P R E F A C E

On Sunday, November 5, 2006 we celebrated the 150^th Anniversary of our church - the Hayesville United Methodist Church. The exact date of the building is October 29, 1856, although the membership dates back to 1816 when the first church in the county was erected by George Eckley on his farm in the Eckley District. He also established a school and a cemetery on his land.

Following the worship service, the members of the church enjoyed a luncheon.

The first meeting of Methodists in Hayesville took place in 1828 when a group of men met at the home of Richard Jackman to make plans for a "meeting house."

This second church in the area, the first to be called Methodist, followed in 1835 on North Mechanic Street, six lots north of the square in Hayesville, and used until a larger one was erected on South Mechanic Street in 1856. More details about this church built in 1856 follows in the history within the next pages.

We have attempted to trace the course of our church from the organization in the Eckley District in the northeast corner of Vermillion Township, through the small room on North Mechanic Street around 1830 -1835 and to a larger location on South Mechanic Street in 1856.

Historian, Virginia Patterson, has secured this information while the 150^th History Committee has provided pictures, some additional information and helped to assemble this book for our 2006 celebration.

Members of the History Committee: Don and Miriam Ritchie, co-chairs;

Virginia Patterson, Annis Strine, Jack McCrory, Lloyd Strine, Carol Heffelfinger, JoAnn Echelberger, Sue DiPuccio, Shirley Prince, and Pastor Wendy Guion.

i

Church Time Line:

1828 Methodist Ministry began with a meeting of the men at the home of Richard Jackman.

1835 Deed for first church - August 22, 1835

First Methodist Church built on North Mechanic Street

1854 Deed signed for the purchase of a lot on which to build a new church.

1856 Built Second church on South Mechanic Street. (The one in which we now worship.

(Built entry and bell steeple)

1880 Charge began to have services every Sunday

1900 Purchased the house next to the church from Elizabeth Moore for $500 to serve as a parsonage

1928 Remodeled church and added classrooms, kitchen, parlor, choir loft

Add coal fired boiler - later converted to gas.

1949 New carpet in sanctuary and refinishing of wood floors

1952 Kitchen remodeled

1958-1959 Addition of 2 classrooms at the rear of the church

1960 Replace Septic system

1964 Add Tappan stoves to kitchen

1967 Purchase of Wurlitzer Organ, dedicated Apr. 9, 1967

1969 Hayesville Water system hooked up

1970 Vinyl siding put on the church

1971 Purchased lot from Daltons for parking lot

1971 Changed the name of the church from Hayesville Methodist to Hayesville United Methodist

1972 Carpeted and changed the seating and pulpit area

1974 Built new parsonage on Kimber Lane

1978 Celebrated 150 years of Christian ministry

1980 New Steeple

1982 Purchased handbells

1985 Remodeled pulpit area

1992 Head Start

1994 New additions to church - basement dug for a Fellowship Hall, additional classrooms, kitchen, new entrance with new bathrooms, remodeling of parlor

1999 Purchased a new keyboard for the sanctuary to replace the organ

2001 Paid loan in full

2002 Purchased lots behind the church for future development

2004 Put in a new heating system and added air conditioning to the "old" part of the church.

2006 Village sewer system hooked up.

Chapter I

The history of Methodism in Hayesville is one of great interest. In the early part of the nineteenth century there were no churches in this county. Various protestant ministers met and held their meetings in log houses, barns and during favorable weather, in the forests.

First Church

A log, interdenominational church, the first in the county used for divine worship, was erected through the efforts of George Eckley and his neighbors in the northeast corner of Vermillion township about 1816 on the Eckley farm. He came to the area in 1811 as the first white man in the area of forests, wild animals and Indians. It was free to all protestant denominations.

Because Mr. Eckley was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and that people being most numerous in the settlement must be credited with being the originators of Methodism in this region. Even though it was open to all protestant denominations it eventually became a Methodist Church.

The church was made of unhewn logs. To aid in the raising the building, people came from Mansfield and other equally distant places. At an early date, a number of quarterly conferences were held in this building. In the early days of the Methodist Church, when churches were on a circuit all the members of the churches that were part of a given circuit would gather quarterly for fellowship and worship.

The members from a distance who were attending these meetings would bring their supplies of food, cooking utensils and bed clothing. During the intervals when the church was not used for services the spacious fireplace was used by the women to cook their food, thus converting the building into one for eating and lodging as well as religious purposes. It was said that Methodism radiated from "Eckley's" to every part of the county.

This was written in 1875, regarding that church: "The old church has long since tumbled into ruins and a more showy frame structure, known as 'Newman's Church' occupies its place." This church burned down many years ago. But it must be given the credit for being the first church in Vermillion Township.

Second Church

In 1828, in the home of Richard Jackman (which is the second farm south of the Vermillion Cemetery on Route 60), the Methodists had a meeting to discuss the building of a Methodist Church in Hayesville. According to the first records, dated February, 1834, the trustees met to plan for the building of a meeting house in Hayesville, to be located on North Mechanic Street in Hayesville, built of logs and being six lots north of the square on the east side.

A paragraph from the minutes of the meeting of the trustees reads as follows: The building to be 36 ft. long, 16 ft. wide, with a gallery, to have three doors, one to be a folding door, seven windows of fifteen lights, each glass 8 x 10 inches, the floor to be oak boards 1 ˝ in. thick, and not less than 7 in. wide. The front was to be weather-boarded with black walnut planks and the other sides to be oak boards; none of the weather boarding to exceed eight inches in width."

The job was sold to Jack Harmon for $350.00. He was to furnish all the materials except what was donated. According to later minutes this church was not furnished for

several years due to lack of funds.

The deed for the land was recorded on August 22, 1835 and can be found in the Ashland County Court House, Vol. B., pg. 256. In part, it reads, "John Cox deed to Trustees M.E. Church. John Cox and Sarah, wife, County of Richland, State of Ohio, to John Harmon, William A. James, Edmund Ingmand, George Hursh and Thomas

Musgrave, Trustees in Trust of the Methodist Church.... sum of $15.25 to them paid by John Harmon, Wm. James, Benjamin Bumm, Richard Jackman, Sr., John McQuillan, James Palmer, Edmund Ingmand, George Hursh and Thomas Musgrave.

Situated in the County of Richland and State of Ohio, lying and being in the town of

Hayesville, more particularly known as Lot No. 50 reference being had to the plat of said town will more fully appear."

John Cox mentioned above, along with Linus Hayes were founders of the village of Hayesville in 1830.

This, the second church in the area was probably the first that was officially called a Methodist Church. It was on the ground level and when the church moved to the new location it was used as a home. In 1900 Dr. J. W. Ogden and family lived downstairs and veterinarian, Dr. Ogden, had his office upstairs.

This same lot was deeded to Charles Lee n 1876 and reads "except the upper story of the dwelling which belongs to the IOOF." This was a 3 story building so the second story was used by the GAR and Dr. J. W. Ogden.

Lots were renumbered in 1899 and are now lots 53 and 54.

The first mention of the Hayesville Methodist Church is in the conference minutes in 1851. The church was one of seven preaching stations on the Jeromesville charge.

By 1854 the congregation had grown from 30 members to 150, and so on May 2, 1854 a deed was signed by Joseph R. Buck and his wife, Fanny, for the building of a larger church, 32' by 48'. The cost of the property was $175.

This second church building was used until 1856 when the new one-room structure was completed. It was located on South Mechanic Street, lots 65 and 66.

Chapter II

History of the Present Church Building

Third Church

It is this third church that is still occupied by United Methodists in the year 2006. This new church was put up in 1855-1856. It was a one-room building 32 X 48 feet. Records show Frank Winlands was the builder and valuation was $1400.00; the platform went clear across the rear of the church with the pulpit in the middle. The seats were in straight lines with the aisles down the middle and on either side. The front door was in the middle of the space facing the street. It was in this building that many of the pioneer preachers brought the good news of salvation to this community. Often those preaching had to ride many miles on their strong steeds, crossing swollen streams and riding through thick forests.

The entryway and steeple were added prior to additions of 1928.

After being on a circuit for many years, in 1870, Hayesville was made a separate appointment with Rev. A. K. Owen(s) as pastor.

It was not until the ministry of Rev. Warner (1880-1893) that the charge began to have services every Sunday. This was accomplished by a number of members volunteering to double their pledges though it called for a real sacrifice. However, the church prospered as has been manifested by the number of men that have gone from this small congregation to preach the gospel. Among them are Rev. John Brant,

Rev. John McClay, Rev. Ralph Diffendorfer, Rev. Leslie Bohnert, Rev. Walter Ewing, Rev. Will Chase, Rev. Eugene Rush, all around 1900.

The church grew substantially during the ministry of Rev. Harlan Campbell. During the first year of his ministry 60 new members were brought into the fellowship of the church, a large Sunday School was built up and with it the need for a more adequate building. The matter of building was presented to the congregation and unanimously passed.

To the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Hayesville:-

We the undersigned, representatives of the investigating committee, appointed by the pastor Rev. H. M. Campbell, after having faithfully performed our commission beg to submit to the membership of this church the following report;

The membership of this church has for some years realized the inadequacy of its present church building. During the past year our membership has enlarged and our attendance increased until we have been compelled to rent added Sunday School space. Much as we appreciate the added facilities we feel it would be far more practical and satisfactory to have Sunday School rooms connected with the church building enabling us to heat the entire plant under one roof and minimize the danger to our children incurred by crossing back and forth through heavy traffic. This too would give us space for activities and assemblies aside from church worship; a place where various classes could meet and hold their monthly meetings, a room for the Ladies Aid with their various activities. The beauty and attractiveness of our amusement houses have challenged the church to the task of beautifying her places of worship which will be in keeping with the spirit of Christianity. Having realized these needs and seen the

challenge the membership of this church has for several years considered the

possibility of making the desired improvements on our building.

At the annual meeting of the , "Campbell's Bible Class," on February 10^th at the Woodman Hall of this village the interest of the men in this movement was expressed by their vote that such a committee as is rending this report be appointed to investigate churches in the nearby towns and report their findings to the church body.

On February 25^th, this committee spent the day visiting various churches. We were not sparing in our efforts to find or observe anything which might be of value if the proposed building program be executed. Through rain and snow we drove to the various churches which had been carefully selected as buildings comparable in size, with a membership equal or less than our own and churches remodeled on widely different plans.

One of the churches inspected was the Jeromesville Methodist Episcopal remodeled in 1915. Prior to the work done on the building it was almost identical in shape and size with our present building. They have remodeled so that all the utilized space, aside from the heating system, is above ground. We were then taken through the newly finished Jeromesville Lutheran Church where sixty members remodeled to the cost of $30,000, providing a beautiful edifice as a living and lasting memorial to the faithfulness of this small congregation. In order that we might inspect one of the carefully constructed basements the committee was able to learn of we drove to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Gambier where every effort was made and great care taken to provide a basement which would be as free as possible from all dampness and serviceable as a dining room, auditorium and added Sunday School space. Returning to Hayesville by the way of Mt. Vernon and Jelloway we stopped for a few moments to view the beautiful building being erected by the German Reform people on the Three C Highway.

Before leaving Hayesville on our investigating itinerary each member of this committee felt there was a great need of improvement in our church plant, as to the possibility of meeting this need they were not so sure; but the more thorough the investigation the greater the need appeared, the achievements of others compelled us to believe our work could be accomplished and the pride of other congregations in their accomplishments caused us to cry, "It must be done."

As we have studied communities the size of our own and seen their attractive churches placed there through the loyalty of their membership; and heard the note of joy as they have pointed with pride to their achievements we are persuaded that the church of Hayesville would take on new life, the people would find real joy and take great pride in pointing to an edifice the expression of toil, sacrifice and prayer.

Therefore being aware of our dire need of greater and better facilities for the carrying on of the work of the kingdom, and persuaded that we can joyfully accomplish this task, we as a committee unanimously recommend to the church membership of Hayesville that we as a body sanction a building program, the plan of building or remodeling to be determined by a representative group of twelve persons to be known as the building committee; furthermore, the adopted plan of this committee will be followed, providing the finances can be raised. The Investigating Committee also prays, that in view of the great need of the kingdom, after having given this subject careful and prayerful consideration, each member shall vote honestly; not permitting selfishness, prejudice or the financial obligation or any other surmountable difficulty to interfere with the forward movement of the work which our great Master and Teacher Christ Jesus gave us to do.

Respectfully and prayerfully submitted.

James T.Mowry was the contractor. The contracts for wiring and lights, seats and pulpit furniture, windows and furnace were separate. Cost of seats and pulpit furniture - $1,330.00. The stained glass windows are most beautiful. They cost $1076.11, of this $860.00 was given by members as memorials with names on the windows. Total cost of remodeling was $19,000.00.

During the remodeling a social room was added, as were three Sunday School classrooms, a kitchen and a small office. The church entrance was moved to the right front of the building. This was accomplished by loosening it from the building, lifting onto skids and moving it the distance by man power, only a few inches at a time as the vestibule and belfry were very heavy. The remodeling finished, a week-long dedication celebration took place, lasting from February 19, 1928 to February 24, 1928 with visiting ministers.

In 1958 when William W. Tucker was the minister it was decided that more Sunday School classrooms were needed. Two rooms were added at the rear of the church, rest rooms and a small storage area were built. I. L. Booth was the contractor. Cost $9,790.90 was paid in full on August 15, 1960.

The same year (1958) the church parsonage and barn were painted. In December 1970 vinyl siding was put on the church, the ceiling in the sanctuary was spray plastered. In 1971 a half acre at the rear of the church was purchased from John and Dorothy Dalton, and made into a parking lot.

March 5, 1972 the orientation of the sanctuary was turned so as to face the beautiful stain-glass windows. The pulpit and altar area were then, situated between the two large stain glass windows and the pews were turned to face the beautiful windows. Carpeting was laid throughout the worship space.

Pulpit and altar area were remodeled in 1985.

Through the years the church has been a charge with Mohicanville, Widowville (Hammond), Perrysville and Mifflin. In July 1976 we were no longer connected to a charge but on our own.

In 1994 the trustees started dreaming again about the possibility of excavating for a basement - something they had considered many years before.

Concrete plans were made to excavate a basement equal in area to the existing above-ground building.

Dennis Higgins designed the new addition and Wayne Behner Builders were the general contractors. Ground breaking for the $93,000 facility was held May 21, 1994 with consecration May 19, 1996.

An auction was held on the day of the ground breaking which netted $3500.00 for the building fund. Dilgard Associates conducted the sale of items donated by members and friends.

The first item sold was a shovel for$525.00.The tight race between Vic Kahl and Erich Diener, proclaimed Kahl the owner of the shovel. Together the two men turned over the first shovel of dirt, followed by other members and Pastor O. French Ball.

This shovel that was auctioned off at the 1994 ground-breaking has a place of honor in the entrance to the church. It is housed in a beautiful memory case made by LeRoy Ramsey. In the case with the shovel is a mallet that was owned and used by J. J. Mowry, the contractor for the remodeling project of 1927. It was purchased by Hugh R. and Ellen McCrory and given to honor the history of this church.

After Behner Builders completed the excavating and the block and concrete work the church members continued the carpentry and finishing work under the watchful eye of the building committee. Ladies provided lunch and snacks for the men and women workers. Tuesday nights and Saturdays were work times, while some hard workers spent most of their spare time on the job. The basement area provided new classrooms, a large kitchen and a fellowship hall, as well as air-conditioning in this new part of the building. A new addition to the side, added handicapped accessible entry, two restrooms, stairs to the basement, as well as a handicapped lift.

A consecration service was held on May 19, 1996 to celebrate the completion of this new addition to the building.

The Worship Committee for that service was:

Kaye Diener, Chair; Marge Shepherd, Frances Clark, Becca Hoover, Barb Dalton, Erich Diener, Jill Sloan, Betty Harner, Karon Summer, and Connie Hootman

The Finance Committee

Don Ritchie, Chair; Jim Bittinger, Annis Strine, Betty Harner, Ellen McCrory, Dan Shepherd, Dave Mollenshott, Vic Kahl, Bill Hoover, Marion Ely, JoAnn Echelberger, Margaret Bittinger, Karen Bicker, and Russ Berry

The Administrative Council

Vic Kahl, Chair, LeRoy Ramsey, Connie Hootman, Annis Strine, Bill Hoover, JoAnn Echelberger, Betty Harner, Kaye Diener, Marion Ely, Bruce Workman, Don Ritchie, Ethel Snyder, Barb Eberhardt, Cheryl Jacobs, Barb Dalton, Ellen McCrory, Sally Kahl, and Pat Shenberger

The Building Committee

Bill Hoover, Chair; LeRoy Ramsey, Dick Echelberger, Dan Shepherd, Annis Strine, and Bob Jackson

A Brief History of Hayesville United Methodist Church

Virginia Patterson May, 1996

The congregation of the Hayesville United Methodist Church has worked diligently since early in 1994 to realize a new addition to their church, as well as a new basement that provides extra classrooms, a new kitchen and a fellowship hall. A new addition to the side added handicapped accessible entry, two restrooms, stairs to the basement, as well as a handicap lift.

This church, located at 44 South Mechanic Street in Hayesville, founded in 1856, has undergone several changes in its lifetime, but nothing that compares to the renovation recently completed.

In 1927 the building was remodeled and made larger to include a fellowship room kitchen and three classrooms. It was during this remodeling that stained glass windows were purchased from Rossbach Art Glass Company of Columbus, Ohio, for $1,076.11. Of this, $860.00 was given by members as memorials to loved ones whose names are etched on the windows. Rev. Harlan Campbell was pastor at that time. In 1970 vinyl siding was added and in 1971 a parking lot was provided to the rear of the church on land purchased from John and Dorothy Dalton while Robert Suggs was pastor.

A new parsonage was built in 1975 on Kimber Lane, on land donated by Vic, Marcella, and Kimberly Kahl. The old parsonage, that had been located beside the church, was moved to East Main Street. Norman Purdum was the first pastor to reside in the new parsonage.

The most ambitious project began in 1994 when plans were made to excavate a basement equal in area to the existing above-ground building. Dennis Higgins designed the new additions and Wayne Behner builders were the general contractors for the project that would double the size of the 140 year-old facility.

After Behner Builders completed the excavating and the block and concrete work the church members continued the carpentry and finishing work under the watchful eye of the building committee. Tuesday nights and Saturdays were work times, while some hard workers spent most of their spare time on the job. Ladies provided lunch and snacks for the men and women workers. Finishing touches to the first floor included new carpeting, painting of all walls and extensive remodeling of the fellowship hall and office area.

Financial assistance was received from the East Ohio Conference, the Wooster District Mission Committee and Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashland, in addition to selfless giving of all church members.

