Howard Methodist Church (Findlay, Ohio) records

Collection

Identifier: MS-0164

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The collection (1887-1968) consists of the minutes of the Church Board, the Brotherhood Society, the Ladies Aid Society, and the Sunday School; quarterly reports; church records listing baptisms, marriages, and funerals; and records of the Foreign and Home branches of the Women's Missionary Society, the Epworth League, the Bethany Sisters, the Women's Service Executive Committee, and the John Steen Junior League.

Dates

Creation: 1887-1968

Extent

4 Reels (4 reels of 35mm microfilm)

Creator

Howard Methodist Church (Findlay, Ohio) (Organization)

Scope and Contents

The Official Board Minutes (1905-1968) and the Quarterly Conference Reports (1889- 1968) provide background on the administrative history of this church. Chronological gaps do occur in both record series which reduces their scholarly usefulness. Detailed vital statistical information on church members such as baptisms, marriages, and funerals is provided through the Church Record (1887-1944).

Educational functions of the church are documented in the records of the John Steen Junior League (1911-1913), the Epworth League (1908-1915), and the Sunday School, 1911-1943). Information on men's organizations within the church is provided within the Brotherhood minutes (1908-1914), but most prevalent in this collection are the minutes and financial records of various women's groups. Minutes are available for the Bethany Sisters (1912-1958), the Ladies Aid Society (1919-1940), the Women's Society Christian Service Executive Committee (1961-1967), the Women's Foreign Missionary Society (1896-1935), and the Women's Home Missionary Society (1924-1940). Treasurer's records exist for the Women's Foreign Missionary Society (1899-1935), the Ladies Aid Society (1910-1932), and the Bethany Sisters (1903- 1948).

Biographical / Historical

Methodism had been established in Findlay for half a century when the growth of the city and of the First Methodist Church made a new church advisable. Under the pastorate of Dr. A. J. Fish at the First Church, the first steps were taken by securing two lots in Cherry Street near Clinton, which were held while money was raised for the building. The cornerstone was laid in December 1887, and the building was soon enclosed. The church was dedicated on July 16, 1888, by Dr. J. W. Hamilton of Boston.

During the pastorate of Rev. S. L. Boyers (1894-1895) the debt on the building was paid off. During the pastorate of Rev. J. Baumgardner (1903-1907) a parsonage was secured adjoining the church. The church has had a steady growth since its establishment.

(From Twentieth Century History of Findlay and Hancock County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, by J. A. Kimmell, page 169.)

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The records of the Howard Methodist Church, Findlay, Ohio, were transferred for microfilming to the Center for Archival Collections in February 1981 with the cooperation of Edward Jones, church member.