| History of the Kirkpatrick Church of Christ |
 |
History of the
Kirkpatrick Church of Christ
Kirkpatrick, Ohio was the village of La Timberville when the Church of Christ was organized in 1832. In 1828, two brothers, John and William Hill, with their cousins, James and Robe rt Kerr, settled in the vicinity. They were so pleased with the are a that they persuaded their parents to join them. They had been members of the church in Licking County and cooperated with an itinerant preacher, Harrison Jones, in conducting services in homes in the community. The Adam Hipsher home was where the congregation was meeting when the church was organized there in 1832. The first members were Adam, Lemma and James Hipsher; Mr. And Mrs. Samuel Hill, John, Robert, William and James; James and Robert Kerr; Mr. And Mrs. Jackson Dowling; William Clutter; Enos Doughty; Catherine Knowles and Amos Boynton.
In 1840, it was decided to build a house of worship which was constructed of hewn logs, eaves rather low, clapboard roof, one large door, three small windows, puncheon floor and log bench seats. It was about 22 x 26 feet square and cost $100 to build the structure. Here the gospel was publicly proclaimed and those that gladly received the Word, completely obeyed and were baptized, usually in the Whetstone River in the early days.. Jackson Dowling was the minister.
Delivering the principal address at the dedication service was Alexander Campbell, one of the founding fathers of the Restoration Movement. It was said that Mr. Campbell owned some property west of Marion and he also had a sister who lived in Marion, Ohio.
In 1853, Lots 45 and 46 were sold by James B. Millison to the church trustees, William Hill and John Carrell. These two lots were directly across the pike (Columbus Sandusky Road was called "Mud Pike") and the church paid $25 for the two lots. A new building was erected about 1860 on this site and it cost about $1000. It was 36 x 40 feet, had large windows, a sawn floor, comfortable seats with backs and two modern stoves. After about 40 years; this became inadequate and was removed to build the present building which cost $3500. The present building was dedicated in 1903. Ross Hill had charge of the song service for a long time when the song books were only poems with no musical notes. After the introduction of the organ into the service; it was just used for Sunday School time and covered up completely during the worship service. Otis Brooks was Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Enos Doughty, great grandfather of Kensel Clutter, was janitor for the second building for a long time after which Emmanuel Reamsnyder took the duties for a while and then Oren Rowe, father of Tom Rowe, was janitor.
In 1902, the Christian Church Ladies Society met and organized with 26 members. Their activities were quilting, sewing rags for rugs, making dust caps and aprons and knotting or tying comforts.
In 1908, J. S. Bonham was the minister for a salary of $500 a year. It was decided to have 5 trustees for the church property. Some of the items of interest that the ladies had record of was: redecorating auditorium, vestibule and Sunday School room for $150.
In 1909, they had Christmas sales and bazaars making $13.80 and $11.40 to be used for the church. They also had a box social recorded where they made $8.18.
In 1910, they had lunch stands at farm sales making $13.61, $10.76 and they bought a sweeper for $3.50. The ladies started calling their organization the "Ladies Aid" in 1911. That year, J. R. Keeran, who was the great, great, great uncle of Keith Keeran, was hired as the minister for $500 a year and his salary went up to $600 in 1912. Keith Keeran is now President of Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, Kentucky.
In 1917, the board voted to arrange for building a parsonage or furnishing a parsonage for the preacher. The parsonage was built about 1921 when C. A. Mitchell was the minister. It was built across the road where the original log building was located. The parsonage was papered by the ladies in 1924 for $17.20.
Dr. C. L. Baker, who lived and had his office in the house that is the parsonage today, was treasurer from 1917 to sometime in the 1940's. He also served as elder for many years and was one of the main workers in building the present facility.
Early records mentioned W. H. Likins, grandfather of Martha Haines, as the chorister for several years. His daughter, Vada Whiteamire, mother of Martha Haines, played piano for Sunday School as a young girl and still played for services quite often until 1972. Other former pianists mentioned were Elizabeth (George) Cooper, Betty (Brooks) Baird, Lucille (Neff) Cotsamire, Sarah Hill, Clara Strickler, Margaret Lutz, Martha Haines, Joan Sullivan, Dorothea Lyon, Janis Reamsnyder. Dorothea Lyon was choir director for many years.