These letters were received for the Consecration Service:


October 27, 1995
Hayesville United Methodist Church
44 South Mechanic Street
Box 146

Dear Friends in Christ,

I was excited to read about the completion of your extensive building program and deeply sorry that I could not join you for the service of consecration on May 19, 1996. You and your pastor are to be congratulated for an outstanding achievement!

The new fellowship hall and kitchen will add immeasurably to the sense of community in your church and the accessibility for the handicapped demonstrates your sensitivity to others who have special needs. The education that will occur in your new classrooms will inspire and enrich Christian disciples for years to come.

I want to wish you God's richest blessings not only on this day of your celebration, but for many years to come as you continue to grow in faithfulness to the One who has made us all and who calls us into a servant ministry through the church.

Sincerely,
Edwin C. Boulton
Bishop, East Ohio Area

April 15, 1996

Dr. O. French Ball, Pastor, and Friends in Hayesville United Methodist Church,

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who makes all things new and who brings renewal to our spirits!

I commend you in the way in which you have witnessed to the renewing Spirit of Christ among us. You undertook a task two years ago which some would say was beyond your reach. You have demonstrated to others and to one another that great goals can be accomplished when the people of God work together as brothers and sisters in Christ. I am sure that there were many trying times when strength and patience seemed depleted but you persevered and the fruits of your labors are evident for all to see.

What is not evident but just as real is the strengthening of the spirit which you have experienced. You are stronger for what you have gone through. Only time will tell just how you have been strengthened and renewed. I am certain that many of you will look back on these months of laboring together as being a time when you were challenged and the Lord was with you in a special way. I know you will not live in the past, in the good-old days of 1994-96 because God is a God who leads us into new tomorrows, new challenges and new victories in the word of the Kingdom.

Greetings to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ:

We give thanks to God for the strength of your congregation, for your strong history in the Lord, and for the new venture in faith that you have taken through your building expansion.

Bricks are only bricks, However, when put to the right use, they can become the means for strengthening the faithful and for reaching out to others in the community with the joy of our Lord.

We at Trinity Lutheran Church are pleased that we have been able to have a part in this expansion of your ministry. Our hope is that through this building project you might be better equipped to serve faithfully our Lord Jesus.

TO THE PASTOR AND CONGREGATION

OF THE HAYESVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Heartiest Congratulations on the completion of your remodeling and expansion project! I'm sure the work, the planning, and the cost at times must have seemed overwhelming.

The new facilities will not only give you much-needed space for the congregation today, but also for future generations, who will remember your courage and sacrifice with deep gratitude.

Wynona joins me in wishing you a continuing ministry rich in Christian evangelism, education and service to the community of Hayesville and surrounding area.

May the blessing of God continue to be in your midst in the years to come.

To our dear friends of Hayesville,

CONGRATULATIONS!! I'm proud of your accomplishments and the good-looking addition to Hayesville United Methodist Church! While we were at Hayesville, the need for more space and a better entrance became more and more apparent. Preliminary architect's drawings were completed, but the timing wasn't right. Now, with Rev. French Ball and the congregation working together under the guidance of God, the dreams have been realized and the addition is complete.

Hayesville United Methodist Church has been a strong congregation for many years, paying 100% or more of apportionments and supporting the budget well. Special projects have always been underwritten. Activities and worship have been well attended. I will always remember and cherish the Good Friday and Sunrise Services on Ream's Hill; they were very moving times of remembrance and worship.

Your support of my ministry and family through the years has been greatly appreciated. You also helped me to see some of my gifts as a pastor, and helped to strengthen other areas of my service to you. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you all.

Again, congratulations, and keep up the good work as you serve the Lord in Hayesville!

December 26, 1995
Hayesville U. M. Church
Hayesville, Ohio

Dear Members and Friends:

Heartiest congratulations on the completion of your building program: - a most commendable achievement!

We have followed the progress of this effort in your monthly newsletter and are well aware of the significance of this project in terms of expanded facilities which will contribute greatly to the life and ministry of the Church.

We trust that, as you celebrate this day, you will experience the full inspiration this moment has to give and that, as time goes on, your hopes and dreams for the future will be wonderfully realized!

Though "Gerry" and I cannot be with you in person to share this special day, we send this epistle with our sincere greetings to all!

And may God's grace be with you always!

Dear Members and Friends of the Hayesville U.M.C.,

It is with great joy that we send our warmest congratulations to you on the consecration of your new church facilities on Sunday, May 19, 1996. This summer Peggy and I had the unexpected pleasure of stopping by the church and being guided on an official "we're almost finished" tour. What energy and excitement we both experienced as you shared your visions and the hard work realities you faced building "A House Where Everyone is Welcome!"

I presently serve a church that is inaccessible to persons who are physically challenged. The congregation has discussed and planned for years the need to remodel its facilities. YOU DID IT!

Congratulations, once again, to all who worked so hard to bring about this special day! Even though we will be unable to be with you, we celebrate your successful completion of a worthwhile goal.

A service of dedication for a new addition completely free of debt was held on September 23, 2001.

Further renovations were done to the older part of the building in 2002. The classrooms received a face lift with new carpeting on the floors and new paint on the walls. The old girl's bathroom was converted into a kitchenette while the boy's bathroom was remodeled into a small bathroom attached to the nursery. Another part of the old boy's bathroom became a custodial closet.

In 2002 the land adjacent to the church parking lot became available and was purchased for future development. The purchase was a package deal and included a home on Barrhaven. A loan was procured in order to purchase the property and in order to install air conditioning in the old part of the building and a new heating system. The sale of the home went a long way to retiring this debt.

District Committee Report - November 19, 2002

The District Committee on Church Locations and Buildings of the Wooster District of the United Methodist Church did meet on location at the Hayesville United Methodist Church on the evening of November 19, 2002.

After the Building Committee members of the Hayesville Church presented their reasoning for purchasing three adjoining lots to the rear of their present church building for a total sale price of $150,000, with a likely subsequent sale of two unneeded lots of the three, which would include the residential building improvements, for a likely sale price of $125,000, more or less, which would then net a 2.52 acre vacant lot for around $25,000 net. This net purchase would then afford this church with an adjoining 2.52 acre lot for parking and/or building expansion in the future.

This committee of members, signing below, then met privately and passed a motion unanimously to approve and encourage the congregation to finalize such purchase as soon as practical.

Tom Silver, District Chair

The giving of faithful members, along with a bequest is continuing to retire the remainder of this debt.

All these additions have allowed us to serve the community in many ways. The Boy Scouts, 4-H and Lions clubs meet here. The church hosts the Blood Mobile and serves as a voting place.

In 1992 the decision was made to open our building to a Head Start group. In the beginning they met in an upstairs classroom. When the new addition was added Head Start began to meet in their own room in the basement during the school year. They teach up to 20 preschool children each school year.

We take pride that this house of God has withstood the test of time. We take greater pride in what God is doing through this place of worship and through the long line of saints who have ministered to this community from this place.

Chapter III

Ministers of the Church from 1831 to 2006

The first mention of Hayesville in the conference minutes is in 1851. But with some researching we have them named back to 1831. In 1851 the church was then one of seven preaching points on the Jeromesville Charge. In 1870 Hayesville was made a separate appointment with Rev. A. K. Owens as pastor. Rev. Owens was preceded by Rev. McBarnes, an Irishman, who did a great deal of horse jockeying. He was very much interested in his work of baptism and was remembered for his great debate with one of the brethren on the question of baptism.

Here is the list of the ministers and their years of service to the church:
• John Janes -1831
• Hugh L. Parish -1831
• H. Sheldon -1835
• S. Renark - 1840
• J. M. McBarnes - 1868
• A. K. Owens - 1870
• Peter F. Graham - 1874
• William Ward - 1876
• John McNabb - No Dates
• Bert Kaffman - No Dates
• G. W. Ball - 1876
• F. K. Gould - 1877-1882
• A. K. Upp - 1882 -1887
• George Houk - 1887 -1888
• E. L. Warner - 1888 -1893 (Under his ministry the charge began to have service every Sunday.)
• F. S. Wolf - 1893 -1895
• Henry S. Powell - 1895 -1900
• Wm. Kepler, PhD - 1900 - 1902
• A. C. Whitmore - 1902 - 1905
• C. R. McMeeken - 1905 - 1907
• L.Eugene Rush - 1907 - 1908 (from this church)
• Louise Litzel - 1908
• J. J. Adams - 1908 - 1910
• A. W. Manning - 1910 - 1912
• Wm. G. Harper - 1912 - 1914
• W. E. Hopkins - 1914 - 1915
• E. E. Webster - 1915 - 1917
• L. C. Cone - 1917 - 1918
• O. B. McLaughlin - 1918 - 1920
• W. H. Ayres - 1920 - 1921
• L. C. McFarlin - 1921 - 1923
• George H. Langford - 1923 - 1925
• Harlan Campbell - 1925 - 1929
• Robert McCutchen - 1929 - 1930
• Paul Wood - 1930 - 1932
• L. Chester Lewis - 1932 -1934
• H. C. Heinlein - 1934 -1935
• W. F. Hoffman - 1935 -1937
• H. B. Christine - 1937 -1938
• Frank Mitzel - 1938 -1943
• F. B. Chapman - 1943 -1945
• Harry Dotson - 1945 -1950
• James Hardesty - 1950 -1951
• Richard Thomas, Jr.- 1951 -1954
• Floyd Wallace - 1954 -1956
• William W. Tucker - 1956 -1959
• Arthur Williams - 1959 -1962
• Herbert Burkhart - 1962 -1968
• Charles Dowdell - 1968 -1970
• Robert Suggs - 1970 -1974
• Norman Purdum - 1974 -1977
• William Pierce - 1977 -1982
• Candace Thompson -1982
• Harry Hull -1982
• Paul Frees - 1983 -1985
• Philip Raynes - 1985 -1990
• O. French Ball - 1990 -1998
• Wendy Guion - 1998 -

Chapter IV

[Information in brackets indicates changes in location of windows since this article was written.]

(Information in parentheses is from an article written by Ethel Snyder for the 150^th celebration of the congregation in Hayesville)

The 28 beautiful stained glass windows were purchased from Rossbach Art Glass Company, Columbus, Ohio in 1927 for $1,076.11. (The building committee minutes say: "Sept. 5, 1927, Mr. Budd reported that the Antique windows have been bought.") The company made and sold stained glass windows for churches. They hired an artist who drew the designs for the windows. Most of these small companies slowly went out of business during the depression years.

Records show that donors named on the windows paid $860.00 for the windows. (Most of the names on the windows were placed there as memorials.)

Quite a few years ago, I had made a study of these windows, all installed long before the next and largest renovation took place in 1996. So they may have changed placement of the windows in the rear since I made the study for the Times-Gazette.

Starting on the south side there is a window in the minister's study given by the Junior Department. (Now located in the Men's Restroom)

Then the next 3 windows in the choir loft have these names:

No. 1 - Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Fribley. (Wilbur and Eliza Maurer Fribley. Eliza was a member here 67 years. They lived on the farm on left side of the road before you get to Hillsdale High School. Mary Morr and Florence Cristman were their children. Three grandchildren were: Margaret Cook and Mary L. Morr and Frank. Margaret says when the roads were impassable her grandfather rode his horse to church!)

No. 2 - In memoriam - Raymond B. McKinley, who died in 1902 at 18 years of age. His parents were Elza John and Celia Boyd McKinley

No. 3 - Mr. and Mrs. H. Butcher. (He was a trustee when the church was built in 1856)

A window in the south lobby (front entrance to sanctuary) was given in memory of Mrs. Rosella Helbert, mother of Stella Budd. (Her husband was Reason F. Helbert.)

The large windows in the sanctuary to the east had 3 named:

No. 1 - Capitola Ogden (Cappie was the wife of Dr. J. W. Ogden, local Veterinarian. Their children are Barbara Holmes, Helen Strine Tugend, Frances Krause, Marian Glasner and Donald.)

No. 2 - Nancy Whittington Brant

No. 3 - Henry Brant.

(Henry and Nancy Brant were the parents of the Brant family. Whittingtons were related to John Dalton family.)

In the lobby (rear entrance to the church) the 3 named are Mabel Miller, Effie Carpenter and Sam Carpenter. Mabel was their niece and was killed by a driver as she was walking up Rt. 30 (now 30A) near her home. She was 14 years old. (See information on these people in the April 16, 1978 article by David Ramsey in the memories recorded from the 1978 celebration.)

On the north side of the sanctuary are 2 windows:

No. 1 - Rev. and Mrs. H. Campbell (Harlan was minister in 1925. Both he and his wife were good singers. Thirty-three people were members of the choir!)

No. 2 - Mr. and Mrs Charles Doerrer. (Charles was a mail carrier. Alice had a Millinery store on the northeast corner of the square)

The big windows to the north are:

No. 1 - Mr. and Mrs. F. K. Rush, (Freeman and Bertha. Their children were L. Eugene, Bertha Bryant and Will. He owned the Freeman Rush Carriage Company.)

No. 2 - Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Bryant (She was Bertha (Bertie) Rush. Her husband's name was Matthew, but he was called Mitch)

No. 3 - Ora Doerrer (He was the son of Charles and Alice Doerrer and a brother of Olive Rush. He died of diphtheria when he was 24.)

No. 4 - Rev. L. Eugene Rush and family. (Entered the ministry from this church. Their children were Ralph, Alice, Martha, and Robert)

A single side window - Leroy Harper and family. (on the north side of the sanctuary)

(Their farm is now owned by Vic and Sally Kahl. Their children are Louise Schuck, Stanley and Richard.)

Secretary office (Sunday School office) - Harriet L. Armentrout. (Harriet Cummins came from Mt. Gilead. Her husband was Wade. They lived on West Main Street and they owned the first player piano in these parts! They had two girls. Both died young and were buried in Mt. Gilead.)

Sunday School room [library on north side of parlor]

No. 1 - Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Lowe (Lester and Lottie Ewing Lowe. George was their only child.)

No. 2 - Mr. and Mrs. S. M. McClure. Mrs. Lowe and Mrs. McClure were sisters. (Sam and Hattie were Ethel Stauffer's parents.)

Nursery two windows -says on them "The Young People."

A south room--Room #4 - Ray and Annabel Harp (He was a member of the building committee of 1927. They lived across from the church and sang in the choir.)

Kitchen - Vernon E. Vantilburg - son of Dr. and Mrs. Vantilburg was 6 years old when he died. (located in the Men's Restroom)

Two south rooms - Estella Budd (located in the Women's Restroom)

H. J. Budd. (located in the rear door foyer)

(H. J. and Estella Budd moved to Ashland around 1953 and joined First Methodist Church, but they always called Hayesville their home church.)

I

Installed during the building project of 1996:

A new big window (beveled glass) at the top of the stairs (landing of basement stairs) - Dorothy Dalton, in her memory.

A new rear door (beveled glass) installed to west in memory of Don Heffelfinger in 2004.

Chapter V

A year-long celebration was held in honor of the 150 years this church had its beginning. Started on January 8, 1978 and continuing to December 31, 1978 members gave information on the church's existence each Sunday. Five former pastors and Bishop Francis Kearns were present during the year.

Homecoming Sunday was October 29, 1978 with Bishop Kearns, guest speaker.

A historical moment given each Sunday especially February 12, 1978, revealed that a new meeting house in Hayesville would be planned for that year, 1856.

A deed was recorded on August 22, 1835 and signed by John Cox and his wife, Sarah, to the trustees of the Methodist Church. A 25 ft. by 35 ft. building was erected on North Mechanic Street, built of logs in 1828 and being six lots north of Main Street on the east side of the street.

Another deed was signed by Joseph R. Buck and his wife, Fanny, on May 2, 1854 for a larger church 32 ft. by 48 ft. on South Mechanic Street, being lots 65 and 66. The church was completed in 1856. This building was remodeled in 1927, adding a fellowship room, three classrooms, kitchen and small office.

A week-long dedication was held on February 19, 1928 and extended to February 24, 1928 with visiting ministers.

In October 1856 lot #50 was deeded to George Stott. This was the church located on North Mechanic Street. It was three stories high with the IOOF lodge on the third floor, the GAR lodge on the second. After closing the church on the first floor, Dr. Ogden and family lived on the ground floor and had his veterinarian office on the second floor.

Chapter VI

When the former Methodist parsonage went rolling down South Mechanic Street in Hayesville Thursday to its new location on the Kenneth Rogers property on East Main Street, a 75-year history was closed and a new chapter opened for the parishioners of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1900.

On February 9,1975, the Rev. and Mrs. Norman (Gerry) Purdum moved from the old parsonage into a new split-level, eight room house on Kimber Lane in Hayesville.

(Written by Virginia Patterson for the Ashland Times Gazette.)

This current parsonage has white aluminum siding with red brick trim across the front. The living room features a cathedral ceiling. There are four bedrooms, 2 full baths, a living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, a full basement and a 2 car garage.

Victor and Marcella Kahl and daughter, Kimberly, gave a lot to build a new house at the north edge of Hayesville. The General Contractor was Robert Helbert.

On April 16, 1974 Rev. Bob Suggs, Vic Kahl and Clayton McGuire laid the first block. The cornerstone was laid on May 5, 1974 by the Rev. Robert Suggs who was then pastor. Russell and Bill Gannon dug the basement, Homer and Bob Rush laid the blocks, Leroy and David Ramsey did the wiring. In fact, nearly everyone in the church helped with the building of this new parsonage. Only $17,000 was borrowed. In 1978 $3375.00 was left on the note. Mrs. Homer (Estella) Budd, a former member and a widow of a building committee member in 1927, asked if she might be allowed to pay off the note.

On January 5, 1975 the note was paid in full through the giving of members - through money and labor. Mrs. Budd was present when the note was burned on Dedication Day, June 11, 1978.

This is the third parsonage that has been owned by the church.

The deed for the original parsonage was issued December 22, 1871 to Methodist Episcopal Church trustees Joseph Hill and others from the Rev. Saunders Diefendorfer. Diefendorfer was professor of the Vermillion Institute, also known as the Old Academy. It was located on East Main Street. The first minister to reside in this parsonage was the Rev. Henry S. Powell.

This parsonage was sold to Mrs. Fred Rholeder in 1900. The deed for the property adjacent to the church was purchased on March 19, 1900 from Upton Andress, executor of the estate of the late Elizabeth Moore, for $500. Parsonage trustees at the time were W. J. Kelly, H. Butcher, William Van Gilder and Abel Goudy. Since its purchase in 1900 until the building of the new parsonage in 1975, 35 ministers and their families lived in this parsonage. This house was sold and on May 15, 1975 moved to East Main St., almost opposite to the first parsonage. As of 2006, all three parsonages are still serving as homes to people in the community!

CHAPTER VII

The History of the Hayesville Methodist Church would be incomplete without a chapter on the women of the church who have worked through the years for the church and community.

There were two active groups - The Ladies Aid Society and the Home Missionary Society, both serving their church in many ways. They both raised funds when the need arose with bake sales, bazaars, lunches, dinners and quilting as the principle means of raising money.

