Our Heritage

The Village

The founders of the village of Olivesburg, Ohio, were Benjamin and Nancy Montgomery. On May 5, 1819, they deeded ground for a schoolhouse, a cemetery, and a place to worship. 

The middle and late 19th century saw the village at its peak. For nearly sixty years, the town supported two churches and numerous businesses. The population was between 400-500 people. Records show that church and church school attendance was often in excess of 100 people. 

The People

During the late 1800's, our Methodist Episcopal church was part of the West Windsor Circuit, which included Franklin and Milton (now Pavonia) churches. Our church entered into a merger with Adario in 1928, with Rev. William Ayer preaching at all four churches. Adario left the charge in 1939. This was the year the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Protestant Church merged and we became the Olivesburg Methodist Church. Franklin left our charge in 1955. It was then that we began to hold services every Sunday. In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren and the Methodist denominations merged. As a result, we became the Olivesburg United Methodist Church. In 1999, Pavonia joined with Franklin to form the Faith United Methodist Church. Olivesburg UMC left the charge and we became our own, solo congregation. In 2023, our church's board voted to remain in the United Methodist denomination, reaffirming the worth of all people.

The Building

The Olivesburg United Methodist Church, in the village of Olivesburg, Ohio, began as the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first church building was built in 1840. The Rev. M. Kinner was its first pastor. The building was destroyed by fire in 1848. Another building was erected in 1849. That building was replaced by the present building in 1886. Later, a basement was dug under the building using horses, a slip scraper, and a lot of manpower. A coal furnace was installed and the new basement dedicated. In 1959, an addition was added to increase the size of the basement and to provide restroom facilities. An upstairs addition provided space for Sunday school classes and a social room. 

The interior features several large stained glass windows, which were donated by church families. There is also a balcony and a cathedral ceiling, which add to the uniqueness of the structure. A former member donated the first organ in memory of her parents and sister.

Additional work has been done throughout the years. These and other updates were all made possible through memorial gifts:

• 2001 - The social room was remodeled and a new cooling and heating system was installed.

• 2004-2005 - New windows were installed in the Sunday school rooms, the social room in the basement was updated, and the parking lot was paved. 

• 2006 - A new, lighted outdoor church sign was installed.

• 2008 - New carpet was installed in the sanctuary.

• 2011 - The women's restroom was remodeled.

• 2013 - A nursery area was created for little ones during the service and Sunday school.

• 2014 - The chair lift to the basement was replaced with a new lift.

• 2016 - A new roof was installed.

The Future

To this day, our church remains a vital part of the village of Olivesburg. We are well into our second century and we continue to see our mission as one of service to God and our community. It is our hope that all people who come through the church doors receive a warm welcome and feel at right home as part of our loving church family.