The church building was raised 2 ft. and 3 cement blocks were placed on the foundation. Installation of a Rudy giant furnace with a fan was done for $400 in 1928. There is record of the church renting 100 acres of land for oats in 1929.
In 1934, Percy Krewson was hired for 1 year at $720 plus parsonage to live in, a cow and a few chickens. The congregation alternated with the Methodist congregation in Kirkpatrick in having Sunday night services. They decided to send $1.00 a month to Raymond Sawyer who was a missionary in Japan. Several wood cutting meetings were held that year and maintenance to the buildings needed attention so they used board siding on the parsonage and church building. They also repaired windows at both places and put roof on the poultry house.
In 1938, Percy Krewson resigned and Kirkpatrick and Caledonia congregations agreed to hire Lawrence Ray for $1000 a year to be paid equally by both churches and he would reside at the parsonage in Kirkpatrick. In the early years; soliciting committees were appointed to raise funds to pay preachers and other bills.
R. F. Strickler was the minister from 1942-1955. He had filled the pulpit previously in 1918-1920. In the late 1940's; a youth group was organized under the leadership of Kensel Clutter. This group met on Sunday evening.
In 1950, a new gas furnace was put in and outside toilet was repaired. In 1951, the baptistery was installed and a new baptistery heater was installed in 1953. A new addition of 20 ft. on the east end of the building with a basement was finished in 1954.
The old Sunday School room door was replaced which is the south section of the auditorium today. R. F. Strickler's son, John, painted the beautiful picture above the baptistery. R. F. Strickler at about age 85, resigned in 1955. He and his wife, Clara, had bought the home which is now the parsonage located next to the church on the south side. The parsonage was rented for a while since the Strickler's had their own home. The front steps were rebuilt and a new gas furnace was installed in 1955. In 1956 - The back church yard was stoned for a parking lot.
In 1957 - Wednesday evening Bible Study and prayer services were started. Some blackboards for Bible School rooms were bought and the Scott Township trustees donated 4 blackboards to the church. David Pugh offered in memory of his late father, 16 acres of land for profits to go to the church in 1958 and 1959. The Rowe family donated an electric organ to be used for services.
In 1960 - Calmer Clutter made a glass front wooden case for the old communion set of 2 cups and a pitcher to be kept in safety and on display. In 1963 - Hot water heating system was installed in the church building which was a gift from a family in the congregation. Other changes were: installation of steel beam to support roof between the auditorium and the south overflow room; closing the west windows; new lowered ceiling and painted walls; restrooms; new lighting; speakers; hard wood flooring; paneling; new pews; carpet. New church furniture was bought from the Endicott Company. The adult Bible class had an auction to sell the 3 antique chairs with 1st choice to Ray Reamsnyder, 2nd choice to Calmer Clutter and 3`d choice to Harold Brooks. All paid $15.00 each and money was put in building fund.
In 1964, a new furnace was bought and the old furnace was given to the Hill Street Church of Christ in Marion, Ohio. In 1967, the steeple was lowered and repaired; aluminum siding was put on the building and locks were put on the doors.
In 1968, a big decision had to be made when re-structure design and merger took place in the Christian churches (Disciples of Christ). Kirkpatrick church name was removed, by congregation vote, from the yearbook of the Christian Churches (Disciples) so it would not automatically come under this new movement and would stay self-supporting (autonomous) and follow Bible teaching only.
In the mid `70s, the church launched into Bus Ministry Program. A 13 passenger van was donated by Bob Pugh and the church started working in Grandview Estates, north of Marion, Ohio. In the mid `80s, an expansion of that ministry occurred when Dick Rowe provided funds to purchase a 66 passenger bus. The bus also helped with our VBS transportation. Tom and Mary Rowe was instrumental in keeping the bus ministry going for years.
