Mount Vernon Church of the Brethren turns 150

On Sunday, October 9th, the Mount Vernon Church of the Brethren will celebrate its 150th Anniversary Homecoming.

The church, located at the intersection of U.S. 340 and Mount Vernon Road, can trace it roots back to the summer of 1866. The first recorded services were held in a grove of trees in Stuarts Draft near the site of the present day church. Reverend James R. Gish conducted the services and helped guide the early development of the church. A solemn artifact, a huge weathered wooden plank with the “Mt. Vernon” chiseled into it, still remains, hanging over a doorway in the church foyer. The sign along with a display of memorabilia from the past serve as a reminder to the history and traditions of the church and community.

The first church council met in the house of Elias Kindig in 1866. Barren Ridge Brethren ministers served the early years of the church until the election of E.D. Kindig June 5th, 1871. The following year the Henry C. and Margaret Kindig conveyed the deed for the church site. The original plot consisted of one acre, one rod, and 24 poles. A small brick meeting house was constructed on this site and was called the Mount Vernon German Baptist Church. Margaret Kindig, Susan Stump, and Emma Bocock deeded the land for the cemetery in 1889.

Additions and renovations are reported to have begun in 1898 with an added kitchen. As demand and technology grew many improvements were made to the existing structure. In the early 60s a new sanctuary, fellowship hall, class rooms, modern kitchen, public address system, and heating plant were added.  Recent projects include the expansion of parking, new wireless communications, and remake of the church fellowship hall in the spring of 2012.

Guest minister for the 150th celebration will be former minister Grant Simmons. Services will begin at 11:00 A.M. and coordinated by Interim minister Dwight Roetto and Choral Director Martha Gwinn. The service will also feature a selection of songs by Dwight and Linda Burkholder. Following the service will be a “covered dish” luncheon in the church fellowship hall. The fellowship hall will have a series of displays highlighting the history of the church as well as its membership. The celebration is open to all.