They contributed regularly to the church budget and pledged money to the building fund.

The unification of the Missionary Society and the Ladies Aid Society was held September 5, 1940 for the purpose of uniting both groups into one organization to be known as the Women's Society of Christian Service, or WSCS.

At this meeting, presided over by Rev. F. L. Mitzel, the purpose and plan for the new society was given, the enrollment ceremony was held for the 38 names, and election of officers was held.

They decided to hold two meetings a month, with the second being an all day session. Due to the war conditions, in only two months they decided to have just one meeting each month.

There have been very few improvements instituted in the church without the participation of the WSCS .

In 1949 a project of carpeting and refinishing of floors, and a remodeling program in the kitchen followed in 1952.

Not all the efforts had been for the local church. The society has supplied, money, clothing, food, bedding and many other services.

An Evening Circle was formed in June, 1954, for the benefit of the women who could not attend the day time meetings. Although they have their own program books they have a joint program book and help plan and execute all projects. There are many monetary gifts which the societies have given, the many acts of kindness, the concern for others, and the fellowship we have in working and studying together. We have made the society a vital part of the church and community life.

On October 16, 1968 the Women's Society of Christian Service held a charter service and became the United Methodist Women. This was in accordance with the merging of the United Brethren and Methodist Episcopal Churches (see Chapter VIII). A copy of the Charter Certificate follows and the signatures of the members at that time.

1955

15^th Anniversary WSCS

Adah McCrory, Martha Strine, Virginia Patterson,

Doris Ritchie, aLuzetta Strine, and Evelyn Patterson

1958 WSCS

L to R: Mary Francis Mills, Mae McCrory,

Grace Miller, Allene Liston, Freda Koenig,

Edith McKinley, Ellen McCrory and the child

is Patsy Mills

25^th Anniversary of UMW

1995

Back Row, L to R: Adelene Dennis, Marge Shephard,

Pat Shenberger, Sally Kahl, Susan Ball, Barb Dalton,

Connie Hootman. Front Row, L to R: Annis Strine,

Frances Clark, Carol Ashby, JoAnn Echelberger, Marjorie

Patterson, Becca Hoover

CHAPTER VIII

The word merger means to connect or bring together as one; the combining corporations of two or more files into one, according to Webster.

This is just what happened between the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church (M.E. for short) as they united in April, 1968 to form the UNITED METHODIST Church.

The title coming about with each presenting a word from their names. Therefore the six conferences of the United Methodist Church in Ohio voted in June 1969 to merge into two conferences, the East Ohio and the West Ohio Conference effective June 10, 1970.

At the service of Union and Celebration held at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio (the OARDC) on Friday, February 20, 1970 it was agreed to lay aside the symbol of our group and accept the Constitution and By-Laws governing the East Ohio Conference as we unite the work of the Women's Society of Christian Service into UMW (United Methodist Women). Bishop Francis E. Kearns presided for the day-long meeting on merging.

The new official emblem for the United Methodist Church combines the cross and a flame symbolizing the Holy Spirit. This new symbol will also be used by the UMW.

The cross and flame are ancient symbols of the church dating back to the days of Christ and Pentecost. Each evokes images of sacrifice, witness and service.

These symbols remind us of our heritage, of women who pioneered in service for the church at home and abroad, and in organizing women for mission service and support in many areas of need.

The shape of the emblem is fluid and free-flowing suggesting change and mobility while the colors of the emblem are flame-red and gold.

The gold links provide a link with both uniting groups while flame-red is a symbol of Pentecost and of God's guidance.

The cross, the flame, and the individual with her abilities and opportunities are all elements of a 20^th century movement for United Methodist Women.

CHAPTER IX

All through the years the Sunday School has been the heart of our church.

A steady growth made it necessary to build more class room space in 1958 and in 1966.

Good dedicated teachers, and they still are, the leaders of our children who will be the future church.

The church has Christian Education programs that serve the community. Bible school has always been a part of the life of the church. Over the years many varied and creative Bible school programs have taken place.

A Youth group for all the young people and Middle School through High School meets during the school year, with some activities during the summer. They take many trips and earn money for their youth activities. Years ago it was called the Epworth League and had young folk coming from other churches to participate.

The youth of this church participate in UNICEF and a yearly 30 Hour Famine.

We salute the young folk who come and play and study together; also their adult advisors.

CHAPTER X

Music from a History written by

Evelyn Patterson and Adah McCrory

1967

"Music is always an integral part of the local church so I will name some of the instruments.

At first many years ago it was a "pump organ." In 1919, a Kimball piano was purchased from a firm in Chicago. It was replaced by a new Story and Clark piano on Good Friday, March 24, 1967 - a surprise gift from the Carl Roberts family.

In December 1948 a Minchell Esty organ was purchased. This was replaced in 1969 with a new two-manual, full pedal Wurlitzer Organ. The money for the new organ was raised in six weeks by personal gifts of members and friends of the church. Now a keyboard replaces the big organ.

The hymnals were a gift around 1937 in memory of Rev. John Brant by his daughter, Charlotte. The new bright red hymnals are a gift of Mrs. Howard (Ruth) Grabill."

From found records it is apparent from documents that by October 22^nd 1924, the choir of the Hayesville Methodist Episcopal Church had become a vital part of the life of the church. The minutes of the meeting of that date read: "Choir meeting held, Wednesday night, Oct. 22^nd 1924 at 8:30 p.m. Mrs. Shafer presided. President opened and closed the meeting with prayer.

Business: A set of Rules for the governing & controlling of the choir were accepted & adopted, upon the recommendation of the committee, & agreed to by the general voting of choir members. For those present, see register, index this date. A copy of said rules to be fixed into this register, as a permanent record. Those present were:

President Mrs. Shafer

Vice President Mrs. Vantilburg

Sec. & Treasurer Mrs. Hess

Pianist Mrs. Strine

Asst. Pianist Miss F. Gongwer

Chorister Mrs. E. McKinley Miss Ruby Feightner

Asst. Chorister Mrs. Harper Mr. E. Rush

Mrs. Baker Mr. Latimer

Mrs. Miller Mr. F. Carpenter

Mrs. Maud Carpenter Mrs. Effie Carpenter

Rev. G. H. Langford Miss Pauline Clutter

Mrs. Helbert Mr. G. Patterson

Miss Francis Shenberger

The rules were as follows:

• This Choir shall be conducted by six members fo the same, viz:-President, Assistant President, Secretary, Treasurer, Leader, and Assistant Leader.



• The special interest of this Choir shall be to engage in only sacred, vocal and instrumental music, for the devotional worship in praising God in connection with this Church.



• Duties of President:-To open all meetings by praise and prayer, and close all meetings with the same at the specified time according to the plan of the President.



• Duties of Leader:- To conduct all singing, prevent disorder, place all singers and musicians in their proper places to the best of his or her ability. The Leader shall select all tunes and such sacred and instrumental music as he or she may think good to be performed for the benefit of this Church.

• Duties of Secretary:-To keep a correct record of all minutes passed by the members of this Choir, and all monies received and expended belonging to the Choir funds, enroll all names of members, call them over each night, keep a correct account of attendances, see to all goods connected with the Choir, to be assisted by the Leader in drawing up bills, programs, and to attend to all letters and correspondence for the Choir.



• Duties of Treasurer:- To hold all money collected by the Choir, keep a cash book with a correct account of all income and expenditure, as the Choir may find good.



• Examination of accounts, and; by Officers of the Choir, this to take place just before the Annual Conference.



• Election of Officers to take place immediately after the Annual Conference.



• In case of any of the foregoing officers retiring from office during the year, a special meeting shall be called, and another one be elected as soon as possible.

• No person shall become a member until proposed and carried by a majority of the members of the Choir, in the absence of the person proposed.



• All persons must be strictly moral in character, as they have of their own free-will offered their services to praise God with this Church. Members of the Choir are on no account to sit among the congregation, without reasonable excuse.



• Any member becoming guilty of any immoral act, such as to damage the good character of this Choir, must leave at once, at the request of the Leader.



• All singers to be in their places before the commencement of Divine Service on the Lord's Day. No member to enter the Choir while the Choir is engaged in singing, but to do so as soon as the singing is finished.



• There shall be no talking or misbehavior during practice; this to be strictly enforced.



• Weekly practice to be held every Wednesday from 8:30 till 9:30 p.m.



• No practice to be held without the Leader, Assistant Leader, President or Assistance President.



• Any member leaving home through employment shall, on return, take their own seat, at the option of the Leader.



• Anyone leaving the Choir must return all books and music to the Leader.

• Any member refusing to sing any select piece or part the Leader may choose to be sung, shall thereby subject themselves to the reproval of the Choir Officials.



• That no member leave their seat without the consent of the Leader, or should any member be absent three successive practices, or three Sundays, without satisfactory reasons, he or she shall be expelled from the Choir.



• Subscriptions, Two Cents-per week.

In 1925, when Rev. Harlan Campbell came to Hayesville, it appears that one of the first things he did was join the choir. His name appears on the choir list from 1925 and in the minutes when he presided in the absence of the President and Vice-President.

Many organists and pianists have served this church over the years: Anna Prior, Doris Glass and Virginia Patterson, to name a few. Virginia Patterson began playing the organ in 1944 and played for 18 of the ministers up to the year 2000.

In 1999 a new keyboard was purchased to replace the old organ. It debuted in a worship service October 24, 1999 with Janice Bostic playing.

Since then we have had two people sharing Sunday morning responsibilities on that keyboard: Janice Bostic and Colleen Jackson. Many fine people have served as Choir Directors over the years, most recently directors have been: Jan (Raynes) Grimm, Betty Harner and currently, Karon Summer. It is obvious that music continues to be an integral part of worship at the Hayesville United Methodist Church.

There are many special programs throughout the year in honor of many holidays, but none as outstanding that as the Good Friday and the Easter Sunrise Service held on Ream Hill, west of Hayesville.

The cross with many stations of scripture, is carried uphill from Township Road 855 by a member followed by each one walking.

An after-school program was started in 1999.

CHAPTER XII

Sharing the Story

It is nice to have facts and figures when looking at the history of a church. It is even better to have the shared stories and shared memories of those who sat in the pews. This chapter represents the memories of those who have been a part of this congregation over the years. It is these kinds of stories that are the heart of any family of God.

In 1978 the Hayesville United Methodist Church celebrated the congregation's 150^th birthday.

Rev. James S. Thomas was the Bishop, Leonard H. Budd was the District Superintendent, and Bill Pierce was the pastor. Martha Strine headed up the celebration. A worship booklet was assembled for that celebration. It included the following "Historical Moments." We wanted them to be a part of our History Book. So, here they are, reprinted from the "History of Hayesville 1828-1978. Members of the anniversary committee for that celebration were: Martha Strine, chairperson; Donna Strine, secretary; Rev. Leonard Budd, District Superintendent; Peggy Pierce, Sharon Motter, Jean Gossett, Rhonda VanGilder, Rev. Bill Pierce, Kathy McClead, Ethel Snyder, Adah McCrory, JoAnn Echelberger, George Dever, Natalie Freeborn, Dennis Motter, Allene Liston, Dorothy Dalton, Becca Hoover, Marlene McKinley, Randy Strine, Alice Miller.

January 15, 1978

In 1875 Hayesville had a newspaper. The Hayesville Journal. In Vol. 1 No. 1 there was an article "Cows Barred!." The story goes that someone put a cow in the second story of the "Old Academy." The paper said, "no more cows allowed!"

At the end of the item was this statement: "It is chronicled that the M.E. Church belfry has been thrown open so that the bell can be heard much further than formerly, that the minister has descended from his high position and now takes his stand behind a small, but neat, desk and that the walls have been covered with fresco paper!"

1978 - Our next project is a new top on our belfry.

Given by Adah McCrory

February 5, 1978

Jay and Alice Cramer Latimer were married on Feb. 4, 1904 at the Methodist Parsonage by the Rev. A. C. Whitmore.

Alice was a member of this church from July 15, 1894 to May 14, 1975. 81 years! She died a very short time after her 95^th birthday. Jay was secretary of the Trustees for 20 years. From 1923 to 1943. He was also on the building committee when the church was remodeled in 1927.

They were my grandparents. They lived their entire married life in the "Latimer" home less than a mile from town.

They had a big part in the history of this church.

Given by Ronald VanGilder

February 12, 1978

It was 1828 when the men met at Jackmans to plan a "Meeting House" in Hayesville. It was Feb. 1834 before real plans began to take shape. The plans were for a building 25 ft. x 35 ft. Walnut boards in the front, oak on the sides. 7 windows with 15 8 x 10 panes, and 12 windows with 12 panes each. Also a gallery. The job was sold to John Harmon for $350, and he was to furnish all the materials.

This information is from a journal of the Trustee's Minutes from Feb. 1834 to Feb. 1852. It is in longhand and most of it is legible. The minutes were found in Miss Florence Gongwer's home after her death, and given to us by her niece, Elizabeth Justice.

Given by Ethel Snyder

February 19, 1978

On Feb. 10, 1927 the Campbell Bible Class met at the Woodman Hall for the annual election of officers. A banquet was served, after which speeches pro and con were heard. It was then voted to have a committee inspect remodeled churches, get prices and make a report to the church body.

At this time the one room church was not large enough for the large Sunday School. The brick house across the street was being rented for $15 a month, and classes were being held there. In March they voted to remodel, planned after the Jeromesville Methodist Church. Later in the year we will tell you more about the changes that were made.

The dedication was held just 50 years ago today! Feb. 19, 1928. There were three services on that Sunday, also a meeting each evening through Friday.

Sermons were given by:

Dr. Ralph Diffendorfer of New York City. A Native of Hayesville.

Rev. L. Eugene Rush of Delaware, Ohio. Also a Hayesville native.

Rev. Foster Anderson, the District Superintendent.

This banquet was for MEN ONLY. Rev. Henry S. Powell, D.S. of Stuebenville District pastor here in 1900, Rev. Harry S. Bright, of Mansfield, who was present at the meeting Feb. 1927.

One of the music specials during the week was a quartet: Irene Hershler, Naomi Shenberger (Ron Shenberger's aunt), Howard Zimmerman and Paul Strine.

The people did not realize they were also celebrating their 100^th anniversary because it was not known at that time there really was a "first" church.

Given by Annis Strine

Daughter-in-law of Paul Strine

March 12, 1978

The home of Howard and Edythe McKinley was where grandson Kenneth & Marlene live now. Howard was Treasurer of the building committee from 1927 to 1938. A very difficult job because the big depression took place in those years. Edythe spent a great deal of her time working for the church. She painted and papered at the parsonage and the church. She cleaned when she found it necessary. She was a good worker in the Ladies Aid, which later became the WSCS. (Now the UMW). She sang in the choir for many years. She was very particular about having the light wood chairs and the dark ones kept together around the table. If she found a light one between two dark ones she moved it! We who knew her remember, and tend to do the same.

These two are certainly a part of our church history.

Given by Kitty McKinley (now Runkle) Great Granddaughter

April 9, 1978

April 9, 1967 we had a dedication service for our new two manual-full pedal Wurlitzer organ. Guest organist was Charles T. Wolfgang of Mansfield. Mr Wolfgang studied organ in London and Germany and had given concerts coast to coast in the United States as well as England and Europe. He is now deceased.

On March 24, 1967 we had a great surprise. A gift of our Story & Clark piano. From the Carl Roberts family. The piano was dedicated also. Played by Mr. Wolfgang.

Given by Rhonda VanGilder

Anna Pryor, who was organist - Organ at the Mifflin Church

April 16, 1978

On April 15, 1888 a daughter was born to George & Mary Emma Helbert Ewing. They named her Alice. On June 30, 1907 Alice was baptized and became a member of this church.

In 1908 Louise Litzel was minister here. For some reason she wasn't able to preach at Widowville one Sunday. She asked 20 year old Alice to "preach" for her. She gave her a sermon and told her to read it enough so she could give it without sounding like she was reading. Alice was ready. BUT - Cappy Ogden thinking she was doing her a big favor, told her Gene Rush was a preacher and she was sure he would preach for her, and she'd ask him if she wanted her to. Gene preached. But do you know, Allie has always wondered if she could have done it!

Two children were born to Henry and Alice Gloyd who lived in Vermillion Township, and Mabel is deceased. In1918 they lived in Mansfield. On October 12, Henry got the flu and did not survive it. Allie and the children moved back to Hayesville. In 1927 Mabel was 14. She was killed by a car. She had been saving coins so she could help buy a stained glass window. Her mother added to the fund and her name is on a window in the vestibule. Also are the names of Allie's sister and brother-in-law, Sam and Effie Carpenter. A great deal could be said about the part Sam had in the history of this church. Perhaps one could call him a "pillar" of the church. Their only child was Mrs. Carl (Frances) Roberts. Allie's sister, Lottie Ewing, married Lester Lowe. Their names are also on one of the windows. They too were active workers in the church. Her brother, Harold Ewing, lives in Hayesville, is a member of this church. He married Florence Hawks. He was Treasurer of the church in 1928.

As for Allie herself - well let's just say ALLIE WE LOVE YOU AND HAPPY 90^th BIRTHDAY.

Given by David Ramsey

After church a covered dish dinner was held. A special cake was baked by Frances Clark. Her birthday gift: someone took her supper to her each Wednesday evening during the year.

May 7, 1978

Charles and Lottie Shenberger Rush were the first couple married by Cousin L. Eugene Rush on February 13, 1908. Gene had recently received his license to preach.

On May 2, 1965 Charles was given the picture Sallman's Head of Christ, which is on the wall at the rear of the sanctuary, in appreciation of his 33 years as Treasurer of the Sunday School. He was retiring. He would be 81 on May 4^th! He was a member of the choir from the time he was 17 to a couple of weeks before his death on November 7, 1974 at age 90. He was also a member of the Hayesville Band as long as they had a band. He played Clarinet. Lottie was a rather shy person, quite a homebody.

They had 4 sons: Donald, who is deceased, Earl, Homer and Harold. Two girls, Frances Theiss and Gladys, who is deceased.

May 21, 1978

L. Eugene and Olive Doerrer Rush and their children lived where Gerald and Ada Sue Workman do now. On lot No. 1. Gene was a blacksmith until 1908. He had a license to preach, Hayesville was without a preacher. They asked Gene to preach, they liked his preaching and he became the minister for that year. The next fall they moved to Delaware where he entered college. They remained in Delaware and Worthington for many years, then moved to Mt. Gilead. After his death in 1948 Olive moved back to Delaware. She is now deceased. Their names are on a window.

Around 1914 Gene was in Hayesville. He had always been a volunteer fireman. One hot day the lightening struck the top of the Old Academy and it caught fire. The firemen took the old tanker, took the hose up the stairs and finally got the fire out. Just the rail of the top was left, the rest of the building was not burned. Gene climbed out and stood on the rail, waved his arm and yelled : "The fire's out".

