Carthage Evangelical Church History
In the later part of 1869, nine men, residents of the Millcreek Valley, principally of Carthage, met to discuss a plan for a church in the Carthage area where they and their families could worship in the German language. The nearest communities having worship services in German were Reading and Cumminsville. There were no German churches in Carthage, Elmwood Place, St. Bernard, Winton Place, Norwood or Pleasant Ridge.
It was not uncommon practice for families to walk to Reading to attend church services, or take the old C.H. & D.R.R. to Cumminsville. There were no street cars, and unless you had a horse-drawn vehicle, you walked. Children attending confirmation classes often walked five to six miles.
The nine men who met in 1869, according to those who passed on the information, were William Sprung, Leonard Engel, Christian Schmidt, Jacob Weber, Fred Steingrube, Frank Wiehe, George Bischoff, Conrad Quantz and Andreas Grimmer. A few months later, the following men joined the group: David Weber, John Belser, Peter Weiss, Fred (Sadler) Schmidt and Henry Hettrick. In 1870, these men met at different times at their residences. After much effort and hard work, there were twenty-eight men involved. January 22, 1871, they held their first regular meeting at the residence of Leonard Engel. Christian Schmidt was temporary Chairman and Leonard Engel was named Secretary.
The second meeting was held January 25, 1871 and was called to order by their Chairman, Christian Schmidt. The purpose of the meeting was to hold temporary church services until they could build a church of their own. Jacob Weber, Conrad Quartz and John Besler were appointed as a committee for this purpose.
Their third meeting was held on January 28, 1871 to look for a Minister. Jacob Weber, Leonard Engle and Andreas Grimmer were appointed on that committee.
The first regular meeting with election of officers was held February 1, 1871, and the following were selected: President, William Sprung; Secretary, Frank Wiehe; Treasurer, Leonard Engel; Trustees, Christ Schmidt, George Bischoff and Andreas Grimmer.
The first worship service was held February 5, 1871, in the old Methodist Church, located at 71st Street and Paddock Road. The rent was $2 each Sunday which included heat and janitorial service.
Rev. Sauer of Salem Church on Sycamore Street in Cincinnati preached the first sermon. Rev. Brightfield of Cumminsville, Rev. Spangenberg of Reading and Rev. Sauer, alternated, holding regular services on Sunday afternoons.
The first constitution of the congregation was adopted on February 12, 1871. On February 19th, during a meeting, William Sprung announced that he would donate the lot at the corner of 75th Street and Lockland Road, what is now Anthony Wayne Ave., for the erection of a church, where the Carthage United Church is currently located. Mr. Sprung paid his brother-in-law, Mr. Eggers, a sum of $600 for the latter’s share as the lot was held jointly by the two men. Also at this meeting, a building committee was appointed consisting of John Belsar, Frank Wiehe and William Sprung.
On April 16, 1871, a contract to build the church was let to Mr. Falber of Cumminsville for the sum of $3,425.00. Much material and labor were contributed to keep expenses at a minimum.
The cornerstone was laid June 17, 1871, with Rev. Pohlmeyer of Cincinnati, Rev. Mann of Sedamsville and Rev. Dietz of Cumminsville officiating.
On July 13, 1871, a deed from John F. and Catherine Eggers and John and Louisa Spring, did convey a lot at the northeast corner of 75th Street and Anthony Wayne Ave. to Andrew Grammer, George Bishop and Christian Schmitt as Trustees of the First German Evangelical Protestant Congregation of Carthage.
The church was dedicated on November 5, 1871, and Rev. William Dieckmann, from Ironton, Ohio, was installed as the first regular minister.
In 1871, the Ladies’ Aid was organized. The first officers are as follows: President: Mrs. Leonard Engel; Vice President, Mrs. Andreas Grimmer; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Wiener; Financial Secretary, Mrs. Fred Steingrube, Treasurer, Miss Caroline Belser. Trustees included Mrs. Eva Apking, Mrs. Louisa Sprung and Mrs. Wolcume. The first organist was Miss Lucy Belser.