Jim Christian and Betty Monnette were a great help in this ministry also. In the 1970's, the church building roof was repaired and a garage was added to the parsonage in the 1980s.
In 1983, a larger electric organ was donated to the church by Warren and Mary Lutz..
In 1987 the church had a nursing home ministry in Galion, Ohio. Leadership Training Classes for the men were started also in 1987.
In 1988 the church began a Food Pantry Ministry serving 5 families on the first night, with Mary Rowe and Jeep Branch in charge. In 2006 the food pantry feed 1,854 families an average of 154 families a month or an average of 505 individuals a month. Mary Rowe continues to direct the food pantry ministry with the help of Donna Knapp, and many others in our congregation. We also get assistance from the Caledonia Church of Christ, Caledonia, Ohio and the Celebration Christian Church in Marion, Ohio on our distribution days. The Kirkpatrick Food Pantry has also been instrumental in helping other food pantries to get started in the Marion and surrounding areas.
To encourage better attendance in Sunday School classes contests were started in 1988. Recognizing the Sunday School Class of the Year and also the Sunday School Student of the Year.
In 1989, Junior Worship service was started with Hester Fabiny in charge. The last Sunday of each month was to be "family day" and everyone would meet together upstairs in the sanctuary. There would be no Junior church on this day. Jim Christian is the leader at the present time.
A new furnace was installed at the parsonage which was a donation from a family in the church. There was a new water softener and water heater installed in the church during this year.
In 1995, Dean Levering Construction Company from Caledonia, Ohio remodeled the restrooms, nursery and office. During this year, small groups were started and also the "faith promise" program began which resulted in an increase in the church's giving to missions. The kitchen in the church basement was remodeled during this year by members of the church family.
Bible bowl competition was started for the young people. The Kirkpatrick team would compete with teams from other area churches. A Keyboard instrument was donated by Martha and Jim Haines in memory of Martha's mother, Vada Whiteamire.
In 1998, the house next door to the church building on the south side was bought from Claire Strickler, the daughter-in-law of R. F. Strickler who was a former minister at the church. This was to be the new parsonage. Five acres behind the church building was also bought from Claire Strickler. Phil Knapp agreed to farm the land so it would not need to be mowed. Closing of the sale of the old parsonage was in January, 1999. A Baby Grand Piano was donated to the church by JoAnn Haines, a former member of the church.
In 2000, the Ladies Christian Fellowship gave $600 toward new carpet for the sanctuary. Memorial contributions from John Shifley's funeral were put toward the carpet also. The concrete sidewalk was completed from the parsonage to the church.
In 2000 we started a website for the church [kirkpatrickcc.faithsite.com].
Since it conception, August 2000, we have had 181,739 hits on our website.
A new roof was put on the building in 2001. A new computer system was purchased for the church and the Ladies Christian Fellowship purchased eight new tables for classrooms and fellowship hall.
Josh Haines, grandson of Martha Haines, was hired as a summer intern youth minister in 2002.
During this year, a 20 cubic foot refrigerator was donated to the church by Ray and Maxine Arthur. A new water line was brought into Kirkpatrick during this year which included the church building and parsonage.
In 2003, a handicap ramp was donated by Brandy and Joel McCreery, the daughter and son-in-law of Diane and Bob Shaw. The ramp was placed up the front steps.
The video projector and equipment was purchased during this year.
In 2006, a digital hymnal was purchased which is very helpful in absence of people who play the instruments or for choir specials, singspirations, Sonrise service, Christmas Eve and other special programs or events.
Elders
The list of Elders who have served the congregation from 1832-2007 it is not entirely complete.
