History of Hartsgrove Community Church, UCC
The first meeting for the public was said to be held at the house of Calvin Grover in 1830, Elder John Norris of Windsor, conducting services.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in Southeast Hartsgrove was the first church society organized in the township. The meeting took place at the split log school house, July 20, 1830. Elder Scott was the minister. A Sunday School was held during the sabbath services in the rear of the school house. The Methodist Episcopal Church at the center of Hartsgrove was organized about 1837, the Rev. John C. Ayers presiding. The membership at this time was ten. In 1894, they erected their present meeting house, a building 32 x 40 feet, later enlarged to 32 x 52 feet.
In 1921, a graduation ceremony was held at the church. The substructure of the building was in the process of being reinforced but had not been completed. The graduation class, orchestra with piano plus the friends and relatives in attendance were too much weight for the beams to bear. They gave way halfway through the ceremony. Luckily, there were no casualties. Ralph Grant was the only injury case, with a broken leg.
At this time of need this organization of men turned out in full to excavate the crawl space under the church building for a full basement and kitchen and put in a new floor.
Jim Ross, a sawyer, cut hard maple timber, kiln dried it in Ashtabula, tongue and grooved it for the floor. The timber was a gift of the Picktons and was taken from their woods.
The church was ready to use again later that year, 1923.
An Episcopal Church was organized in 1837 with a membership of 12 persons, Rev. John L. Bryan of Windsor officiating. The society for the time held their meetings in the Center School building.
A Free Will Baptist Church in Southeast Hartsgrove was organized by Rev. E.M. Dodge in 1845, with a membership of 16. Meetings were held in the school house until 1860. In 1863 Rev. Thompan led meetings, assisted by Mr. A.C. Bush. Mr. Bush later settles in Hartsgrove, and was ordained in 1869. He reorganized the church and became the minister for four years. The Disciple Church was organized in 1858 under the pastorate of Rev. Calvin Smith. The series of meetings were held at that time in the ballroom of the hotel.
Hartsgrove had great difficulty in supporting so many similarly structured religious groups. Consolidation, in order to provide one strong united church, took place on March 31, 1929. The various groups joined congregations and finances to form the Hartsgrove Community Church.
In 1946, the church closed for at least three years. Through the efforts of Florence Patterson and Jerry Whitten, and other members of The Ladies Aid Society the church is re-opened. Maude Potter was elected as superintendent of the Sunday School. Rev. Beardsley of Rome, hearing of the efforts to re-establish the church led the congregation as pastor, free gratis.
Many times, the Ladies Aid Society has been instrumental in the church’s growth. When supplies were needed or bills due, the Ladies Aid always came through with financial aid and charitable support. They have provided gifts of china, silver for the kitchen, helped with installation of the sink and water heater, and make sure there was always a tree for the children at Christmas. We owe this group many thanks.
In addition to regular Sunday services, the church has seen Youth and Adult Bible Study Classes, Vacation Bible School Classes, and numerous other additions to its ministry.
On April 28, 1957, Mrs. Maude Potter and Mrs. Pearl Bean were honored for their long and faithful service to the church. Mrs. Bean has been the church organist since 1947. Mrs. Joanne Nye has also assisted at the piano and organ since 1961. The church was fortunate to have two talented organists and was especially favored by special occasion duets on piano and organ.
In the mid ‘60s there was conflict between the members and the United Methodist Church as to ownership of the building and property. Through the efforts of Rev. Bako, Harold Fuller, chairman of church trustees, the “Title” to the church was gained, and in 1966 it became the Hartsgrove Community United Church of Christ. Much consideration had been given and the decision was made because of their willingness to give us much support and spiritual guidance. We could also keep the ownership of our church. Dr. El Weist, head of the Western Reserve Association of the United Church of Christ, had talked with us several times and helped us find supply ministers for this period of discussion.
Rev. Willard Strong led services since 1968. He was ordained as a United Church of Christ Minister here. During his leadership an addition was made to the basement, to enlarge the kitchen and classroom facilities. A new furnace was installed and walls were paneled.
In 1971, Rev. Strong finished a mural in the sanctuary. It is a stylized version of DaVinci’s “Last Supper” on stretched canvas.
In 1985, a second floor was built which included restrooms, a pastor study and a small meeting room.
On January 28 2001, a Dedication of Hartsgrove Church Steeple was held in Honor of Mary and Harold Fuller.
In 2020, we updated the plumbing and added hot water to the front bathroom upstairs. In 2021, we completed renovations to the basement floor and repainted the walls. In 2022, we completed an electrical update in the basement.