He was tall and lean like most of the Rush men. He said he was homelier than Abe Lincoln!

June 25, 1978

Floyd Rush was born in 1890 and is now living in California. His wife, Blanche Tuttle Rush, came from Cardington to visit the Armentrouts. In 1914 they lived in the 4^th house north of the Sohio Station and owned the lot next door south, where our first church stood. The church had grown into a 3 story building, the top story belonging to the IOOF Lodge. At one time the Dr. Ogden family lived on the first floor and at another time it was the Central Hotel. However the building has been torn down by Mr. Lee, and only a part of one wall and the IOOF sign remained, along with the windless well at the back which the Rush family used for many years.

In November 1923 Floyd was Sunday School Superintendent. His report: 186 on the roll, 92 average attendance. $11.67 average weekly offering. We also found a receipt form him. No date on it. Repair on Hayesville Methodist Church roof:

4-1/2 hr..

75 cents

Paid in full, Floyd Rush $3.38

Hayesville, OH

Floyd was a brother of Charlie. Though they have lived in California for a number of years they did not forget their home church. A few months ago we received a check for $500 from Floyd Leroy Rush.

It is possible this money will be used to help put a new roof on the church just where Floyd once repaired the hole in the rain.

Given by Kim Kahl

July 9, 1978

In 1828 the Methodist men met to plan a Meeting House. On November 28, 1829 George and Martha Sriver deeded an acre of land to the Trustees of the M. E. Church. In the deed it says, "they must build a meeting house". They evidently decided they wanted the church to be in town. The acre was deeded back to Srivers in December 1842. There is a cemetery on this land. It is often called a Methodist Cemetery. It is on Byron and Frances McFarlin's farm in southern Vermillion Township. (Now the name is spelled Shriver.)

The present church was built in 1856. It was one room. The belfry and vestibule were to the east in the center of the building. What is now the side entrance was a "broom" closet. The pulpit platform took up over half the rear of the church. At the south end of the rear there were benches for the choir. Seats were parallel with the aisles in the middle and on either side.

When the remodeling was done in 1927 the fellowship room and three class rooms were added with folding doors, and they made the choir loft. There were new floor carpet runners, seats, furnace, and a change in the roof. Sidewalks and of course the vestibule and belfry moved around and over. The windows too were new. The cost was near $20,000.

Given by Dorothy Dalton

July 23, 1978

H. and Amanda Smally Butcher's names are on a window. Their home was where Millers live now. Kenneth Myers did live there. Mr. Butcher was a Trustee of this church in 1856 and for many more years. He was a Justice of the Peace and a Notary. His name is on a great many deeds and other legal papers. His name was Hezekiah, but he always signed it H. Butcher. Mrs. Butcher was "Auntie Butcher" to the whole town. They both died in 1929.

In the one room church there was no room for suppers, so the Methodists had suppers at the Butchers. Their specialty was "Chicken Pot Pie". They were a money making project. Alice Latimer and Mae McCrory did not recall what was served with the Pot Pie. Possibly fresh bread and butter, deviled and pickled eggs, pickles and most certainly pie. They also had "pink teas" at the Butchers. The tea was Sassafras. Their granddaughter, Dr. Rosalie Farley of Lincoln, Nebraska says they still have the two long table cloths they used for the suppers.

Given by Pat Shenberger

August 13, 1978

Frank and Addie Arnold Diffendorfer lived where John and Dorothy live. During the days of the Academy Frank and his father, Sam, bought and sold cattle. They provided the meat for the folks at the school. Frank died rather young leaving Addie with 4 children, Ralph, Frank, Mae and Alice.

Ralph went to school in Delaware, then to Drew Seminary in New Jersey. Frank remained in Hayesville. He and Anna have a big part in the History of this church. They had two children: Ralph and Martha Jane Fair. In 1907 Mae married Hugh R. McCrory and moved to the farm west of town. She became a Presbyterian. Four of their five children live nearby. Grace Felton lives in Pennsylvania. Alice Diffendorfer left Hayesville. She died in 1936. After Hugh died in 1950 Mae brought her letter back to her home church, from then until her death March 28, 1974 this church was No. 1 in her life. If anyone has a comforter she sewed by hand or pot holder she crocheted we think they are fortunate.

Given by Sharlene Helbert

August 27, 1978

On the East window are the names Henry Brant and Nancy Whitting Brant. They were the parents of the Brant family who lived at Brantwood where we (the Gossetts) live now. Henry was German, and a shoemaker. Before moving to Brantwood they lived where Russell Sigler lives. We are told that Mrs. Brant always had a dishpan full of cookies ready for her children and their friends. The Brants had eight children, but three died in infancy. The family are: Rev. John F. Brant, who around 1900 moved to Boston. His daughter, Carlotta, gave the blue hymnals in his memory. She and Alice Cramer and Mae Diffendorfer were very good friends. Ed and Austin Brant were doctors and lived in Canton, Ohio. Henry lived in Chicago. He was an attorney. Jim, always known as J. W. was a druggist in Hayesville, Florence Geidel lived in Coshocton. Elizabeth Brant Bryant lived in Boston and Miss Effie in Hayesville, though she traveled a great deal. She was known as the "Lady of the Lilacs". In the spring people came from all over the country to see the lilacs and other flowers. All were former members of this church.

When Dr. Austin Brant died in Canton in 1929 he left this church a legacy. It was a property from which we were to receive $200 a year for 10 years. Out of the first payment $108.11 inheritance tax was deducted. Then the depression came and the payments could not be made. In 1937 Sam Carpenter was given permission to go to Canton and sell the property. It was sold to Tony Geovenin, who was to make payments of $10 or more each month. Sometimes he came to Hayesville to make his payment, usually $15. Allie Miller says he became a great friend of the family. We do not know just how much was realized by our church from this gift.

The Brant Family are all gone and no close relatives remain, but they do have a part in our church and town history.

September 10, 1978

Ed and Lizzie Echelberger joined this church in 1907 or before. There are no records prior to 1907. They lived where Dipinskis do in Hayesville. Ed was janitor at school for many years. The children and teachers all adored him. They had one child, Hiram. They raised their five grandchildren: William, Mary Jane, Catherine, Winifred and Claire. Lizzie was quite a worker in the church. In the minutes of the Woman's Society it says she solicited, and got, enough money to paper the church! Her great grandchildren say Grandma Lizzie was quite a story teller. They loved to listen to her stories. She was asked one time if it wasn't quite a chore to raise five grandchildren. Her reply, "No, it was a privilege."

Catherine was Bob Rush's mother.

Claire is my mother.

Given by Bill Hoover

September 25, 1978

Elza John and Celia Boyd McKinley lived where Mildred and John Schaub do now. In his earlier years E. J. (most folks called him Jonie), drove the huckster wagon for Nate Freedman. Later they had a grocery and an ice cream store where the Beattie's store is today. Each Saturday in mid summer they made 15 gallons each of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream, which sold for 5 cents a big dip. Each winter they filled the ice house, which still stands back of the store. E. J. was also township clerk. After he died Celia took the job.

Their son, Raymond, died in 1922 just prior to his 18^th birthday. His name is on a window. Their other children are Arthur (Dutch), William, who was married to Pauline Clutter, is deceased, and twins Catherine Heter of Ashland and Carlos, who lives in California. Celia was a very good worker in the church and the Woman's Society.

Given by Carla Schaub

December 31, 1978

We have tried to have you become acquainted with some of the folks who were a part of the history of this church. Of course there are many we haven't mentioned. A few are: Pauline McAdoo, a Sunday School teacher who helped mold many young people's lives, Mabel and Gloyd Beck who left money which was used to help buy the parking lot. Burdette Johnson, a faithful choir member and a true Christian friend. M. G. Patterson, who did most of the needed wiring fifty years ago. David and Harriet Sigler. Harriet was organist for about 25 years. Dave sang in the choir, as did their son, Tom. Son, Russell, went to the Presbyterian Church with his grandmother. Miss Florence Gonger was a special person. She was church Treasurer for years, also our delegate to Conference.

We hope, as our names are added to the pages of history we too may be remembered for the love we have for God and each other, and not for the errors we have made and the fault finding we did when things did not go as we thought they should. God willing, this church will continue to grow as we ask His guidance in all we, and those who follow us do.

May 21, 1978: Frank and Mrs. Chapman, Crestline, Ohio (1943-1945)
(Due to Mrs. Chapman's illness they were unable to come.)

July 16, 1978: Richard and Marian Thomas, Rochester, NY (1951-1954)
Special music: The VanGilder Quartet: Rochelle, Margaret, Larry, and Ronald. Rhonda accompanied them.
Picnic dinner at church followed the church service.

Sept. 10, 1978: Norman and Gerry Purdum, Alliance, Ohio (1974-1977)
Reception at the church following service.

October 29, 1978 Bishop Francis and Mrs. Kearns, Delaware, Ohio
Dinner following church service.

Nov. 26, 1978: William W. (Bill) and Ann Tucker, Holden, Mass. (1956-1959)

As the history committee prepared for the 150^th birthday of the church building we also began to gather more memories. If while you are reading these memories, you think of some of your own, please write them down and send them to the church. We would like to add more and have created this book in such a way that we can do that for everyone who has a book.

If you have memories to share, please send them to us or attach them in an email to us!!!
Hayesville United Methodist Church

To Hayesville Church History Committee:

The Hayesville Methodist Church played an important role in my teenage years. My Mother and Father (Elmer and Caroline Fisher) moved my brother, Alan, and me to Hayesville from Ashland in 1948. I was 13, my brother was 5, and my sister, Mary, was born soon after the move. Alan died in New Zealand in 2003 and Mary lives in Phoenix, Arizona.

We lived in the white house near the Old Academy and across from my Great-Uncle Cliff Strine. Cliff's sister, Flossie, was my Father's mother. She died soon after he was born. I have many happy memories of the Strine cousins and the Strine orchestra.

Pastor Dick Thomas took many of us in the youth fellowship through tumultuous, energetic, and happy years. We were vulnerable, eager, and forming our futures as well as spiritual lives. I became active in the church, playing the piano, singing, and helping out where ever I could. One particular memory of our youth group was when we painted the basement blue for our meetings and I ended up with more paint in my hair than anywhere else!

Another great memory, year after year, was the Ice Cream Social held at Kendig Field. The food was wonderful, it was the social event of the summer. My family was involved in all of the preparations. Then the young people watched a softball game and flirted and laughed through it all.

Our pastors conducted group meetings centered on our spiritual and social needs. It was the place where I began to set the standards by which I continue to live even now. I began to love God, God's people, and to try to live as if I were pleasing Him.

When I attended Heidelberg College, I met my future husband, Harry Groman, from Tiffin. Pastor Tucker married us in this church on June 16, 1957. It was one of the hottest days of the year, and of course, no air conditioning! Pastor Tucker had a bad case of the flu at that time, but was determined to conduct this wedding, his very first one.

I have made lifelong friends in this church. I will be ever grateful for the training to spiritual matters, and the warm memories that I hold dear. May this church go on for another 150 years!

Sincerely, with love, Judith (Fisher) Groman
702 S. Pt. Trail
Berea, Ohio 44017

Memories of Ruth Pore

Lee and I were married July 24th, 1942, not too far from Washington DC. We moved in 1962 to Hayesville from Perrysville. Soon after we started to Sunday School and Church at Hayesville Methodist Church.

I remember a little old lady that would pass out every now and then. She was Florence Gongwer.

I enjoy the stained glass windows which are a joy to see. The new basement is a great addition and a joy to have.

When we moved from Perrysville in 1962 and started to church, I remember Burdette Johnson gave us a royal welcome to the church.

Ruth Pore

Memories of Ellen McCrory by Lee Pore


Ellen McCrory of which esteem
Managed her records by the ream
Accurate with figures and the file
And always portrayed her happy smile.


And then, of course, this little rhyme
Truthfully confesses she was always on time
She entered our room without a knock
Always punctual - you could set your clock.


With service like this in her special way
She really deserved a real high pay
But this was Ellen's way to bring
Something to the service of the King.


Our thanks to his lady are quite high
For the years she served that have gone by
We know the Lord God knows her face<
And will reserve for her a special place.







To Virginia by Lee Pore


The ministers never had a care
They knew that Virginia would be there
To be alert and never sleep
The notes and timing always keep
In her grasp and never make
A glaring musical mistake.
Most times t'was day and also night
Sometimes to read was an affright
An eagle eye was what you need
At times, the music just to read
And usually play with lots of clout
She never dragged an old song out
And when a youngster sang a song
You'd improvise as you went along
Bad weather and the illness bug
Were usually swept beneath the rug
Through happy times and sometimes tears
You served the Church for untold years
Your attitude was full of grace
And through it all a smiling face
So now enjoy a welcome rest
The Lord above will see you're blest.....

Lee Pore

Memories from Don Ritchie

I was born June 22, 1933 in the house I live in today. I was baptized in August of 1935 in the Hayesville Methodist Church by Rev. H.C. Heinlein. My mother who is 98 years old and still living, (2006) says that as Rev. Heinlein was putting cold water on my forehead, I was busy putting warm water on the front of his suit. Remember that was in the days before pampers.

In 1942 when Carol Tuttle Heffelfinger, Jim Sayers and myself were in the 2nd grade at Hayesville school, our teacher was Mrs. Pauline Clutter McKinley. Sometime during our 1st six weeks, word came back to Hayesville that her husband, Capt. William McKinley, had been killed in the war. (World War II) She immediately resigned and the Board of Education hired a legend, Mrs. Burdette Johnson.

School was dismissed the day of Capt. McKinley's service and many of us little boys and girls gathered on the parsonage porch, which at that time was beside the church, and watched with awe and amazement as the front yard of our church filled with military people. That was a somber day in Hayesville, Ohio.

In 1951, Rev. Richard R. Thomas Jr. came to Hayesville. He was just out of the Seminary and not too many years older than we teenagers were. We had great times in Methodist Youth Fellowship, and he introduced us to a game called Bible baseball. We chose up on sides and everyone wanted Roger Parris on their team. He knew more about the Bible than the rest of us put together. When we graduated from Hayesville High in 1953 there were 22 in the class and 11 of us were either members of this church or attended MYF on a regular basis.

We often went to the parsonage for refreshments or to have a party. Rev. Thomas had a television and we would watch the Cleveland Indians on Channel 5, sponsored by Carling Black Label Beer. Rev. McFarlin (Sandy Berry's grandfather) lived where Wiltrouts do now (south of the parsonage). He loved baseball, but didn't have a TV, so he would come over to the parsonage to watch it. When we young people were there he would turn the TV off during the beer commercial and turn it back on when he thought the commercial was over.

In 1955, Miriam and I were married at the Hayesville Church by Rev. Richard Thomas, Jr. After we had said our vows, he had us kneel at the altar and the two of us repeated the Lord's Prayer. About halfway through my mind went blank and Miriam, who hadn't grown up in a church, was following my lead, stopped too. Rev. Thomas had to prompt us. Let me tell you I heard about that lapse of memory from my mother and also from Evelyn Patterson after the wedding.

Yes, I have many memories of the Hayesville Methodist Church. I know the memory I'll always cherish is watching and helping with the construction of our new church basement and addition to the church. All the volunteer hours put in by so many of our church members and friends. I wish now someone would have thought to have a sign in book for everyone to sign in and out. The total volunteer hours would have been unbelievable. Also the speed with which the debt was paid off. In my mind the entire project was a major accomplishment for a church of our size. It makes me proud to know that Miriam and I were a part of it.

Memories from Sharlene Helbert

When Bill and I were married we were both Methodist. He belonged to the Hayesville Methodist and I belonged to Perrysville Methodist. That year my folks purchased a home near Hayesville and therefore the Pore-Helbert families began attending the church together. That also included my brother,Terry, and Bill's two brothers, Tom and Gary, and their wives. My brother later married the Ramsey's daughter, making it a full circle of Methodists. I well remember our daughter dearly loving her first Sunday School teacher, Nancy Hawks Nebergall. I took both our children to Sunday School and appreciated the open arms of Mrs. Ernsberger and Mrs. Applegate (now Jones) to hold 2 week old Chad many Sundays while I kept the pace with 2 year old Andrea.

The turn around of our church was an extra blessing for families with small children. Prior to that we parked along Rt. 60 and had to watch traffic and children. We are thankful for our parking lot.

One of my favorite memories of church families working together was our autumn Harvest Dinners. Adah McCrory contacted everyone who had any connection to our church and everyone donated or helped. Ruth Stafford was one of the best kitchen helpers--what a worker she was--they made a great pair.

Bill and I only chaperoned one overnight MYF party at the Mifflin Methodist Church. Who had the kazoo?

I also remember Alice Miller, who was almost blind. She had requested someone to come to her home just to read the Bible to her.

Then there was the Sunday my Dad and Rev. Frees shared poems they had written and who will ever forget the day Dad gave the children's sermon about flies!!!

Submitted by Amy Harner Claprood, Clayton, NC 10-7-2005

Barb Dalton is at the center of some of my fondest memories from Hayesville United Methodist Church. As my youth leader and Sunday school teacher, she modeled authentic Christianity to me. She showed me that following Jesus was a way of life, not just something we did for a couple of hours on Sunday morning. She was always available, and there was no doubt that she loved me. I remember our class meeting in the room behind the pulpit, sitting on couches and drinking hot chocolate or tea out of mugs we exchanged. I remember her annual Christmas breakfast - and the whole church hoping for some leftovers since they had to smell it all morning. The kitchen was very small but the aroma was not! I remember making hard-tack candy and peanut brittle to sell as a fund-raiser for some of our projects. I remember playing Bible trivia for several weeks running to encourage us to start getting in the Word and knowing what it says. (And I can tell you I will NEVER forget that there is no "s" on the book of Revelation.) I remember doing a personal finances study so that we would be better prepared to be responsible adults in the world, whether that was in college or in the workforce. Barb taught us about bringing our Bibles to church and reading them at home. She had us memorizing scripture before that was popular. She knew that hiding the Word in our hearts was important. She also knew that kids like to have fun - so she hosted swimming parties at her house and she took us to lock-ins and concerts and she wasn't afraid to go bowling or skating with us. But the thing that I remember the most is that even though you left her class, you never left her heart. As I went on to college, she asked me to give the sermon for Student Sunday two years in a row. As I wed my husband, Joe, she was there even though the wedding was out of town. As I anticipated the arrival of our first daughter, Allie, she was at our baby shower. And I suspect that even now she prays diligently for our second daughter, Jenna. Out of her class, but never out of her heart. It takes someone special to work with teens. She served us well and created a lot of memories for each of us. So even though I'm out of her class she will always be in my heart.