The first children confirmed in the church on May 19, 1872, were Henry Seilkop, Conrad Quantz and John Grimmer. The first children confirmed at the regular Palm Sunday service, April 6, 1873, were Fred Riess, Elizabeth Weber (Mrs. John J. Flynn), and George Riess. The Sunday School was organized on November 13, 1872, with Mr. Jacob Becker as the first superintendent.
On July 14, 1872, the congregation decided to build a parsonage.
The first Sunday School was organized on November 13, 1872. The first janitor was employed in 1873.
On June 17, 1874 the contract for the steeple was let at a bid of $2,443.00. The first organ was purchased on November 28, 1886.
In 1899 a Sunday School room was added at a cost of about $1,200.
In 1913, a better pipe organ was purchased replacing the first one.
On Sunday, June 19, 1921, the fiftieth anniversary of The First Evangelical Church of Carthage was celebrated that week. Three of the oldest living members at that time were honored – Fred Seilkop, Sr., Mrs. Lucy Bartling and Mrs. Sophia Rieveschl.
In September, 1922, a building committee composed of William Wiehe, Edwin C. Buehrman, Eward A. Wiehe, Fred Seilkop, Jr., John Dice and J. F. Riess was appointed to erect a new and modern parsonage. The new parsonage was dedicated on May 23, 1923. The cost was about $8,200, although considerable labor and material were contributed.
Rev. Rudolf E. Gruenke was called to serve the church in September, 1928. Early in the pastorate a building program was established and interest in a modern educational and social building was engineered.
In 1931, the church was known as Carthage Evangelical Church. An excerpt from the Sixtieth Anniversary reads “The Church and Sunday School at the present is well attended and the Sunday School is much too small to accommodate its ever increasing membership, but due to the economic conditions of this Country, it will be necessary to get along with our present quarters and equipment the best we can under existing conditions. The Church, however, has just been reroofed and the Auditorium and Sunday School room repapered at the cost of almost $500. The building will be repainted on the outside, and the present heating system will be replaced with a more modern method, thereby beautifying both the Church Auditorium and Sunday School room.”
May 10, 1935, Dr. Henry E. Tralle, Church Consultant, was employed to help the Building Committee plan the new building. E. C. and G. T. Landberg were engaged to make drawings and specifications. During November, 1935, Dr. John E. Hummon led the congregation in a Spiritual Advance Program, which culminated in a plan for securing funds for the erection of the new building and remodeled church. At that time, approximately $29,000 was raised in cash and pledges to finance the project. The overall goal was $30,000.
Saturday, July 1935, the Steeple of the church was struck by lightning, as well as the roof of the sanctuary. The only part of the building left undamaged was the outside walls.
April 29, 1938, the congregation let the contract for the basement and first floor only of the new building, due to costs being higher than had been anticipated.
August 3, 1938, a mortgage for the balance of the cost of slightly over $50,000 was made by the Second National Bank of Cincinnati to The Carthage Evangelical Church of Cincinnati.
August 7, 1938, the cornerstone was laid by the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. Louis B. Blackmore, Grand Master, presiding. The new parish house consisted of an Auditorium, Beginners Department and Kitchen on the first floor; twelve classrooms on the second floor, with a recreation room and restrooms in the basement.
During the erection of the new building and remodeling of the church, the congregation worshipped at the Carthage Masonic Temple, approximately seven months.
The first service was held in the Parish Hall on November 27, 1938. Rev. G. J. Krumm of Immanuel Church, Cincinnati, delivered the sermon. The first service to be held in the remodeled church was the midnight service on Christmas Eve, 1938 when the church was filled to capacity. The first baptism in the remodeled church took place that night.
The cost of the building program was slightly more that $50,000. It was financed by a mortgage on the property of $27,000, and by bonds sold to members, amounting to $8,000. The burning of the mortgage note was held in a special service during the 90th anniversary celebration.
Dedication services were held on January 29, 1939 through February 5, 1939. The Sanctuary was dedicated on Sunday morning, January 29th at 10:15 am. Rev. R. E. Gruenke was the liturgist and Rev. Otto C. Bassler preached the sermon. The Parish house was dedicated on the same day at 2:30 pm. Also, in the evening at 7:30 pm a dedication service was held for the new pipe organ which had been removed from the Idle Hour Theater and installed in the new organ chamber. Tuesday, January 31, 1939 at 7:30 pm, a Community Service was held with presentation of flags.
