The below document is in the Crawford County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society Church Records Collection.
New Washington United Methodist Church
The Church was founded by Rev. E. L. Smith, pastor of the Good Will Church, as part of the Good Will Circuit, and the $2,400 edifice was dedicated on Sunday, October 2, 1883. Previously a “Methodist Society” served by Good Will pastors, had been in existence since about 1879. The new church, with only a few families, became debt free on the day of dedication and the circuit was very soon known as the New Washington Circuit. Growth was rapid with increased ministry and stature in the community.
Around 1912 the Good Will, Cranberry Chapel, and Pleasant Grove Churches, country churches on the charge, discontinued services and many members came to New Washinton. Increased activity and membership and subsequent need for facilities urged consideration of a remodeling program. This was done in 1917-18 when the frame church was moved back from the street, class and other rooms were added, and the entire structure was brick veneered to construct what is seen today.
Many improvements continue to be made on the church and the parsonage and equipment for services and instruction. One of the major projects was accomplished in 1954-56 when a basement was constructed under the entire church for new kitchen facilities, fellowship and class rooms. In 1974 tower chimes were installed and in 1975 the church acquired a new Conn Organ–to mention only a few of the improvements.
In 1912 the New Washington Methodist Church became a single point charge, but in 1940 a circuit was established with Lemert and Concord and this continued until 1959. Later in 1968, Scioto and New Washington made up a two-point charge and, in 1980, the local church became the New Washinton United Methodist Church, a single station.
The various groups of the church are all very active–all pressing “to give glory to God”–and the entire church often contributes much effort to community goals along with the other New Washinton churches.
On October 23, 1983, the church held its Centennial celebration, and the life of the church was summarized in a centennial History.
