| Welsh Ohio church meets for more than 200 years |
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SHANDON, Ohio — In 1795 a group of Welsh emigrants sailed from Bristol, England, to Philadelphia. Some made their way to the new Miami Valley settlements.
In 1802, John W. Browne, a Congregationalist lay minister from Bristol, preached the first sermons, meeting in the pioneer cabins and maple groves. On Sept. 2, 1803, the Whitewater Congregational Church was established, and our church was founded.
The congregation was evangelical in doctrine and non-sectarian in its form of church government. Throughout history, the name of the church has changed, but the congregation has remained. The area surrounding the church has remained rural, and many farms occupy the landscape.
The church is the oldest in the area to have held services continuously for 206 years. It is also the first Welsh church established west of the Allegheny Mountains. Many of our members today are descendants of the original Welsh members, and many are still involved in agriculture.
Our present church building was dedicated in 1855. A chapel addition was made in 1915, and an education wing was added in 1988.
Our congregation maintains many of the traditions that were established in the early church. Each Sunday, in addition to worship service, Sunday School classes for all ages meet.
Music has always been an important part of the church. We have a dedicated choir, and once a month, we hold a Country & Western Gospel Sing; sometimes, it is held at the farms of members. We have an active Youth Fellowship that traveled this year on a Mission Trip to Hope Homes in Stow, Ohio, to enhance the residential facilities.
In 1925, the church began holding a Strawberry Festival to defray the upkeep on the original brick church, built in 1825. Our church still uses this original building, now called the “Community House,” for special functions such as church dinners, 4-H and Brownies.
This June, crowds gathered for our 84th Strawberry Festival. A picnic lunch was served, using many of the historic recipes of the church. Homemade ice cream and shortcakes were also served, with fresh strawberries.
Another historic tradition, the Harvest Auction, began in 1952. Every October members donate fresh produce and handmade baked goods and crafts to be auctioned. Crowds gather at the Community House and bid on the items. All proceeds are donated to local missions serving the homeless and abused and abandoned children.
Our congregation continues to respect the past, celebrate the present and enhance the future as we worship God and serve our neighbors. We invite you to visit, if you are in the area. To learn more about the church, visit online http://shandoncongregationalchurch.org |
| 12/16/2009 |
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