Wednesday, February 1, 1939, a women’s service was held at 2;00 pm.
Thursday, February 2, 1939, a Homecoming Service was held at 7:30 pm.
Friday, February 3, 1939, a Young Peoples Service was held.
Sunday, February 5, 1939, a Consecration Service was held.
For the Seventy Fifth Anniversary, the church was now called Carthage Evangelical and Reformed Church. There were sixty-one members that were 50 years old and over that attended.
The church celebrated their 86 Anniversary on Sunday, October 14, 1956.
Reformation Sunday was held on October 28, 1956.
For the 90th anniversary, the Organ was reconditioned, the outside doors were replaced with metal doors and the educational building was painted. At that time, the membership was nearly 300!
In 1971, the church celebrated its 100th anniversary and the congregation has less than 200 members.
After two extremely severe winters, the original organ showed signs of old age with deteriorating parts and old leather. The old organ finally gave up during the winter of 1977. A new instrument was designed using elements from the old pipe organ and adding many new features to achieve the pipe organ that was dedicated on February 24, 1980, during the Dedication Service. It was also in honor of Dorothy Kneup, who served as organist for over 40 years.
August 5, 1989, lightning strikes – AGAIN. The church was on fire. Sunday, August 6, 1989, there was no electricity in the church, so services were held in the auditorium by using an extension running from the parsonage.
Monday, August 7, 1989, the GRE Group met with the committee and advised that the roof had to be sealed off and all the wet debris on the floor had to be removed as soon as possible. Due to the extreme heat, the stained glass window had to be repaired when it was discovered that the solder had melted.
Palm Sunday, April 8, 1990, the first service was held in the newly rebuilt church.
A formal dedication was held on September 9, 1990.
October, 1995, at the annual meeting, an Options Committee was formed after the treasurers report was read. The committee consisted of James Mattox, Chair, Harold Bayersdorfer, Robert Frey, Bill Devine, Helen Spencer and Sam Shreve with Rev. Knabe as ex-officio. This committee was to explore the options the church had and report back to the congregation.
March 3, 1996, Rev. Knabe announced he was going to retire and on March 24, 1996, the congregation voted unanimously to sell the church building and property, and merge with another congregation or build a new church building.
October 12, 1996, the council signed with Sibcy-Cline Realtors to sell the real estate.
After a committee had visited several other churches in the valley, they recommended a merger. December 29, 1996, a vote was taken by the congregation to merge with St. John-St. Matthew UCC on Fleming Road.
January 2, 1997, a contract to purchase the building in Carthage was submitted by the New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. After weeks of negotiation, a Land Contract was entered into on March 25, 1997 between Mt. Moriah and St. Johns-St. Matthew – Carthage UCC.
In the 125 years of The Carthage UCC’s existence, there were 16 ministers who served the congregations. This history of The Carthage United Church of Christ was prepared during the early part of 1997 by James B. Mattox from notes and various anniversary programs honoring the life of the church.
It was not uncommon practice for families to walk to Reading to attend church services, or take the old C.H. & D.R.R. to Cumminsville. There were no street cars, and unless you had a horse-drawn vehicle, you walked. Children attending confirmation classes often walked five to six miles.
The nine men who met in 1869, according to those who passed on the information, were William Sprung, Leonard Engel, Christian Schmidt, Jacob Weber, Fred Steingrube, Frank Wiehe, George Bischoff, Conrad Quantz and Andreas Grimmer. A few months later, the following men joined the group: David Weber, John Belser, Peter Weiss, Fred (Sadler) Schmidt and Henry Hettrick. In 1870, these men met at different times at their residences. After much effort and hard work, there were twenty-eight men involved. January 22, 1871, they held their first regular meeting at the residence of Leonard Engel. Christian Schmidt was temporary Chairman and Leonard Engel was named Secretary.
The second meeting was held January 25, 1871 and was called to order by their Chairman, Christian Schmidt. The purpose of the meeting was to hold temporary church services until they could build a church of their own. Jacob Weber, Conrad Quartz and John Besler were appointed as a committee for this purpose.
