Parkman Church
1823-2023
Before I begin, I would like to recognize Bernice Smith Wells for her contribution. She had written up a history of Parkman Congregational Church back in 2009 and she gave me a copy of it in 2017. It is with the help of her document that I was able to track even more information down.
Plan of Union
In 1801 The Congregational Churches of New England and the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America joined together forming the Plan of Union. The Plan of Union was agreed upon by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church and the Connecticut General Association of Congregational Churches.
A major reason for this Union stems from the fact that Presbyterians were planting more churches than they could fill with pastors. With both Presbyterians and Congregationals holding to the Reformed Faith and having very similar Doctrinal Statements, the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Savoy Declaration, this Union seemed to be a perfect match.
From the time the Pilgrims came to the New World until this Plan of Union, Congregationalists tended to stay in New England, allowing Reformed Presbyterians and Reformed Anglicans to spread out into the rest of the Country. With this Union in place though, Congregationalists started to venture west.
Parkman Presbyterian Church
On April 28, 1823, Rev. Luther Humphrey of Burton and Rev. Benjamin Fenn of Nelson examined 10 people with the view of being organized into a church. On the following Saturday the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered by Rev. Fenn.
No records of the church were kept from 1823 to 1827, however there was a record that a Rev. Darron preached at Parkman on occasion and administered the Lord’s Supper on April 26, 1827.
In January 1828, Rev. Woodruff was called for one year and in January 1829 Rev. Joseph Pepoon supplied the church. Rev. Pepoon was a Presbyterian evangelist from Painsville, Oh who preached throughout Ohio.
No other records show up concerning Parkman Presbyterian Church until October 8,1832 when Rev. Dexter Witter of Burton Presbyterian administered the Lord’s Supper. Later records indicate that several names were added to the roll during this period.
During the first 13 years of Parkman’s history the gathering here was small and could not financially support a pastor long term, let alone build a meeting house.
Parkman Becomes Congregational
According to the 1880 history of Geauga Country, in 1836, Parkman adopted Congregational Polity. At this time though, the gathering still did not have a meeting house.
Then, in 1841, the Methodists built a meeting house in the western part of town and until 1873 it was used by both the Methodists and the Congregationals.
In 1850 Rev. Josiah Hopkins was the pastor and there was an attempt at building a Meeting House. Sadly, a small flood along the upper course of the Grand River washed away all the logs which were intended for lumber for the proposed meeting house and no further attempts were made for several years.
In 1852 Rev. J.M. Fraser began preaching in Parkman one Sunday and in Troy the next. Rev Fraser occupied the pulpit and Mrs. Fraser taught select school. In 1857, with fourteen members, the gathering joined the Plymouth Rock Association of Congregational Churches. 17 new members joined the gathering during Rev. Frasers 9 years shepherding the flock here.
From 1867 to 1869 Rev. William Potter was the minister. The gathering then went through a period of about 4 years without a shepherd, during this time the gathering dwindled down to 7 members on account of deaths and some who walked away from the gathering.
In 1873, with the encouragement of former shepherd, Rev. William Potter, Rev. E.D. Taylor was sent here by the Home Missionary Society. He commenced his service on June 1, 1873. Since there was no meeting house still, the subject of building the meeting house was once again discussed.
The Meeting House
In January 1874 with the total membership of only seven, the gathering began to build their Meeting House. Work started on July 29, 1874. With the help of $500.00 from the Congregational Church Building Society, aided with Rev. Taylor’s prayers and means plus the cooperation of the community, the building was complete and dedicated on December 2, 1874, with no further debt.
The following is a direct quote from our history that was written by Lydia A. Harris, “The weather was most propitious, not hindering work for one half day and not the slightest accident occurring. The name given it was “Little Church Around the Corner.” The time set for dedication was December 2, 1874. The weather was bright and beautiful with good sleighing. The house was filled with interested worshippers and dedicated with encumbrance. Dr. Samuel Woolcott delivered the sermon from the work “Walk about Zion, tell the towers thereof, etc.” Rev. E.D. Taylor, the pastor, offered the dedicating prayer. Rev. Potter assisted in the other services and we were glad he could do so as he had always felt a deep interest in our spiritual welfare.”
