Secrets of Seneca County Historical Driving Tour | Pleasant Ridge United Methodist Church

Embark on a captivating journey through the wondrous past of Seneca County, Ohio, with the Secrets of Seneca County Historical Driving Tour! The next stop on the journey is: Pleasant Ridge United Methodist Church (3003 OH-101, Tiffin, OH 44883, Stop #12)

The roots of the congregation of this Pleasant Ridge United Methodist Church, also known as Egbert’s Church, go back to November 27, 1824 – the same year Seneca County was formed. Nine men and women formed a class of the Methodist Episcopal Church, meeting in the barn of Uriah & Susannah Egbert. Mr. Egbert was the leader of the class. In 1843 the first church building, a frame structure, was erected here on land donated by Mr. Egbert. Some believe the unpainted building on this lot is the remnant of that structure. The year 1843 was also when the cemetery was surveyed. 

This present brick Church was begun in 1889 with the building dedication on July 30, 1890. The cornerstone was laid by Gen. William Harvey Gibson. The building was erected by H. C. Pitman of Melmore at a cost of $5,007.80. The bell was hung in 1894 and the basement was completed under the church in 1918. Electricity and indoor plumbing were added later.

The initial pump organ was replaced in 1912 by a piano. In 1954 an electric organ was installed.  It was replaced by another organ in 1986. The decorative metal ceiling and the two chancel chairs add beauty to the sanctuary.

The congregation has scheduled a bicentennial celebration of the church’s founding on September 29, 2024, at 2 PM. The public is invited to this historic recognition.