Faith, Community, Service

Jackson Center United Presbyterian church was formerly known as the Coolspring Cumberland Presbyterian church in Jackson Township was named for Andrew Jackson, and it was formed from a portion of Coolspring township In 1850. Later the village of Jackson Center was established, and because of it’s location in the center of the township, it received the name of Jackson Center.

The Jackson Center Presbyterian church was organized in 1842 with Rev. Jacob Murphy as its first pastor. There were 46 members.  The first church building was a frame structure 35 X 40 feet, built across the road from the present building. Indians were prevalent as the county provided good hunting grounds. The first burial in the old church yard was that of Mrs. Mary Armstrong. It was necessary to heap logs on the grave to prevent prowling wolves from digging into it.

In 1861 Dr. Egbert supplied $3000.00 toward the construction of the present building. The church was built at a cost of $8,000.00. One and one half acres of ground was bought from William and Mary Clark at a cost of $75.00. The church was formerly known as the Coolspring-Cumberland Presbyterian church, and in 1876 the name was changed to Jackson Center Presbyterian Church. The church was dedicated in 1869, during the pastorate of the Rev. J.M. Gallagher. For a few years the congregation shared a minister with Stoneboro Presbyterian church. It was during that period, under pastorate of the Rev. W.J. Organ that a basement was built under the church. It was B.A. Taylor, at the age of 79 who wielded the shovel at the groundbreaking ceremony, and Jay black was chairman of the building committee for the project.

On January 7, 1941, the dedication was held for the newly completed basement which was built at a cost of $2,188.00. Much of the labor had been donated by parishoners. 

A delayed centennial and homecoming observance was held August 14, 1949, with class reunions, a worship service at 11:00 A.M. including communion. Diner was served at 12:30 P.M. A historical service occupied the afternoon along with a song service and greetings from friends both present and absent. An evening service and a dedication of the redecorated sanctuary was also held. From 1876, the pastors serving the church were: the Revs. James Gallagher, C. Moon, J.F. Wall, J.A. Bowman, A.M Elliot, Reed Morris, John Keller, James Miller, L.N Montgomery, henry Cockrun, Frank Grice, John Waite, Norman Euwer, Daniel Morton, Charles Mitchell, Silas Elder, John Waite, Fred Dent, William Organ, Ralph McConnell, Ralph Penick, J. McDivitt, Jose Medina, William Mayer, Dr. Joseph Hopkins, Harry Anderson, Dr. Norman Abams, Roger Cragun, Dr. Joseph Hopkins, and Jesse Houk. 

 Although I attended this church and was married here I learned a few things about the building this summer.

My cousin said his job was to make the doorway to the new entrance. He had to remove 4 layers of brick to make the passage way. These walls are made very thick to support the ceiling of this sanctuary plus the room above, plus the heavy slate roof.

Wow, that is a lot of weight and it needed a solid bottom.

Now look up. Check out the corners of the ceiling. They are rounded. Jim Sankey said this makes all the sound come back down and the acoustics of this room are exceptional!

The people who designed and created this building wanted it to be useful for many generations.

Albert Kem designed and built the cross and both pulpits.

Check out the hymn book holders. They have circles on each end. I heard this was where to place your umbrella!

My great grand-mother sat in her wheel chair about 3 rows down. This hymnal was given in memory of her son, my grandfather, by his son, my uncle. I am grateful you are the generation who will be keeping this building useful.

You are already missionaries as you have opened your house of worship to a group of homeless people while their house of worship is being repaired and renovated.

Thank-you.   

Please bow with me in prayer.

Dearest Lord, Thank-you for a building you designed for us all those years ago. Thank-you for this newest generation of your people.

In Jesus' name. Amen