- 1808: Methodists were meeting in pioneer homes about Clarksburg, OH, now Tremont. Later, the first church, a log structure, was built.
- 1812: The circuit included 28 appointments served by 2 pastors. Meetings were held every 4 or 6 weeks.
- 1820: The Rector's Chapel was built beside Storms Creek, 1 1/4 miles north of Tremont next to Rector Cemetary. This church belonged to the Western Conference which included all of Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
- 1836: The Society desired to build a new church, and the land was donated by John Ross. Work on the new brick church (the 2nd church) was started. Working men were paid an averaged of 62 1/2¢ per day, but used a portion of their money to build the church. When the walls and roof of the church were erected, the financial panic of 1837 stopped the work. Not having been dedicated as a church, it was sold to satisfy a tax claim. Purchased by Samson Runyan, it was rented out as a barn. This was more than one of the trustees could tolerate, so he redeemed the building and managed its completion.
(Interesting note: John Ross' brother, William, when 5 years old, was living in Kentucky. One day, when fishing near his home, he was stolen by an Indian who intended to burn him at the stake. A French trader happened to pass and the Indian sold William for a blanket. The trader, a weathly man who lived in Detroit, took the boy there to be a Page for his daughter. During the French and Indian War, William's brothers recognized him and brought him to Ohio where his parents now lived, 1 1/2 miles north of Tremont. This house was the first known in this locality to hold Methodist meetings, whereby Mr. Ross became the real father of Methodism in this community.)
- 1838: The church bell was purchased. The exterior of the church was whitewashed and the interior was papered and oil lamps were installed.
- 1840: The third church was dedicated, located on the present location. At this time, class meetings were held for members only, with the doors locked. If members didn't attend and follow the rules, they were expelled.
- 1843: The name of Clarksburg was changed to Tremont.
- About 1850, the Tremont Circuit comprised 16 churches.
- 1862: John Wheeler, teacher in the public school, held an exhibition on Christmas Eve. The first Christmas tree of the town graced this occasion.
- 1865: The Tremont Circuit included Tremont, Terre Haute, Westville, and Concord.
- 1870: The 3 rear pews were raised to accomodate a choir.
- 1875: A Pastor's report revealed plans to build a new church at Tremont for $6,000-7,000. Subscriptions were being obtained and the brick already in the process of being made.
- Early 1876: The old church was razed and work begun on the new structure.
- June 1877: The cornerstone was laid, but ceremonies did not take place until April 23, 1878 with Rev. John G. Black presiding. While the church was being built, worship services were held in the Old Rector church with the Reformed Church Congregation.
- 1880: At a cost of nearly $12,000, the new church was completed and dedicated on April 18 with Rev. J. G. Black as minister. The memorial windows in the sanctuary were presented by 8 loyal women of the church. The organ was purchased with funds raised by the women of the church.
- 1884: The first parsonage of the circuit was built at Westville. In November, the bell cracked while tolling the death of a church member.
- 1899: The Old Rector Church was torn down.
- 1901: The present iron fence was installed, replacing a wooden picket fence.
- 1903: A Home Department was organized with 36 members. During the 30 years' existance of the Cradle Roll, 250 children were registered.
- 1906: The interior of the church was redecorated and acetylene gas lights installed. In later years, natural gas lights were installed along with electricity and a new roof of asbestos cement shingles.
- 1907: An Epworth League was organized and purchased a piano for the church. Soon after, a Ladies' Aid Society was organized.
- 1940: The Ladies' Aid Society was changed to the Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS).
- 1941: A new coal furnace was purchased, paid mostly by the WSCS, with much of the money raised by holding benefit suppers for organizations such as Ohio Edison and Brain Lumber Company.
- Before WW II, Tremont had a very active ball park that was used by several counties. The women ran the concession stand and raised quit a bit of money that was used to furnish the church. Also, the church housed the town's fire equipment which was a farm wagon that carried chemical tanks.
- 1941: The Good Samaritan Class was organized.
- 1944: The basement was dug out and made into a kitchen and dining room. At this time, the fire equipment was moved out of the church.
- 1949: Money was raised to buy an electric organ which was used until 1976, at which time the present organ was purchased.
- 1955: The church was remodeled, with Sunday School rooms and a new entrance way added. The back part of the church was made into 3 classrooms, a lavatory, and the Pastor's office. The kitchen was also remodeled and 2 lavatories added. The only outside change was the addition of the Center Street entrance. The cracked bell was also replaced during this remodeling.
- 1959: The coal furnace was converted to gas and the upstairs fans were installed.
- 1964: The church became a station.
- 1972: Bowlusville and Tremont went together as a charge. On March 28, the church was made a Corporation.
- 1973: The United Methodist Women's organization was founded when the Methodist Church joined with the United Brethren Church.
- 1977: 2 new furnaces were installed and the parsonage was renovated.
- 1980: A centennial celebration was held to celebrate 100 years of TCUMC serving the Tremont City community. Upon opening the cornerstone, a small box was found inside which held a Bible, Hymnal, Methodist Discipline, 3 church newspapers, and 75¢ in scrip money. Those articles, along with a new set of items, were replaced and resealed in the cornerstone for the next 100 years.
- 1999: The church has added a wheelchair ramp and a chairlift. A new furnace and central air conditioning were installed in August.
|
