1853-2013
*~1853~*
* In consequence of a series of revival meetings conducted by Rev. Alexander Scott in the year of 1853, a class was organized with 16 members. Services were held in a log schoolhouse located on the ground where the old brink schoolhouse now stands on the hill just wast of Midvale on the back road leading to Dennison.
*A year later, under the ministry of Rev.Simon P. Wolf, a frame church, 28x38 feet, was built on lot 2, near Pike Run at the expense of $600.00. The ground upon which the church was erected was donated by Henry and Nancy Bess, who were among the early organizers of the original Society.
Other leading members besides Henry Bess and wife were Henry Mosher and wife, John McClelland and wife, and C.C. Carroll and wife, Mrs. Anges Ellis, Mrs. Sarah Coleman, James Watkins and wife, Samuel Browning and wife, and John Scott and wife.
*The church was then known as the Samsom Chapel, named after the Presiding Elder. This building continues to be used for 39 years.
*During this time the church was served by fourteen ministers: Scott, Wolf, McLlyer, Stewart, Kenner, Jackson, Cooper, Edwards, Mikael, Williams, Young, E.O. Williams, Dawson, and Appleton
*Time and need made it necessary to build a new church. It was at the close of a revival meeting, which lasted twelve weeks under the pastorate of E.A.Williams, that a drive was put on with each member being assessed $5.00 each. The sale of the old church to Ben Beans paved the way to our present building.
*The new church was built in one years time on the site of the old building in the year of 1882 under the ministry of Amos Keller. It was dedicated in February,1883, by Rev. W.B. Watkins of the Pittsburgh Conference. A framed structure, it was splendidly finished with arch ceiling and lead stained glass windows which were obtained at a cost of $30.00 each with the donors names inserted in the kite~shaped pieces. It was surmounted by bell and belfry at a cost of $3,500.
*This new church was called The Plains Church. At this time there was a membership of about 80. Mary Scott, daughter of John Scott and wife (Mary Seasanbargher), played the organ in the new church for four years. The Plains Church Circuit, besides the church, included Bethlehem of Goshen Township, Holmes in Warren, and Roxford in Union. The church continued under this name until it was remodeled to meet more modern usage for Sunday School work in connection with the church services. It then became known as The Midvale Methodist Episcopal Church.
*~1936~*
* Sunday was a day of jubilee at the Midvale Methodist Episcopal Church, when the fifty`year`old church building was rededicated at an old~fashioned homecoming. Rev.Earl Lea, a former pastor, now of Green Springs,Ohio, preached at the morning service. Dr.W.O Hawkins, the District Superintendent,spoke at an afternoon meeting. A history of the church dating from 1853 was read by John M. Ruthledge, of Midvale, who has been a member of the congregation for 63 years.
*After the morning service a basket picnic was served in the basement of the Midvale school building
*Besides Rev. Lea, who was accompanied by his wife and three daughters, Rev. H.L Peoples, another former pastor, and his wife, now of Waynesburgh, were present. Many former members of the church came from a distance. More then one hundred dollars was received to apply on the cost of redecorating the church and parsonage, the primary occasion of the jubilee, and a project that was fostered and supervised by present pastor, Rev. Frank Mitzel, formerly of canton.a
*In his address at the morning service, Rev. Lea drew a distinction between the spiritual gospel that Jesus preached to Nicodemus, and the social gospel that he preached to the rich young ruler. It was significant, he said that each of these sermons was preached to a rich man. Christianity, he added, is not only for the individuals, but for business and for the government, and that back of all social and economic betterment stands the church of the living God.
*Dr.Hawkins complimented the restoration of the church, which he likened to the deepening of the wells of spiritual Christianity Anything that God has for the church or for the individual to do, he said, can be done. In the year 1936, members of the Midvale Church and community decided to change the physical appearance of their church building by giving it a new coat of paint both inside and out.
*The history of the church was told in an interesting style by Mr. Rutledge, who also recited a poem written by himself. He recalled that of the members of the church when he joined the congregation 63 years ago, he and his wife now 83 years of age, and Miss Eliza Fleck, of Midvale, along remain. A more aged member, Leonard Newton, now 103rd year, joined the church later in years.
