As part of our centenial celebration it is only proper that we should recall some of the circumstances and events leading to this day. September 28, 1980

    In the beginning, just as the Bible says, there was God. Our fore-fathers, with God leading them, brought their families from other countries to live in what was then a wilderness. Once settled, those in this community longed for a church where they could meet together to worship.

    At first they were forced to hold their meetings in schoolhouses. As early as 1859 a Methodist Protestant circuit had been organized, called the Mississinewa. In 1869 the circuit was divided and one part became Salamonie Circuit -- composed of Antioch, Pleasant Ridge, Hickory Grove and Hamilton. Of these, only Antioch, in Grant County, is still in existance.

    In 1877 Pleasant Ridge (later called Ebersole School) and Hickory Grove, a mile east of McNatt, voted to unite and form a new church to be called Union Chapel. It would be built about half-way between the two schoolhouses. Land for the new church was donated by William Rea and men of the community started construction under the supervision of Henry Unrue. It seems that Mr. Unrue was not an expert carpenter as the building later spread and had to be reinforced with iron rods.

    History records that it was completed in February, 1880, but Victor Friar's mother and Eli Rea both vividly recalled attending the dedication which was held the second Sunday in April, 1880. Among the charter members of the new church were Mr. and Mrs. William Custard, grandparents of Mrs. Vernis Baker, who has herself been a member for over 61 years. About 1890 the church was moved a few feet west onto a new foundation, a belfry added and a new pulpit purchased - which is still in use today.

    About 1910 one and a half acres was purchased to the west of the church. A five-room house was bought for $100 and moved on the lot for a parsonage. Another room was added and the house modernized. It is presently in use as a rental property.

    We are also happy that several of our former pastors have returned to renew old friendships. We hope you have only pleasent memories of the years you served our church.

    To all of you who have "come home" to share in this special day, we say a warm "Thank You" for coming. Your presence has made this day a more enjoyable and memorable occasion.

    As we set forth on our second hundred years we have the assurance that - BEFORE US - even as behind -GOD IS, AND ALL IS WELL. MAY HIS BLESSINGS BE UPON US ALL.

   Homecoming always brings a flood of memories. In horse and buggy days, church was the highlight of our week. People drove for miles to attend church.

   Every Thursday our old janitor, Mr. Conn would pick up his lantern and trudge down the long road to church, to get it ready for prayer meeting.

   During the war years it was well attended and prayers were never move fervent. Money was scarce. One dear old lady grieved because she had nothing to give to the Lord. A friend gave her a dollar to put in the offering plate. She spent it on stockings. God surely understood. To raise some money the young people had an ice cream social. They were surprised when one man went around and sampled all the cakes but didn’t buy any ice cream!

   As a side line an attendance contest was set up with Boehmer. One Sunday McNatt had 250 in church and won the contest!
Some people ridiculed the idea of a new church, but others went out in faith and started digging the basement. One man had to stop digging to get the doctor for his wife for their first baby. He came back disappointed, no baby, just fat!

   Pastors, congregations and times have changed, but the church remains with Christ as its head.

    We are a small church, but God has said that “where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name I will be there with them”.

   We think we are in good company. If you would like to be with us, let our pastor know. We would all love to have more brothers and sisters in church.

God bless you all!

Oma Morton