Area church celebrates 150 years
On Sunday at 10 a.m., Mount Zion United Methodist Church will celebrate its 150th anniversary. The church is located near Fredericktown in Deemston Borough. Bishop Hae-Jong Kim, bishop of the Western Pennsylvania United Methodist Conference, will be the keynote speaker. The Rev. Richard Markle, superintendent of the Washington District, will also e a guest. The Rev. Gary Gregg is the current minister of the church.
Mount Zion dates its beginning to 1853 when the first church service was held in the old Hill School on Dry Ridge Road in Deemston Borough.
According to the church historian, Sandra Ropele, the first church was built in 1854 on the site of land purchased from Reuben and Alice Smith. The price of the land was $10.
In 1866, Mount Zion belonged to the Brownsville Pastorate, which included Belleview, Mount Vernon and Bridgeport. The membership had grown to 62. Mount Zion was then changed to the Belle Bridge Circuit in 1904.
Mount Zion grew through the years and in 1908, the members began to think of a new church. The ruling body met in the grove of trees adjoining the church to discuss the project. The old church was removed from its foundation and set nearby until the new church was completed.
On July 31, 1910, the new redbrick Mount Zion Methodist Church was dedicated. It was equipped with “pews of the most modern pattern’ and all of the approved fixtures were gas.
From 1932-40, Mount Zion was a part of the Rogersville Circuit. In 1940, Mount Zion was placed in the Fredericktown Parish. This was he year that the Methodist Protestant and Methodist Episcopal Churches united.
During the years 1950-53, the first Methodist Men’s Organization was chartered while the Rev. Carl Buterbaugh was pastor.
In the spring of 1953, Mount Zion was united with Beallsville United Methodist Church and shared the same minister, the Rev. George Provance.
Mount Zion belongs to the United Methodist Community Churches. This charge was formed in 1997 with the combining of Mount Zion, Beallsville, Zollarsville and Marianna United Methodist Churches.
Under the guidance of the Rev. Gary Gregg, the church continues to grow. New carpeting, painting of the sanctuary and a handicapped-accessible ramp were recently completed. The church is also proud of their travel group that takes many enjoyable trips throughout the year.
Ropele added, “Mount Zion continues to be a vital part of the community. Even though we are a small congregation, we have tried to keep the original idea of the small country church alive and open for all to come and be welcomed.’
After the service, a covered dish dinner will be held at noon at the Beallsville Civic Center. At this time, there will be an opportunity to meet and greet Bishop Kim, Superintendent Markle, Rev. Gregg and friends of the church. History material will also be on display.