1840-1881 John Hill
1950-1958 John Fairchild
1850-1908 Samuel Hill
1952-1958 G.O. Wilson
1876-1896 Wesley Dowling 1953-1963 Norris Hill
1880-1930 Norman Brooks 1969-1982 Jerry Reamsnyder
1880-1930 C.A. Rowe
1962-1970 Roy Farringer
1896-1915 Silas J. Hill
1963-1968 Jim Haines
1917-1927 W.H. Likens
1960-1965 Dan Fisher
1917-1924 J.S. Clary
1966-1972 Willard Delaney
1908-1916 Charles Shumaker
1966-1968 Darrell Fyffe
1926-1927 H.C. Rice
1967- 2002 Eugene Branch
1917-1940 C.L. Baker
1970-1984 Arlo Brown
1926-1928 Paul Neff
1972-1980 Ken Boyer
1997-2007 Ken Boyer
1930-1937 A.C. George
1976-1982 Bob Hill
1930-1935 Ray Reamsnyder
1979-1983 Ron Cramer
1925-1967 E.E. Foos
1979-1980 Bill Rogers
1926-1936 Oren Rowe
1977-1984 David Howald
1926-1967 H.J. Brooks
1983 N/A Tim Cooper
1942-1955 W.R. Brooks
1986-1998 Tom Rowe
1950-1962 Kensel Clutter
1997-1998 John Shifley
1952-1962 Richard Fairchild
1980-2006 Joe Fabiny
1926-1936 C.M. Clary
1993-1996 Don Sherer
1926-1940 V.C. Likens
1998-2007 Rick Goddard
2003-2004 Mark Whiteamire
2003-2005 Bob Pugh
2006-2007 Jim Denton
No dates available
E.G. Kennedy
Frank Hill
George Hill
Jacob Linn
H.G. Rice
C.A. Rowe
N.B. Brooks
C.L. Baker
E.E. Likens
C.S. Wert
Ray Reamsnyder
Wayne Mitchell
James Noblett
Herbert Brooks
Paul Clutter
Oren Rowe
Dale Lutz
Deacons
The list of Deacons who have served the congregation from 1832 to 2007 Alphabetical order
Lowell Baker
Charles Blevins
Ken Boyer
Rick Brammell
Eugene Branch
Harold Brooks
Richard Brooks
Arlo Brown
Bill Burriss
Bob Burris
Wayne Carll
Richard Carr
Kenneth Cartmell
Jim Christian
Ira Cleary
Calmer Clutter
Kensel Clutter
Paul Clutter
Walter Clutter
Charles Coulter Jr.
Russell Coulter
Tim Cooper
Dave Cooper
Chris Cooper
Jim Denton
Charles Dummitt
Joe Fabiny
Richard Fairchild
Bob Fannin
Dan Fisher
Ray Fisher
E.E. Foos
Tim Gafkjen
A.C. George
Alfred George
Rick Goddard
Fred Greoge
T.C. Grossman
Warner Harris
Bob Hill
Alexander Hill
Richard Dickie
Edward Kennedy
John Keirns
Phill Knapp
Vinal Likens
Dale Lutz
Clifford Lutz
Russell Lutz
Warren Lutz
Edgar Likens
Virgil Likens
Dick Lucas
Forest Gladhart
D.C. Mitchell
Ormand Miller
Ed Foreman
John McLaughlin
Larry Mullholand
James Noblett
David Pugh
Harold Pickett
Henry Reamsnyder
Joe Roaf
Hanson Rice
Ray Reamsnyder
Tom Rowe
Jerry Reamsnyder
Jack Reece
Bob Richardson
Ernest Rowe
Bruce Sands
Mike Sayers
Melvin Scoot
Bob Shaw
Don Sherman
Wayne Sherman
John Shifley
Lenny Shifley
Don Sherer
Jerry Siegfried
Richard Stineman
Ed Sullivan
Wilber Wright
Paul Whiteamire
Ministers at Kirkpatrick
Below is the list of ministers who have served the congregation of the Kirkpatrick Church of Christ from 1832 to PRESENT.
