Liberty Church Celebrates Monumental 200 Years of Service
October 3, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.
This past Saturday, Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church celebrated 200 years!
The history of this church runs deep and under numerous pastors has now become a beautiful church full of praise, worship, community, and love. Pastor Charlie Black, who has now completed three months at Edwards Memorial, invited all friends and family and everyone in between to join in on the service and the crowd was enormous!
Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church has a rich history, and in fact, is nearly as old as Union County itself. UC was first organized in 1821 from parts of Wayne, Franklin, and Fayette counties. The region had been settled at a very early date, and as far back as 1812, there is a history of the “Whitewater Circuit,” which was serviced by Methodist ministers.
The first minister of note was Rev. John Strange, and he was known for his oratorical ability and theatrical power of speech. It was commonly accepted that it was his ability for preaching, which aroused the religious zeal of the early settlers. He wore himself out, however, and died at the young age of 43. He is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery in Indianapolis.
“It is doubtful if there has ever been a Methodist preacher in Indiana more universally loved than John Strange,” stated Historian William Warren Sweet.
The town of Liberty was platted in 1822 when Thomas Cook purchased an area now covered by 16 squares. The boundaries were extended the next year to the east and south. It was here on the former Eastern edge of Liberty that the first Methodist church was erected.
Two-hundred years ago, in 1824, Rev. Lorenzo Dow first visited Liberty. He was instrumental in the establishment of the local church. After preaching intermittently for about seven years, records show that on June 10, 1831, a meeting was held by the church members for the purpose of electing trustees. This was required to receive a deed for land upon which to erect a church building.
Through the years, this fellowship has been served well by several ministers. Circuit ministers were assigned before there was an actual resident minister. These early circuit ministers are as follows: George W. Beswick & Jacob Stallard - 1836, Boyd Phelps & John Hasty - 1837, George W. Beswick & Others - 1838, Greensburg C. Beeks & Isaac Kelso - 1839, John Kiger & Landy Havens - 1840, Joseph Tarkington & George Havens - 1841, W. W. Hiben - 1842, F. A. Conwell & I. C. Mead - 1843, Hayden Hays & O. A. Ash - 1844, Thos Crawford - 1845, Jacob Myers & James Mitchell - 1846, John S. Winchester & T. T. Stallard - 1847, W. W. Snyder & J. C. King - 1849, Seth Smith & Aaron Long - 1850, S. B. Falkenburg & H. M. Bayers - 1851, Lewis Hurlburt - 1852, W. M. Fraley, A. B. Hester & W. W. Sullivan - 1854, J. S. Barnes & W. Harrison - 1855.
In 1854, the church trustees purchased a part of lot #17 from Christian Crist. This was located at the SW corner of Market and Seminary streets. The price was $500, and it was in this location that a building was built in 1855. The following is a list of ministers who served in the church over the next 30 years.
John S. Winchester, Thos Geary, & Samuel Lockwood - 1856, W. Kendrick & J. A. LeSeurd - 1858, H. B. Collins & U. G. Reeves - 1860, P. Carlan, J. R. LeSeurd & A. N. Marlatt - 1862, F. S. Woodcock & M. L. Wells - 1864, J. H. Davidson - 1865, George W. Pye - 1866,
Augustus R. Tevis - 1867, Matthew Mitchell - 1868, J. F. McClain - 1870, S. S. McMahan - 1873, J. W. Mellender - 1875, G. P. Jenkins - 1876, R. R. Baldwin - 1879, F. S. Petts - 1882, C. C. Edwards - 1885.
C. C. Edwards. It was during the ministry of Rev. Edwards that the church experienced a great revival, which more than doubled the membership of the church! This necessitated the construction of a new building, and today, we are using that very same building. The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1886, and dedicatory services were held in December of 1886. In 1888, the church hosted the meeting of the Southeast Indiana Conference, presided over by Bishop Vincent.