Today, our church stands as a vital piece of the Hartsgrove Community. We are the 'Friendly Church on the Circle.' Each year, we hold at least two rummage sales to help support both the church and the community.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in Southeast Hartsgrove was the first church society organized in the township. The meeting took place at the split log school house, July 20, 1830. Elder Scott was the minister. A Sunday School was held during the sabbath services in the rear of the school house. The Methodist Episcopal Church at the center of Hartsgrove was organized about 1837, the Rev. John C. Ayers presiding. The membership at this time was ten. In 1894, they erected their present meeting house, a building 32 x 40 feet, later enlarged to 32 x 52 feet.
In 1921, a graduation ceremony was held at the church. The substructure of the building was in the process of being reinforced but had not been completed. The graduation class, orchestra with piano plus the friends and relatives in attendance were too much weight for the beams to bear. They gave way halfway through the ceremony. Luckily, there were no casualties. Ralph Grant was the only injury case, with a broken leg.
At this time of need this organization of men turned out in full to excavate the crawl space under the church building for a full basement and kitchen and put in a new floor.
Jim Ross, a sawyer, cut hard maple timber, kiln dried it in Ashtabula, tongue and grooved it for the floor. The timber was a gift of the Picktons and was taken from their woods.
The church was ready to use again later that year, 1923.
An Episcopal Church was organized in 1837 with a membership of 12 persons, Rev. John L. Bryan of Windsor officiating. The society for the time held their meetings in the Center School building.
A Free Will Baptist Church in Southeast Hartsgrove was organized by Rev. E.M. Dodge in 1845, with a membership of 16. Meetings were held in the school house until 1860. In 1863 Rev. Thompan led meetings, assisted by Mr. A.C. Bush. Mr. Bush later settles in Hartsgrove, and was ordained in 1869. He reorganized the church and became the minister for four years. The Disciple Church was organized in 1858 under the pastorate of Rev. Calvin Smith. The series of meetings were held at that time in the ballroom of the hotel.
Hartsgrove had great difficulty in supporting so many similarly structured religious groups. Consolidation, in order to provide one strong united church, took place on March 31, 1929. The various groups joined congregations and finances to form the Hartsgrove Community Church.
In 1946, the church closed for at least three years. Through the efforts of Florence Patterson and Jerry Whitten, and other members of The Ladies Aid Society the church is re-opened. Maude Potter was elected as superintendent of the Sunday School. Rev. Beardsley of Rome, hearing of the efforts to re-establish the church led the congregation as pastor, free gratis.
Many times, the Ladies Aid Society has been instrumental in the church’s growth. When supplies were needed or bills due, the Ladies Aid always came through with financial aid and charitable support. They have provided gifts of china, silver for the kitchen, helped with installation of the sink and water heater, and make sure there was always a tree for the children at Christmas. We owe this group many thanks.
In addition to regular Sunday services, the church has seen Youth and Adult Bible Study Classes, Vacation Bible School Classes, and numerous other additions to its ministry.
On April 28, 1957, Mrs. Maude Potter and Mrs. Pearl Bean were honored for their long and faithful service to the church. Mrs. Bean has been the church organist since 1947. Mrs. Joanne Nye has also assisted at the piano and organ since 1961. The church was fortunate to have two talented organists and was especially favored by special occasion duets on piano and organ.
In the mid ‘60s there was conflict between the members and the United Methodist Church as to ownership of the building and property. Through the efforts of Rev. Bako, Harold Fuller, chairman of church trustees, the “Title” to the church was gained, and in 1966 it became the Hartsgrove Community United Church of Christ. Much consideration had been given and the decision was made because of their willingness to give us much support and spiritual guidance. We could also keep the ownership of our church. Dr. El Weist, head of the Western Reserve Association of the United Church of Christ, had talked with us several times and helped us find supply ministers for this period of discussion.
Rev. Willard Strong led services since 1968. He was ordained as a United Church of Christ Minister here. During his leadership an addition was made to the basement, to enlarge the kitchen and classroom facilities. A new furnace was installed and walls were paneled.
In 1971, Rev. Strong finished a mural in the sanctuary. It is a stylized version of DaVinci’s “Last Supper” on stretched canvas.
In 1985, a second floor was built which included restrooms, a pastor study and a small meeting room.
On January 28 2001, a Dedication of Hartsgrove Church Steeple was held in Honor of Mary and Harold Fuller.
In 2020, we updated the plumbing and added hot water to the front bathroom upstairs. In 2021, we completed renovations to the basement floor and repainted the walls. In 2022, we completed an electrical update in the basement.
Today, our church stands as a vital piece of the Hartsgrove Community. We are the 'Friendly Church on the Circle.' Each year, we hold at least two rummage sales to help support both the church and the community.