METHODIST EPISCOPAL

The "First Methodist Church" in Cleveland was organized in 1827.

Records can be found at:

United Methodist Archives and History Center at Drew University in New Jersey:

http://www.drew.edu/library/methodist

Local Church File Collection document:

http://depts.drew.edu/lib/methodist/Methodist_Church_File_Collection_Feb2015.pdf

History of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Cleveland, 1896:

The history of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and indeed, of each branch of Protestantism, is older in the suburbs of our city than in the present business centers. This is not surprising, as the pioneers of 1796-1818, finding Cleveland harbor at the foot of huge sand hills blown by the lake winds, pushed for their first settlement further back, where fruit would grow and where saw, grist, and fulling mills might be erected; hence the now beautiful Forest City was then a minute village, six miles from Newburg. The earliest period of our city’s existence is void of religious interest, except, as we read that in 1799 the Rev. William Wick, Presbyterian, preached, possibly once, locating in Youngstown, Ohio.

Before 1812 the Baltimore Conference extended over this lake region. No official mention is made of this tract of country in connection with the Methodist Church until 1820, when it has a place in the minutes of the Ohio Conference.

The Cuyahoga River vicinity was embraced in new Connecticut Circuit, Ohio District. In 1824, was formed the Pittsburgh Conference, in which were located the lands east of the Cuyahoga, and the West Side allotted to the Michigan Conference until 1837. James B. Finley being presiding elder of the Ohio District, it is said that early in 1818 a circuit rider drew up to a double log farm house built on a quarter section in Brooklyn, our present 42nd ward, and saying that he was looking up the lost sheep, gathered a class of eight members, four of them named Fish and the other half Brainard. It is also quite certain that our gospel was heard in Newburgh the same year, but we have of this no absolutely reliable record. In August, 1818, Cuyahoga Circuit was made and to its round appointed Ezra Booth and Dennis Goddard. In 1819, the Rev. William Swazy succeeded to Ohio District.

Thorough research proves that in 1821 a class was formed in Euclid Creek, numbering at least ten persons. Our services were held in the cabins of pioneers, in barns, and later in log and frame school houses. These ministers of the period were men of one work, eminent in sacrifice; sleeping at night by forest fires of their own kindling with flint and tinder; saddle bags for pillows, and their camlet cloaks for covering; anon, arising to scare away the prowling wolf. Without bridges, they and their intelligent ponies forded swollen streams. With pole in hand, these itinerants picked their way among ice-floes, drying themselves in the wigwams of Red Jacket and other friendly Indians.

Rev. Ira Eddy organized a class in Hudson in 1822. In 1823, Cleveland was a remote and insignificant point upon Hudson Circuit, Portland District, brave Ira Eddy in charge. His circuit embraced 600 miles of travel. Rev. John Crawford was the organizer; Milton Colt, eloquent and powerful; Francis A. Dighton, talented and of great promise; earnest Mr. Prescott, whose name is found in Brunswick Cemetery; and Mr. Bump, the schoolmaster and local preacher.

What of our church in the city proper? There is a tradition that a New England gentleman wishing to see Methodism planted here in 1820, sent the deed of a lot corner of Ontario and Rockwell Streets, but no one was found sufficiently interested, nor with money enough to pay the recorder’s fee. Through the agency of Grace Johnston, wife of a lake captain, preaching was heard here in 1822 up till 1827, in which year the Rev. John Crawford formed the pioneer class of the first Methodist Episcopal Church, numbering 9 persons; Andrew Tomlinson, leader. Elijah Peet, residing in Newburgh, used to bring cut wood in his wagon from his distant home over almost impassable roads, and with his wife came early on Sunday mornings and made the fire to keep comfortable the handful of Methodist people at the class meeting.

John Crawford organized another class in 1827, enrolling 14, at Hubbard’s, on Kinsman Street, that being a central point for members residing at either extreme of the settlement. Those at Doan’s Corners traveled thither up the present East Madison Avenue, over an Indian path.

Let us trace the fortunes of the pioneer First Church. From 1827 to 1841, the members worshiped in halls and rented rooms. Unmoved by adversity, under the pastorate of F.A. Dighton, in 1836, the trustees chose the site for old St. Clair, corner of Wood Street, then quite in the suburbs of the city. Nearly all of the ground north to the lake shore and east of Erie Street was covered with oak and hazel, beyond which lay a vast quagmire partly cleared. Not until April 1841, was their edifice complete and dedicated.