I remember wearing my jeans rolled up to my knees and catching frogs down by the creek bank at church. No, I didn't attend in the early 1900s. But I did help create the set and perform the children's musical that showed everyone "I am a Promise, a Possibility". Under the musical direction of JoAnn Echelberger and the creative direction of Sue DiPuccio, a whole bunch of us kids had a really fun time singing and dancing and acting as part of the Sunshine Kids (Kids of the Kingdom) choir. Every Wednesday we walked to the church after school and had choir practice. We sang one Sunday per month and usually performed two musicals, a spring program and a Christmas Program. We took the summer off. I have many choir pins in my jewelry box (one for each year I participated) I sang my first solo at Hayesville UMC also. My mama sat me on the choir loft railing (she'd be appalled if someone did that now) and helped me sing "Open Up Your Heart and Let the Sunshine in" As I got older, JoAnn gave me (along with the Diener girls) several solos. But my favorite will always be "Down by the Creek Bank".

Submitted by Jack and Eleanor Patterson Richmond 3/2/06

Jack grew up in Akron, Ohio and attended an Evangelical Church and also a church in Cuyahoga Falls which his Dad started and served as lay minister. Jack and his family moved to Hayesville in 1945/46 and we were married in the Hayesville Methodist Church in 1947. The configuration of the inside of the church was turned around then, of course, and you entered the church by the front door nearest the street. The choir could be viewed from wherever you sat in the church.

I (Eleanor) was raised in Hayesville and was baptized at the church at age 6 or 7, perhaps even age 8, along with my baby brother Gene.

As a teenager along with others in the town, we had no meeting place for teens or anything special to do. Several of our parents all got together and reserved the stage at the high school and taught us to square dance. The minister at that time (I cannot remember his name, early 40s) nearly had a stoke over our DANCING and preached a blistering sermon on the fires of Hell. He predicted we would all go there and soon. Each Sunday night, Norman Shilliday taught the five or six of us teens who lived in town, gathering in one of the small classrooms. As a treat when the lesson was over, we would often have popcorn with REAL melted butter over it. Strange how the smell of melted butter today brings back those fun memories of 65 years ago with close friends.

The altar/podium was set on a raised platform (stage) level with the choir loft and there was a space between that and the railing where we kneeled for communion. After a Children's Day program, our oldest child, 3 year old Douglas, spoke his piece, and then jumped down into the space and announced loudly "I jumped in a big ditch!"

Our four children were baptized as babies in the church on the first Palm Sunday following their birth which seemed to be the custom then. (1950s) We always had a very well attended summer Bible School which our children enjoyed.

A special treat for the congregation were duets by sisters Marla and Doris Roberts. Our family also enjoyed hearing Jack singing occasional solos.

One of our favorite teachers at that time was Raymond Mills for our young adult class.

Charlie Richmond had a lot of trouble with sciatica and although he sat on a large foam rubber cushion at the end of a pew, he would often have to leap to his feet during the sermon in an attempt to relieve the pain. I am sure the first time this happened, it must have been quite a shock to the minister.

The ladies of the church would serve a wonderful meal to relatives and friends after a funeral of a member or former member of the church. This was much appreciated by the grieving family.

Another highlight was the annual "Strawberry Festival" held at the park each summer on a Saturday night in June. The food was the best to be found anywhere and it seemed that everyone in the county attended with great enthusiasm. Much hard work went into making the festival a success but it was a marvelous money-maker for the church.

We moved from Hayesville May 30,1963 and these are some of our memories.

Jack and Eleanor Richmond

Memories by Vic and Sally Kahl

We joined the Hayesville United Methodist Church in 1959, which was then the Hayesville Methodist Church.

Several happenings come to mind as we reminisce.

Dorothy Dalton, Cora Clutter, and Lucile Helvie, neighbors all living on South Mechanic Street and members of the Garden Club, faithfully gathered at the church on Saturday to arrange the flowers for the altar. We don't know just where they found the flowers, but every Sunday there was a beautiful bouquet arranged for us to enjoy.

In a farm magazine we saw a recipe for Hard Tack Candy. We took the recipe, a couple of tin foil pans and went to the home of Clayton and Portia McGuire to try this candy making. The McGuires then lived on the Hiett farm at the top of Mifflin Hill. This started our involvement in making candy at the church, with the help of many women and men. We graduated to a marble slab to cool, and then cut into small pillows. Ask Don Ritchie about this process, as he is still helping the Jeromesville Church make this yummy treat.

In the late 60s the Evening Circle purchased pictures of a Nativity Scene. Mr. Dwight Donnelson, cut out wooden forms for us to paste the pictures on. Every year this scene was placed by the front of the church.

When we think of Christmas, we can't forget the many hours with the help of Dick and Annis Strine cutting out small nativities for us to sand, paint and varnish to sell as a money project. This endeavor proved to be very successful.

In 1980, Rev. William Pierce came to the farm and we discussed a location to hold an Easter Sunrise Service. Vic was farming the former McCrory farm, so Rev. Pierce and I, Sally, asked Mrs. Robt. Killey (now Ream) if there would be any objection for us to walk to top of the large hill for this service. With their blessings we were welcomed to do this. Jack McCrory asked Mr. Mac McKibben about making a cross, which he did. We still use it today, as the tradition of going to the top of the hill continues.

These projects prove that "MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK."

Vic and Sally Kahl 2006

Memories of Marjorie Patterson

I'm Marjorie J. (Morris) Patterson and was raised in a Methodist Church. I first attended the St. James Methodist Church and regularly sang in front of the congregation. "I'll Be a Sunbeam". I've lived my life by this song because when I sang it when I was small, I took the words to heart and knew that I would be a sunbeam for Jesus. After all, He wanted me for a sunbeam.

I've been a remember of the Hayesville Methodist Church for a long, long time. I was married in this church and raised my daughters, Kimberly, Natalie, and Tammy in this church. My memories are many. I served as Sunday School teacher for many years, Jr. Church teacher when Rev. Dowdell was here, I taught Bible School, was MYF advisor, I've served on the church board and have always been a member of the Evening Circle of the United Methodist Women, since transferring my membership to the Hayesville church.

I served with my husband as chaperon for the Bell Choir of which our daughters had bought bells in their names for our new church bell choir. They performed in Methodist churches and we stayed at the homes of congregation members. It was a real meaningful experience for ourselves as well as the youth. While in Tennessee, we visited the Grand Ole Opry and a wax museum. We visited Mammoth Cave in Kentucky and had a real underground experience. The good Lord's works underground were amazing and beautiful. We had a great group of youth bell choir members and they were very well behaved.

Who remembers visiting Rev. Candance Thompson's motel room and seeing her bounce to high heaven on her bed? She was a lot of fun and good laughs. She was the first woman minister to serve our congregation. It would have been nice if at the time she was in our church, we could have all been sunbeams. Many of you were and you're still shining. I do believe it has been extended to others that had their doubts of a woman minister, as most have readily accepted Rev. Wendy.

Being MYF advisor was a real joy as were all the other positions. My memories of MYF are many. We did so many activities that I now wonder how we accomplished them. We, the youth, did the paper drives, soup suppers, crop walks, UNICEF, we played volleyball, basketball, and we even got in some soft ball. We. the youth, had camp outs, camp ins, a lot of progressive dinners and they always sponsored a church evening of fun and activities for the whole congregation on an annual basis. Many of these same youths still attend our church or other churches, they all are in good standing in this mixed up world of unrest and are doing very well for themselves and others. I try to keep track of those that were under our supervision during church functions and I am very proud of each and every one of them. I'd like to commend those parents that were always there for us, Adelene & Paul Dennis, Garlan Miller, Sandra & Russell Berry, Marge & Dan Shepherd, Marilyn & Gary Scarberry, and Mr. & Mrs. Marion Miller. Mike and Lora Tyson furnished many hours of Bible trivia. The whole congregation supported us or we could not have accomplished all we did without their support.

The paper drives were a real community outreach program. The youth actually went from house to house to pick up the papers, saving the elderly and others time, energy and fuel. The soup suppers were the same and were very successful. Yes, we served at the church but many youths delivered soup suppers to shut-ins. They were a very humble, respectful of their elderly group of youth that represented our church in a very excellent manner not only in our community but neighboring communities with their activities.

A most memorable event took place when our congregation, way back when decided to turn the inside of our church around. I mean pews and all. At which time we decided it would be a good idea to paint the inside church walls. An evening I wasn't working, but will always remember my husband Tom, telling about his evening of painting at the church. He could hardly get the true story out without laughing just a little but at the time said he was so startled and frightened. He, Portia McGuire, and others were on these really high ladders and Portia fell. As Tom looked down he saw Portia's hair laying on the floor, only her hair mind you. He said his heart jumped in his throat; he thought she was a goner only to realize as his eyes scanned the area and saw that Portia still had hair on her head that the lonesome pile on the floor was a wig. (Portia was a beautician and had such finery of a wig to cover her bad hair day.) With much relief he came down off the ladder and assisted in getting Portia back on her feet. I don't recall, but I'm sure she must have been black and blue or hurt somewhat. If nothing else, a bit humiliated. (Editors note, Portia broke her little finger and two ribs).

Remember Rev. Bob & Mary Ann Suggs performing their "Wedding Feast Song" They we real fun people and had so much enthusiasm. We shall not forget Rev. Williams, Rev. Pierce, Rev. Thompson, Rev. Raynes, Rev. Dowdell, Rev. Ball, Rev. Frees and their families. Very fond memories of each and everyone of them.

Remember always, JESUS wants YOU for a SUNBEAM.

Marjorie J Patterson 1/02/06

Another poem written by Leon E. Pore in 11/87

Grandma Ruth


Grandma Pore went through the door
She is going to town once more
Penney's, K-Mart and lots of shops
She makes Lee make lots of stops
Takes food and groceries to Ella Mae
Almost every other day
White Barn and Chapter One are on the list
And here are others that won't be missed
To the Dentist - he makes a killing
With a pulled tooth or a brand new filling
To the bank and the Home Hardware
Weather is always a real scare
Harlow's new and then we see
There's no toilet there for Lee to Pee
And don't forget the old Big Wheel
And Cash and Carry has a big deal
To Hawkins Market - don't forget
And there'll be others we'll find yet
Oh Yes! There's Strauss clothing store
Where you get less and pay lots more
Then Grandma Pore went in the door
She is coming from town once more
She'll watch the SOAPS - a daily chore
And plan for tomorrow a Grand Encore!...

Compiled Notes by Hugh R. McCrory Methodist Episcopal Churches in Vermillion County

First erected by George Eckley in N. E. corner of Vermillion Twp. 1816-1819

Log cabin type structure - free to all Protestant denominations

First quarterly conference held here.

Some years later the building was burned.

Frame building was erected - called Eckley Meeting house. Some of the stone foundation can be found in the area at the north side of Eckley Cemetery.

First preacher - 1835 Shadwirk Roark.

The building was also used for a school house until 1928.

1830 Hayesville Episcopal Methodist Church was a log structure 25 ft. by 30 ft. by 16 ft. high and later it burned down.

In 1855 a new frame building was erected 38x50. Membership was 150.

In 1920 to 1928 it was remodeled plus a new furnace and coal bin. Dug out in the north west corner.

Men of the church as well as Harry Bell and James Mowry with teams and slip scrapers did the work.

The dedication was in 1928 and two of the twelve ministers of this church were speakers. Rev. Eugene Rush (name in stained glass window of the north side of present sanctuary) gave some interesting history of this church.

Dr. Ralph Diffendorfer (Uncle Ralph or Diff) as the family called him. He was born in the second house north of this church August 15, 1879. Parents were Frank and Addie Diffendorfer. He was educated in Hayesville Grammar School. He attended Hayesville Institute - later called Hayesville Academy. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio in 1902 and Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, New Jersey in 1908. He received an honor degree from Ohio Wesleyan, Illinois Wesleyan and Boston University. In 1911 he attended First International Missionary Meeting in Holland. In 1911 he was appointed secretary of the Epwoth League and appointed secretary of Board of Home and Foreign Missions. He was a member of Commission on Conservation and advance of Inter World Church movement. In 1928 he attended International Missionary meeting in Jerusalem. 1937 he attended Council on Church, Community, and State in Oxford, England. In 1938 he attended International Missionary Meeting in Madra, capital of India and attended World Council in Amsterdam. In 1946 he recommended to World Council of Churches that the Agricultural College in Japan be reorganized and expanded to International Christian University as a token of atonement of atom bombs dropped on Japan to end WWII. Funds to be provided by World Council of Churches plus private donations. The dedication was April 29, 1952. Aunt Edna was present. (Annis Strine was on this campus while on a trip to Japan in 1991) In January 29, 1951 Diff made a purchase of Brass hardware and doors for the ICU Hall. Diff died on January 30,1951 in the elevator of an office building from a heart attack after lunch. An all day meeting in the office was almost canceled, but Aunt Edna insisted the meeting should continue.

General Douglas A. MacArthur was honorary chairman of the campaign to raise funds for ICU. Dr. Diffendorfer urged the president of ICU to be a Japanese citizen, to avoid the impression to the world that Americans were in control of ICU. Nominations of a committee plus ballot chose as Chairman, Togasake; Vice Chairman, Kricte; and Secretary, Okabe.

Grace (McCrory) Felton was secretary to Diff for several years. E. Stanley Jones worked in the same office as Diff. Before Jones went to find Dr. Livingston in Africa, Grace wrote and typed changes for Jones who wanted a third change. Grace answered "Change your own trip, you will probably get lost anyway!".

The McCrory family took the Diffendorfers to Mansfield or Galion to take the train back to New Jersey. Hugh R. and Ellen L. McCrory were on a visit to Aunt Edna in the fall of 1951 in Madison, New Jersey.

Uncle Ralph and Aunt Edna are buried on the east side of the drive way and north of Veterans Memorial stone in Vermillion Cemetery.

In 1852 the Hammond Episcopal Methodist Church was built in Widowville and had about 60 members. The church was still standing when Rev. Dick Thomas was here.

Other people who became minister from Hayesville Methodist Church were
• Rev. John Brant
• Rev. John McCrory
• Rev. Leslie Bohnert
• Rev. Walter Ewing
• Rev. Will Chase.

How I became a Displaced Person by Virginia (Myers) Patterson

For the first 25 years of my life, I always worked in the church and was pianist for 6 years. I was born, raised, baptized, and grew up and married in the church - the Jeromesville Christian Church or Church of Christ.

My parents were good Christian members of this church all of their married life. My father was of the Lutheran faith who lived in Pittsburgh during his early life and my mother was of the Jeromesville area, both serving the Lord until death took them.

After Bill and I were married and living in Hayesville, I continued driving to the Jeromesville Church several times a week to serve as their pianist. This came to an end with gas rationing during the war; so my husband could go to work. We could walk to the Methodist Church and worship with my father-in-law, Michael George Patterson. In a short time I was invited to be their pianist which lasted from 1944 to 2000. Displaced? Yes. Virginia Myers Patterson

Memories by Harriet Patterson Rush

My mother, Virginia Patterson, was the first person I remember playing the piano at the Hayesville Church when I was a little girl. After an organ was purchased, she played it. My Dad would sit with my three brothers and myself during the Sunday morning service until we were old enough to sit by ourselves. My mother played for Church from 1941 until she retired in the late 1990s.

Some of my early Sunday School teachers were: Luzetta Strine, Doris Ritchie, Pauline McAdoo, Carroll Patrick (my uncle), Barney McFarlin, and Vic Kahl. I remember going to Sunday School class and church every Sunday from the time I was very small until I graduated from Ashland College.

Rev. Richard R. Thomas Jr. was the minister when I took Catechism Class and became a member of Hayesville Methodist Church.

I was in MYF, sang in the choir from High School until I graduated from college, and I taught Sunday School class for some of the younger ages during the summer while I attended Ashland College.

I remember our Hayesville Church having yearly summer festivals at Kendig Park. My mother, my father, and Bill and Burdette Johnson were always frying the hamburgers at these festivals. I remember that all of us during our Junior High and High School years helped at these festivals, too, by clearing tables, running errands, or whatever needed to be done. Those festivals were well attended by the church members and Hayesville and Vermillion township residents. Good food, entertainment, and fun for all who came to work and eat!!

One of the biggest highlights of my life was my marriage to Earl Rush, Jr., on June 25, 1966, here at this church. Rev. Herbert Burkhart was the minister then.

Harriet Rush

Memories by Gene W. Patterson

My memories are all from Hayesville Methodist Church days prior to the 1968 merger of the Methodists with other denominations which gave rise to the new denominations known as The United Methodist Church.

Earliest among my Sunday School memories, is participation by my brother Dennis and me in the Sandbox Class. This was for children of pre-kindergarten age and offered a minimum of Bible stories and a maximum of playing in the sand. The Sandbox consisted of a long table of a height to accommodate our little chairs. I would guess that four inch boards had been added around the edges of the table top, to form a sand box. Various toy trucks and blocks were provided. We constructed hills and roads and spilled a lot of sand on the floor. There was always a Bible story and one or more songs. Other participants included Donald Ritchie, Carol Tuttle, and Earl Rush.

Then we would join our parents in the sanctuary for the sermon, which got pretty loud sometimes. At least one of the Preachers was often described as a Hell-fire and damnation type, although I didn't know then just what that meant. As I recall, he didn't last very long as our minister.

As we got older, we participated in Sunday School classes that offered more Bible stories and less playing, although I am sure we got rowdy now and then. A more important change may have been that during the church service following Sunday School, Donald Ritchie, Dennis and I no longer sat with our parents. We decided we were old enough to sit by ourselves in a pew against the wall at the back of the sanctuary. Although relatively quiet, we were restless and made fun of whoever and whatever we could.

To encourage conscientious attendance, people received a pin on which a bar was attached for each year, or perhaps each quarter? of perfect attendance. Dennis and I had quite a few attached bars, but Donald Ritchie was the champ.

For a number of years, Donald, Dennis and I were the official counters of the collection after Sunday School, before joining with the others in the church service. It is possible that we were counting for the entire Sunday School, but I suspect it was only for those classes at high school and below. At any rate, we thought it was a pretty important job, and we took it very seriously.

Other good memories include:

· being a member of the church choir

· attending the Summer Festivals sponsored by the church

· painting the walls of the old coal bin by the Methodist Youth Fellowship to convert it into an activities room

having our daughter, Kelly, baptized in the church in 1961

One family story is about the wiring of the church building. In its earliest days, the church must have had gas lights. At some point, probably in the 1920s or early 1930s, the church was ready to be wired for electricity. My grandfather, Michael George Patterson, donated the wiring along with his labor. He did the job with the help of my father, George, and his brother, my Uncle William.

All good memories, Gene Patterson

Of Interest - Kelly Ann Patterson-Paulson, Mundelein, Illinois

I am enclosing a photo of Gene Patterson, Mary Ann Patterson, Sally Patterson, Dennis Patterson and Kelly Ann (me) at my Baptism in your church in 1961. This is a surprise to add to my Father's wonderful letter.!! It was my Grandfather, George Patterson, taking the picture.

