Mount Gilead First Presbyterian has a rich history, but what is most important for the times and world we live in is to have a church who understands, loves, and accepts all who join us. We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). As such, both theologically and spiritually, we are committed to being a welcoming community of believers who understand that each of us come with our own unique baggage. Every person interprets life through his or her own lenses, but none of us is without fault. And yet, we are here together, trying to navigate the often crazy thing we call life. In short, we all need one another when times get tough. (And indeed, they do.)

Here at Mt. Gilead Presbyterian, we understand that the congregation lives out the love of God by loving our neighbors and being an integral part of the mission and needs of the community. Jesus carefully explained to the disciples, that every person is our neighbor; near or far, whether or not we know their names or faces. This is not a place of judgement! It is a warm and healing community for those who are troubled or lonely, or suffering. A safe place to come in prayer and praise or to come to celebrate joys and blessings.

We invite you to come in and worship, or watch the service online through the link on this website. Attend a 4th Saturday breakfast to help support one of the many charitable organizations nearby. We worship on Sundays at 10:30am and we would love to have you come to join us this Sunday. You will be glad you did.

Our Church History

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR HISTORY

THE BEGINNING
What is now this First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Gilead was organized November 2, 1831, by the Reverend Henry Shedd. At that time, this area was just becoming settled and developed. Open war with the Indian tribes had ceased only 16 years before, and there were still tribes in the area.

Swamps and forests that had covered this area were being emptied and cleared for farming, and people were building homes, barns, churches, schools and dirt roads.
Wildlife was still abundant. It included: wolves, deer, wild hogs, mink, raccoon, otter, groundhogs, squirrels, and pheasant. Even a panther or bear might still be sighted. They all provided important sources of meat and fur.

So, it was in this frontier setting that this church was organized. Actually, it was first called the Presbyterian Church of Morven because it was located in Morven Township, Marion County, in a little settlement called Whetstone. In 1829, Whetstone had five buildings, eight families, and about thirty people.

In the years prior to the organization of this church, preaching, Bible classes and prayer meetings were held in the homes of interested people. Then in October of 1831, residents presented to the Presbytery of Columbus a request to organize a church here. The request was granted and a committee, consisting of E. Barber and Henry Shedd, was appointed for that purpose.

On November 2,1831, the committee duly organized the Presbyterian Church of Morven. It took place in the home of G. D. Cross because they did not have a church building. Twenty-six persons entered into membership and three Ruling Elders were elected.
Thus began this Presbyterian Church.

EARLY NAME CHANGES AND THE DIVISION
Following the organization of the Presbyterian Church of Morven on November 2,1831, by the Reverend Henry Shedd, the church and area soon underwent a name change. First, in 1833, the state legislature changed the name of the little settlement of Whetstone to Mount Gilead. Then Morven Township was changed to Gilead Township in June, 1835. So, in October 1835, the Presbytery of Marion followed along by changing the church’s name to the Mount Gilead Presbyterian Church.

A great division occurred in the Presbyterian Church of this nation during the 1830’s between the Old School and the New School believers. It came to a head at a national assembly on June 5,1837, when the Old School believers, holding a clear majority, voted the New School believers out of the church.

The Old School believers believed in a strict Calvinistic approach to Presbyterianism. This included a literal interpretation of the Bible, strict discipline of members, and church structured social life for members. This was the prevailing view of Presbyterians in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern States.

On the other hand, the New School believers, followed a more liberal theological view of Presbyterianism. They believed in revivals, interdenominational cooperation, and active participation in the life of the community. Many were also active in the abolishing of slavery. The New School believers were strongest in New England, New York State, and on the western frontier.

Many congregations throughout the nation did not divide, but our church did. On November 12,1838, the Old School and the New School decided to have their own churches. They remained divided until October 2,1865, when they resolved their differences and reunited. This set the stage for a growing and vigorous church.
Presented to Church Congregation September 24, 2006.

To Read our full history, please click the link below!

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