Athens Methodist Church, Athens County, Ohio
The establishment of the Methodist church, here, antedates that of any
other religious society. Three quarters of a century ago, this
denomination had already developed that spirit of energy and religious
enterprise, which has not only made it the pioneer church, and forerunner
of other denominations, but has caused it to become the most powerful
church organization in America. We have quoted elsewhere, from the Rev.
Mr. Quinn, an account of a missionary tour, which he made up the
Hockhocking valley in 1800, when he preached at Athens. The Methodists
have had a society here from that time, and during the early as well as
later years of their church history here, have numbered among their
preachers some very able, earnest, and useful men. In 1805, the Rev. Jacob
Young preached on this circuit. The Rev. Geo. C. Light preached here about
the same time. In 1806, Peter Cartwright, who afterward became celebrated
in the church, visited Athens and Alexander townships, preaching and
forming societies. About 1815, the Rev. Thomas Morris (now Bishop Morris),
was on this circuit, and preached stately at Athens. Among the early
Methodist preachers here were the Rev. Cornelius Springer, the Rev. Daniel
Limerick, the Rev. Curtis Goddard, the Rev. Abraham Lippett, the Rev. John
Ferree, the Rev. Abraham Baker, the Rev. Henry S. Fernandez, the 'Rev.
Absalom Fox, the Rev. Asa Stroud, and the Rev. Robert 0. Spencer-some of
them being on the Muskingum and some on the Athens circuit.
During the early years of this century, the Methodists held their meetings
at different houses, but in 1812 or '13, they built a brick church on the
lot now owned and occupied by Prof. W. H. Young, and in 1825, they erected
a brick parsonage adjoining. The church building, having been used as such
nearly thirty years, fell into decay, and was then used for some years as
a foundry; it has now disappeared. The parsonage forms a part of Prof.
Young's present house. The present Methodist church was built in 1837. It
is to be regretted that a continuous sketch of the Methodist society at
Athens can not be furnished; its early establishment and long career of
usefulness entitle it to a more extended history than we are able to
offer.
Back to: Athens, Athens County, Ohio History
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