A class was permanently established at Doan’s Corners, now Euclid Avenue M.E. Church, in 1831, by Rev. Milton Colt, who organized also the first Methodist Sunday school in the village of Cleveland, in a building known as the Infant School Room, on the west side of Academy Lane, half way from St. Clair to Lake Street.

At Newburgh, our present Miles Park Church, a class of nine was formed early in 1832. Hanover Street, now Franklin Avenue, saw the light in 1833, at a private house on Pearl Street.

We have then, five original churches, Brooklyn, First, Euclid Avenue, Miles Park and Franklin Avenue. Mothers are they of Sabbath-schools and missions, developing into thirty denominational centers.

Epworth Memorial commemorates the unification of all our young people’s associations throughout the world into the Epworth league; these societies were consolidated May 15, 1889. This church was once called Erie Street, having been colonized from First Church in 1850. Upon its removal to the corner of Prospect and Huntington Streets, it was named in 1875, “Christ Methodist Episcopal Church.” In 1883 it was combined with Cottage Mission and became Central Church, corner Willson Avenue and Prospect Street.

Bridge Street, now Gordon Avenue, was colonized from Hanover Street, in 1855.

Willson Avenue Church began as a mission in 1857, on St. Clair Street, near Perry. In the early sixties, by removal to Waring Street and Mariposa Park, it was known for 8 years as Waring Street mission. Upon reaching self-maintenance it became Waring Street Church. Its next transition was into a tabernacle for temporary use, on a fine lot corner of Superior and Aaron Streets. Since 1893, it has been permanently located on Willson Avenue, corner of Luther.

Scovill Avenue, built largely the liberality of one man, was founded in 1866. Lorain Street Church was founded in 1868 by the Rev. Hugh L. Parish. Woodland Avenue, a mission of Scovill Avenue, was first house in 1870. Jennings, formerly Pelton Avenue, was founded in 1871. Broadway was organized in 1872.

German Methodism was slow in progress. In 1847, the Rev. C. Helwig formed a class here which developed into the now prosperous center, corner Scovill and Sterling Avenues. St. Paul’s German, corner Harbor and Bridge Streets, was established in 1852.

In 1874, the pioneer First Church found itself in the present elegant and commodious edifice, corner Euclid Avenue and Erie Street.

In 1886, the Methodist Church and Sunday School Alliance was organized. During the ten years’ existence of the alliance, nine churches were rebuilt, Epworth Memorial, Willson, Jennings, Gordon, Woodland and Parkwood Avenues, First German, St. Clair and Asbury. Sever were built in new territory, Grace, Woodland Hills, Wade Park, Ferncliff, Trinity, Rosedale, Walworth Swedish, Bethany and Immanuel German. The African Methodist Episcopal Church, formed first in 1850, has two buildings – St. John’s and Lexington. Clark Avenue and Kingsley Mission are, as we may say, in a foreign field.

The Methodist Churches of the city are interested in four institutions of learning – Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Baldwin university at Berea; Mt. Union College, Alliance, OH; Allegheny College at Meadville PA; and in two summer assemblies, Chautauqua, NY, and Lakeside, OH.

ASBURY CHAPEL

1887 - 1891 – Asbury Chapel – Superior near Madison, Rev. J.H. Cory

1894 – Asbury Chapel – Superior near Madison, Rev. John S. Eaton

1898 – Asbury Chapel – Superior opposite Russell, Rev. H.J. Hunscher

1902 – Asbury Chapel – Superior opposite Russell, Rev. Sheridan Wood

1908 – Asbury Church – Superior opp. Russell, Rev. Clayton Peck

1913 – Asbury Church – Superior opp. Russell, Rev. John Ellis

1918 – Asbury Church – 6835 Superior, Rev. W.B. Maughiman

1921 – Asbury Church – 6835 Superior, Rev. F.J. Nichols

AVERY AME

1921 – Avery AME – E. 28th bet. Scovill and Central, Rev. J.J. Price

1924 – Avery CME – 2363 E. 28th, Rev. Jesse Bass

1928 – Avery AME – 2363 E. 28th, Rev. Thomas Chyer

BETHANIEN KIRCHE (GERMAN)

From: Jubilee Edition of Waechter und Anzeiger Newspaper 1902

On March 19, 1893, Pastor J.W. Mueller came to Cleveland with some members of the Rockport congregation and established a Sunday School on Lorain Street near Clark Avenue. This was the beginning of the Bethany German Methodist Church in Cleveland. The first gatherings took place in a storage room, then in the room of an apartment house. The same year construction began on a church and this was completed and consecrated in December. Pastor F.W. Mueller served the congregation for five years. Pastor F.J. Baumann became his successor and remained one year. He was followed by Pastor J.H. Holtkamp, the current preacher now serving his third year. The old Rockport Congregation dissolved and the members joined this one.

