In the Beginning ...

In 1887, the Simon Peffley family moved from near Phillipsburg, Ohio, to Englewood which was then known as Harrisburg.  Having been members of the United Brethren Church in Phillipsburg they wished to organize one here. The Charter was signed on their dining room table beside the base-burner stove in 1888 by twelve charter members.  The first meetings were held in the John Nill Hall located on the northwest corner of Routes 40 and 48.  Mr. Christian Herr donated the building lot, the stones from his stone quarry for the foundation, the framing timber, and a sum of money to erect a church building at the corner of Walnut & Herr Streets which was dedicated in 1889.

Not being able to provide a full-time pastor, students were sent from Bonebrake Seminary (now United Theological Seminary) in Dayton, Ohio.  These students would come from Dayton by bicycle or train and stay with different families for the weekend.

In 1915, the church was remodeled; a basement beneath, heating and lighting facilities installed.  In 1944, a parsonage was purchased on North Main Street.  In 1946, the United Brethren Church merged with the Evangelical Church and in 1968 with the Methodist Church and we became known as the Englewood United Methodist Church.

Our educational unit was completed in 1956 and the present sanctuary, dominated by the stained glass window of Jesus, with His hands outstretched was dedicated in 1967.  The original church building was demolished in May 1974.  The bell from that first church is located at our Walnut Street entrance.  The present parsonage was purchased in 1982.  Our sanctuary was remodeled in 2003, making it brighter and more versatile. 

Englewood Church is proud of its heritage as a teaching church.  Along with those first students from Bonebrake Seminary, we have nurtured numerous student pastors and have sent eight members into the ordained ministry as well as several into church related careers or avocations.  Our longest serving pastor is the Reverend George L. Sidwell (1971-1989) who was named Pastor Emeritus in 1995.

This history page is still under construction.

Home • Up • Find Us • Worship With Us • Grow With Us • Serve With Us • Youth Pages • U.M. Resources • Local Community • Podcasts • Other Cool Stuff

Send mail to our Webmaster with questions or suggestions about this web site.
Copyright © 2005 Englewood United Methodist Church
Last modified: 05/01/06