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The United Brethren church has existed in the vicinity of Middletown for over fifty years, but no society was organized in the city until 1890. At the annual conference held in Miamisburg, in August, 1889, it was decided to open a mission at Middletown. This action was due largely to the influence of George Yost, who was a lay delegate to this conference. |
Rev. B. A. Sutton was named pastor and began his labors in the new field, but resigned before the close of the conference year. Rev. D. K. Flickinger served the society until the fall of 1890, when the conference of that year sent Rev. W. L. Byers as pastor, who proceeded to secure funds for a lot on Young street, and for the erection of a frame chapel on the east end of the same. During his pastorate the young congregation grew in numbers and was comfortably accommodated in the new frame house.
In 1892 came Rev. S. M. Hippard and in 1894 Rev. S. B. Erwin, who was pastor for one year, then followed in 1903 by Rev. E. W. Bowers, who served the church for four years. Under this pastorate the necessity of a new and larger house was felt, and under the pastorate of Rev. E. E. Saul, in 1899, funds were at hand and a building committee was named consisting of C.C. Fouts, D.D. Monger, and George Yost.
In February 1900, the contract was awarded to Caldwell and Isaminger, the cost of which was twelve thousand dollars. The church is a neat one-story pressed brick house. The dedicatory services for the new brick house took place on a Sunday in February, 1901.
© 2000 by the Butler County Historical Society