Following Rev. Edwards, the following ministers have served the Methodist Church:
F. S. Tincher - 1889, W. R. Lathrop - 1894, A. R. Beach - 1897, E. A. Campbell - 1902, w. N. Fletcher - 1905, W. B. Farmer - 1908, J. J. Robinette - 1910, W. R. Ashby - 1911, C. W. Whitman - 1912, J. H. Carnes - 1917, E. I. LaRue - 1919, S. L. Martin - 1920, E. W. Omohundro - 1923, C. M. Reed - 1925, Valentine Deich - 1930, Ralph M. Hays - 1933, Guy Lowry - 1938, Robert Criswell - 1939, R. L. Dove - 1941, Olin E. Parrett - 1943, Robert W. Wenner - 1947, Charles D. Patterson - 1952, Donald M. Boyd - 1953, James P. Haas - 1957, Robert W. rogers - 1960, Orrin D. Thayer - 1970, Douglas Stewart Finney & Laverne Skinner - 1975, Robert Hull - 1979, Lance G. Marshall & Ivan Steed - 1982, Marion Thomas Brooks - 1983, Frederick Earl Cox - 1990, David M. Rockhill - 2000, Scott A. Bell - 2009, Benjamin Keith Dilworth - 2021.
Now, in 2024, Pastor Charlie Black has taken the reigns.
In 1907, the church organ was installed at a cost of $2,975. This was made possible through financial aid from the Carnegie Foundation. In 2024, that amount would equate to $96,400!
For the majority of the history of this church, they were known as the Methodist Episcopal church. The name was changed in 1930 in honor of former pastor C. C. Edwards, and the word “Episcopal” was removed in 1939. As of April 1968, the General Conference of the Methodist Church voted to join with the Evangelical United Brethren Church With that, the church became known as Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church.
While they have been known by a variety of names, had a large variety of ministers, and had hundreds of worshippers over the past 200 years, the most important aspect of the church is that it has always been a place where the people could come and worship God. As they move into the third century of their existence, it is clear that their congregation has been deeply blessed and hope to continue for another 200 years to come.
With all of that history, it was no wonder as to why Edwards Memorial had a full house for their 200-year celebration. Despite the horrendous weather, the crowd pulled through to come together for a day or worship, praise, and celebration of yet another huge milestone for the church.
Pastor Black welcomed everyone following the Welcome and Passing of the Peace. After the collective call to worship, the congregation was delighted to watch as the pre-school kids all stood up front to perform a few songs. They were directed by Christine Volz, who is the director of the Lil’ Friends of the Library. The kids were spunky and energetic, danced well, and sang their hearts out. It had everyone leaning in to get as many pictures as possible.
Attending this celebration was guest State Senator Jeff Raatz, who stood and gave the Presentation of Proclamation from the State of Indiana. To the church, he gifted a plaque commemorating their 200 years. His speech was moving and the pride in Edwards Memorial was clear in his praise for the church.
Following him was the Presentation of Proclamation from Bishop Malone. As Malone was unable to be present, District Superintendent Rev. Russ Abel stood in place to give praise to the church, the congregation, and the bright future ahead for Edwards Memorial.
Guest performers for the service were a duo of women who called themselves Joyful Road. Their music was beautiful, soulful, almost fleeting if not for the warmth that their voices held as they echoed throughout the church. Joyful Road sang with a passion for the church, for their faith, and allowed the understanding of how far along the church has come in the past 200 years. It was clear just why Pastor Black knew he needed to bring them back for this special service.
Pastor Black also held a Children’s Moment where he invited all of the kids up to hear a story. He asked them if any had pets, before telling them the story of Daniel and the lion. He spoke of how an arrogant ruler demanded he be worshipped lest the offenders be thrown into the lions’ pit. Daniel refused him, spoke of only one God, and he was tossed in with the lion,
The kids mimicked a lion with him as he continued to tell them that when the arrogant ruler found him the next morning, Daniel was unharmed. He sat by the lion calmly, not a scratch on him, and this was the telling point that there was a higher form, a God who protected and loved, and tended to those who followed his word.
The service was extremely meaningful and full of lessons so many have learned over their years with the bible. Pastor Black and Rev. Abel both told a version of the same story - the death of Moses after he dedicated time and time again to help people cross the River Jordan. It was how he was mere feet away from the promised land of Canaan and passed away. Instead of leaving his people, God raised Joshua to be in Moses’ place.
Despite what happens, no matter what struggles and hardships come your way, and no matter how messy that path is, keep going. You will get there, just as those people did, and just as we do now. The congregation felt this message deeply. It spoke of the values the church holds, the love God has for them, and how no matter what, they will continue down their path.
The 200-year celebratory service ended with a potluck lunch provided by members of the congregation. Pastor Black thanked everyone for coming out and celebrating this event, and how he looks forward to watching Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church thrive.