*Much enthusiasm marked the afternoon service, Rev.J.V.Orin, pastor of the Uhrichsville Methodist Episcopal Church, assisted Rev. Mitzel in collection. The Zion quarter of Canton sand several numbers and there was also singing by the three Swinderman sisters of Midvale. Atweil Cool, a talented pianist of Canton played "My Own Sweet Home" and accompanied at the piano. At the close it was announced that a handsome pulpit Bible had been given by William Freeman, Midvale merchant, in memory of his wife. A memorial service in honor of Mrs.Freeman and her work in the church conducted by Rev. Lea.
*~1953~1977~*
On Sunday, September 27, 1953, the Midvale Methodist Church celebrated its Hundredth Anniversary with a special dedication program. At that service the picture presented by a former Midvale resident, Bible ribbons given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Kine, the Communion table made by Rev. William E. Peters and the clock given by Mrs. Charles Gribble were dedicated. The sermon was delivered by J. Dwight Heaston, District Superintendent, Canton District, N.E. Ohio Conference.
Flora Smith served as pianist in the Midvale Church for several years. In 1959, a new organ was presented to the church by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ruthledge in memory of his parents. At that time, Rev. Tippett's daughter, Katharine, served as organist. Mrs. Clint(Treva) Rogers currently fills the position and has for the past few years. She is assisted by Mrs. John (Mabel) McConnell and accompanied by Mary Lou Haney on piano.
In 1968, the Methodist Church merged with the Untied Brethren, thus changing our name to The Midvale United Methodist Church. From that time until the present various improvements have been made to our church building. The interior of the church was repainted in 1968, and the carpet was laid in the sanctuary in 1969. John Carpenter began remodeling the basement in 1970, the walls were paneled and a kitchen area was completed with cabinets. The outside of the church was painted again in 1973, and restrooms were added in 1974. The basement was carpeted by the Adult Bible Class in 1975. In 1977 a baptismal font was made by John Carpenter and presented to the church in memory of Anna Simmers Tschudy. The interior of the church was painted in October of that year. Rev. Harvey McPheron, Rev. William, and Rev. Albert Herzog, Jr. were our ministers during these years.
*~1978~1992~*
In July 1978 Rev. Bradley Call was welcomed as pastor along with wife Susan.
Many physical changes took place during these years. The following are several of the improvements:
*Fall 1978, the kitchen in the parsonage was completely remodeled.
* The roof on the carport was completed.
* In 1980, the bathroom in the parsonage was remodeled.
* Storm windows on the parsonage were installed.
* White vinyl siding was installed on the church in November 1980 at a total cost of $14,400.00. $9,000.00 was borrowed and completely paid off one year later.
*Summer 1981 new shingles were put on the roof of the church at the cost of $3,800.00
*In the fall of 1982 a decision was made to install vinyl siding on the parsonage. Black shutters were also installed. The cost was $6,000.00 This Project was paid for by Feb.1983 and there was no need to borrow money.
*New lights and fans in the sanctuary were installed in the summer of 1983 at the cost of approximately $2,200.00.
Membership had decreased in the past five years which was due to inactive members being removed from the roll. The average Sunday attendance was 75.
In the past 5 years, we have come from reduced apportionment and salary support from the conference to paying beyond the minimum. Example: Sept. 1978 Administrative Council meeting, there were nine members present. The balance in the treasury was $620.26. Aug.1983 Administrative Council meeting, there were 18 members present. The balance in the treasury was $1,778.31
The Sunday School increased in the number of younger children which attended. The average attendance was 45-50.
A Youth Fellowship was organized in the spring of 1983. It was under the supervision of a very capable young couple, Dave and Ruthie Meese.
There was a need to organize a Junior Church. School age children attended the first past of the worship service then went to the basement where there was a Bible story and a suitable art project.
Another project for our young people has been increase in the Vacation Bible School. In the past three years, there was an average attendance of 45-50 per day. There were five classes plus an adult class. The program was presented during the Sunday Morning Worship.
The Adult Sunday School Class was remained very active,as well as the United Methodist Women. The UMW sponsored the Mother-Daughter Banquet and gave money to the mission projects.
The first Missionary Conference was held Nov.1982. It was a new experience for our church and a huge success spiritually.
Newport and Midvale joined together at Christmas to make the Christmas Cantata very memorable.
There were many dinners for birthdays, college graduations, and to raise money.