Thank you and I wish you much success with this worthwhile project. I can't wait to see it!

Memories by Tammy Patterson Young

My childhood memories of the Hayesville United Methodist Church were considered the best memories of my life while living at home. Our family was involved with the church. As a young child I have fond memories of sitting together with my mom, dad, and two sisters. We would all get dressed up for church in the morning then head up to our pew. We had come to accept the pew as our place in the church, like a branch off of ones own family. I always loved to sit and listen to my Grandma Patterson play the organ and piano during the service. She was inspiring with the music she played. I would sing along even when it might have been a special group singing the tunes. The music pulled in with those groups, with those such as Marge and Dan Shepherd, Bill and Betty Harner, and Barb Dalton. The days the full choir sang were even more reason to celebrate together as it would take us closer to heaven with our hearts.

As we grew up together with our church family, we got more involved with the youth activities. Early memories are the good times we had with the Bell Choir. Pastor Candance Thompson started the drive for the church to buy the bells, so we could come together and play the tones, forming the most beautiful sounds of music. One summer had vivid memories of traveling together with the parents and the pastor to several churches in Tennessee. We all had a grand time. There was fellowship from morning until night. We were guests at those churches we played at and were treated like we belonged because of the religious connection. We stayed the night with host families. We felt safe and secure. My parents were drivers for this trip. They ensured all of us bell players had a good time. We had gone to Opry Land while we were in the Nashville area. It was great.

Once we grew into youths, we became involved with YF. My earliest memories of the advisors were Jobi and Delores Bennett and Sandra and Russell Berry. The big activities we did to raise money were the Soup Suppers and the Paper Drives. These were fun to do. We worked together to provide a good community service to others. Bill Scarberry had a truck, so on the paper drives, he was the one who drove us around to pick up the papers from the elderly. We always had good times in everything we did together.

As both advisors planned to retire as the YF leaders, my parents took over to keep it going. Garland Miller was also a big helper. We continued on faith; paper drives, the soup suppers, and UNICEF collections. We added connecting with the Ashland Methodist Church Youth Group. We went to camp together in Perrysville. The weather at the camp ruled our plans for the day. When it rained we took full use of the barn playing basketball. When it snowed we rode the tubes down the massive hill. All of us became friends. God was always watching over us, we never had a mishap on our adventures.

During the summer my mom and dad, with the help of Garlan, took the group camping at the Mohican Forest camp ground. We had a great time cooking out and playing in the river.

Another fun tradition we did during YF was the YMCA family night. Once a year we would get the church members to come together to enjoy swimming and basketball. As our church family grew in size we out grew the YMCA and moved our event to Ashland University. This day of the year was always a fun time for all of us.

At Christmas time, we always looked forward to the annual progressive supper. Our families worked hard to make the night memorable. We would cook up a storm. From house to house we would go and eat and eat. No one went home wishing they had taken another bite. Together we had great fellowship. Thanks to the many families for this event - the Dennis', Daltons, Pattersons, Millers, Pattons, Scarberrys, Rush, and the Hoovers.

The YF group also had a volley ball team. We played against local church groups at the Hayesville School. We had weekly games that kept us busy during the winter months. Those I can remember playing were Dan Prince, the Nebergalls, Bill Scarberry, Tim Young, The Millers, Michelle Patton, Amy Dennis, the Hoovers, my dad, myself and Natalie. We always had a hoot.

Then there was summer softball league the church played in. Vic Kahl was the pitcher and good at it. I was always just happy to get a hit. Slow pitch was sort of hard to hit, but Bill Scarberry could always send it out towards the woods.

Church has always been a part of my life. It laid the foundation of my childhood life that formed who I am today. I want to thank each and every one of you for being part of my extended family, my church family. Tammy Young

Memories of Dennis Patterson

My brother Gene sent me a copy of his letter to the history committee. To be sure his memories and mine are very similar.

On electrification of the church, (that of course is not a memory of mine) as it was done 10 years before I was born. It was a very happy memory for my Grandma, Albina Patterson, as she told me the story (a couple of times of course) of how very proud she was that my Grandpa, Michael George Patterson, and their boys took the Hayesville Methodist Church from the dim and sparse gas lighting into the bright and beautiful world of electricity.

Enclosed is a copy of my certificate of promotion from the cradle roll department into the beginners department in 1940. Listed are the names of three of the wonderful people who helped keep the Church and Sunday School running smoothly. I was always able to be with the "older boys" even before this promotion only because I could tag along with my older brother. I believe Martha Strine realized I was younger than most of the kids, and she always made an effort to see that I was OK. Martha had such a soft and sweet voice, and such a very gentle touch, and just made me happy to be there. Let me assure you all that I will have very happy and loving thoughts of Martha Echelberger Strine for as long as I shall live. Thanks Martha, for the beautiful memories.

In the mid to late 1940s, Rev. Harry Dotson, a very fine man, took me and many of the kids my age into the Church. Rev. Dotson was just amazed that we didn't study our Bible teachings more diligently.

In 1949 we got a wonderful young pastor and wife who would probably have brought many new teenagers into our church, but before they were really settled in, the Korean War started and there was a great need for chaplains. Bill Hardesty went back into the service, and I never saw him again.

Rev. Thomas was here in early to mid 1950s and was really well liked and well accepted.

In the early 1950s Dawn Marie Dalton was keeping records for the Sunday School. She had Lee Kirsh, Gene Patterson, and Dennis Patterson assist with money collection, etc. Dawn did not only the money but also the attendance records. I only helped with this maybe one year or two. I believe we usually had 100 + in attendance.

Rev. Wallace, a nice man, was here in maybe 1955 and 1956. I believe there were fears of a lynch mob, and the good Reverend didn't stay here too long.

As you can see, I have great memories of growing up in the community and in the Methodist Church. I want to thank you all that lived through those same years with me and helped create the great memories. Thanks again. God bless you all and God bless my church.

Dennis Patterson

Memories of JoAnn Helvie Echelberger

Where do I start? My life has been so based and intertwined with this church that it is hard to know. Guess I'll start with moving to Hayesville in 1941, when my Dad bought Harry Bressler's barber shop and pool hall and moved us to Hayesville from Ashland. I had always attended church and Sunday School in Ashland and so was pleased to find that our new house (fixer upper) was only four doors north of the church.

I remember the back wall of the church was at the back two windows of the choir room as it is now. In the grassed in lawn between the alley and the church were two outhouses. Being raised with a bathroom, I was horrified to think of ever going in them. Good thing I lived close!

I remember the swelling of support to get rid of the outhouses and have some decent restrooms. At the same time the Sunday School attendance was high, 75-100, and we also needed nine Sunday School rooms. With timid backing we did hire Ike Booth to plan two restrooms and build the walls out to include two Sunday School rooms. It was a great success and was paid for in two years. At the same time Jack McCrory and others built the movable screens (some in use today) to make four rooms in the social room. We had the accordion walls making four more rooms and the kitchen.

I remember how we all had pinched fingers from those accordion doors and weren't a bit sorry to see them go when we later walled them in. At the same time we had two classes in the sanctuary and put a large curtain across the choir for a class there. The basement was just two damp rooms, one for the furnace and a room which had been the coal bin, which was transformed into a youth room.

Dick and I were married in 1947 by Rev. Harry Dotson. We had the wedding and the reception in the church and our picture shows the background of the west facing sanctuary room.

I remember teaching Sunday School for 15 years. Not to say how old I am but I had Frank Metcalf and Dennis Motter in my class at first.

I remember Vacation Bible School was important to my children and to all the children who still attend. It has been a lot of fun through the years, and I still help in some way.

I remember leading the Kids of the Kingdom Choir for probably 15 years, quitting only when I went to teach in Shelby and could not make it home in time for after school practice. I began again when I transferred to Ashland JVS. We had a point system for attendance and credit for singing in church when it was our turn. When attaining enough points we would have a party. We had pizza parties, roller skating, sledding parties, bowling, and others. It gave me a good excuse because I enjoyed them too. One practice I found out that one of the Nebergall boys had been hit by a car the night before and had not been to school that day, but came to choir practice. The twins had perfect attendance for six years. We had such a good time and produced the Christmas plays and a spring play each year. One highlight was "Down By the Creekbank." Rev. Frees was here then and we presented the play for the Mother-Daughter Evening and he asked us to repeat it for the whole church. I still have my attendance book and since we had 22 in choir, the mothers made the white robes for them, I won't try to name them all. Gwendy Deiner was such good singer and not afraid to fill in at the last moment. Amy Harner was so small when she started in the choir, and sang the song "So Small" for the Creekbank. Andy Gardner played the part of Hark the Herald Angel in a Christmas play. We had several accompanists: Jamie Gossett, Deb Harner, and later Betty Harner. So many good memories and I am so glad to see some of those same members in church with their families today.

When Rev. Wendy Guion came to our church, she started the After School Program for grades 1 to 8. I have helped with that since it started. We have met many of Hayesville's children and learned to love them. I guess that is the big change in attendance numbers, since all the kids in Hayesville used to come to our church.

I remember being involved in Ladies Aid, Women's Society of Christian Service, and in the United Methodist Women. Not three clubs, but one and the same, evolving into each other as we grew, expanded, and merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church. My work in this group gradually educated me in the work of Methodist Missions.

I remember the WSCS had noon meetings, as many more women were free during the day in those days. I was in my early twenties and Susie and Gary were in school. I was working as a beautician, but only part time. On one of my days off I would attend the WSCS noon potluck. Husbands who were free to come and business people could come for lunch and pay a dollar. Ed Stover was one of them. This money went for mission giving. They quilted in the afternoon. I have never quilted and was amazed at the beautiful work they did.

I remember going to church with my Mom and Dad. Funny, we sat in about the same pew that my own family sat later and still do today. For a while, I sang in choir, and my Dad would always turn around to see if I was there. That is after we turned the church furniture around and we couldn't see the choir anymore.

One Sunday I was singing from the front row of the choir. A little boy came in and sat in the front pew after walking straight down the middle aisle. As time went on he began to pull little black objects from his pockets. Soon we realized they were moving! It turned out to be tiny baby mice. He returned them to his pocket and after church I asked him about them. He had picked them up as he walked across the field to the church.

I'm trying to remember only happy memories, but you know that it wasn't all sunshine. Thank God, most of it was. Turning the sanctuary furniture around was one of the big disagreements of our church. It wasn't a big thing to Dick and me, but our church lost some of our most valued members over this change.

I remember the building of the parsonage and LeRoy Ramsey and my brother-in-law, Clayton McGuire being on the building committee. That was something we were so happy to have and the old parsonage was sold and moved to East Main St.

I think it was about 1990 that Marie Hall, head of Headstart, came to our church and asked to hold classes here. We signed a lease and our association started. They held classes even through the upheaval of building the addition. They used the side lawn where the old parsonage had been for a play ground. Upon purchasing the acreage to the west of the church, they have placed the playground back there. They have really enjoyed the use of the new fellowship hall, along with the rest of us.

I remember our children being raised and active in the church. Susie took piano lessons from Virginia Patterson, our pianist and organist, and that gave her the chance to play duets with Virginia once in a while. I remember that Nancy Johnson and Lindy McGuire also did this. It is a good thing to involve our young people in some kind of service, for it makes their faith stronger in the effort. Susie was always involved in Sunday School activities and Methodist Youth Fellowship, and sang often with a quartet of friends: Jackie Workman, Sandy Gregg, and cousin, Marcella Strine.

I remember that our son, Gary, was even at that time involved in fixing, painting, etc. He and I once painted the high ceiling on scaffolds in the social room when he was in high school. And he was on hand when the men built the rafters and lifted them into place for the entry room we have now. He planned the kitchen, using the cupboards from the upstairs kitchen and we only had to buy a few to have the kitchen we have now.

I remember how much work went into the new addition in 1994 and how many people showed up to help. We didn't know how, but with the leadership of the building committee, we learned and accomplished much more than we thought we could do. Bill Hoover was an able leader and he would have to be the one to remember the names of the builders. I know that our people always wanted to have a useable basement and it took Bill's vision and able leadership to finally get it accomplished. Architects said it couldn't be done, but with help of a draftsman who drew it out for us we did it. We were always waiting for Dick Dalton to come home on his leave from his work traveling to help in the construction.

I remember going with out a steeple on the church for a few years. The new steeple was one of Bill's visions too. And we got it done!

I told you I have a lot of memories and it has been fun writing them down. And as I write them down I keep thinking of the people whom God has used to affect my life. We have many angels among us.

JoAnn Echelberger

Memories of Women's Mission

This was written for the United Methodist Women's Sunday on April 23, 2006. During this year we have highlighted our history, using the different service groups of the church.

In 1958, the women's group was still called Women's Society of Christian Service. The Evening Circle had been established to enable working women and mothers with small children to help in the work of the Society. Apparently, according to minutes found in the archives, JoAnn Echelberger was the first "Captain" and Portia was Secretary. Every three months, the whole group met together to plan projects. Doris Ritchie was president of the combined society. A pledge was made each year, as it is today, to give to the District WSCS for furthering projects of mission, both home and abroad. Our District at that time was the Mansfield District.

In one of the minutes, members were urged to attend the General Assembly in St. Louis, spring of 1959. I don't think anyone did, but in later years we did attend Assemblies in Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Kansas City, Orlando, and others.

The minutes of our meetings usually were in planning church and parsonage improvement. We painted Sunday School furniture, built closet and cupboard space in Sunday School rooms, drapes for the parsonage, planned the church spring house cleaning, new toys for the church nursery, etc.

Ground breaking for the new parsonage was Dec. 4, 1973. While it was a worthwhile project keeping the old parsonage up, we were all thrilled and excited to have the new one. We put in many hours and money in opening it. That old parsonage was purchased in 1900 for $500 from Elizabeth Moore and Rev. Henry S. Powell was the first minister to reside there. The very first parsonage was rented from Fred Roehleder 1874 to 1900. The care of the parsonages was very central to the local work of the WSCS.

Each WSCS meeting was a noon pot luck on Monday, I believe. Husbands who were free to attend and business people in town could dine with us and pay $1. Ed Stover attended regularly for the noon meal. And why not? The best cooks in town. The meeting was followed by quilting. The quilts were sold for profit for mission work. Another memory of many was counting tax stamps for a refund. 100 stamps were packaged together and turned in for refund from the State of Ohio.

The membership in 1958 Evening Circle was about 20-25 as it is now. Of course, the membership of the first circle was about the same, so we had a combined membership of 50 or so. We had great interest in our youth group and frequently payed registration at a district event in return for a report of the event at our meeting. Names of people dear to our hearts dot the pages of minutes and Times Gazette articles. Sarah Wiltrout, Jean Schuck, Anna Diffendorfer, Evelyn Patterson, Burdette Johnson, Martha Strine, Margaret Shilliday, Grace Miller, Adah McCrory, Ellen McCrory (long time treasurer), Wanda Strine, Vida Williams, Mae McCrory, Wynona Frees, Gerry Purdum, Susan Ball. These people have passed on and the work they did in our church will long be remembered.

The young people frequently favored us with programs such as a flute solo by Suzanne Freeborn, a program by Joan Strine and Jamie Gregg, a quartet by Sandy Gregg, Sue Echelberger, Marcella Strine, and Jackie Workman, children's SS classes, Jr. Choir and many others.

1n 1968 The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church combined and changed many things greatly. Our Society then became known as United Methodist Women. We became part of the Wooster District. Much of the work and interest remained the same locally, but the scope of the work enlarged. Schools of Mission were started to educate members in the work of the church in home mission here in the states and in world mission. Many settlement houses were started to help the poor and disadvantaged and many were improved and enlarged. In the East Ohio Conference, we have Open M in Akron, Cleveland West Side Community House, Rebecca Williams Center in Warren, and Urban Missions in Stubenville. The EUB Church brought the interest in Henderson Settlement in Kentucky, started by that church and continues today as a United Methodist Mission.

Just last year (2005) the Districts were changed and now we are called Mid Ohio District. In our local group, we have usually had five or six attending schools of mission, held in the summer time at Mt. Union College and in September at Lakeside. The purpose of UMW will go on as long as we have interested members in work and knowledge of mission.

Submitted by JoAnn Echelberger, President 2005.

Memories of Jill Heffelfinger Deems

I remember Vic Kahl was our Sunday School teacher in 7th grade. We had class in the old basement, which all of us thought was cool. We probably weren't the most well behaved group though. Sorry Vic!! I remember Vic told us all that he would like us to come and see him after we were older, maybe in 5-7 years, so we should apply the lessons he was teaching us. He did teach us a lot about how to treat people well, by applying the Golden Rule. That class has always stuck out in my mind as Vic was a great role model for all of us Junior High kids. Thanks Vic!

I remember the MYF initiation when we had to walk through spaghetti and eat cat eyeballs. These were actually grapes that had been peeled. We didn't know that at the time though!

My funniest memory was when I was 4. We had a gift exchange at Christmas time in Sunday School class and I received a comic book. I didn't think it was too great at the time since my mom would never let me buy them. Well, I came out of the room, saw my mom, burst into tears, and ran to her saying "All I got was a #+* old comic book". I was not a model child that day!

The Shillidays

Norman, Margaret, Barbara, Richard, and Douglas moved to Hayesville in June, 1938. A few years later The Rev. Mitzle asked me to play the piano for Sunday School and church. Edythe McKinley faithfully led the singing and I counted from fifteen to twenty people in the congregation for church.

I taught a Sunday School class during the summer of 1946. We met in a small room at the east end of the choir loft. And there was absolutely no ventilation. I don't remember this - but Donald Ritchie and Dennis Patterson tell me that one Sunday we were all miserable with the heat, and I finally suggested that we go up to the corner for popsicles. I'll bet I could have won the award for teacher of the year that day!

Barbara Shilliday Kirsh Holtkamp

Memories of Barb Dalton

I began coming to this church when I was 10 years old. My friend Pat Gregg McClure invited me to join her. We both sang in the junior choir for JoAnn Echelberger. I can still remember Pat and I sang the church songs as we walked home from school.

We also went to World Friendship Girls at Pauline McAdoo's house. It was a study on missionaries and there were usually enough for 2 card tables of girls. I was so in awe of her home with the beautiful carpet, large rooms, etc. We lived in 2 small rooms with a basement and outdoor plumbing. Pauline was so faithful to have us week after week and year after year. She even had special refreshments each week.

Youth Group was several kids around town - Dennis Motter, Frank Reed, Bob Rush, Pat Gregg and others. We met in the old basement Sunday School room where the crawl space was. We always thought there had to be mice or something that would come from there and get us!