Their third meeting was held on January 28, 1871 to look for a Minister. Jacob Weber, Leonard Engle and Andreas Grimmer were appointed on that committee.
The first regular meeting with election of officers was held February 1, 1871, and the following were selected: President, William Sprung; Secretary, Frank Wiehe; Treasurer, Leonard Engel; Trustees, Christ Schmidt, George Bischoff and Andreas Grimmer.
The first worship service was held February 5, 1871, in the old Methodist Church, located at 71st Street and Paddock Road. The rent was $2 each Sunday which included heat and janitorial service.
Rev. Sauer of Salem Church on Sycamore Street in Cincinnati preached the first sermon. Rev. Brightfield of Cumminsville, Rev. Spangenberg of Reading and Rev. Sauer, alternated, holding regular services on Sunday afternoons.
The first constitution of the congregation was adopted on February 12, 1871. On February 19th, during a meeting, William Sprung announced that he would donate the lot at the corner of 75th Street and Lockland Road, what is now Anthony Wayne Ave., for the erection of a church, where the Carthage United Church is currently located. Mr. Sprung paid his brother-in-law, Mr. Eggers, a sum of $600 for the latter’s share as the lot was held jointly by the two men. Also at this meeting, a building committee was appointed consisting of John Belsar, Frank Wiehe and William Sprung.
On April 16, 1871, a contract to build the church was let to Mr. Falber of Cumminsville for the sum of $3,425.00. Much material and labor were contributed to keep expenses at a minimum.
The cornerstone was laid June 17, 1871, with Rev. Pohlmeyer of Cincinnati, Rev. Mann of Sedamsville and Rev. Dietz of Cumminsville officiating.
On July 13, 1871, a deed from John F. and Catherine Eggers and John and Louisa Spring, did convey a lot at the northeast corner of 75th Street and Anthony Wayne Ave. to Andrew Grammer, George Bishop and Christian Schmitt as Trustees of the First German Evangelical Protestant Congregation of Carthage.
The church was dedicated on November 5, 1871, and Rev. William Dieckmann, from Ironton, Ohio, was installed as the first regular minister.
In 1871, the Ladies’ Aid was organized. The first officers are as follows: President: Mrs. Leonard Engel; Vice President, Mrs. Andreas Grimmer; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Wiener; Financial Secretary, Mrs. Fred Steingrube, Treasurer, Miss Caroline Belser. Trustees included Mrs. Eva Apking, Mrs. Louisa Sprung and Mrs. Wolcume. The first organist was Miss Lucy Belser.
The first children confirmed in the church on May 19, 1872, were Henry Seilkop, Conrad Quantz and John Grimmer. The first children confirmed at the regular Palm Sunday service, April 6, 1873, were Fred Riess, Elizabeth Weber (Mrs. John J. Flynn), and George Riess. The Sunday School was organized on November 13, 1872, with Mr. Jacob Becker as the first superintendent.
On July 14, 1872, the congregation decided to build a parsonage.
The first Sunday School was organized on November 13, 1872. The first janitor was employed in 1873.
On June 17, 1874 the contract for the steeple was let at a bid of $2,443.00. The first organ was purchased on November 28, 1886.
In 1899 a Sunday School room was added at a cost of about $1,200.
In 1913, a better pipe organ was purchased replacing the first one.
On Sunday, June 19, 1921, the fiftieth anniversary of The First Evangelical Church of Carthage was celebrated that week. Three of the oldest living members at that time were honored – Fred Seilkop, Sr., Mrs. Lucy Bartling and Mrs. Sophia Rieveschl.
In September, 1922, a building committee composed of William Wiehe, Edwin C. Buehrman, Eward A. Wiehe, Fred Seilkop, Jr., John Dice and J. F. Riess was appointed to erect a new and modern parsonage. The new parsonage was dedicated on May 23, 1923. The cost was about $8,200, although considerable labor and material were contributed.
Rev. Rudolf E. Gruenke was called to serve the church in September, 1928. Early in the pastorate a building program was established and interest in a modern educational and social building was engineered.
