was $_______. The note was for $9,000.00, (the church made a down payment of $5,000.00 from the building fund) with the note being retired on May 4, 1990, and the mortgage burned on June 17, 1990.

On September 27, 1981, the Little Hocking First United Methodist Church celebrated it's One Hundredth Anniversary. The Reverend Benjamin Edwards, Athens District Superintendent, brought the morning worship service titled "A Look at the Past and Looking to the Future". Following the morning worship services a "basket dinner" was served at noon in the church basement, with an afternoon service consisting of special music, congregational singing, and several letters were read from former pastors of the church. Mr. Arden Miller, a long time resident of the community and former member of the church, was recognized and spoke on the changes he had witnessed over the years. Mr. Miller had united with the church in August of 1904.

After almost 30 years of use , the seats and backs of the pews in the sanctuary were starting to separate. In 1983 at a cost of $180.00 iron brackets were made to strengthen the backs and seats of the pews. The new brackets were made by Mr. Richard Barnhart of St Mary's, W.Va., and installed by Howard Cornes and Lloyd McComas. Then in December of 1989 the pews were removed from the church sanctuary and transported to Mr. Philip Moore's in Belpre, Ohio, to be refinished. Upon completion of the refinishing work, the seats and backs of the pews were upholstered by Pad-A-Pew Company of Jackson, Ohio. The cost of the refinishing work was $2640.00, and the cost of the covering and padding of the pews was $2033.15. This project was funded through donations of the members of the church in remembrance of loved ones. A plaque was presented to the church on Sunday, April 15, 1990, (Easter Sunday) with the engraved names of those gone but not forgotten.

In March of 1985, the 20 year old worn and faded red carpet in the church sanctuary was removed and replaced with one of the new commercial grades of carpets. This new orange/brown colored carpet was purchased from________________________. The cost of the new carpet was_______________.

In the November of 1986 a new 200 amp electrical service was installed at a cost of $995.00, and two new ceiling fans also were installed in the church sanctuary and one in the educational room at a cost of $507.00.

Over the years music has always enhanced the Church worship services. The first music instrument was a pump organ, then in about 1914 a Mahin & Sons piano was purchased in Marietta, Ohio. The Mahin & Sons piano was sold to Ray Wilcoxen in March of 1956 after a new Evertt piano was purchased on February 26, 1956 from Schroder Music Company, Parkersburg, W.Va., for $640.00. A McPhail piano was donated to the church in 1964 by Howard Oakes for use in the church basement. This piano was sold to Paul Moore in February of 1979 and the Evertt piano was moved to the basement after a new Baldwin Piano was purchased on January 17, 1979, from Carl's Keyboard, Parkersburg, W.Va. at a cost of $1545.00. Then in August of 1990 the Evertt piano was moved to the parsonage. On January 19, 1966, at a cost of $1,600.00 a new Model 4300 Wurlitzer organ was purchased from Wendell's Music Company, Parkersburg, W.Va. The organ is used in conjunction with the piano during church services.

The following members have shared their musical talents and time by playing for the church services: Stella McGirr, Isabell (Bent) Stacy, Ruth Miller(minister's wife), Ollie Oakes, Sarah (Coggeshall) Hatch-over 40 years-, Thelma (Newman) Randolph, Opal (Bond) Miles, Mrs. Donald Wilcoxen, Regina Buchanan, Mary Thatcher(minister's wife), and Janice Fisher.

The early Women's organization of our church was named the "Ladies Aid," which was organized in 1898, the name was changed to "Women's Society of Christian Service," in October of 1940, and then to the "United Methodist Women" in 1972. The original dues were 5 cents per month.