In 2007 this church was Trinity Free Will Church.

1893 - 1898 – Bethanien Kirche – 83 Willard, Rev. Frederick Mueller

1902 – Bethanien Kirche – Willard at Ursula, Rev. John Holtkamp

1908 – Bethany Kirche – Willard at W. 91st, Rev. Herman Beyer

1913 – Bethany Kirche – Willard at W. 91st, Rev. George Mitter

1918 – Bethany Kirche – Willard at W. 91st, Rev. Robert Blume

1921 - 1928 – Bethany Kirche – Willard at W. 91st, Rev. Henry Knauff

BETHEL AME

1921 – Bethel AME – 15321 Shiloh, Rev. Thomas Harper

1928 – Bethel AME – 15321 Shiloh, Rev. Gainey Washington

BRIDGE STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH (AKA TAYLOR ST.)

W. 45th AT BRIDGE

1869 – Bridge Street Methodist Episcopal Church , Rev. L.B. Caldwell

1870- 1871 – Taylor Street Methodist – Taylor St., Rev. L.D. Caldwell

1874 – Taylor Street Church – Taylor and Bridge, Rev. Samuel Mower

1877 – Free Methodist Church – Taylor and Bridge, Rev. Joseph Lawrence

1879 – Free Methodist Church – Bridge and Taylor, Rev. C.F. Irish

1883 – Free Methodist Church – Bridge and Taylor, Rev. James Scott

BROADWAY CHURCH

From: “History of Cuyahoga County” by Crisfield Johnson (1879):

For many years previous to 1871, the people in the Fourteenth Ward had felt the want of a church. In 1871 a meeting was held in the wigwam or polling-place of the ward, on Trumbull Street, at which time a society was organized as “Broadway Union Mission Sabbath School Society.” A lot was purchased on Broadway near Gallup Street. During the autumn of 1871 a chapel was erected until the completion of a church edifice in October, 1872.

1874 – Broadway M.E. Church – Broadway and Gallup, Rev. E.S. Gillette

1877 – Broadway M.E. Church – Broadway and Gallup, Rev. J.H. Tagg

1879 – Broadway M.E. Church – Broadway and Gallup, Rev. Dillon Prosser

1883 – Broadway M.E. Church – Broadway and Gallup, Rev. W.L. Davidson

1887 – Broadway Church – Broadway and Gallup, Rev. S.M. Hinkman

1891 – Broadway Church – Broadway and Gallup, Rev. Earl Hoitz

1894 – Broadway Church – Broadway and Gallup, Rev. Charles Manchester

1898 - 1902 – Broadway Church – Broadway and Gallup, Rev. L.H. Stewart

1906 – Broadway Church – Broadway and Gallup, Rev. John Wilson

1908 - 1913 – Broadway Church – 4319 Broadway, Rev. John Wilson

1918 – Broadway Church – Broadway and Gallup, Rev. E.E. Pearce

1921 – Broadway Church – Broadway opp. Magnet, Rev. Elmer E. Pearce

1924 – Broadway Church – Broadway opp. Magnet, Rev. Earl Slutz

1928 – Broadway Church – Broadway opp. Magnet, Rev. Milton Brown

BROOKLYN MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Today this church is called Brooklyn Memorial United Methodist Church

2607 Archwood Avenue

216-459-1450

This church was organized in 1818 as Brooklyn Methodist Episcopal Church. It is the oldest Methodist congregation in the Cleveland area. The congregation worshipped in the Brooklyn Township Hall until a building was erected in 1827 at the northeast corner of Denison and Pearl Streets. A new church was built on the same site in 1849 and later moved to Greenwood (Archwood) Avenue, west of Pearl. A newer building was dedicated on the Archwood site in 1882. In 1911 a new building was begun at 2607 Archwood Avenue. It was dedicated in 1914.

