A Brief History, 1860-1997
The history of any older church is always interesting because it means that a group of conscientious and devout Christians were so concerned about the spiritual welfare of the community that they began a ministry that would be carried on for generations. These same people were community leaders who would play an important part in settling this area.
Researching the history of our church is somewhat difficult because very few church records were kept. Some were even misplaced or lost. Many interesting events were handed down by word of mouth from one generation to another. It takes many sacrifices and much hard work to get a church organized and to keep it going for over ??? years.
Early settlers of Ogden Township found traveling to other worship centers most inconvenient with slow means of travel and the poor condition of roads at times. So it was natural for these pioneers to begin a church of their own. They opened the doors to the community as far as we can find, the doors of Zion have never been closed.
Zion is believed to be the oldest church in this community and the oldest United Brethren Church in the county. This building was moved by sled to the Horton location. The ground for this church was leased in 1859 by Erastus Brockway to Israel Hodges, S.C. Huck and Daniel Ray.
The church was built the following year. The lease read in part " fence shall be built around the north, east and west sides of the church yard with a good and suitable board fence, or other material. No less than four and one half feet high and it shall be kept in good repair. Also the hitching post with railing must be installed sufficient to keep the horses from injuring the burying ground fence and the same must also be kept in good repair."
After some years of service the first church became too small and a second church was built on the same property. This building was constructed in 1872. In 1894, a quit claim deed was by Erastus and L.S. Brockway to the church trustees. Aden Porter, J.J. Folgelsong and L.S. Wilamoth. Revival meetings were held in the building during the winter months, some as long as six weeks. Many who attended would travel by foot, so it was customary for an older person to carry a kerosene lantern and light the way. When they arrived at the church they would either blow out or burn down the light and put it under the back seat bench. In 1920, the church underwent some remodeling. Hardwood floors were laid, the balcony built and enough basement dug to provide space for a furnace. The rest of the basement was dug in 1948 to provide classrooms downstairs. The stained glass windows were also installed at this time. In 1965, Zion and Bethel congregations united. The services were held at Zion while Bethel was converted to a parish house.
After many years of worship at this church it was again becoming too small for our needs. Because we were unable to build onto the existing building we looked elsewhere for land that would fill our needs. For years Ogden Township has had a campground in Ogden Center for a camp meeting every summer. As years went by, the use of this campground was no longer needed and the camp board offered the beautiful wooded land to our church for a sum that was given to the C.P.C. of Adrian. God's hand and guidance was evident through all stages of the building project.
We give God all the praise for this day, on which we have come to dedicate this building and grounds to be used for His glory. May it be a location for all to feel free to come and worship with us as we continue to serve God for generations to come.
