Creston Presbyterian Church
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- Name
- Creston Presbyterian Church
- Other Services
- Religious / Grantmaking / Civil / Profession and Similar Organizations
- Brands
- Presbyterian
- Services
- Church
- Founded
- May 4,1883
Creston,Ohio
- Parent organizations
- 13070 Cleveland Rd., Creston, 44217, Ohio
The first steps toward the organization of the Church were taken early in 1883, and the organization was completed by the ordination of elders, May 4, 1883, with the following twenty-nine members: C. W. Littell, Mattie E. Littell, Eljie Littell, Margaret Foote, Eliza Ewing, Mary B. Wheeler, Theresa Kean, Annie Houghton, D. W. McIlvaine, Jennie Bittenger, John A. Dyer, Emoline Dyer, Mrs. G. W. Stebbins, Mrs. W. P. Stebbins, Mrs. H. T. Lewis, Hattie L. McIlvaine, Russel E. Kerr, Ellie G. Keck, Elizabeth Whonsettler, Mary E. Stebbins, Mary A. Bassett, William Smith, Mary Barton, Mary J. Kerr, Luella Kerr, Viola Keck, C. A. Stebbins, Flavel Dyer, Sarah Stebbins.
Rev. B. K. Ormand, of Sharon, Pa., was called and installed as pastor the second Thursday of July, 1883. The Society having no place of worship secured the use of School Hall, where they have been holding Sunday School and services until a week ago last Sunday.
In the fall of 1883 the members resolved to build them a house of worship and commenced raising subscriptions toward that end, and in the spring of 1884 bought a half-acre lot for $400, and shortly after broke ground and commenced the erection of the house which has just been dedicated. Owing to the closeness of the times subscriptions did not come in promptly and the work dragged rather slowly; but it was in good hands, who had counted the cost and said, "Behold, I purpose to build an an house, unto the name of the Lord my God," and they did not intend any man should say, "This man began to build but was not able to finish," and last Sunday had the great satisfaction of bowing in adoration before their Maker and saying with Solomon of old, "I have surely built Thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for Thee to abide in forever." And now may they receive the answer from the Lord, "I have hallowed this house which thou hast built, to put my name there forever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually," May those who labored to erect it find in it comfort and solace in their declining years, and may their children and generations yet unborn, find in it a Savior, and may every soul who enters it have reason to exclaim "How amiable are they tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord."
At the upper end of town stands the handsome little sacred edifice, the Presbyterian Church, which was built in 1884. One handsome piece, worthy of special mention, is the pulpit which was built and presented to the church by Dr. G. W. Littell; it can be adjusted to suit the convenience of the speaker be he short or tall. The church had a seating capacity of three hundred. Its membership is about one hundred. The Sunday School has enrolled about one hundred and fifty scholars, under the supervision of Mr. John E. Stone, of Milton township, who is doing much good in pointing the scholars under his care to Him who said, "They that seek me early shall find me." The Society value their property at about seven thousand dollars. Their first pastor was the Rev. B. K. Ormond, now of Toledo; at present the pastor is the Rev. William O. Phillips. He was born in 1845 in what was then called Lewis Co., Va.; but now called Upshur Co., W. Va.; worked on a farm until eighteen years of age when eh enlisted in Battery E., First W. Va. Light Auxiliary, serving faithfully until the close of the war he returned home; after several years of hard study as a scholar, and teacher in the schools of his native place, he entered the University of Wooster in the Sophomore class of 1872, graduating with the class of 1875; thence going to the Theological College of San Francisco, California; graduating in 1878, and returned to his home took charge of the church there, remaining until he accepted the call of the Presbyterian Church here in November of last year. The reverand gentlemen gives evidence of deep study, profound thought, has a plentiful supply of Bible love and an abundance of good common sense; presents his subjects in a plain yet withal eloquent manner, which makes them very interesting to his hearers, and we trust that it will not be deemed out of place to mention right here that one of the most interesting sermons that we have heard in many a day was the one delivered by him last Sabbath. It was a masterly effort, and will bear several repetitions.[1]
1884 Church
Dedication of 1884 Building
Last Sunday the beautiful edifice erected by the Presbyterians of Creston was dedicated to the worship of God, Rev. Dr. Scoville, President of Wooster University, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The sermon was a wasterly effort, pointing out the benefits to humanity of the public worship of God, and was delivered in language so logical, so plain, so clear, that the most uneducated hearer could not help but understand every sentence, and be convinced of the truth of the arguments. On the rostrum, besides Dr. Scoville, were the Rev. J. C. Elliott, of Rittman, who offered the opening prayer, and the pastor, Rev. B. K. Ormond, who made the dedicatory prayer at the close of the sermon. The Choir, under the leadership of Dr. G. W. Littell, with Mrs. Littell at the organ, occupied one end of the rostrum, and rendered sweet and appropriate music. Indeed, we were particularly pleased with the singing of a class of ten or twelve little girls and boys. Considering the short time they have had to practice, and the embarrassment natural to tender years before so large an audience as they had to face, they did remarkably well. We trust they will continue to cultivate their voices and sing God's praises in his temple, and finally become members of that Grand Choir where there will be no false notes, no critics, no jealousies. The Methodist congregation had been invited, and worshiped with their neighbors in the new house, and every available space was occupied, many coming long distances. In the evening the house was again packed with worshipers, who listened to an interesting discourse by the pastor, and before being dismissed had the pleasure of listening to the fact that the beautiful, comfortable and cosy house was the Lord's indeed, the necessary amount to pay all bills being subscribed and guaranteed.[2]
Size and Cost of the 1884 Church
- The building is 40 x 62. Height of basement, 9 feet. Height of audience room 24 feet. G. W. Littell, W. P. Stebbins, and R. E. Kerr comprised the Building Committee.
The cost of the Church is as follows:
- Lot, 1/2 acre $ 400.00
- Total cost of building 4500.00
- Furnace 484.00
- Seating (200) 290.00
Total $5674.00[3]
Ladies Aid Society
In December 1881, the Presbyterian ladies of Creston formed themselves into a Ladies' Aid Society, with a view to Church organization. At that time there were many members of the Jackson Church, residents of Creston who from old age and inconvenience were unable to attend the Church, and their families were deprived of the privilege of Sabbath School in the church of their choice. So it was thought needful to have a Church house in Creston, and these ladies organized themselves for the purpose of raising funds to aid in the erection of such a home. They have been most indefatigable in their efforts to raise money, working like heroines at entertainments, sociables, and taking advantage of everything to turn an honest penny, and it is mainly due to their unremitting efforts that the house had been built. They have raised sufficient funds, up to this time, to purchase and pay for the following articles, costing in the neighborhood of $700: Bell, Carpet, Organ, Chandeliers, Lamps, Pulpit Chairs, Communion Set and Choir Books. The pulpit, a beautiful piece of cabinetmaker's art-- was made and donated by Dr. G. W. Littell, and the Bible and Hymn Book was donated by Mrs. Littell.[4]
Historical documents
- 7 Sep 1969 "The Organization of The United Presbyterian Church of Creston, Ohio as the successor to The First Presbyterian Church of Creston, Ohio and The Jackson Presbyterian Church of Creston, Ohio" / by the Presbytery of Wooster in the Jackson Presbyterian Church Building, Route 3, Creston, Ohio. [bulletin]
- Welcome to Creston Presbyterian Church [brochure]