During Rev. Taylors pastorate 23 names were added to the roll and through his efforts the gathering became self-sustaining for the first time. On Thanksgiving Day November 22, 1878, after opening Union Services held in the meeting house, Rev. Taylor became ill, remarking as he sat down, “All things work together for good to those that love God.” He was taken home where he died on December 19, 1878.
Rev. George Fairbanks took over at this time and lead the gathering until 1892. By 1890 the gathering of Parkman had grown to 70 covenant members. In 1892 Parkman hosted the Plymouth Rock Conference of Congregational Churches.
The Gathering Continues by God’s Grace
During the first 125 years of the life of the organization 22 pastors served the gathering. About 1920 Rev. Bernard N. Childs occupied the pulpit and lived in the parsonage. The longest pastorate was that of Rev. Hiram Thompson, starting in January 1913. To quote one history: “Of his pastorate of 22 years, it may be said that every family had occasion to remember him through the services of the gathering. He baptized children, married the young, buried the dead and conducted services with dignity.” He resigned in 1935.
In 1931 The Congregational Churches and the Christian Churches merged to form the Congregational Christian Church. In 1936, the gathering voted to participate in the Geauga Country Parish Plan. South Newbury, Burton, Welshfield and Parkman united in a plan to form and organization whose object was to promote religious, moral and social welfare of the United Parish, and to advance God’s Kingdom. This was during the Great Depression and the four gatherings shared two ministers. Rev. Elwyn Owen lived in Burton and rev. Everett Gould lived in the parsonage in Parkman, they also preached alternate Sundays in South Newbury and Welshfield.
Moving the Meeting House
In 1939 the lot was sold to W.W. Moore for the price of $1800.00 plus the $500.00 mortgage still owed for the original building. The lot was where the original gas station still stands on the corner of 422 and 528. The Meeting House was moved from its original spot to its present location next to the parsonage by Andy R. Miller for a cost of $1688.00.
Locals tell of how logs and teams of horses moved the Meeting House up the hill. During the move the building became stuck for a few days half way up the hill. When they finally were able to get the building to the property it was placed on a basement which had a coal and wood furnace. Previously it had been heated by large wood and coal stoves.
During the move, services were held in the Town Hall, which was located where the parking lot is now. On August 4, 1940 the Meeting House was rededicated in its new location.
Changes Happened Once Again
In January 1940 South Newbury dropped from the Parish. Burton withdrew from the Parish April 1, 1942. In 1942 as the country was fighting World War 2, Rev. Gould asked to be released and on June 21st he left to serve as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army. On January 4, 1942 Parkman united with Welshfield (Troy) and shared Rev. John Has-Ellison as our pastor.
On March 14, 1943 the gathering voted to remodel and a platform was built by Rev. Has-Ellison, with the help of several parishioners, to form a new worship center. A new hardwood floor was laid in the Meeting House, and maroon carpet was purchased. A new bulletin board was erected in front of the Meeting House for identifying the gathering and listing the times of service.
On February 20, 1944 a dedication service for the newly installed worship center was held.
Over the next decade and a half several pastors came and went and then in 1961 Parkman voted to join up with the United Church of Christ, a denomination of theologically liberal and progressive individuals.
During this same year another addition was going on for the Meeting House. Under the guidance of Rev. Robert Duff, Parkman updated their basement. This renovation included putting in a new social hall, remodeling the kitchen, adding seven classrooms, installing a new heating system and redecorating the sanctuary.
In January, 1968 an arrangement was made to be yoked with Huntsburg Congregational Church. Rev. Carl Gillet, who had been the pastor at Parkman since January 29, 1967 was set to serve both gatherings. A Parish council was once again formed and both gatherings would later be served by Rev. Richard Bern; an interim pastor, Rev. Watson from Hiram College; and Rev. Richard Slater, who was installed February 13, 1977. On May 1, 1980 Rev. John Wagner joined Rev. Slater as co-pastor and was ordained in Parkman on June 8, 1980.
