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| White Church’ nickname sticks to Ohio chapel for a full century |
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CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Wilson Run Church was first constructed from logs after Mary Snyder deeded the land Sept. 28, 1907, to the Churches of Christ in Christian Union. Services were held for two or three years until a fire destroyed all of the church except two outside walls (which remain in the present-day building).
Concerned citizens rebuilt the church using red oak lumber connecting the two existing log walls, all of which were painted white. Thus the nickname “The White Church” began. Later, in the early 1960s, “The White Church” was enlarged by local carpenters. It has had several renovations since then and today stands with the enlarged worship sanctuary and a new fellowship hall.
The church’s Sunday School was organized in April 1922 by the American Sunday School Union, with an enrollment of 48 members. The Good Cheer Class in Chillicothe promised its ongoing support to the Sunday School.
To show appreciation of this kindness, Wilson Run Sunday School was named “Good Cheer” Union Sunday School, a name which remains today.
Rev. Siegal McKibban was the original pastor in 1907 when the church was founded. Over the years, many great men have shared God’s message, with the present pastor Rev. Jerry Powers serving.
“The White Church” still remains in the denomination of Churches of Christ in Christian Union. If asked, the congregation would admit a church is not just a building but rather the people that choose to serve God. Today as you enter that same little church that was started over a century ago, one can appreciate the history and perseverance that so strongly connects believer to building.
Above all, the vision of “The White Church” remains the same – to spread the gospel to a dying world. |
| 3/30/2010 |
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