Excerpt of an article from The Old Brooklyn News about the closing of this church:

On the Sunday after Christmas, 2010, Brooklyn Memorial United Methodist Church, 2607 Archwood Ave., closed. This church was organized in 1818 as Brooklyn Methodist Episcopal Church. It is said to be the oldest Methodist congregation in the Cleveland area, as well as the first church established in all of Brooklyn Township.

About 1814, classes in Methodism were held in the homes of residents of Old Brooklyn Township. The founders of this church were Oziah Sylvanus, Seth Brainard and Ebenezer Fish. In 1827 the congregation built a log building at the northeast corner of Denison and Pearl Streets. A new frame church was built at the same location in 1849 and later moved to a lot on Greenwood Avenue (now Archwood), west of Pearl Road. A brick church was dedicated in 1882. By 1911, this church began building a new sanctuary at 2607 Archwood Ave. It was dedicated in 1914. In 1968 the name of Brooklyn Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church was changed to Brooklyn Memorial United Methodist Church.

THIS CHURCH CLOSED IN DECEMBER OF 2010.

1887 – Brooklyn Church – Pearl near Garden, Rev. F.A. Gould

1891 – Brooklyn Church – Pearl near Garden, Rev. Albert Van Camp

1894 – Brooklyn Church – 1853 Pearl, Rev. Orlando Badgley

1898 – Brooklyn Memorial Church – 1853 Pearl, Rev. Peter Graham

1902 - 1906 – Brooklyn Memorial Church – 1853 Pearl, Rev. Elton D. Barnett

1908 – Brooklyn Memorial Church – W. 25th near Archwood, Rev. Albert Knapp

1913 – Brooklyn Memorial Church – W. 25th near Archwood, Rev. E.H. Warner

1918 – Brooklyn Memorial Church – W. 25th near Archwood, Rev. W.A. Smith

1924 – Brooklyn Memorial Church – 2615 Archwood, Rev. John Baxter

1928 – Brooklyn Memorial Church – 2615 Archwood, Rev. Wm. Winters

CEDAR AVENUE CHURCH

1921 – Cedar Avenue – Cedar at E. 71st, Rev. Charles Moeller

1924 – Cedar Avenue – Cedar at E. 71st, Rev. John Oetjen

CLARK AVENUE MISSION

1894 – Clark Avenue Mission – Clark near Hamburg, Rev. A. Oehlhoff

1898 – Clark Avenue Mission, Clark near Hamburg, Rev. R. McCaskey

1906 – Clark Avenue Church – Clark near Hamburg, Rev. W.S. Feldwisch

CORY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Cory United Methodist Church was founded in 1875 and was an influential church in the African American Community. Services were held in several locations before the church moved into a building at Forest and Garden (E. 37 and Central). The building was dedicated in 1887. In 1911 a new building was acquired at E. 35th and Scovill (the old Scovill Avenue Methodist Church). In 1946 the church bought the Anshe Emeth Building at 1117 E. 105th.

1887 - 1891 – Cory Chapel (COLORED) – Garden and Forest, Rev. James Payne

1894 – Cory Chapel – Central at Forest, Rev. George Firman

1898 – Cory Chapel – 76 Forest, Rev. H.W. Tate

1902 – Cory Chapel – 76 Forest, Rev. Samuel H. Ferguson

1906 – Cory Chapel – 76 Forest, Rev. Robert Dickerson

1908 - 1913 – Cory Chapel – E. 37th near Central, Rev. George Sissle

1921 – Cory AME – Scovill at E. 35th, Rev. John Redmond

1924 – Cory CME – Scovill at E. 35th, Rev. David Skelton

1928 – Cory AME – Scovill at E. 35th, Rev. Stanley Grannum

DETROIT STREET CHURCH

1902 – Detroit Street Church, Detroit at Winchester, Lakewood, Rev. G. Huddleston

1908 – Detroit Avenue Church – Detroit at Winchester, Rev. H.D. Fleming

1913 – Detroit Avenue Church – Detroit at Winchester, Rev. Dustin Kemble

1921 - 1924 – Detroit Avenue Church – Detroit at Winchester, Rev. Paul Secrest

1928 – Detroit Avenue Church – Detroit at Winchester, Rev. Clarence Marston

EAST CLEVELAND CHURCH

1874 – East Cleveland Church – Doan near Euclid, Rev. David Latshaw

1877 – East Cleveland Church – Doan near Euclid, Rev. Charles H. Stocking

1879 – East Cleveland Church – Doan near Euclid, Rev. A.R. Chapman

1883 – East Cleveland Church – Doan near Euclid, Rev. J.H. Dewart

EPWORTH MEMORIAL CHURCH

1898 - 1906 – Epworth Memorial Church – Prospect at Willson, Rev. Ward B. Pickard

