Utica United Presbyterian Church

The United Presbyterian congregation of Utica was organized in 1858 with members from the communities of Sandy, Fairfield, French Creek and Rocky Springs. The first elders were Francis Dunn, John Davidson and John M. Adams. The first meetings were held in David Glenn’s mill and later in the academy building.

TLand was donated by Mr. James Adams for the erection of a church building in 1875 with Nathan Dunn in charge of the work. It was completed in 1878, at a total cost of $2,425.

TIn 1879 John A. Stewart was installed as an elder. Later elders, included Nathan G. Dunn, W.A. Service and J.T. Wallace in 1884; J.F. Dunn, Dr. F. M. McClelland and David S. Nelson in 1889; and Lester Greenlee and Clair Beatty in 1922. In 1933 F. H. Crawford, David Service and Leonard S. Nelson were elected, followed by J.C. Vogan in 1934; Bruce Beatty and E. L. Eakin in 1941; and Albert Teed and Fred Cousins in 1953.

TFollowing the merger of the Presbyterian and United Presbyterian denominations, the church was disbanded in 1959, the members joining other churches in the area. In 1962 the building was bought as a meeting place by Canal Grange.

TSome former pastors of the United Presbyterian Church were: Nathan Weingart, T. Smith, J. Duncan, Rev. Porterfield and Rev. Show who attended the 75th Anniversary. Other ministers of the church were Rev. Ira Leeper, Rev. Campbell, Rev. Mott, Rev. Shannon and Rev. William Riddle.

Transcribed by Penny Haylett Minnick

minnick862@verizon.net

Disclaimer:there may be errors due to transcription of information from both early and late (current contributors) work.