1830-1840 Harrison Jones (10 years)
1840-1854 Jackson Dowling(14 years)
1855 Micheal Kiddle
1857 David Sharpless
1858 Mr. Koke
1861 John Stannard
1863 Mr. Ebert
1866 William Hunt
1868 Alexander Reed
1871 John Rowe (Evangelist)
1871 Eden Runfield
1879-1890 M.P. Galleher (11years)
1891 Mr. Holloway
1892 David Harris
1893 Mr. Maxwell
1894 Mr. Dowell
1895 Mr. Strown
1899 Mr. Smithson (Evangelist)
1899 W.R. Walker
1901 B.C. Piatt
1902-1903 Mr. Molona, Mr. Bunt, Mr.Moffitt
1905 Mr. Moxley
1906-1908 J.S. Bonham
1909 Albert Gullige
1910 J.E. Johnson
1910 N.L. Bell
1911-1915 J.R. Keeran
1916-1917 A.B. Moore
1918-1920 R.F. Strickler (2 years)
1921-1925 C.A. Mitchell
1926 Mr. Havren (Evangelist)
1926 C. Perry
1927-1933 J.B. Swain (6 years)
1934-1938 Percy Krewson (4 years)
1939-1941 Lawrence Ray (2 years)
1942-1955 R.F. Strickler (13 years)
1955-1972 Willard Delaney (17 years)
1972-1976 Steve Liming (4 years)
1976-1981 Bill Grandi (5 years)
1981-1984 Ralph Eichelberger
23 years)
1984- present Don Kelley (23 years)
Treasurers
The list of treasurers who have served the church from 1832 to 2007 is not entirely complete.
C.L. Baker
Eugene Branch
Richard Brooks
H.J. Brooks
Wayne Carll
Ron Cramer
Jim Denton
Norris Hill
Jacob Linn
Henry Reamsnyder
Jerry Siegfried
Don Sherer
TRUSTEES
1908 - E. C. Kennedy, Frank Hill, George Hill, Jacob Linn, C. A. Rowe
1926 - E. E. Likins, C. S. Wert, Wayne Mitchell, E. C. Kennedy, George Hill, Ray Reamsnyder
1931 - Walter Clutter, E. E. Foos, Wayne Mitchell, Shell Wert
1934 - Wayne Mitchell, Shell Wert, James Noblet, Ray Reamsnyder 1936 - James Noblet, Ray Reamsnyder, Herbert Brooks
1938 - Ray Reamsnyder Paul Clutter, Oren Rowe
1950 - Ray Reamsnyder, Paul Clutter, E. E. Likins - To 1957 1959 - Ray Reamsnyder, Calmer Clutter
1960 - Dale Lutz, Tom Rowe, Ray Reamsnyder - To 1964 1997 - Rick Goddard, Dave Cooper, Chris Cooper
2002 - Jim Christian, Richard Stineman, Wayne Sherman
2004 - Jim Christian, Jim Denton, Richard Stineman, Phil Knapp
Since 2005 Deacons were made Trustees.
Instruments
The list of pianists and organists is not entirely complete and accurate.
Betty Brooks
Evelyn Delaney
Elizabeth George
Martha Haines
Diane Henry
Kathy Henry
Sarah Hill
Sheri Knapp
Christine Mullholand
Lucille Neff
Jo Sherer
Evelyn Shifley
Janis Reamsnyder
Beth Quaintance
Mrs. Strickler
JoAnn Sullivan
Kristin Wakely
Vada Whiteamire
Those serving the Kirkpatrick Church of Christ in various areas:
Elders- Mike Sayer, Jim Denton, Rick Goddard
Deacons– Jim Christian, Phil Knapp, Bob Shaw, Richard Stineman
Ministers-- Don Kelley and Josh Haines
Trustees– - Jim Christian, Phil Knapp, Bob Shaw, Richard Stienman, Mike Sayers
Missionary Treasurer- Michele Fabiny
Mission Committee - Janet Knapp, Michele Fabiny, Richard Stineman, Josh Haines, Kerrie Haines
Church Pianist– Evelyn Shifley,
Sunday School Secretary and Treasurer – Donna Knapp
Sunday School Teachers: Jim Denton, Josh Haines,Kerri Haines Michele Stratton, Don and Kathe Kelley, Debbie McCleese
Ladies Group President - Carol Christian
Food Pantry Director- Mary Rowe (Assistant -Donna Knapp)
Choir Director - Jim Denton
|
|