On February 1, 1983 Rev. Slater resigned later that year the Parish system was once again dissolved when Parkman called Rev. Lenn Zeller to lead them on September 25, 1983. Rev. Zeller served as the pastor of the gathering until May 31, 1996.
In May of 1989, the gathering of Parkman purchased the property formerly owned by John Moore and Marion Dreyer from Andy and Verba Weaver for $54,000.
Conservative Congregational Christian Conference
The CCCC’s officially formed in 1948 after historically reformed congregational churches noticed a liberal theological movement arising in their ranks. Over the first decade of the denomination there was some tension as they were trying to agree on polity and a statement of faith. Today this day there is still tension in the ranks, which has caused leadership to soften its view on things
Under the guidance of Rev. Lenn Zeller though, the local gathering decided in 1996 to leave the United Church of Christ for theological reasons and join the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, CCCC’s.
After Rev. Zeller moved on, Parkman had an interim for a brief period of time before calling Rev. Jerald Sanders in June of 1997.
On Sunday, October 18, 1998 the gathering at Parkman celebrated 175 years of God’s faithfulness. After the morning worship service a time capsule was buried in front of the Meeting House and a plaque was presented by the anniversary committee stating that the buried capsule be opened in 2023 on the 200th anniversary of the gathering in Parkman.
Under the leadership of Rev. Sanders another extensive addition was made to the Meeting House. A new sanctuary was added and the original sanctuary remodeled and preserved as a chapel. The addition included a new larger Fellowship Hall, several restrooms, churches offices, a church library and later a new modern kitchen was installed. On April 15, 2002 the new edition was dedicated.
Rev. Sanders resigned in September of 2004 and Rod Edwards served as interim from September 15, 2004 until he was called by the church to serve as pastor on December 15, 2004.
Challenges and Growth
During Rod Edwards tenure at Parkman as their shepherd there were some challenges. The gathering had grown during Rev. Zeller and Rev. Sanders tenures to a point where they needed to build a bigger sanctuary so all could join together in worship.
Truth be told though, Parkman was working under a country club model of church. It was with this model that Rod – one of their own – was raised up. And during his tenure 80% of the gathering walked away. The gathering of Parkman went from 200 – 250 down to about 45 members in the span of a few years.
This led to a vicinage council and the eventual resignation of Rod Edwards.
From 2012 until 2015 the gathering at Parkman worked with the CCCC’s, using two interims Rev. Howard and Rev. Horvath, as they sought to find their next pastor.
Rev. William Coley accepted the call and on April 1, 2015 he started preaching and leading the gathering at Parkman.
During Rev. Coley’s tenure he focused primarily during his first years on the elders. This involved training and challenging the elders concerning what their responsibilities were. Currently we have 4 ruling elders including the pastor, and 3 new men are going through officer training.
Rev. Coley’s then started challenging the gathering with the question, “If Parkman were to disappear tomorrow, would we be missed.” This led the gathering to begin to see that the church wasn’t about them, it was about God. So in 2019 the gathering adopted a new vision statement:
Not God’s plan for my life, but my life for God’s plan.
Not God’s vision for my church, but our church for God’s vision.
This vision statement focused the gathering of believers on mission for the Lord. And this led us to start helping some of the families in the area who are financially struggling. So we prepare food for them and give school supplies to their kids.
The old sanctuary, also known as the chapel, was turned into a children’s area where lessons are taught using things like the Heidelberg Catechism and other curriculum, the children learn hymns and contemporary songs to praise the Lord, they have fun doing crafts, and hearing stories of our heavenly Father’s love for them. All of this is possible because of our amazing Children’s Director, Rebecca Hostetler.
Small Groups have formed where brothers and sisters in the Lord join together throughout the week in fellowship, breaking of bread, devotion and prayer.
Also, it seems that every couple decades renovations happen. Currently we are planning to update the children’s area, and add in a proper coffee bar.
Another amazing thing is that from 2019 until 2023 the gathering had the privilege of having Rev. James Pavlic serve as small groups pastor and pastor of church planting. In February of 2023 he accepted the call to Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashua, New Hampshire.