1908 - 1913 – Epworth Memorial Church – E. 55th at Prospect, Rev. Worth Tippy

1924 – Epworth Euclid – E. 55th at Prospect, Rev. Louis Wright

1928 – Epworth Euclid – 1909 E. 107th, Rev. Louis Wright

Today this church is located at 1919 E. 107th Street

216-421-1200

http://www.epworth-euclid.org/

EUCLID AVENUE CHURCH

1887 – Euclid Avenue Church – Euclid at Oakdale, Rev. J.S. Youmans

1891 – Euclid Avenue Church – Euclid at Oakdale, Rev. Eugene P. Edmonds

1894 – Euclid Avenue Church – Euclid at Oakdale, Rev. Amos Craft

1898 – Euclid Avenue Church – Euclid at Oakdale, Rev. Wm. H. Rider

1902 – Euclid Avenue Church – Euclid at Oakdale, Rev. George Morris

1906 – Euclid Avenue Church – Euclid at Oakdale, Rev. M.B. Pratt

1908 – Euclid Avenue Church – Euclid at E. 93rd, Rev. M.B. Pratt

1921 – Euclid Avenue Church – Euclid at E. 93rd, Rev. I.L. Wood

FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – W. 41st AND DAISY

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

From: “History of Cuyahoga County” by Crisfield Johnson, (1879):

Methodist preaching commenced in Cleveland as early as the year 1822, although church organization was not accomplished until 1827. From 1822 – 1834, the Methodists were part of the Methodist Circuit, with various pastors preaching. In 1834, Cleveland was made a permanent station and Rev. George McCaskey was appointed pastor. From this time the society worshipped in halls, schoolhouses and the courthouse until 1841, when the church on the corner of St. Clair and Wood Streets was completed. They continued to worship in this church until the erection and dedication of the new chapel in 1869 on the corner of Euclid Avenue and Erie Street. In 1874 the edifice was completed on this lot.

Today this church is located at Euclid Avenue and E. 30th.

3000 Euclid Avenue

216-432-0150

1822 – Rev. Ira Eddy

1823 – Rev. William H. Collins

1824 – Rev. Philip Green and Rev. William C. Henderson

1825 – Rev. Robert Hopkins

1826 – Rev. John Crawford and Rev. William R. Babcock

1827 – Rev. John Crawford and Rev. Cornelius Jones

1828 – Rev. Ignatius H. Tacket and Rev. Cornelius Jones

1829 – Rev. John Chandler, Rev. J. McLean, Rev. T. Vaughn

1830 – Rev. Billings O. Plimpton

1831 – Rev. Alfred Brunson, Rev. Dennis Goddard, Rev. John Steadman

1832 – Rev. John McLean, Rev. John Ebert

1833 – Rev. John Hill, Rev. Milton Colt

1834 – Rev. George McCaskey

1835 – 1837 – Rev. Francis A. Dighton

1837 – 1838 – Rev. Hiram Kinsley and Rev. H.N. Stearns

1838 – 1839 – Rev. E.J. Kenney

1839 – 1840 – Rev. J.K. Hallock and Rev. M.H. Bettis

1840-1842 – Rev. A.M. Brown

1842 – 1843 – Rev. L.D. Mix

1843 – 1845 – Rev. Samuel Gregg

1845 – 1846 – Rev. B.K. Maltby

1846 – 1847 – Rev. B.K. Maltby and Rev. Ezra Jones

1847 – 1849 – Rev. J.W. Lowe

1849 – 1851 – Rev. Thomas Stubbs

1851 – 1852 – Rev. John Bain

1852 – 1854 – Rev. G.B. Hawkins

1854 – 1856 – Rev. George Little

1856 – 1858 – Rev. Moses Hill

1858 – 1859 – Rev. John Peate

1859 – 1861 – Rev. W.P. Bignell

1861 – 1863 – Rev. W.F. Day

1863 – 1864 – Rev. John Whiteley

1864 – 1867 – Rev. E.S. Gillette

1867-1870 – First Methodist Episcopal Church – Erie St. and Euclid Ave., Rev. C.E. Felton

