|
 Memorial
Presbyterian Church, Dayton celebrated its 140th
anniversary on Sunday, October 21, 2007 with 100 members and
friends. Following Sunday morning worship the congregation gathered in
their social hall for a meal and program. Throughout the church and
social hall picture boards displayed various chapters in the church’s
history. Three members, Marjorie Combs, Ellen Hunter, and Everett Snow
were recognized for their more than 60 years as members. Ellen and Everett
shared special heartfelt memories of their 60 plus years. There were also
a number of members who were recognized for their more than 50 years of
membership. A bound history of the church was given to those in
attendance from which the following is provided.
“The story of
Memorial began on December 3, 1866, when members of the Young Men’s
Christian Association of the Third Street Presbyterian Church (now known
as Westminster) met to consider a mission project. On July 7, 1867,
through the efforts of that dedicated group of people, a 27’ x 40’ frame
building was constructed at a cost of $1,560. In April of 1868, the
church was formally organized as an independent church by a committee of
the Dayton Presbytery and was named the East Presbyterian Church of
Dayton. Fourteen persons, mostly members of the Third Street Church,
presented certificates of dismissal so they could join the new church. It
was in 1872, in gratitude to the friends of the church who had given so
much, that the church changed its name from the East Presbyterian Church
of Dayton to Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Throughout the years
Memorial survived two fires, the first in 1881. In the fall of 1948,
ground was broken for the construction of the new Memorial Church building
to be built on Smithville Road. Architecturally, the design was “Early
Old English Gothic of brick with stone trim, with slate roof.” On March
13, 1971, just 90 years after the Terry Street fire, Memorial once again
experienced “trial by fire.” In both cases the church was fully insured
and rebuilt. On Sunday morning, September 23, 1973, a service of
dedication and the celebration of Holy Communion were held in the new
building where they are still being held today.”
At its peak Memorial
had more than 1300 members. Those people and those still serving are the
real history of Memorial Presbyterian Church. On Sunday, October 21st
that history was shared in the stories told by those in attendance,
unfortunately there is not enough room to share them here. |