* In consequence of a series of revival meetings conducted by Rev. Alexander Scott in the year of 1853, a class was organized with 16 members. Services were held in a log schoolhouse located on the ground where the old brink schoolhouse now stands on the hill just wast of Midvale on the back road leading to Dennison.
*A year later, under the ministry of Rev.Simon P. Wolf, a frame church, 28x38 feet, was built on lot 2, near Pike Run at the expense of $600.00. The ground upon which the church was erected was donated by Henry and Nancy Bess, who were among the early organizers of the original Society.
Other leading members besides Henry Bess and wife were Henry Mosher and wife, John McClelland and wife, and C.C. Carroll and wife, Mrs. Anges Ellis, Mrs. Sarah Coleman, James Watkins and wife, Samuel Browning and wife, and John Scott and wife.
*The church was then known as the Samsom Chapel, named after the Presiding Elder. This building continues to be used for 39 years.
*During this time the church was served by fourteen ministers: Scott, Wolf, McLlyer, Stewart, Kenner, Jackson, Cooper, Edwards, Mikael, Williams, Young, E.O. Williams, Dawson, and Appleton
*Time and need made it necessary to build a new church. It was at the close of a revival meeting, which lasted twelve weeks under the pastorate of E.A.Williams, that a drive was put on with each member being assessed $5.00 each. The sale of the old church to Ben Beans paved the way to our present building.
*The new church was built in one years time on the site of the old building in the year of 1882 under the ministry of Amos Keller. It was dedicated in February,1883, by Rev. W.B. Watkins of the Pittsburgh Conference. A framed structure, it was splendidly finished with arch ceiling and lead stained glass windows which were obtained at a cost of $30.00 each with the donors names inserted in the kite~shaped pieces. It was surmounted by bell and belfry at a cost of $3,500.
*This new church was called The Plains Church. At this time there was a membership of about 80. Mary Scott, daughter of John Scott and wife (Mary Seasanbargher), played the organ in the new church for four years. The Plains Church Circuit, besides the church, included Bethlehem of Goshen Township, Holmes in Warren, and Roxford in Union. The church continued under this name until it was remodeled to meet more modern usage for Sunday School work in connection with the church services. It then became known as The Midvale Methodist Episcopal Church.
*~1936~*
* Sunday was a day of jubilee at the Midvale Methodist Episcopal Church, when the fifty`year`old church building was rededicated at an old~fashioned homecoming. Rev.Earl Lea, a former pastor, now of Green Springs,Ohio, preached at the morning service. Dr.W.O Hawkins, the District Superintendent,spoke at an afternoon meeting. A history of the church dating from 1853 was read by John M. Ruthledge, of Midvale, who has been a member of the congregation for 63 years.
*After the morning service a basket picnic was served in the basement of the Midvale school building
*Besides Rev. Lea, who was accompanied by his wife and three daughters, Rev. H.L Peoples, another former pastor, and his wife, now of Waynesburgh, were present. Many former members of the church came from a distance. More then one hundred dollars was received to apply on the cost of redecorating the church and parsonage, the primary occasion of the jubilee, and a project that was fostered and supervised by present pastor, Rev. Frank Mitzel, formerly of canton.a
*In his address at the morning service, Rev. Lea drew a distinction between the spiritual gospel that Jesus preached to Nicodemus, and the social gospel that he preached to the rich young ruler. It was significant, he said that each of these sermons was preached to a rich man. Christianity, he added, is not only for the individuals, but for business and for the government, and that back of all social and economic betterment stands the church of the living God.
*Dr.Hawkins complimented the restoration of the church, which he likened to the deepening of the wells of spiritual Christianity Anything that God has for the church or for the individual to do, he said, can be done. In the year 1936, members of the Midvale Church and community decided to change the physical appearance of their church building by giving it a new coat of paint both inside and out.
*The history of the church was told in an interesting style by Mr. Rutledge, who also recited a poem written by himself. He recalled that of the members of the church when he joined the congregation 63 years ago, he and his wife now 83 years of age, and Miss Eliza Fleck, of Midvale, along remain. A more aged member, Leonard Newton, now 103rd year, joined the church later in years.
