Mount Hope Methodist Memorial Chapel closing its doors after 183 years

The congregation of Mount Hope Methodist Memorial Chapel will worship together for the final time at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Pastor Kenn Curren invites the community to attend the service to celebrate the countless ways the church has changed lives and impacted the community over the past 183 years.

"Come and worship with us as we look back on what God has done, what God is doing and what God will do in the future as church members move to other faith communities in the area," Curren said.

The closing of a church building and the departure of a congregation always is a catalyst for conversation, according to Pastor Jennifer Darling-Mellott who spoke of what led the church members' vote to close.

“Ultimately, there are more factors than could ever be named," she said. "Each community experiences unique circumstances that can include changing demographics, personal faith choices, differences in values, even the willingness of people to drive farther to find a church home.”

Through local conferences, the United Methodist Church has a trust relationship with each congregation. Because of the trust, the building, property and certain assets of Mount Hope will revert to the care of the East Ohio Conference trustees.

Memorable moments at Mount Hope United Methodist

Members and pastors have shared a little about the history of the Mount Hope church, which was formed in 1841 and at its peak averaged 125 persons in worship. The church has served as a cornerstone of the community,  and has been home to plays and countless dinners for the community, including rabbit suppers and pancake suppers.

The church also planned the community Christmas parade and live nativity at the Mount Hope Auction Barn, a night of music, scripture and fellowship where children would dress up as members of the Christmas story.

The congregation enjoyed a unique relationship with its Amish neighbors through the years.

Curren said that while he was first serving at Mount Hope (2008-2014), the church would host a free meal in the fellowship hall before the Christmas service that included skits, scripture and carols in English and German.

“During one year’s celebration we had 120 people come together for one of my most memorable Christmas services,” he said.

Andrene Bell, former church member who moved from the area, fondly recalled the special Christmas program.

"We enjoyed being members at Mount Hope. We were members for about 15 years," Bell said. "The Christmas program at the auction barn gave a new meaning to the holiday. There were many community children who participated over many years, angels, shepherds and Mary and Joseph.

"Easter brought another community activity," she continued. "The church had an Easter egg hunt. Many told us they had come when they were children and were now bringing their grandchildren. I enjoyed seeing the children each year and watching them 'grow up'.”

Community shows support after 1963 fire

Members also shared how the congregation had been on the receiving end of the generosity of the community.

In 1963, lightning struck the church and it burned to the ground. The fire burned so intensely the bell could not be removed from the ashes for a week.

After the fire, the insurance money was not enough to rebuild, but donations from individuals and other churches made it possible. The bell now sits on a pedestal in front of the church, is still rung before services and is a reminder of the strength of the Mount Hope community.

Many options for church members

As The UMC views a church closure as a part of the resurrection nature of life in Christ, diligent work will be done in an attempt to ensure the legacy of Mount Hope receives new life to fulfill the mission of making and maturing disciples for the transformation of the world, according to Darling-Mellott.

Church members who wish to participate in another church can transfer their membership to a church of choice.

If they would like to stay connected with the Mohican-Wayne Parish and pastors Curren and Darling-Mellott, they can worship at Loudonville, Lakeville, Bigelow, Perrysville, Moreland, Apple Creek or Fairview UMCs.

"Wherever we next find ourselves on our journey, we will always carry the spirit of Mount Hope Methodist Memorial Chapel," Curren said.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: After 183 Mount Hope Methodist Memorial Chapel closing its doors