UCC – An unusual country church  

By Historian Sylvia (Jeanie) Henry
  
In the mid-70s, our church newsletters featured a heading created by the Reverend Bill Evans that read: UCC – An Unusual Country Church. In his newsletters, Bill described our church as warm and welcoming and one that offers a safe space – whether firm in faith or still searching. This spirit echoes the United Church of Christ’s motto, drawn from John, Chapter 17 verse 21: “That they may ALL be one.” In other words, all believers belong to the one body of Christ.   

And to this day, we have held firm in our belief that every person is created in God’s image and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  

Prior to 1957, we were known as the Lees Creek Congregational Christian Church, tracing our roots to the Pilgrims’ arrival on the Mayflower in 1620. Then, in 1957, four denominations – the Evangelical, the Christian, the Reformed, and the Congregational Churches – merged to form the United Church of Christ.  

Regarding our local history, this church, then known as the Centerville Christian Church, has been in existence for 195 years. It began humbly, with meetings in a log cabin on Terrell Road, before moving a short distance to the Harmony Schoolhouse on Fisher Road, land currently owned by the Walker family.   

Later, the congregation worshiped at Union Chapel on Larrick Road, near today’s East Clinton School property line and west of Joe Leslie’s current home. At that location, space was shared with a Methodist congregation on alternate Sundays. When both groups decided to expand their ministries, the Methodists moved to nearby Memphis, and both churches began a new chapter.  

In 1871, this beautiful sanctuary was built for $2,000. It has certainly stood the test of time, withstanding roof damage from a tornado in 1894. In addition, all church records were destroyed by fire in the clerk’s home, located next door.    

Major improvements through the years have included:  

Kerosene lamps were replaced with incandescent lights powered by Delco batteries, then later with electricity.  

Heating began, with two floor stoves, then a coal furnace, followed by an oil furnace, and now, a natural gas system.  

In the 1940s, stained glass windows were added, along with new Sunday School rooms and a decorative metal ceiling.  

In 1959-60, this sanctuary was reversed, new hardwood floors, windows and lighting were installed, as well as siding and a new heating system. A foyer and coatroom were also added to the newly built side entrance.  

Our final addition was built in 1991, including a social room, kitchen, office, and storage spaces.  
We’re unusual in the number of fascinating pastors who have served here, and that would include the famous Bob Murphy and Craig Showalter. Now don’t worry gentlemen, I’m not going to tell stories about either of you. The pastors I will discuss served here between 75 to 195 years ago.
   
The first, the Rev. Isaac Walters, served prior to 1830 and reportedly crossed the Allegheny Mountains 50 times, and traveled enough miles in 32 years to circle the globe five times before he died at the age of 51.

We also proudly claim the Rev. Rufus McDaniel, our ninth minister, who served from 1896 to 1899, and composed the world-famous hymn “Since Jesus Came Into My Heart.” Although he wrote 100 hymns, Rev. McDaniel once said he never earned a penny from the hymns but trusted that his reward would come in heaven. His songs were popularized by the Evangelist Billy Sunday and others during his 50-year ministry. At one point, he served congregations 30-40 miles apart, traveling by horse and buggy. In 1939, on his 89th birthday, he was interviewed on WHIO Radio, then sang one of his famous hymns, promising to return the following year. Sadly, he passed away before his 90th birthday.   

Another remarkable minister was Ed Powers, known as the “Walking Preacher.” In 1947, as a Wooster college student, he served our church during his summer break. Without a car, this young unmarried man slept at the church and relied on meals from members, as he made his rounds on foot. Sometime later, he graduated from Yale School of Divinity.  

And then there’s John Selvey, our 35th minister, who braved the legendary “Big Snow of 1950.” He somehow managed to shovel his way from the parsonage to Lees Creek just to ring the church bell on Sunday morning. He was shocked to see that a young woman had braved the weather – determined not to break her perfect attendance record at a neighboring church. The Rev. Selvey held a service for her and signed a note confirming she had been to church that snowy Sunday.
 
We’re unusual in that since 1871, eight generations of families have worshiped here. In a photo, you can see a stern-looking Jennie Morris, the great-great-grandmother of Mary Jane Bentley, Ron and Don Bean, Brian Garber, Wanda Everman and me.  

Her obituary noted that Sister Jennie “stood ready at all times to admonish and advise us to travel in the path of righteousness and rectitude. So, for members Lisa and Mike, she would be their Great, Great, Great Grandmother, four “Greats” for their children, Derek, Tyler, Matthew and Wesley, —and five “Greats” for Chloie and Charlee.
 
It’s also unusual that for 78 years, our church has owned and operated a small farm. This tradition began in the mid-40s, when Mrs. Bob Judkins offered to sell a portion of her land east of Lees Creek for $185 per acre – donating the first acre herself. Inspired by her gift, others followed, and by November 1946, the farm was fully paid off, with an additional $3,000 remaining to help build a much-needed parsonage.  

The first harvest was sweet corn and involved 36 men, 18 wagons, three trucks, and 12 tractors. By evening, the work was done, and the corn was headed to the local cannery in nearby Sabina.  

In 1971, when a more modern parsonage was desired, members Roy Brandenburg and Willard Henry led the charge. Once again, the second parsonage was built entirely with volunteer labor.  

This spirit of pitching in extended to many other efforts, such as our Election Day Lunch and Dinner, a beloved tradition for 97 years.

Incidentally, our records show that in 1927, the menu consisted of: chicken pie, mashed potatoes, beans, coleslaw, pickles, pie and coffee for 35 cents, 25 cents for children! The profit was an amazing $48.40. For the past 65 years, Lees Creek UCC has been well known for its annual August Ice Cream Social.  

Proceeds from these events, along with income from the church farm, and a Memorial Fund – established in 1960 – have enabled us to generously support causes within our church, our community, and abroad.  

As difficult as it is to close our church, those of us who remain are deeply grateful to continue our legacy of giving. 

We are proud to support:  

East Clinton Local School District for Student Scholarships and Facility Improvements   

The Sabina and New Vienna Libraries  

The SATH Foundation (serving special needs students)  

The Wayne Township Historical Project  

Summit Church (newly formed in Lebanon, Ohio) and

The Southern Ohio/Northern Kentucky Association of the United Church of Christ.
  
While the sanctuary doors are closed, the spirit of Lees Creek UCC lives on through its people. Many members will continue their faith journeys in other congregations, carrying with them nearly two centuries of shared memories, relationships, and ministry.