In 1931, the church was known as Carthage Evangelical Church. An excerpt from the Sixtieth Anniversary reads “The Church and Sunday School at the present is well attended and the Sunday School is much too small to accommodate its ever increasing membership, but due to the economic conditions of this Country, it will be necessary to get along with our present quarters and equipment the best we can under existing conditions. The Church, however, has just been reroofed and the Auditorium and Sunday School room repapered at the cost of almost $500. The building will be repainted on the outside, and the present heating system will be replaced with a more modern method, thereby beautifying both the Church Auditorium and Sunday School room.”
May 10, 1935, Dr. Henry E. Tralle, Church Consultant, was employed to help the Building Committee plan the new building. E. C. and G. T. Landberg were engaged to make drawings and specifications. During November, 1935, Dr. John E. Hummon led the congregation in a Spiritual Advance Program, which culminated in a plan for securing funds for the erection of the new building and remodeled church. At that time, approximately $29,000 was raised in cash and pledges to finance the project. The overall goal was $30,000.
Saturday, July 1935, the Steeple of the church was struck by lightning, as well as the roof of the sanctuary. The only part of the building left undamaged was the outside walls.
April 29, 1938, the congregation let the contract for the basement and first floor only of the new building, due to costs being higher than had been anticipated.
August 3, 1938, a mortgage for the balance of the cost of slightly over $50,000 was made by the Second National Bank of Cincinnati to The Carthage Evangelical Church of Cincinnati.
August 7, 1938, the cornerstone was laid by the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. Louis B. Blackmore, Grand Master, presiding. The new parish house consisted of an Auditorium, Beginners Department and Kitchen on the first floor; twelve classrooms on the second floor, with a recreation room and restrooms in the basement.
During the erection of the new building and remodeling of the church, the congregation worshipped at the Carthage Masonic Temple, approximately seven months.
The first service was held in the Parish Hall on November 27, 1938. Rev. G. J. Krumm of Immanuel Church, Cincinnati, delivered the sermon. The first service to be held in the remodeled church was the midnight service on Christmas Eve, 1938 when the church was filled to capacity. The first baptism in the remodeled church took place that night.
The cost of the building program was slightly more that $50,000. It was financed by a mortgage on the property of $27,000, and by bonds sold to members, amounting to $8,000. The burning of the mortgage note was held in a special service during the 90th anniversary celebration.
Dedication services were held on January 29, 1939 through February 5, 1939. The Sanctuary was dedicated on Sunday morning, January 29th at 10:15 am. Rev. R. E. Gruenke was the liturgist and Rev. Otto C. Bassler preached the sermon. The Parish house was dedicated on the same day at 2:30 pm. Also, in the evening at 7:30 pm a dedication service was held for the new pipe organ which had been removed from the Idle Hour Theater and installed in the new organ chamber. Tuesday, January 31, 1939 at 7:30 pm, a Community Service was held with presentation of flags.
Wednesday, February 1, 1939, a women’s service was held at 2;00 pm.
Thursday, February 2, 1939, a Homecoming Service was held at 7:30 pm.
Friday, February 3, 1939, a Young Peoples Service was held.
Sunday, February 5, 1939, a Consecration Service was held.
For the Seventy Fifth Anniversary, the church was now called Carthage Evangelical and Reformed Church. There were sixty-one members that were 50 years old and over that attended.
The church celebrated their 86 Anniversary on Sunday, October 14, 1956.
Reformation Sunday was held on October 28, 1956.
For the 90th anniversary, the Organ was reconditioned, the outside doors were replaced with metal doors and the educational building was painted. At that time, the membership was nearly 300!
In 1971, the church celebrated its 100th anniversary and the congregation has less than 200 members.
After two extremely severe winters, the original organ showed signs of old age with deteriorating parts and old leather. The old organ finally gave up during the winter of 1977. A new instrument was designed using elements from the old pipe organ and adding many new features to achieve the pipe organ that was dedicated on February 24, 1980, during the Dedication Service. It was also in honor of Dorothy Kneup, who served as organist for over 40 years.
August 5, 1989, lightning strikes – AGAIN. The church was on fire. Sunday, August 6, 1989, there was no electricity in the church, so services were held in the auditorium by using an extension running from the parsonage.