Dick and I were married in this church on July 10, 1964 before the sanctuary was turned around. I was on the committee that voted to change the sanctuary around. I remember listening to the folks who had investigated it, giving all the benefits of changing it, such as having the children out of harm's way with the traffic on SR 60. Also it was suggested that folks had a hard time returning to church after a funeral held there because of visualizing the casket up front so we could now have the casket in the choir area and visitors could enter one door and exit the other. Also we were getting new carpet and it needed to be decided before the pews were screwed back down on the carpet. It seemed to have been thoroughly researched so I voted to change the church around, never knowing the problems created! I heard folks say they had never come in the back door and never would. I was stunned. To me, the door didn't matter - just that I could get into the church! Others were so distressed about the windows in the entrance, as they wouldn't be able to see "their window". I felt badly that some were so hurt but it was done.

One of my other memories is the Christmas decorating. Becca Hoover and I began with of boxes of discarded "fuller brush" Christmas tree branches from one of the department stores. We though we had hit the lottery! We wrapped them into wreaths, swags, and arrangements and put on bows (my newly acquired bow making talent); as we discovered treasures from after Christmas sales, our stock grew. We played our Christmas tapes, brought the children and had many shared lunches while we decorated each year.

I can't believe I've been coming to this church over 50 years. Many pastors have come and gone but the core body of the church is still here. Some were my Sunday School teachers, choir directors, mentors and just plain friends. May this church serve to give the new generations many more memories.

Memories of Lloyd Strine and Marla Singer

Good morning, I did get Dad to talk a little bit about the church last week. Dad attended the church since he was small. He said that he joined the church when he was 9 years old, which would have been 1921.When he first started attending, the church was the size of a one room schoolhouse. They had a big youth group. The church rented the brick house across the street for Sunday School for the children. Later Mowry built the Sunday School rooms. They thought about digging out the basement at that time, but didn't think that it was possible. Later the church was jacked up by an Amish crew, the basement dug out and the addition was added to the back alley. The beautiful stained glass windows were put in during the first enlargement. Dad thinks that you probably already know this. I hope someone can verify this information.

I remember the ice cream socials. They were held on a Saturday evening in June at Kendig Park. They usually served ice cream with strawberries, but I also remember sandwiches, salad, and pie and cake. I also remember serving cantaloupe with ice cream in the middle and remembering what a BIG serving of ice cream that was. Sometimes the town band would play in the band shell or gazebo. Joan and I would always have to play in that, but it would get us out of cleaning up the tables where people were eating all that good food. We were so shy!

I'm sure that I had more SS teaches that this, but I remember Doris Ritchie and Jack McCrory the most. We really did learn in these classes, but I don't know how Jack stood us. We were junior high or high school age, met in the choir loft for class, and liked to horse around a lot.

Mom always loved it when Burdette Johnson taught the adult SS class. She always led a powerful lesson. We remember Rev. Dick Thomas and what a youth group you had at that time. He and Marian were such nice people.

Rev. Williams was there when Ron and I got married. I remember him coming out to the vestibule where the bridal party was waiting to go down the aisle. Rev. Williams said that he didn't want to alarm me, but it was 7:25 pm and the groom and best man hadn't arrived yet! I just thought it was funny because I knew that Ron had made many trips to Hayesville from Smithville and he know exactly how long it would take them to get to the church. Afterwards, he said that he couldn't see any sense being early and waiting around.

Dad remembers Rev. Pierce. I don't know if Mom was usually on the PPR committee, but it seemed as if many of the ministers were in contact with her about church. Some memories of the old days.

Some memories of Marion Ely

I moved to Ohio in the fall of 1970, and at the urging of Don and Carol Heffelfinger, started to attend church at Hayesville United Methodist. A few weeks later Jack McCrory stopped at my house and asked if I would teach the adult Sunday School Class. I said I would give it a try. That trial lasted about 28 years, until early in 1999 when I had heart by pass surgery. While I was laid up, Erich Deiner bagan teaching, and he has done such a fine job that I have been very content to retire.

Over those years, I recall many people who were in the class. Among them John and Doris Ritchie, Dick and Myrene Tugend, Alice Miller, Mae McCrory, Jiggs and Portia McGuire, Mary Gannon, Ray Mills and Frances, Jean Schuck, Doris Glass, Ethel Snyder, Martha Strine, Frances Clark, Adelene Dennis, Herb Ewing, Lucille Glasgo, Paul Helbert, Peggy McClure, Ada McCrory, and Ellen MCrory. Also, we were sometimes visited by Carolyn Brown's mother and Dave Mollenshott's mother. I am attempting here to name only those who are not longer class members and if I have missed any, I apologize. Just blame it on my aging memory. Each of these persons, individually, in some way enriched my life.

For a while the class met in the choir loft and then, for many years in the sanctuary. Finally, we got our own class room, where the class still meets.

My saddest memory of these years is the Sunday after the church was turned around, I came in to find half of the class was gone. I considered it a sad and needless loss. However, we continued and the ensuing years have been rewarding.

A year or so after I started teaching, Vic Kahl (who was then, and still is Chairman of the Administrative Board) asked if I would be Church Treasurer, as Barb Miller, who was then treasurer, was moving out of the area. I said I would. That lasted for the next thirty years.

Of these two major responsibilities, I always thought that teaching would be the last I would give up, as it is the one I felt God had called me to do. I was doing the treasurer's job because I had the needed skills, it needed to be done and it was doing God's work. But God made His will known and I am completely content with the result.

In retrospect, being treasurer was probably also God's calling. As treasurer I am happy to recall that over those thirty years we paid our bills on time, met our Conference and District obligations, completed a building program and gave some money directly to other churches.

From time to time I also had the opportunity to serve as Pastor-Parish Relations Chairman, Lay Leader and Lay Speaker. I am grateful that God has sent me to the Hayesville Church and chosen me to do some of His work and then supplied me with the strength and will to do it. I look forward to what is next.

A Memory of Sue Ely

I remember one hot Sunday morning about 30 years ago now. Allie Miller, Ethel Snyder, and I were sitting in the pews waiting for Church Service to start. We were a little early so we were improving our time with a little light chatter. Of course, first and foremost on our minds was how hot it was. This was way before the air conditioning and little paper fans from Fickes Funeral Home had to do the cooling. I said I wonder how the ladies a long time ago that had to wear corsets and petticoats and wool stockings and long skirts and all that, had stood it on days like this. Ethel chimed in and said she sure didn't know how they stood it either. Then dear Allie piped up and said "Well ...we just stood it that's all". We all had a good laugh at that. It still reminds me that those ladies were surely made of sterner stuff than I. Allie always had something pleasant to say and many times had a small lesson for all of us. I remember her favorite song was "How Long Has It Been?"

Memories of Miriam Ritchie

Don and I were married Nov. 25th 1955 by Richard R. Thomas in the Hayesville Methodist Church.

Don went to the Army in January of 1956 to November 1957. I was with him in Tacoma, Washington and Anchorage, Alaska. We came home with Jean Marie. After that time we attended church in Hayesville until July of 1967. At that time we moved to Warsaw, OH. By that time we had Jean, Marla, and Judy. I can remember the Church had a pot luck supper at Bill and Doris Glass' house for us and Rev. and Mrs. Herbert Burkhart. They had been placed to the Trinway Methodist Church close to Dresden, OH.

We moved back to Mansfield in October of 1980 and in November of 1987 we moved back to the house we left in the sixties and where Don was born.

The sanctuary had been turned around while we were gone. Also a new parking lot. The old parsonage had been moved and a new one built on Kimber Lane.

In 1994 when the basement was built we would work Tuesdays and Saturdays. I can remember when the scaffolding was set up. I was standing there looking at it, thinking I wasn't getting up there. I think it was JoAnn or Annis said "Come on Miriam, let's get up there "- -and I went. It was tiresome, but guess we enjoyed doing the work. At least a couple of times we took Don's Mom (Doris) to Lloyd and Martha Strine's to visit. When we picked her up, Lloyd would have a can of pop and candy bar for us. They would wonder how things were coming along, etc.

We appreciated the lunch and snacks the church people would bring.

We need to give credit to those that also gave donations to the cost and couldn't help.

After we were done we would say "It's Tuesday and Saturday and what are we going to do?"

Now we are all enjoying our new addition and I enjoy working in our new kitchen.

Memories of Karon Summer

Shortly after moving to the Mifflin area, I began attending Hayesville United Methodist Church. One important reason for choosing this church was the fact that I knew people who were members and I felt they would make me feel welcome! And I was definitely correct!!

Philip Raynes was pastor and my friends asked me to join the choir under the direction of Jan Raynes. When Pastor Raynes was re-assigned to another church, Betty Harner continued on with the direction of the Senior Choir, and eventually I gave Betty a rest!

In comparison with many others my years and memories at Hayesville United Methodist Church have been few, but all have been full of joy and fellowship. I thank everyone for making this church, "my" church.

Memories of Bill Hoover

My first memory: In 1976 my family and I were still going to Mansfield for church. It was becoming difficult, with the distance, to be very involved in much of the life of the church, so my wife, Becca, and I started attending local churches to find us a new place to worship. She went to quite a few and was surprised at how cold and unfriendly they all had been. It was as though she was intruding into someone's private club uninvited!

She then attended a Sunday service at the Hayesville Methodist Church and came home to tell me how warmly she was received and was invited to come back. Well, we were so comfortable here that we ended up joining your fine congregation. I remember how moved I was by the way that the then Pastor Purdum, at the end of the service for new members, had the whole congregation file past and greet us. It was such a warm gesture that I never have forgotten it.

Where do I start and how much do I try to recall of events that ended in changing not only the building in which we worship and fellowship in, but also changed me and most everyone else who was even remotely involved in the project?

I was pleased and excited when asked to chair a committee to research and study our options in regards to improving our church facilities. There had long before been talk of digging under the building to create additional space but had not met with adequate support. As a committee we visited other churches to gather visual stimulus that could give us ideas we could use. Many hours of field trips and debate kept leading us back to the under the building idea.

Well, we eventually came to the conclusion that digging under the church was the best thing to try and do. We contacted an architect, Mar, Knapp, and Crawfis, who after all of our effort, told us if we were to excavate under the church that the cost of doing so would be very expensive for the square footage gained and that we would also most likely need a sprinkler system to make it even more costly.

At our next meeting with them they presented us with plans to build a new building beside our present one that would have cost at that time about $360,000! We were shocked and disappointed to say the least. Well, this project was not to be denied, after much discussion, it was decided that we could get another opinion on the digging under idea, so we found another draftsman who had an engineer associate and through them we came up with the layout we have today. My personally most memorable moment was the day in church that we took the vote of members as to whether the project would be approved or rejected. It was the one moment in my life that I strongly felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. When the vote was being counted I now know what politicians must feel like on election night.We were seeking their stamp of approval on all of our work and our final vision of what our church could be and if they thought we could actually get it done and most importantly, paid for. When the results of the vote were announced it was almost unanimous. I never felt the way I felt at that moment or since, it was a very emotional thing for me to the point of holding back tears of joy, excitement for what had just occurred and feeling the Holy Spirit so near.

I had no doubts at that moment that we could do this and pay for this because it was evident that the Lord God Himself had blessed it with His presence in our humble little country church. It was now clear that this was something thats time had come and should be done.

There was lots of fellowship, lots of work, lots of good humor, and lots of good food provided by those who helped in any way they could. We had already saved $48,000 in the building fund and Marion Ely was our financial officer who went to the Jeromesville Bank and borrowed $137,000 more. The total cost ended up being somewhere in the $185,000 plus rather than $360,000. Our official ground breaking was May 21, 1994 and we dedicated our new and improved church home in 1996. It was and still is a real pleasure to be associated with and to work with and to serve people who are responsible and dedicated to always do the right thing and to support works within the church such as makes up the congregation of this fine church.

I Remember

We came to Hayesville in 1952 when our oldest children. Steve and Kathy were small. We came from Loudonville where I had grown up, and many of the residents were my relatives. It was somewhat intimidating to come to a community of strangers. LeRoy worked with Byron (Barney) McFarlin and he and Frances "took us under their wings" and introduced us when we started to attend the Hayesville Methodist Church. Everyone was so friendly and made us feel welcome so that soon we felt at home.

At that time, the church festival in June was an important event. People came from all around the area. We enjoyed working at the festival and getting to know the people.

In the spring many ladies of the church and some men who were available, armed with cleaning supplies, had a cleaning day and thoroughly cleaned the whole church.

We always enjoyed the special music of the Sheriffs, John, Bob, Gail and Esther Sheriff Anderson. We also enjoyed the Men's Chorus which Paul Helbert directed. We are especially proud of our present choir that can rival the choirs of much larger churches.

Children and young people have always been special to me, and I have loved being part of their lives. I taught Sunday School, and helped with Bible School, and the After School Program and was a Youth Adviser. I truly believe that they taught me much more than I taught them.

Ethel Ramsey

And I Remember . . .

We came to Hayesville in 1952. We started in class #7 and I was asked to be president and all we had to do was head up the Festival. Having never been to one I thought that would be easy but I was surprised when we served over 700 people.

As time went on I started to teach Sunday School. I had a class of 15 students in the little room next to the choir loft. We needed more space and we made movable partitions to divide what is now the parlor but there was too much noise.

Then the County Health Board told us if we wanted to continue to serve meals we would have to have inside restrooms. These cost $8200 dollars and some thought we would never get them paid for but they were paid for in two years.

As time went on we needed more room and Jack McCrory checked on digging out the basement. But there was concern we would break our stained glass windows, and the project was stopped. Then some years later it was brought up again and it was voted to go ahead with it. We obtained a price for digging out all except the old coal room. Wayne Berneer was the contractor. He had a big bulldozer to dig it out with. When he started it he had an old set of springs with a sack on them for a seat. One day his truck driver said to me he should have a better cushion to sit on. So I took it home one night and made him a new seat, the next day he said that it was so much better. A few days later, I asked how much more it would cost to dig out the old coal room. He said if I would make a new seat for his other bulldozer he had down at Mt Vernon, he would dig it out for free. So I did and he dug it out. So work continued and we had many wonderful fellowship hours working on this project.

LeRoy Ramsey

Hayesville UMC Memories

I have many wonderful memories of growing up in the Hayesville United Methodist Church. The memorable events that came to mind could fill a book in and of themselves! And many wonderful people are a big part of those memories. Countless individuals have influenced my faith and shaped the person that I am today.

JoAnn Echelberger made the earliest impression that I remember with her tireless work with the junior choir. We'd trek to the church after school once a week to practice for our monthly performances. She not only taught us how to sing, but how to get along with each other and complement each other's talents. And it didn't take long before she moved me out of the choir and behind the piano!

Many Sunday School teachers shaped my Christian education, including Pat
Shenberger, Sally Kahl, Annis Strine, and Vic Kahl. They always had special craft projects and other lessons for us each Sunday. They never seemed to want or need a vacation! To this day, I an thankful that they took time to share those precious Bible stories with me.

And then there was MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship). Russ and Sandy Berry and Jobie and Dolores Bennett led the group all my years of participating. When we began, we worked jointly with the Mifflin Church, since we still hadn't merged yet. We'd alternate meeting in Hayesville and Mifflin. Under their guidance, we always seemed to be working on some fund raising project or another, just so we could have another party or outing! Sure, we gave a share of the money to a mission project or back to our church for something the congregation needed, but everyone knows it was all about the party, right?!!!

The Berrys and the Bennetts had a way of teaching each one of us to be leaders. They remained in the background most of the time, encouraging us to provide leadership for each other in areas ranging from programs to Parliamentary Procedure. They didn't conduct these meetings for us, but rather encouraged us to learn how to conduct them ourselves.

Under their guidance, members of the group took turns leading recreation and providing refreshments each week also. The favorite game to play seemed to be the one where you had to wink at someone. I hated that game!!! I still can't wink. So I could never be sneaky enough to wink without anyone noticing (which I guess was the object of the game!) And refreshments had to change when those Hoover kids joined us, since Becky was allergic to peanuts. It was kind of exotic - I'd never met someone with allergies before!

And so I say thank you to the many individuals who took the time to care about the kids and the youth of the Hayesville and Mifflin United Methodist Churches. They helped make memories for me as I grew up, and they continue to help create memories for me and my children and for the children who are currently attending Hayesville United Methodist Church.

Deb (Harner) Kyle

Lucille Wharton Glasgo nee Bell

I remember that when I first came to Sunday School at the Hayesville Methodist Church I was 3 or 4 years old. (around 1916) My parents dropped me off in my Sunday School class. The teacher, Allie Miller, knew that my name was Lucille but she didn't have any last name for me. She asked me what my parents' names were and I said 'Mom and Dad". She had to wait until they came and picked me up to find out who I was. Allie Miller was one of three sister who taught in the Sunday School at the church. Her sisters were Effie Carpenter and Lottie Lowe.

I had two older brother, Harold and William. When Harold was 15 and William was 11 and I was 9 we were all baptized and joined the church at the same time. I don't remember who was the minister then. I don't think we were there a lot for the preaching part.

The minister that I remember the best was Rev. Frees. He lived two houses below us when we lived in Ashland. When Jerry was little he had to cross the street to go to school. There was a bigger boy on the street who always tormented him. Jerry was making a snowball one day and was trying to put it in his pocket to save it in case the boy bothered him. Rev Frees saw him and told him he could go ahead and throw the snowball and then make another one when he got across the street.

When I married Don Wharton, we were married in the Mt. Gilead Methodist Church. The minister was Gene Rush (who came from this church). We tried to pay him for the wedding but he would not take any pay. He said, "You take that money and buy something to remember me by". We bought a picture of an Indian smoking his pipe. I left that picture on the back porch of my home in Florida. I should have brought it with me because when Jerry and Bobby Rush were little they used to throw darts at it.

Lucille Glasgo

My Memories ....

As a toddler I was baptized in the Hayesville Methodist Church. I spent my childhood years attending Sunday School and Church here. I really don't remember anything unusual except in 2nd grade. Our teacher was Pauline Clutter McKinley.- her husband was a Captain in the army. Capt. McKinley was killed in the war shortly after we began 2nd grade. When his body arrived in Hayesville a military parade was held, and we stood on the front porch of the church parsonage to watch the parade to the cemetery. Rev. Chapman was the minister during this time. Mrs. McKinley resigned her teaching position, and Miss Florence Gongwer became our substitute teacher until Mrs. Burdette Johnson was hired to teach 2nd grade.

When I entered high school Mr. Gilmore Hiett was our Sunday School teacher. He taught from the recently published book "The Greatest Story Ever Told" We studied one chapter each week, and Mr. Hiett was a "no nonsense" teacher so I have to say we paid close attention and we learned.

We had a very active MYF during my high school years. Rev. Dick Thomas was the minister and our MYF advisor. He had a way with young people and we all liked and respected him and his wife Marian. The MYF girls decided we needed our meeting room redone. We cleaned, scrubbed and painted the walls and ceiling. During all this there was some kidding and a small amount of hanky panky. Rev. Thomas tried to keep us all on task; but John Miller - thinking his paint can was empty - turned it upside down over Judy Fisher's head. (The can was 1/3 full of paint) Judy had a wonderful peach tint to her hair. Marian Thomas washed and washed Judy's hair - using all sorts of concoctions - to try and remove the paint from her hair. After numerous washings she was relatively free of the paint, but her scalp was tender for several days.

