How it all started...
The original church was founded on May 31st, 1850, as the Presbyterian Church of Pisgah. It was organized in a grove, where people in the neighborhood met occasionally to hold church services. It was located 2 miles south of Ft. Recovery, at the corner of Fox Rd. + Union City Rd. The organization consisted of 8 members: David Hays, Catherine Hays, Waitman Hastings, Eleanor Hastings, Nancy Collins, Samuel Briner, Mary Grissom, + Caroline Toppins. The first pastor was Reverend Isaac N. Taylor, who also pastored the Portland, IN Presbyterian Church (History of The Pisgah Congregational Church. Hastings, E.T. 1929.)
While services were initially held in the grove, members decided a church building was necessary for a permanent organization. David Hays, who owned the grove, deeded it to the church trustees, with an acre of ground for the purposes of a church and cemetery. During the summer of 1851 + the following winter, a 'substantial' frame building was erected. (Hastings, E.T. "HISTORY OF THE PISGAH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH". 1929.)
Ft. Recovery was incorporated as a village in 1858. As more people were settling in the village, the Pisgah Congregational Church made the decision to leave the country and build in a more central location. Rev. M.W. Diggs purchased a lot in the village at the corner of Center + Main in 1883 and deeded it to the church trustees. It was there that they built a red brick church, at a cost of $4,000 (1).
1.) (1954, May 7). The Journal (19). Fort Recovery, OH.
Ft. Recovery was incorporated as a village in 1858. As more people were settling in the village, the Pisgah Congregational Church made the decision to leave the country and build in a more central location. Rev. M.W. Diggs purchased a lot in the village at the corner of Center + Main in 1883 and deeded it to the church trustees. It was there that they built a red brick church, at a cost of $4,000 (1).
1.) (1954, May 7). The Journal (19). Fort Recovery, OH.
Sometime between 1928 and 1929, The Pisgah Congregational Church united with the Christian Church that was located at 105 S. Elm Street and became the Congregational Christian Church. They merged their members and resources, abandoning the brick building on the corner of Center + Main because the Christian Church was larger.
The Christian Church was founded in 1876, and the original building was built in 1877.
The Christian Church was founded in 1876, and the original building was built in 1877.
"On the night of March 21, 1941, the frame building on Elm Street was destroyed by fire. Plans were immediately formulated for the rebuilding of a new church while the congregation held service in the Public School Auditorium. The present brick church was finished in 1942 and dedication services held the week of July 12-16, 1942." (1)
1.) Local Church Marks 100th Year. (1954, May 7). The Journal, p. 1.
1.) Local Church Marks 100th Year. (1954, May 7). The Journal, p. 1.
becoming christ chapel
In 1957, several churches, including The Congregational Christian Church, united together and became The United Church of Christ. In 1985, due to doctrinal disagreements, they cut ties with The United Church of Christ to become an independent and charismatic fellowship. It was at this time that the name was changed to Christ Chapel.
After seeing consistent growth over several years, the decision was made to build a new facility in 2021. Land was purchased and plans were prayerfully made. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 23, 2022. The building was completed, and a grand opening service was held on December 17th, 2023.
After seeing consistent growth over several years, the decision was made to build a new facility in 2021. Land was purchased and plans were prayerfully made. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 23, 2022. The building was completed, and a grand opening service was held on December 17th, 2023.