In 2023 we celebrated 200 years of God’s faithfulness with the opening of the time capsule from 1998, sadly moisture had made its way in. So now we have built a new area for the next time capsule we plan to put together this year.
Parkman is on mission and we can’t wait to see how the Lord uses us over the coming quarter century.
In June of 2026 after a unanimous vote from the membership, Parkman Church rejoined the Presbyterian Church by becoming a member of the Presbyterian Church in America
Final thoughts from Bernice Wells
This building is only a structure, a place of worship, a place to meet, and a place to gather for fellowship. However, it is a beautiful building, the Meeting House today is listed by the architects as a significant building in the Western Reserve as a fine example of neo-colonial architecture. Through the years, the many needed additions have been carefully planned to preserve the original style. The Little Church Around the Corner is now The Stately Church on the Hill…
But!
The church is the people! Through the years there have been so many people dedicated to carry on God’s work. I have mentioned some of the clergy who served the church throughout the years. this church has been blessed with many outstanding pastors. I mentioned only a few of them, but every one helped to sustain the church during some good, but also some difficult times. This church has survived in spite of blizzards, tornados, several recessions, the Great Depression and many wars.
In all these years there are so many devoted members who have been responsible for the continued success of the church. Many of these people served in offices, on committees, volunteered to direct or teach Sunday School, Bible school and Youth Programs. Some have played the organ or piano while others directed or sang in the choirs. Many have prepared meals for different occasions, such as church dinners, social hours, and fund raisers. They have also served many funeral dinners and catered for other occasions. The list of service by members is endless. Unfortunately, many of us do not remember the names of these devoted people who worked tirelessly over the years, but they have left us a legacy and are an inspiration today.
The church has always been devoted to serving others through the many missions that have been supported over the years… With God’s blessing, this church will be able to continue to serve the people of this community, the surrounding communities and the entire world so that He may answer our prayer. Thank You, Lord, for the people who have helped us. Thank You for Your faithfulness and help us be faithful in serving You and others. Amen
Roll of Ministers
Rev. Benjamin Fenn 1823
No Records Available 1823-1827
Rev. Darron (Supply Pastor) 1827
Rev. Woodruff 1828
Rev. Pepoon (Supply Pastor) 1829
Rev. Cobb 1833
Rev. Jepha Poole 1836-1839
Rev. Ezra Howland
Rev. Treat
Rev. E.B. Hill (Supply Pastor)
Rev. Josiah Hopkins 1850
Rev. John G. Frasier 1852-1861
Rev. H.B. Dye
Rev. Winans
Rev. William Potter 1867-1869
No Pastor 1869-1873
Rev. E.D. Taylor 1873-1878
Rev. George W. Fairbanks 1878-1892
Rev. S.R. Dole 1892-1896
Rev. George Martin 1896-1899
Rev. Thomas D. Henshaw 1900-1905
Rev. A.N. Greenfield 1906-1907
Rev. John Wright 1908-1909
Rev. Bernard V. Child 1909-1912
Rev. Hiram Thompson 1913-1935
Rev. E.H. Clarke (Supply Pastor) 1936
Rev. Elwyn Owen 1936-1941
Rev. Everett Gould (Co-Pastor) 1937-1942
Rev. John Has-Ellision 1942-1947
Rev. James D. Stinehelfer 1947-1951
Rev. Donald Wilson 1951-1954
Rev. William H. Guest 1955-1957
Rev. Robert Duff 1958-1961
Rev. Paul Carpenter 1962-1966
Rev. Carl Zimmerman (Interim) 1966-1967
Rev. Carl Gillet 1967-1972
Rev. Richard Berg 1972-1975
Rev. Watson (interim) 1975-1976
Rev. Richard Slater 1976-1983
Rev. John Wagner (Co-pastor) 1980-1983
Rev. Lenn Zeller 1983-1996
Rev. Jabob Wagner (interim) 1996-1997
Rev. Jerald Sander 1997-2004
Pastor Rod Edwards 2004-2011
Rev. Howard 2012-2013
Rev. Chuck Horvath 2013-2015
Rev William L. Coley 2015-Present
Rev. James Pavlic (Church Planting) 2019-2022