Early in the autumn of 1877 a meeting of the people who leaned toward the Presbyterian faith and some  who lived in the Seven Mile community, but were members of a Presbyterian Church elsewhere, was held to determine whether a Presbyterian church school should be organized here. Among these were Theodore Marston and J. M. Stokes, elders of the Jacksonburg Church. The meeting  was held in the Reformed Church. Mr. C. Stewart was chairman and John B. Smith secretary. After remarks a committee composed of Theodore Marston, chairman, Robert McMechan, secretary, Burns Wilson, Samuel Flickinger and Robert Pryor was appointed to ascertain the wishes of the people. The committee was to report one week later. At the next meeting the committee recommended that services be held every alternate Sabbath as soon as arrangements could be made. They had no building or minister, but God provided both. "A place for holding worship was offered by the brethren of the Reformed Church on reasonable terms and a minister came unexpectedly into our midst." The Rev. Clark Kendall, who had held a church in Buffalo, New York, moved into the neighborhood because of reasons of health.  He was invited to preach and did so each alternate Sabbath.

A petition signed by over 100 persons was presented to Dayton Presbytery at their meeting In April, 1878, asking Presbytery to organize a church in this place. The request was granted and a committee was appointed by the Presbytery to effect the same. The committee was composed of the Rev. J. W. Cloakey, the Rev. J. W. McCusky, the Rev. Dr. Anderson, Elder Theodore Marston and Elder Robert McClintock.

On Tuesday, May 7, 1878, the day appointed by Presbytery, a large and interested audience convened in the Reformed Church at Seven Mile to participate in the services. The sermon was delivered by Dr. Anderson, after which 46 members were received into the church, 29 by letter and 17 by examination. An election of officers was held and Burns Wilson, John Smith, Dr. Robert E. Pryors, David Scott, John Williamson and Samuel Flickinger were elected elders.

R. I. McMechan, Henry Flickinger, F. W. Kumler and Joseph W. Clark were elected deacons. These officers were then duly ordained and services closed with a brief charge to the officers and members.

"This meeting was one of great interest and solemnity. The Holy Spirit was present and God's People were comforted in heart and strengthened in faith and encouraged to rejoice and persevere in the great work, so hopefully begun and so promising in results.

At a congregational meeting September, 1879, a committee was appointed to solicit money to build or procure a house of worship.  On April 10, 1880, the committee reported that they had purchased a lot containing a parsonage and ground on which to build a church.  The price was $1,500.

A building committee was appointed to contract for a house of worship and to raise money to pay for same. Over $3,000 was raised by subscription to build the church and pay for the lot and parsonage. The work was begun in 1881.  The new church building was dedicated on December 31, 1881. Prof. Morris of Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, preached the sermon.

"There being a very large attendance, strict attention was given to the services and a very liberal contribution at the close of the services. Good order and a like feeling prevailed the entire meeting. Between $800 and $900 was given on the occasion, it being sufficient to clear the church building proper of debt.

By E.E. Malcom, 1962

 © 2000 by the Butler County Historical Society