A pleasant memory I have of this church was our famous Ice Cream Festivals. They were held at Kendig Park. These events involved the entire church membership, and they grew to become one of the great summer happenings in the area.

My mother (Mildred Tuttle) and I would always bake at least 4 pies and 2 cakes (as did all the church women) to take to the festival. The women of the church worked the day before preparing everything from our famous chicken sandwiches to roasters of potato salad and baked beans. Everything was made from scratch (no GFS frozen precooked items). The men of the church set up tables and chairs and a stage for the band. They also handled cooking hamburgers and hot dogs and dishing out ice cream during the festival. It took 3 or 4 women to cut pies and cakes for re-stocking the dessert tables at the serving time.

When 5 o'clock came we were open for business and the people were usually lined up out to the main highway. This line was steady for 2 or 2 1/2 hours. I can't remember for sure but it seems we served over 500 people each year.

These festivals were a great thing to bring members together as a team, and I think that's why they were so successful.

I was married in this church on Nov. 13, 1954 to Don Heffelfinger. Everyone said when we were married it brought the two largest families in the Hayesville community together (McCrorys and Echelbergers) Rev. Floyd Wallace performed the ceremony. Ed Stover, Hayesville's famous hat man, made my wedding veil and gave me my "going away " hat. It was red with a black feather to match my red coat.

When our Jill was born, she was baptized in this church along with her father, Don. We have many amusing memories of Jill growing up in the church; one was: Don always put a dollar bill in her white basket purse for the Sunday School offering. (She loved to put pennies in it at home just to hear it rattle.) One Sunday we were coming home from church and Jill was swinging her purse when we heard money rattling. Don asked her what she had in there and she replied "that's my change". Upon looking we discovered she had 5 quarters. She had put the dollar in the offering and taken our 5 quarters. She had to return them the next Sunday.

I have many more memories of this church; bazaars and cookie exchanges at Christmas, UM meetings, church suppers to support the building fund, Habitat dinners, etc., schools for missions, choir, family night, Senior Citizens luncheons, to name a few.

Today I have come full circle in this church (infant, toddler, child, teenager, adult, and senior citizen). I feel fortunate to call this church my home.

Carol Tuttle Heffelfinger

MYF MEMORIES

Rev. Bob Suggs & Mary Ann asked Jobie and me help chaperone a Camp Wanake weekend retreat. We said Mike was too young to go and we had no where to leave him. They had the YF vote to see if Mike could go or if they preferred he not go. Overwhelmingly, Bob said they voted to let him go. The boys told Mike he had to swipe Rev. Bob's pants from his suitcase and get them to the boys. They showed Mike which suitcase was Bob's. The next morning the adult chaperones agreed to set the tables, serve and clean up for our turn on the last day there. Later we saw a pair of pants on the flag pole at half staff frozen. Here, they were one of the older boy's pants and not Bob's. The YFer was very mad as this was the only other pair of pants he had. They said where were your extra pants, Bob? He said "You forget I have attended these retreats before and I didn't bring any." Also the kids toilet papered Bob and Mary Ann's little Volkswagon totally wrapping it in toilet tissue. As I recall, they also TP'd Margaret Bittinger's car, only not as much.

At the conclusion of the retreat, Rev. Bob said we are turning the YF over to you. Bob said that he would be moving on to a church in Florida. Mifflin and Hayesville were together at that time, as the two churches had the same pastor. The kids took on good deed projects to help the communities. One of which was to rake leaves from the Mifflin church lawn and parking lot as the church didn't have anyone to do that.

Another project they had was the paper drive even when newspaper prices had hit bottom and weren't paying anything. The YF, Jobie, myself, and other adults went to homes of the elderly to pick up their papers and dispose of them so they didn't pile up and be a fire hazard. In the early days, we loaded our cars and trucks and took the papers first to Mansfield and then that place closed and we then took them to Wooster to a place there.

On Youth Sunday, the YF took charge of the service doing everything from leading the service to reading the scriptures to doing the sermon, offering, prayers, etc. This proved to be a good experience to get used to being in front of an audience. Serving as officers voted in by their peers were good experiences. Those that didn't choose to be considered for the various offices were always sharing their ideas and hopes for their meetings. We used to share hopes and dreams of one day having our very own area for YF. One place was to expand the attic and meet up there. Of course the expansion came in a different form much later as it is known today.

The Fathers of the Greek Monastery in southern Ashland County had just arrived and built the Monastery. They said that they had been stoned in California and thus came to our area with little or nothing to live on. Our youth went down to the Monastery and picked up stones and helped them get soil ready for a garden which they would depend on for food.

We visited churches of other faiths to give the group an idea of how others worshiped. Among them were St. Edwards Catholic church in Ashland where they were given a tour of the church, learned about the confession booth and attended a Mass. The Jewish Church was a different experience for the boys especially as they had to wear the little beanie hats when in the sanctuary. They learned that they had a pot luck meal after the service every week. They liked that idea. The black church in Mansfield welcomed us to their worship service and gave us a tour of their church. We visited the Greek Monastery and Father Chrystosomos and other Fathers explained how they worshiped. They would stand for extremely long periods (hours) during their worship service (no chairs). They shortened the session we attended.

We had a skating party at the Ashland skating rink. The Fathers asked if they could attend and the YF said, of course. It was most interesting to see that they really knew how to skate and the kids wondered if they might trip over the long robes they wore, but it never happened as I recall. All had a great time.

The canoe trips were especially enjoyed by all. We took an overnight trip, going halfway of a 21 mile trip and slept under the stars. We were joined by the Jeromesville YF. I remember one of our chaperones was really tired and chose to climb in her sleeping bag and go to sleep early. All of a sudden we heard a scream from her and someone's dog or stray had wandered into our area and was licking her face. Another thing that took place on one of the canoe trip trips was some of the older boys who had to work couldn't do the trip with us. However, they came down to where we were doing the second day of our trip and dropped a garter snake from a bridge into a canoe of some the Jeromesville girls. They bailed out and we had to reprimand the boys from our canoe in the river. I think the girls rather liked the attention in spite of their apparent fear.

The progressive dinners were always a favorite of the kids. The people of our church were always willing to host a stop for them. I remember going to Jean Carocci's for homemade lasagna, and many other good things to eat at the other homes. We visited the homes of the Gossetts, Kahls, Scarberrys, Daltons, Berrys, Bennetts, Strines, VanGilders, Hoovers, Conrads, Harners, Don and Dreama Beattie. If I missed anyone, please forgive my short memory.

I'm sure all remember those pizza parties and overnight at the Mifflin and Hayesville churches. We used these times to plan the Youth Sunday meetings. How could we ever forget eating cold pizza for breakfast the next morning. Ugh! However the fellowship was the most important part of it.

A project to help the Flat Rock Children's Home was a lot of hard work which the youth enjoyed. Martha Strine, among others, chaperoned the weekend visit. Flat Rock provided meals for the YFers. The group left the home after completing their work and making friends with the children housed there. We traveled to a church just south of Cedar Point. They enjoyed a sleep over at the church and the next day at Cedar Point and all had a great time. The adults needed a longer period to rest up as the youth slept while we drove from place to place.

I remember a trip to Kings Island and we stayed at a large church nearby. They gave us permission to take tours of the church while there. Jobie had a group with him and they were approaching the sanctuary which was very dark. He flipped a switch to turn the lights on in the sanctuary and found that he had actually flipped a switch that lit up a large cross on top of the church that could be seen all over Cincinnati. Obviously, when someone called that to his attention, he turned the switch off and didn't try turning other lights on!

I remember the kids were very kind and compassionate. When we were loading the cars to go to Kings Island, I was putting some of the kids gear in our trunk. When I raised up the trunk lid wasn't as far up as I thought and cut my forehead open. Some thought I needed stitches, but I thought there wasn't time for that so I said I am fine. Mark Miller sat up front with Jobie and me and he worried all the way down. He would say, "Mrs. Bennett you are bleeding again." I somehow couldn't convince him I was OK.

When we came back from this trip, we were waiting for parents to pick up their kids. I missed Becky Hoover and no one had seen her in the last few minutes. I went looking for her and here she was out in the church parking lot sitting on the asphalt, with her legs crossed and eating her leftover treats (carrots, celery, tomatoes, etc.) The kids took snacks and because Becky had allergies, she couldn't eat the usual junk food. She looked so little in that big parking lot. Becky visited with me recently and said she really liked those things, especially the tomatoes. After all this time feeling sorry for her, I find it was wasted time.

There was the candy making at the Hayesville Elementary School kitchen. We made and sold the homemade candies for our treasury. The group had to make sure they left the kitchen and facilities the way they found them or better. They were careful to leave things as they had found them.

Mike Bennett and Dave Wolfe volunteered to go to Appalachia in Tennessee to work on houses of the poor with the Church of the Savior in Wooster. The youth raised money to support them in this endeavor. They built an outdoor privy for a mom and son who didn't have a bathroom, not even an outhouse. They sealed off cracks in the house that allowed snow to filter in. Quite an experience. They were housed at a local college during their work week.

I remember going to one of our weekend retreats and the kids surprising me on my birthday and Jobie and me for our anniversary which were the same day and during the retreat. It was so thoughtful of them and sure made our day.

There were times when YFers who were almost 16 tried to convince us that we really had to let them practice driving. They said how would we feel if they flunked because of lack of experience. We didn't buy that and said "Sorry talk to your parents about your driving experience."

We seldom ever missed a Sunday as we planned our vacations and visits to our out of state families so we didn't miss the kids' meetings. Chaperones not mentioned above were Jean Gossett, Bill and Peggy Pierce, Annis Strine, Bill and Becca Hoover, Candance Thompson, Frances Clark, Garlan Miller. I apologize if I missed anyone else. The date the Berrys joined us a co-advisors escapes me. They were a welcome addition and we were glad to have them.

These stories are just a few of the many trips, experiences and activities Jobie and I shared with the youth group over a span of about 10 years. It was enjoyed by us very much and not considered a job, but a labor of love. Jobie once said, "There are no bad kids, sometimes just busy ones". I agree.

Submitted by Dolores Bennett and on behalf of Jobie 5/27/06

Memories of Harold Rush on September 2, 2005

I joined church when I was only about 10. That was about the youngest that joined then. The name of the preacher was Harland Campbell. Several years and then he left and went over to Canton, Ohio. He was successful there and ran for mayor but didn't win.

My parents belonged to this church and my father was the secretary/treasurer to Sunday School so he was always there in the church. We had The Cross and Crown system for regular attendance. I got up to 9 years continuance attendance. We were allowed two Sundays a year which you could make up if someone came to visit you.

There was another minister whose name was Chester Lewis. What I remember about him was that he and a bunch of boys built a dam down in the river and made a little swimming hole. Once in a while they would take me down there for a swim. But it wasn't very close to the road. Had to park along the road and walk across a field to get to where the swimming hole was. Father once took me down there and down to the swimming hole. That was one of the first and last times I've ever been to a swimming pool. It was quite an occasion that time.

So far, Jack McCrory and Chester McCready have been to see me since I've been sick. They were in my class. Dick Love and his twin brother, Bill, were also in my class. And I had a cousin, Clayton Rush, and his brother, Harold Rush, who skipped a grade and we wound up in the same class. And we had another one, Lou Stafford, who was also related on my mother's side, believe it or not I had five cousins in the same class. That was unusual. In 1935 I graduated. 31 in my class. Now there are only 11 left.

My grandfather was a buggy maker. He was Alva Earl Rush and he married Mahalia Ann Cameron. They lived in Wooster at first and then grandfather moved to Millersburg. There for a short while. He was six foot, very thin. Tallest man in town in Millersburg. Amish men around there called him Mr. Longfellow. That was his nickname, Mr. Longfellow.

We were there for two years and then moved to Apple Creek. Lived there for a few years. My dad was born in Wooster. My Daddy was about 6 when they moved to Apple Creek. They lived right across from the Methodist Church. And so my Daddy who was about 6 at the time, he would go across the street to the church. When the sexton rang the church bell he would grab a hold when it was down and go sailing clear up to the ceiling and back down again. It was a lot of fun. Then they left Apple Creek and came to Hayesville about 1895 and bought the house right across from mine. At that time only a story and one half. My grandfather decided to add a story to that and bought a house east of there and changed that second house over into a machine shop and that's where he made his buggies.

My grandfather's older brother was a blacksmith and he had two sons he taught to be a blacksmith also. One son, L. Eugene Rush didn't like his first name. He was a blacksmith also and he had a blacksmith shop in Hayesville a couple of streets from my house and then he was working at the anvil and one day the minister of the Methodist Church came and laid a lay minister certificate on the anvil and asked him to preach in the Methodist Church and so he thought it over and decided he would. He was also a Volunteer Fireman and I remember one Sunday the fire alarm went off in the middle of his sermon. He quit right then and climbed out the front window and went to the fire house.

One Sunday morning it was so cold Dad decided not to start the car. It probably wouldn't have started anyway. So believe it or not my two brothers and my Dad put me on a sled and pulled me all the way from my house into church. We got to church anyway even though it was that cold. I remember that because we bundled up and they towed me to church in that thing. That was one of the things I remembered very well.

Years ago they used to have blocks on down the hill towards the park. They'd pick a night when it was real cold and the neighbors would throw water on the roads to make it icy. They had one very good sled pilot. He then would go out and he would get off and push the sled. He had to detour around the fountain and then it was straight enough. My Dad had me wedged between him and another big guy and I remember very well because it was the first and only time I ever got on a bobsled to ride. We started down the hill and started straight down the middle of the road. He had to make sure he stayed there or we'd go in the ditch. Now we went down the hill past my house and over the hump there past the old academy and then down the hill there clear out to where the fork is and it was straight out there.

At the bottom of the hill there was a man by the name of Cliff Strine who had a team of horses. Cars always got stuck in the ditch and Cliff would make money pulling people out of the ditch. He made quite a few bucks that way! When the bobsled got to the bottom of the hill and sled would stop why then Cliff would hook up the team of horses and pull the bobsled right back up the hill and then they'd go down again. But I didn't go but just that once. That was the thrill of a lifetime. You see, I couldn't have been more than let's see, 5 or 6 at the time. That was one of things I remember about that. In those days cars were hard to start and most of them didn't even run them in the winter time so there were no cars on the road in the winter time.

Cliff was best known for his saw mill. Back years ago there was an old tractor named Huber and Cliff had an old Huber. The Huber ran on kerosene. It didn't have an electric starter and you had to put the fly wheel over by hand. I remember Cliff was a short guy like I remember him working on the Huber fly wheel. Get over and get the spark and it'd go "putt, putt".... Made quite a lot of noise. He used one in the summer in the saw mill. Made quite a lot of noise. He had a circle saw and it had separate teeth in the edge that stuck out and did the cutting. And it had a wedge and when you wanted to sharpen it you just took the wedge out and sharpened it. And that saw was at least 5 feet across. Had to be to make logs. I remember the logs piled out in the yard waiting to be cut. They didn't have two by four sticks in buildings in those days. They built them to stay.

Automobiles were not reliable in the winter time. They've gotten better. They started running more often and that was the end of the bobsled riding. It was too dangerous anyway. First of all the cars would slide all over the ice. The bobsled stayed.

We didn't have a big enough school to have a full team but we had 6 man football. They played right at Kendig Park where I could see them playing. One or two students would go out for football. At that time I could see all of the football field. Then someone put up a garage and the view was no longer there.

Footnote - this was a recorded message obtained by Pastor Wendy in one of her last visits to Harold. They intended to finish with another session, but Harold's health got worse and we are fortunate to have the first session.

Acquiring the Present Steeple - A Tribute to Dorothy Dalton

If you look at the pictures of our church over the years you can see that the steeple is a rather late addition. I want to say a few words about that in memory of Dorothy Dalton.

I do not remember the year, but it must have been about 1974 or 1975. There was a growing sentiment for erecting a steeple, so I obtained some catalogs from pre-fabricated steeple companies. One company located in Indiana had some attractive units at reasonable prices. I made some drawings of our building with two of their steeples and presented them to the congregation. One was selected. That left only the problem of paying for it.

Many people helped out, but I remember Dorothy Dalton in particular as she went door to door among our members and friends to raise money and was very successful. Without her efforts it would have taken much longer to raise sufficient money.

The steeple was ordered, and after some delay, arrived. The Trustees got a sign company from Mansfield with a crane to lift it up and it was fastened to our bell tower where it has stood for these many years.

Marion Ely

My Memories - Sue Echelberger DiPuccio

Every Sunday, my Mom, JoAnn, took my brother, Gary, and me to Sunday School and then Church where we all sat together. My Dad, Dick, came occasionally in the "early" days. We were all very involved in the functioning of the Church because of my Mom's commitment…even my Dad because Mom was always getting herself in over her head and he would be there to bail her out, especially when construction was involved. There was Junior Choir, Bible School every summer, and MYF as we got older. A special memory I have was of our girls' quartet which included Marcella Strine, Jacque Workman, Sandy Gregg, and myself. We would sing in Church about four times each year as part of the special music program. Sometimes, my Grandma Mabel would be our accompanist and she would be so wracked with nerves that we would all forget to be nervous ourselves because we needed to calm her down. My cousin, Lynny McGuire and I would play the piano for the before Sunday School "gathering" we would have in the Sanctuary with all the Sunday School classes. Vic Kahl was in charge of that and I can't tell you how many times I played "Breathe on Me Breath of God" because it was my most accomplished piece! Lynny was a much better sight reader and took on the more challenging songs. Later, I would come home from college and by then I had learned a few chords on my guitar. The church would always welcome me home and ask me to sing for them. Years passed and I lived in Los Angeles and then New York. I did not go to church for a long time. Then in 1987, I found myself sitting in the Franklin Avenue Methodist Church in Hollywood, California missing home, missing my church, missing my family. I moved back to Ohio in 1988. The thing I remember most is that it was like I had never even left. The people of the Hayesville United Methodist Church welcomed me back with open arms…no questions asked…just like a true family does. And my Dad was now coming to church every Sunday and it was great to know that he was happy in church as well. Now, I am trying to become more active. To step up and take responsibility like my Mom and Dad and many others who have come before me. We need to make sure our church continues to grow and to contribute to the life of the community because its health is tied directly to the strength of our church.

Hayesville United Methodist Church

Contributed by: The History Committee of the Hayesville UMC, Don and Miriam Ritchie, Co-Chairs; Committee Members: Virginia Patterson, Lloyd Strine, Annis Strine, JoAnn Echelberger, Carol Heffelfinger, Jack McCrory, Shirley Prince, Sue DiPuccio, and Wendy Guion.