Monday, August 7, 1989, the GRE Group met with the committee and advised that the roof had to be sealed off and all the wet debris on the floor had to be removed as soon as possible. Due to the extreme heat, the stained glass window had to be repaired when it was discovered that the solder had melted.
Palm Sunday, April 8, 1990, the first service was held in the newly rebuilt church.
A formal dedication was held on September 9, 1990.
October, 1995, at the annual meeting, an Options Committee was formed after the treasurers report was read. The committee consisted of James Mattox, Chair, Harold Bayersdorfer, Robert Frey, Bill Devine, Helen Spencer and Sam Shreve with Rev. Knabe as ex-officio. This committee was to explore the options the church had and report back to the congregation.
March 3, 1996, Rev. Knabe announced he was going to retire and on March 24, 1996, the congregation voted unanimously to sell the church building and property, and merge with another congregation or build a new church building.
October 12, 1996, the council signed with Sibcy-Cline Realtors to sell the real estate.
After a committee had visited several other churches in the valley, they recommended a merger. December 29, 1996, a vote was taken by the congregation to merge with St. John-St. Matthew UCC on Fleming Road.
January 2, 1997, a contract to purchase the building in Carthage was submitted by the New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. After weeks of negotiation, a Land Contract was entered into on March 25, 1997 between Mt. Moriah and St. Johns-St. Matthew – Carthage UCC.
In the 125 years of The Carthage UCC’s existence, there were 16 ministers who served the congregations. This history of The Carthage United Church of Christ was prepared during the early part of 1997 by James B. Mattox from notes and various anniversary programs honoring the life of the church.
Milestones…Carthage UCC
1869 – Discussion for a plan for a church in Carthage
January 22, 1871 – First Meeting
January 25, 1871 – Second Meeting – have temporary church services until they could build a church
January 28, 1871 – Third Meeting to look for a Minister
February 1, 1871 – Election of Officers
February 5, 1871 – First Service held in the Methodist Church
February 12, 1871 – Constitution of the Congregation was adopted
February 19, 1871 – Lot at the corner of 75th Street and Lockland Road (Anthony Wayne)
was given by William Sprung for the erection of the church
April 16, 1871 – Signed Contract to build the church
June 17, 1871 – Cornerstone was laid
November 5, 1871 – Dedication of the church and Rev. William Dieckmann was installed
as the first regular pastor
May 19, 1872 – First Children Confirmed
July 14, 1872 – Congregation decided to erect a parsonage
November 13, 1872 – First Sunday School was organized
1872 – Ladies Aid was organized; first organist was hired
April 6, 1873 – First Children’s Confirmation during Palm Sunday
June 17, 1874 – Contract for the Steeple was signed
November 28, 1886 – First Organ was purchased
1899 – Sunday School room was added
1913 – A new and better Pipe Organ was purchased
June 19, 1921 – Fiftieth Anniversary of the First Evangelical Church of Carthage
September, 1922 – Building Committee was appointed to build a new parsonage
May 23, 1923 – Parsonage was dedicated
September, 1928 – Rev. Rudolf E. Gruenke was called to serve the church
1931 – Carthage Evangelical Church – as it was now called
May 10, 1935 – Building Committee was formed to plan for a new building
November, 1935 – Spiritual Advance Program
July, 1935 – Steeple of the Church was struck by lightning
April 29, 1938 – Contract for the basement and first floor of the new building
August 3, 1938 – Mortgage from the Second National Bank of Cincinnati
August 7, 1938 – Cornerstone laid
August 14, 1938 – Vote to add the second floor for the education section
November 27, 1938 – First Service held in Parish Hall
December 24, 1938 – Midnight Service was the first service held in the remodeled church
January 29, 1939 – Dedication Services
January 31, 1939 – Community Services w/presentation of flags
February 1, 1939 – Women’s Service
February 2, 1939 – Homecoming Service
February 3, 1939 – Young Peoples Service
February 5, 1939 – Consecration Service
October 28, 1956 – Reformation Sunday
1971 – 100th Anniversary
