An Ohio Historical Marker outside of the front doors of First United Methodist Church on the Square in downtown Mansfield shares the following interesting facts:
“Oldest Religious Congregation in north-central Ohio. First Methodist Sermon preached at the “spring” in 1809 by Rev. James Copus. Services then conducted in blockhouse, 1811; in first court house, 1813; at church home of Dr. William B. James, 1814; first church building located N.W. corner Park Avenue East and Adams, 1820; present site in 1870. All land donated by General James Hedges, a distinguished member.”
Venerable First Methodist, now First United Methodist, now occupies a structure completed in 1905 and constructed from Sandusky limestone trimmed with Bedford white stone.
While the congregation may be north central Ohio’s oldest, it is clearly looking into the future with its recently-unveiled website. Some features of the new online presence are already in place, such as the calendar, a review of the congregation’s mission work, and staff information. Other enhancements are promised soon.
The new First United Methodist Church website may be accessed here.