1870 - 1872 – First Methodist Episcopal Church – Erie and Euclid, Rev. C.N. Grant

1872 - 1874 – First Methodist Episcopal Church – Erie and Euclid, Rev. Henry Baker

1874 – 1875 – First Methodist Episcopal Church – Erie and Euclid, Rev. C.W. Cushing

1875 - 1876 – First M.E. Church – Erie and Euclid, Rev. J.N. Fradenburgh

1876 - 1879 – First M.E. Church – Erie and Euclid, Rev. B.F. Brooke

1883 – First M.E. Church – Erie and Euclid, Rev. Ross Houghton

1887 – First M.E. Church – Erie and Euclid, Rev. R.B. Pope

1891 – First M.E. Church – Euclid and Erie, Rev. J.W. Campbell

1894 – First M.E. Church – Euclid and Erie, Rev. Levi Gilbert

1898 – First M.E. Church – Euclid and Erie, Rev. Louis A. Banks

1902 – First M.E. Church – Euclid and Erie, Rev. Charles Mitchell

1906 – First M.E. Church – Euclid at Sterling, Rev. Charles Mitchell

1908 – First M.E. Church – Euclid at E. 30th, Rev. Charles Bayard Mitchell

1918 – First M.E. Church – Euclid at E. 30th

1921 - 1924 – First M.E. Church – Euclid at E. 30th, Rev. A.E. Piper

1928 – First M.E. Church – Euclid at E. 30th, Rev. Charles DeBow

FIRST GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

From: Jubilee Edition of Waechter und Anzeiger Newspaper 1902

On September 3, 1845 the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church held its session in Cincinnati, and Pastor Ernst Buhrer was sent here to establish a congregation as A German missionary. On the first Sunday of his being here, he held his first sermon before a numerous audience in the English Methodist Church on St. Clair Street. Some weeks later he was able to organize a Sunday School with 50 children and on January 2, 1846 a small congregation. This received the name of First German Methodist Church. Pastor Buhrer was now sent on and he was replaced by Pastor Karl Helwig. During his pastorate a lot was purchased on Prospect Street between Huron and Miami Streets, and the building of a brick church was begun which was completed in the pastorate of his successor, Pastor J.A. Klein. Later the church was sold. The congregation grew and increased, and in 1850 it founded a congregation in Ohio City which is now known as St. Paul’s on Harbor Street. In 1860, under the administration of Pastor Karl Rozenhardt, the church on Harbor Street was sold and a larger one built on Erie Street. On February 9, 1879 this church property was exchanged for a lot at the corner of Scovill and Sterling Avenue, and the present church was built in 1893. The current minister is Joh. J. Baechtold, who is in his third year as a minister.

1845-1846 - GERMAN Methodist Episcopal Church - Erie near Ohio, Rev. Ernest Buhrer

1846-1847 - German Methodist Episcopal Church - Erie near Ohio, Rev. Charles Helwig

1849 - German Methodist Episcopal Church - Erie near Ohio, Rev. Benneville Braumiller

1861-1862 - German Methodist Episcopal Church - Erie near Ohio, Rev. Jacob Krahbeal

1868-1869 - German Methodist Episcopal Church - Erie near Ohio, Rev. Carl Heitmeier

1869-1871 – German Methodist Episcopal Church – Erie near Ohio, Rev. Gustavus Bertram

1871-1873 – German Methodist Episcopal – Erie near Ohio, Rev. Ficking

1874 – German Methodist Episcopal – Erie near Ohio, Rev. Christian Nachtrieb

1874-1876 - German Methodist Episcopal - Erie near Ohio, Rev. William Borcherding

1877 – First M.E. Church – 303 Erie, Rev. William Borcherding

1879 – First M.E. Church – 303 Erie, Rev. John Haas

1879 - First M.E. Church - 303 Erie, Rev. Christian Golder

1882-1885 – First Church – Scovill and Sterling, Rev. E.F. Wunderlich

1882-1885 - First Church - Scovill and Sterling, Rev. Johann Schimmelpfenig

1885-1888 – First Church – Scovill and Sterling, Rev. Herman Berzer

1891 - 1894 – First Church – Scovill and Sterling, Rev. Henry Jend

1898 – First Church – Scovill and Sterling, Rev. Henry Pullmann

1902 – First Church – Scovill at Sterling, Rev. John Baechtold

1912 - First Church - Scovill at Sterling, Rev. B.F. Beal

FRANKLIN STREET CHURCH

From: “History of Cuyahoga County” by Crisfield Johnson, (1879):

This society was organized about 1830 and has now a membership of 300. The house of Worship is at the corner of Franklin Avenue and Duane Street, west side.