*Much enthusiasm marked the afternoon service, Rev.J.V.Orin, pastor of the Uhrichsville Methodist Episcopal Church, assisted Rev. Mitzel in collection. The Zion quarter of Canton sand several numbers and there was also singing by the three Swinderman sisters of Midvale. Atweil Cool, a talented pianist of Canton played "My Own Sweet Home" and accompanied at the piano. At the close it was announced that a handsome pulpit Bible had been given by William Freeman, Midvale merchant, in memory of his wife. A memorial service in honor of Mrs.Freeman and her work in the church conducted by Rev. Lea.
*~1953~1977~*
On Sunday, September 27, 1953, the Midvale Methodist Church celebrated its Hundredth Anniversary with a special dedication program. At that service the picture presented by a former Midvale resident, Bible ribbons given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Kine, the Communion table made by Rev. William E. Peters and the clock given by Mrs. Charles Gribble were dedicated. The sermon was delivered by J. Dwight Heaston, District Superintendent, Canton District, N.E. Ohio Conference.
Flora Smith served as pianist in the Midvale Church for several years. In 1959, a new organ was presented to the church by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ruthledge in memory of his parents. At that time, Rev. Tippett's daughter, Katharine, served as organist. Mrs. Clint(Treva) Rogers currently fills the position and has for the past few years. She is assisted by Mrs. John (Mabel) McConnell and accompanied by Mary Lou Haney on piano.
In 1968, the Methodist Church merged with the Untied Brethren, thus changing our name to The Midvale United Methodist Church. From that time until the present various improvements have been made to our church building. The interior of the church was repainted in 1968, and the carpet was laid in the sanctuary in 1969. John Carpenter began remodeling the basement in 1970, the walls were paneled and a kitchen area was completed with cabinets. The outside of the church was painted again in 1973, and restrooms were added in 1974. The basement was carpeted by the Adult Bible Class in 1975. In 1977 a baptismal font was made by John Carpenter and presented to the church in memory of Anna Simmers Tschudy. The interior of the church was painted in October of that year. Rev. Harvey McPheron, Rev. William, and Rev. Albert Herzog, Jr. were our ministers during these years.
*~1978~1992~*
In July 1978 Rev. Bradley Call was welcomed as pastor along with wife Susan.
Many physical changes took place during these years. The following are several of the improvements:
*Fall 1978, the kitchen in the parsonage was completely remodeled.
* The roof on the carport was completed.
* In 1980, the bathroom in the parsonage was remodeled.
* Storm windows on the parsonage were installed.
* White vinyl siding was installed on the church in November 1980 at a total cost of $14,400.00. $9,000.00 was borrowed and completely paid off one year later.
*Summer 1981 new shingles were put on the roof of the church at the cost of $3,800.00
*In the fall of 1982 a decision was made to install vinyl siding on the parsonage. Black shutters were also installed. The cost was $6,000.00 This Project was paid for by Feb.1983 and there was no need to borrow money.
*New lights and fans in the sanctuary were installed in the summer of 1983 at the cost of approximately $2,200.00.
Membership had decreased in the past five years which was due to inactive members being removed from the roll. The average Sunday attendance was 75.
In the past 5 years, we have come from reduced apportionment and salary support from the conference to paying beyond the minimum. Example: Sept. 1978 Administrative Council meeting, there were nine members present. The balance in the treasury was $620.26. Aug.1983 Administrative Council meeting, there were 18 members present. The balance in the treasury was $1,778.31
The Sunday School increased in the number of younger children which attended. The average attendance was 45-50.
A Youth Fellowship was organized in the spring of 1983. It was under the supervision of a very capable young couple, Dave and Ruthie Meese.
There was a need to organize a Junior Church. School age children attended the first past of the worship service then went to the basement where there was a Bible story and a suitable art project.
Another project for our young people has been increase in the Vacation Bible School. In the past three years, there was an average attendance of 45-50 per day. There were five classes plus an adult class. The program was presented during the Sunday Morning Worship.
The Adult Sunday School Class was remained very active,as well as the United Methodist Women. The UMW sponsored the Mother-Daughter Banquet and gave money to the mission projects.
The first Missionary Conference was held Nov.1982. It was a new experience for our church and a huge success spiritually.
Newport and Midvale joined together at Christmas to make the Christmas Cantata very memorable.
There were many dinners for birthdays, college graduations, and to raise money.