YEAR             PASTOR              CHURCH/SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT

1881           Rev. W.H. Gibbons

1885           Rev. T. S. Armstrong                  Seldon McGirr

1886           Rev. Holcomb                             Seldon McGirr

1893           Rev. Henderson

1898           Rev. Dick Joe Miller

1914           Rev. Hume Job                          C. Coggeshall

1915           Rev. Hume Clarence                  G. Bent

1916           Rev. Harry Suck                        Clarence G. Bent

1917           Rev. Harry Suck                        Clarence G. Bent

1918           Rev. Harry Suck                        Clarence G. Bent

1919           Rev. Shaver                               Clarence G. Bent

1920-1923  Rev. Wilson                               Clarence G. Bent

1924          Rev. Moyer                                Clarence G. Bent

1925          Rev. Harry Dye                          Perry A. Bond

1926          Rev. Harry Dye                          Perry A. Bond

1927          Rev. Thompson                          Perry A. Bond

1928-1930 Rev. Thompson                          William McDaniel

1931          Rev. Thompson                          Virgil E.Dunfee

1932-33     Rev. Robert L. Derrick               Virgil E.Dunfee

1934          Rev. Robert L. Derrick               Lloyd F.McComas

1935          Rev. Williams Charles                 E. Newman

1936          Rev. Edgar. V. Dean                   Charles E. Newman

1937-1942 Rev. E. V. Dean                          Gertrude Davis

1942-1944 Rev. T. A. Runnels                     Gertrude Davis

Oct,1944   Rev. Edwards                             Gertrude Davis

1945-1947 Rev. C.E. Dennis                        Gertrude Davis

1948         Rev. O. Charles Lockwood         Gertrude Davis

1949         Rev. Lockwood                           Gertrude Davis

1950         Rev. Lockwood                           Cecil Wibblin

1951         Rev. Lockwood                           Virgil Dunfee

1952         Rev. Clarence Radcliff                Virgil Dunfee

1953         Rev. Harold Hugus                     Virgil Dunfee

1954         Rev. Herman Clark                     Paul Reed

1955         Rev. Herman Clark                     Donald Cornes

1956         Rev. Aaron Cunningham            Donald Cornes

1957         Rev. Aaron Cunningham            Dwain Bell

1958         Rev. Harley Fiddler                     Dwain Bell

1959-60    Rev. Harley Fiddler                     Donald Cornes

1961         Rev. Kenneth Weaver                 Donald Cornes

1962         Rev. Elden Boggs                       Don Benson

1963         Rev. Elden Boggs                       Marjorie Helmick

1964         Rev. Elden Boggs                       Donald Cornes

1965-66    Rev. Earl Russell                        Donald Cornes

1967         Rev. Earl Russell                       Fred Perdew

1968         Rev. Harold.L. McDaniel          Fred Perdew

1969-71    Rev. Harold L. McDaniel          Don Wilcoxin

1972         Rev. John Hara                        Charles Stone

1973-74    Rev. Roy Rose                          Charles Stone

1975-76    Rev. Wesley Thatcher               Alice White

1977-78    Rev. Wesley Thatcher               Glenn Newman

1979         Rev. Wesley Thatcher               Gary Plummer

1980         Rev. Wesley Thatcher               Glenn Newman

1981-83    Rev. Wesley Thatcher               Nancy Racy

1984         Rev. David Clark                     Nancy Racy

1985         Rev. David Clark                     Faye Copen

1986         Rev. Don Kochersperger          Faye Copen

1987         Rev. Don Kochersperger         Judy Dunfee

1988-90    Rev. Ed Ellis                           Joyce Davis

1990-        Rev. Ken Johnson                  Joyce Davis

                Rev. Mike McCormick           Joyce Davis

                Rev. Wendell Stutler               Joyce Davis

2003         Rev. Dewayne Stutler             Joyce Davis

References:

Williams History of Washington County, Ohio 1788-1881

"Certified Copy of Church Deed"

Coggeshall, James L. Sr..History of Our Church..Galion, Ohio: United Church Directories of Ohio, 1964

Cornes, Howard, and Marjorie Cornes.. History, Little Hocking United Methodist Church, 1981

"Minutes of the Official Board", Little Hocking United Methodist Church

"Diary"

Howard & Marjorie Cornes

W. Kenneth Miles

James E. McComas

September 2, 1991

JEM