1870 - 1871 – Franklin Street Methodist- Franklin and Duane, Rev. Jas. Erwin

1872 – Franklin Street Methodist – Franklin and Duane, Rev. C.B. Hard

1874 – Franklin Street Methodist – Franklin and Duane, Rev. B. Excell

1877 – Franklin Street Methodist – Franklin and Duane, Rev. F.M. Searles

1879 – Franklin Street Church – Franklin and Duane, Rev. J.S. Youmans

1883 – Franklin Avenue Church – Franklin and Duane, Rev. W.A. Robinson

1887 – Franklin Avenue Church – Franklin and Duane, Rev. T.J. Leak

1891 - 1894 – Franklin Avenue Church – Franklin and Duane, Rev. E.O. Buxton

1898 – Franklin Avenue Church – Franklin and Duane, Rev. E.S. Lewis

1902 – Franklin Avenue Church – Franklin and Duane, Rev. John L. Hillman

1906 – Franklin Avenue Church – Franklin and Duane, Rev. W.B. Slutz

1908 – Franklin Avenue Church – Franklin and W. 32nd, Rev. W.B. Slutz

1918 – Franklin Avenue Church – Franklin and W. 32nd, Rev. O.C. Jones

1921 – Franklin Avenue Church – Franklin and W. 32nd, Rev. Wm. C. Stokes

1924 - 1928 – Franklin Avenue Church – Franklin and W. 32nd, Rev. R.J. Norris

GERMAN CHURCH (WESTSIDE)

From: “History of Cuyahoga County” by Crisfield Johnson, (1879):

This church was formed, and a house built for it on the corner of Lorain and McLean Streets, in 1851, as a mission of the Methodist Episcopal Society then on Prospect Street. In 1853 the mission became a separate society and Rev. John Balduff was chosen pastor.

1851 - 1853 - GERMAN Methodist Episcopal - Lorain and McLean, Rev. John Balduff

1856 - 1867 - German Methodist Episcopal - Lorain and McLean, Rev. George Berg

1856 - 1857 - German Methodist Episcopal - Lorain and McLean, Rev. Gottlieb Nachtreib

1857 – 1859 – German Methodist Episcopal – Lorain and McLean, Rev. George Reiter

1859 – 1860 – German Methodist Episcopal – Lorain and McLean, Rev. Christian Nachtrieb

1860 – 1861 – German Methodist Episcopal – Lorain and McLean, Rev. Gottlieb Nachtrieb

1861 - 1863 - German Methodist Episcopal - Lorain and McLean, Rev. Carl Bozenhart

1863 - 1864 - German Methodist Episcopal - Lorain and McLean, Rev. Carl Heitmeier

1864 – 1866 – German Methodist Episcopal – Lorain and McLean, Rev. N. Nufer

1866 – 1867 – German Methodist Episcopal – Lorain and McLean, Rev. George Berg

1867 – 1868 – German Methodist Episcopal – Lorain and McLean, Rev. N. Nufer

1868 - 1876 – German Methodist Episcopal – Lorain and McLean, Rev. J.S. Schneider

1871 - 1872 – German Methodist Episcopal – Lorain and McLean, Rev. Henry Buddenbaum

1872 - 1874 – German Methodist Episcopal – Lorain and McLean, Rev. A.J. Nast

1876 - 1879 – German M.E. Church – Lorain and McLean, Rev. Wm. Borcherding

GORDON AVENUE CHURCH – W. 65th AND BRIDGE

1898 - 1902 – Gordon Avenue Church – Gordon and Bridge, Rev. Horace Place

1906 – Gordon Avenue Church – Gordon and Bridge, Rev. J.B. McClay

1908 – Gordon Avenue Church – W. 65th at Bridge, Rev. F.I. Johnson

GRACE CHURCH IN TREMONT

From: “History of Cuyahoga County” by Crisfield Johnson (1879):

“This society was organized in 1870 and worshiped in an old building on Merchants’ Avenue, between Cliff and Fairfield Streets. In 1871, the church edifice on Pelton Avenue, near Literary Street, was built. Renovations were done and it re-opened on March 16, 1879. At this time the name was changed from Pelton Avenue Church to Grace Church.”