February 24, 1980 – Dedication of new Pipe Organ
August 5, 1989 – Lightning Strikes…Again
August 6, 1989 – Services held in the auditorium
Monday, August 7, 1989 – Repair of stained glass window due to fire
April 8, 1990 – Palm Sunday, First Service held in newly rebuilt church
September 9, 1990 – Formal Dedication
October, 1995 – Options Committee organized
March 3, 1996 – Rev. Knabe announces retirement
March 24, 1996 – Congregation voted to sell the church property
October 12, 1996 – Council signed with Realtor Sibcy Cline to sell real estate and church
December 29, 1996 – Vote to merge with St. John – St. Matthew United Church of Christ
January 2, 1997 – Contract submitted for purchase
March 25, 1997 – Contract signed between Mt. Moriah and St. Johns-St. Matthew – Carthage UCC
January 22, 1871 – First Meeting
January 25, 1871 – Second Meeting – have temporary church services until they could build a church
January 28, 1871 – Third Meeting to look for a Minister
February 1, 1871 – Election of Officers
February 5, 1871 – First Service held in the Methodist Church
February 12, 1871 – Constitution of the Congregation was adopted
February 19, 1871 – Lot at the corner of 75th Street and Lockland Road (Anthony Wayne)
was given by William Sprung for the erection of the church
April 16, 1871 – Signed Contract to build the church
June 17, 1871 – Cornerstone was laid
November 5, 1871 – Dedication of the church and Rev. William Dieckmann was installed
as the first regular pastor
May 19, 1872 – First Children Confirmed
July 14, 1872 – Congregation decided to erect a parsonage
November 13, 1872 – First Sunday School was organized
1872 – Ladies Aid was organized; first organist was hired
April 6, 1873 – First Children’s Confirmation during Palm Sunday
June 17, 1874 – Contract for the Steeple was signed
November 28, 1886 – First Organ was purchased
1899 – Sunday School room was added
1913 – A new and better Pipe Organ was purchased
June 19, 1921 – Fiftieth Anniversary of the First Evangelical Church of Carthage
September, 1922 – Building Committee was appointed to build a new parsonage
May 23, 1923 – Parsonage was dedicated
September, 1928 – Rev. Rudolf E. Gruenke was called to serve the church
1931 – Carthage Evangelical Church – as it was now called
May 10, 1935 – Building Committee was formed to plan for a new building
November, 1935 – Spiritual Advance Program
July, 1935 – Steeple of the Church was struck by lightning
April 29, 1938 – Contract for the basement and first floor of the new building
August 3, 1938 – Mortgage from the Second National Bank of Cincinnati
August 7, 1938 – Cornerstone laid
August 14, 1938 – Vote to add the second floor for the education section
November 27, 1938 – First Service held in Parish Hall
December 24, 1938 – Midnight Service was the first service held in the remodeled church
January 29, 1939 – Dedication Services
January 31, 1939 – Community Services w/presentation of flags
February 1, 1939 – Women’s Service
February 2, 1939 – Homecoming Service
February 3, 1939 – Young Peoples Service
February 5, 1939 – Consecration Service
October 28, 1956 – Reformation Sunday
1971 – 100th Anniversary
February 24, 1980 – Dedication of new Pipe Organ
August 5, 1989 – Lightning Strikes…Again
August 6, 1989 – Services held in the auditorium
Monday, August 7, 1989 – Repair of stained glass window due to fire
April 8, 1990 – Palm Sunday, First Service held in newly rebuilt church
September 9, 1990 – Formal Dedication
October, 1995 – Options Committee organized
March 3, 1996 – Rev. Knabe announces retirement
March 24, 1996 – Congregation voted to sell the church property
October 12, 1996 – Council signed with Realtor Sibcy Cline to sell real estate and church
December 29, 1996 – Vote to merge with St. John – St. Matthew United Church of Christ
January 2, 1997 – Contract submitted for purchase
March 25, 1997 – Contract signed between Mt. Moriah and St. Johns-St. Matthew – Carthage UCC
We are A Ministry that Imparts life into the sinner through Preaching, Teaching and Evangelizing Christ as the Savior, King and the only way to eternal life. Amen.
We are the smallest mega church in Hamilton County. Come experience our Worship with us at 11:00 a.m. On Sundays. Come hear the Word of God from our Anointed Pastor Kevin E. (Skip) Rainey. It will Bless you real Good!