IN THE BEGINNING..............
Early Shelby County history informs us that Locust Grove Church was the first church organized and built in what is now known as Pickaway Township. The tract of land where the church and cemetery is now located was first sold by Elijah Bryson to James Waggoner in 1853. The 80 acre tract was sold to Obed Klar and Daniel Moll in 1856. Obed's corner also had a general store and school house where services were held until a church house was built.
The first settlers active in starting the church were the Stumps and Longenbaughs who came from Ohio by covered wagon. The church was part of the United Brethren in Christ and among it's charter members were the Weakleys, Stumps, Bridgmans, McGraths and Yantis. In an 1868 letter from Amos Pontius, a four-week meeting at Locust Grove produced 55 conversions. W.R. Bridgman's account of the early church talked of revivals when people traveled by farm wagon, rode horseback or walked as much as five miles.
In 1887, the Pontius family deeded real estate for the sum of $400 to the church trustees for a parsonage which is today on the same land. In 1905 the house burned to the ground. The church itself burned in 1919 after being hit by lightning. The new church that was built in 1920 is still part of the present building. In 1938, the trustees voted to wire for electric service.
In 1946 due to denominational merger, the church became known as Locust Grove E.U.B. Church. Union tent meetings were held three years 1949-1952 in Carl Jesse's pasture outside of Moweaqua with the largest crowds seen at a religious gathering in many years in Shelby County. Many people, unable to obtain a seat remained in their cars, listening to the service over the loud speaker.
In 1953 the trustees installed a water system and bathroom in the parsonage and in 1957 restrooms were put in the church basement. Many building improvements were made in the 60's, pews, hymnals, lowered ceiling, and new windows. In 1969, again as a result of a merger, our name was changed to Locust Grove United Methodist Church. Air-conditioning and new carpet was installed later that year.
In 1973, after much prayer and consideration, the congregation severed ties with the United Methodist Church and became known as LOCUST GROVE CHURCH. Our discipline was written with God's Word as it's authority and we have been blessed with pastors God sent our way who preached the truth of the Bible. In 1976 the parsonage had a major remodeling with church members providing much of the labor. In 1980 the trustees were able to purchase 2.29 acres south and east of the property for recreation and parking area. In 1984 ground was broke for a new educational wing and fellowship hall. And in 1990 a new foyer entrance was added with handicap accessibility. We have been blessed with many memorials and private gifts over the years: a hand-painted wall mural, choirchimes, retractable screen, communion serviceware and cemetery fencing. In 2001 the pews were padded, new window treatments were purchased, and the altar was refinished to match the pews. In 2003 the kitchen was remodeled, powerpoint media installed and additional seating for the sanctuary was purchased. Through the generosity of many who have felt a special kinship at Locust Grove, we have been blessed with many improvements to enhance the beauty of the sanctuary and our worship services.
We are grateful for those who have gone before us, for their love for God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and their faithfulness in serving Him; for all the devoted pastors, teachers, officers, and missionary efforts.
MAY WE BE FOUND FAITHFUL TO GOD AND TO FUTURE GENERATIONS