In 1869, a group began meeting in the home of Henry Eddy at 20 Merchant Avenue.

This group was called the Methodist Episcopal Mission. They organized in 1870

(the City Directory for 1870 shows that they were called Pelton Avenue Church) and

worshiped in a building on Merchants Avenue between Cliff and Fairfield Streets.

Rev. Charles Ruddick was the pastor. In 1871, a church was built on Pelton Avenue near

Literary Street and was known as the University Heights Mission, (but again, the 1871 and 1872 city directories shows that they were called Pelton Avenue Church). The church was completely renovated in 1878-1879. It re-opened on March 16, 1879 and was then called Grace M.E. church. In 1883, the church building on Pelton Avenue was moved to property purchased at the corner of Jennings and Starkweather Avenues and it was called the Jennings Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1914 to name was changed to Lincoln Park Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1928, the congregation accepted an offer by the Syrian Orthodox Church to purchase the church at W. 14th and Starkweather. The congregation bought property in Parma and the basement of the new church was dedicated in May of 1929, being called Ridgewood United Methodist Church. It was finally completed in 1952.

RECAP:

1869 - Methodist Episcopal Mission

1870- Pelton Avenue ME Church

1871 - Pelton Avenue ME Church aka University Heights Mission

1872-1879 - Pelton Avenue ME Church

March, 1879 - 1883 - Grace ME Church

1883 - 1913 - Jennings Avenue ME Church

1914-1928 - Lincoln Park ME Church

1928 - present - Ridgewood United Methodist Church in Parma

Pastors:

1870 – Pelton Avenue Church – Rev. Charles Ruddick

1871 – Pelton Avenue Church – Rev. McHenry

1872 – Pelton Avenue Church – Rev. A.D. Knopp

1873 - 1876 – Pelton Avenue Church – Bet. Literary and College, Rev. H.L. Parrish

1876 - 1879 – Pelton Avenue Church – Bet. Literary and College, Rev. B.A. Disney

1883 – Grace Church – Pelton bet. Literary and College, Rev. Samuel Mower

1887 – Jennings Avenue Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. Albert Van Camp

1891 - 1894 – Jennings Avenue Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. W.C. Endley

1898 – Jennings Avenue Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. John Mitchell

1902 – Jennings Avenue Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. Glezen A. Reeder

1906 – Jennings Avenue Church – Jennings and Starkweather, Rev. Monroe Keyes

1908 - 1913 – Jennings Avenue Church – W. 14th at Starkweather, Rev. J.B. McClay

1914 - Lincoln Park Church

1918 – Lincoln Park Church – W. 14th at Starkweather, Rev. W.S. Woodhull

1921 - 1924 – Lincoln Park Church – W. 14th at Starkweather, Rev. Joseph Kenny

1928 – Lincoln Park Church – W. 14th at Starkweather, Rev. A.L. Baker

1929 - This church moved and became Ridgewood United Methodist Church in Parma

1929 - The old church at W. 14th and Starkweather became St. George Syrian Orthodox Church and is still in operation today.

GRACE CHURCH AT QUINCY AND LINCOLN

1894 – Grace Church – Quincy and Lincoln, Rev. Alfred Walls

1898 – Grace Church – Quincy and Lincoln, Rev. F.L. Chalker

1902 – Grace Church – Quincy and Lincoln, Rev. Frank Domer

1906 – Grace Church – Quincy and Lincoln, Rev. Foster Anderson

1908 – Grace Church – E. 83rd at Quincy, Rev. John Moore

1913 - 1918 – Grace Church – E. 83rd at Quincy

1921 – Grace Church – E. 83rd at Quincy, Rev. Franklin Nichols

1924 – Grace Church – E. 83rd at Quincy, Rev. Abraham Baker

1928 – Grace Church – E. 83rd at Quincy, Rev. Jacob Stamm

QUINCY STREET MISSION - GERMAN

1891 – Quincy St. Mission - Quincy near Lussenden, Rev. Christian Baumann

1894 – Immanuel Church – Quincy at Lussenden, Rev. John Mayer

1898 – Immanuel Church – Quincy at Lussenden, Rev. Henry Schaedel

1902 – Immanuel Church – Quincy at Lussenden, Rev. H. Glesen

JENNINGS AVENUE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

2587 W. 14th Street