The below document is in the Crawford County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society Church Records Collection.
The Zion Chapel United Methodist Church, a merged congregation since July 1, 1982, is located at the corner of St. Rt. 98 and Connely Road. The Liberty Chapel United methodist and the Zion United Methodist Churches merged after Liberty Chapel celebrated its centennial in 1982.
The land for the Liberty Chapel Church was purchased from the Henry Crall Jr. family in 1848. It was then called the United Brethren Church in Christ. In February 1882 it was decided to build the present structure, now occupied by another denomination.
In the forepart of 1853 a class was organized. With rapid growth through new converts and families moving into the area from Pennsylvania they were able to erect a frame structure at the crossroads 5 miles east of Bucyrus on the Sulfur Springs Road now St. Rt. 98. It was dedicated in 1856 as Zion Church of the Evangelical Association.
In 1894 their frame building was replaced by a new brick one. It was remodeled in 1943 with new windows, a basement and other improvements. In 1963 adjacent property was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. I. G. Chessman for a new building as the present one was becoming too small to serve the needs of the growing congregation. Memorial windows from the existing church were removed and placed in a vertical arrangement from the roof to the ground on the south end of the new building, and the picture window, “Jesus, the Good Shepherd” was placed to the front of the new sanctuary over the altar. The dedicatory service for the new building with a seating capacity of around 200 was held Sunday, June 27, 1965.
In 1980 Liberty Chapel and the Zion Methodist Churches were made a two point charge. In November of that year a study committee from both churches worked together with both congregations as to the pros and cons of a merger. In November 1981 at a charge conference the plan to merge was adopted. The congregation voted to use the Zion Church Building on State Route 98 for worship and chose the name Zion Chapel United Methodist. The merger officially began with the new conference year July 1, 1982.
