photo by: Heather Ziegler

The church building on North Fork Road in Ohio County will be the site of the Short Creek United Methodist Church congregation’s 240th anniversary celebration on Sept. 21.

WHEELING — Short Creek United Methodist Church in Ohio County is set to celebrate its 240th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 21. The observance will begin with church services at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Heather Rogers presiding.

A luncheon will follow services with a hymn sing slated for the afternoon.

Church trustee Ashley Mazzella said despite a dwindling congregation, the church has remained active with weekly services each Sunday. She explained that Rogers serves both the Short Creek congregation and its sister church, Warwood United Methodist Church.

The Short Creek United Methodist Church building and its members have served as a beacon of hope to the area throughout its long history. Prior to the construction and completion of the church building located at 1080 North Fork Road, a stone structure was built atop the hill near the current building site.

The Stone Meeting House was more indicative of a fort, complete with port holes near the roof used to fire on possible attacks from Native Americans living in the area, according to a history of the church. Prior to the building being erected, Bishop Francis Asbury would preach under an elm tree on the nearby John Spahr farm.

These gatherings reportedly attracted almost 1,000 visitors who pitched tents on the grounds in order to attend the lengthy preaching sessions.

While today’s congregation is small in comparison to past years, the congregants have been diligent in maintaining the integrity of the church. While gone are the early gas-lit lamps, the building maintains its charm with hardwood floors and a beautiful stained glass window in the sanctuary.

Mazzella noted that when they recently replaced flooring in the building, workers uncovered an old slingshot that now hangs in the building.

The anniversary celebration is an invitation for current and former members to enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship for which the church has always been known. The church building has served as a polling place during elections for Ohio County. Back-to-school supplies are bought through the church’s penny offering and then distributed to West Liberty Elementary School students.

“I think about the fact that this congregation, not the church building because this one is the second building, has been in place for 240 years,” Rogers said. “What do we know that has gone on for 240 years?”

She noted that while Short Creek United Methodist is an aging church, it does have some young people in the fold.

“They have felt so strong in their faith to continue to pass it on, allowing each to worship there today,” Rogers said. “Hopefully it will continue to get more people in and continue the work and putting the faith out into the community.”

Rogers said whether 10 or 100 people show up, it will be a time for celebration on Sept. 21. To learn more about the church celebration, visit Short Creek United Methodist Church on Facebook.