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This past Saturday, Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church celebrated 200 years!
The history of this church runs deep and under numerous pastors has now become a beautiful church full of praise, worship, community, and love. Pastor Charlie Black, who has now completed three months at Edwards Memorial, invited all friends and family and everyone in between to join in on the service and the crowd was enormous!
Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church has a rich history, and in fact, is nearly as old as Union County itself. UC was first organized in 1821 from parts of Wayne, Franklin, and Fayette counties. The region had been settled at a very early date, and as far back as 1812, there is a history of the “Whitewater Circuit,” which was serviced by Methodist ministers.
The first minister of note was Rev. John Strange, and he was known for his oratorical ability and theatrical power of speech. It was commonly accepted that it was his ability for preaching, which aroused the religious zeal of the early settlers. He wore himself out, however, and died at the young age of 43. He is buried in Greenlawn Cemetery in Indianapolis.
“It is doubtful if there has ever been a Methodist preacher in Indiana more universally loved than John Strange,” stated Historian William Warren Sweet.
The town of Liberty was platted in 1822 when Thomas Cook purchased an area now covered by 16 squares. The boundaries were extended the next year to the east and south. It was here on the former Eastern edge of Liberty that the first Methodist church was erected.
Two-hundred years ago, in 1824, Rev. Lorenzo Dow first visited Liberty. He was instrumental in the establishment of the local church. After preaching intermittently for about seven years, records show that on June 10, 1831, a meeting was held by the church members for the purpose of electing trustees. This was required to receive a deed for land upon which to erect a church building.
Through the years, this fellowship has been served well by several ministers. Circuit ministers were assigned before there was an actual resident minister. These early circuit ministers are as follows: George W. Beswick & Jacob Stallard - 1836, Boyd Phelps & John Hasty - 1837, George W. Beswick & Others - 1838, Greensburg C. Beeks & Isaac Kelso - 1839, John Kiger & Landy Havens - 1840, Joseph Tarkington & George Havens - 1841, W. W. Hiben - 1842, F. A. Conwell & I. C. Mead - 1843, Hayden Hays & O. A. Ash - 1844, Thos Crawford - 1845, Jacob Myers & James Mitchell - 1846, John S. Winchester & T. T. Stallard - 1847, W. W. Snyder & J. C. King - 1849, Seth Smith & Aaron Long - 1850, S. B. Falkenburg & H. M. Bayers - 1851, Lewis Hurlburt - 1852, W. M. Fraley, A. B. Hester & W. W. Sullivan - 1854, J. S. Barnes & W. Harrison - 1855.
In 1854, the church trustees purchased a part of lot #17 from Christian Crist. This was located at the SW corner of Market and Seminary streets. The price was $500, and it was in this location that a building was built in 1855. The following is a list of ministers who served in the church over the next 30 years.
John S. Winchester, Thos Geary, & Samuel Lockwood - 1856, W. Kendrick & J. A. LeSeurd - 1858, H. B. Collins & U. G. Reeves - 1860, P. Carlan, J. R. LeSeurd & A. N. Marlatt - 1862, F. S. Woodcock & M. L. Wells - 1864, J. H. Davidson - 1865, George W. Pye - 1866,
Augustus R. Tevis - 1867, Matthew Mitchell - 1868, J. F. McClain - 1870, S. S. McMahan - 1873, J. W. Mellender - 1875, G. P. Jenkins - 1876, R. R. Baldwin - 1879, F. S. Petts - 1882, C. C. Edwards - 1885.
C. C. Edwards. It was during the ministry of Rev. Edwards that the church experienced a great revival, which more than doubled the membership of the church! This necessitated the construction of a new building, and today, we are using that very same building. The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1886, and dedicatory services were held in December of 1886. In 1888, the church hosted the meeting of the Southeast Indiana Conference, presided over by Bishop Vincent.
Following Rev. Edwards, the following ministers have served the Methodist Church:
F. S. Tincher - 1889, W. R. Lathrop - 1894, A. R. Beach - 1897, E. A. Campbell - 1902, w. N. Fletcher - 1905, W. B. Farmer - 1908, J. J. Robinette - 1910, W. R. Ashby - 1911, C. W. Whitman - 1912, J. H. Carnes - 1917, E. I. LaRue - 1919, S. L. Martin - 1920, E. W. Omohundro - 1923, C. M. Reed - 1925, Valentine Deich - 1930, Ralph M. Hays - 1933, Guy Lowry - 1938, Robert Criswell - 1939, R. L. Dove - 1941, Olin E. Parrett - 1943, Robert W. Wenner - 1947, Charles D. Patterson - 1952, Donald M. Boyd - 1953, James P. Haas - 1957, Robert W. rogers - 1960, Orrin D. Thayer - 1970, Douglas Stewart Finney & Laverne Skinner - 1975, Robert Hull - 1979, Lance G. Marshall & Ivan Steed - 1982, Marion Thomas Brooks - 1983, Frederick Earl Cox - 1990, David M. Rockhill - 2000, Scott A. Bell - 2009, Benjamin Keith Dilworth - 2021.
Now, in 2024, Pastor Charlie Black has taken the reigns.
In 1907, the church organ was installed at a cost of $2,975. This was made possible through financial aid from the Carnegie Foundation. In 2024, that amount would equate to $96,400!
For the majority of the history of this church, they were known as the Methodist Episcopal church. The name was changed in 1930 in honor of former pastor C. C. Edwards, and the word “Episcopal” was removed in 1939. As of April 1968, the General Conference of the Methodist Church voted to join with the Evangelical United Brethren Church With that, the church became known as Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church.
While they have been known by a variety of names, had a large variety of ministers, and had hundreds of worshippers over the past 200 years, the most important aspect of the church is that it has always been a place where the people could come and worship God. As they move into the third century of their existence, it is clear that their congregation has been deeply blessed and hope to continue for another 200 years to come.
With all of that history, it was no wonder as to why Edwards Memorial had a full house for their 200-year celebration. Despite the horrendous weather, the crowd pulled through to come together for a day or worship, praise, and celebration of yet another huge milestone for the church.
Pastor Black welcomed everyone following the Welcome and Passing of the Peace. After the collective call to worship, the congregation was delighted to watch as the pre-school kids all stood up front to perform a few songs. They were directed by Christine Volz, who is the director of the Lil’ Friends of the Library. The kids were spunky and energetic, danced well, and sang their hearts out. It had everyone leaning in to get as many pictures as possible.
Attending this celebration was guest State Senator Jeff Raatz, who stood and gave the Presentation of Proclamation from the State of Indiana. To the church, he gifted a plaque commemorating their 200 years. His speech was moving and the pride in Edwards Memorial was clear in his praise for the church.
Following him was the Presentation of Proclamation from Bishop Malone. As Malone was unable to be present, District Superintendent Rev. Russ Abel stood in place to give praise to the church, the congregation, and the bright future ahead for Edwards Memorial.
Guest performers for the service were a duo of women who called themselves Joyful Road. Their music was beautiful, soulful, almost fleeting if not for the warmth that their voices held as they echoed throughout the church. Joyful Road sang with a passion for the church, for their faith, and allowed the understanding of how far along the church has come in the past 200 years. It was clear just why Pastor Black knew he needed to bring them back for this special service.
Pastor Black also held a Children’s Moment where he invited all of the kids up to hear a story. He asked them if any had pets, before telling them the story of Daniel and the lion. He spoke of how an arrogant ruler demanded he be worshipped lest the offenders be thrown into the lions’ pit. Daniel refused him, spoke of only one God, and he was tossed in with the lion,
The kids mimicked a lion with him as he continued to tell them that when the arrogant ruler found him the next morning, Daniel was unharmed. He sat by the lion calmly, not a scratch on him, and this was the telling point that there was a higher form, a God who protected and loved, and tended to those who followed his word.
The service was extremely meaningful and full of lessons so many have learned over their years with the bible. Pastor Black and Rev. Abel both told a version of the same story - the death of Moses after he dedicated time and time again to help people cross the River Jordan. It was how he was mere feet away from the promised land of Canaan and passed away. Instead of leaving his people, God raised Joshua to be in Moses’ place.
Despite what happens, no matter what struggles and hardships come your way, and no matter how messy that path is, keep going. You will get there, just as those people did, and just as we do now. The congregation felt this message deeply. It spoke of the values the church holds, the love God has for them, and how no matter what, they will continue down their path.
The 200-year celebratory service ended with a potluck lunch provided by members of the congregation. Pastor Black thanked everyone for coming out and celebrating this event, and how he looks forward to watching Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church thrive.