Source: NMHS Newsletter May 1987

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH

203 N. Market Street

Origin:  10/17/1912.  It was then a barn housing a horse and buggy.  Samuel Oldfather (1847-1928) and his wife, Sarah (1857-1953)established the small church.  Their elegant home at 201 N. Market was used for Sunday school during the first few months, but this was later moved to the church.

 The remodeled barn became a model sanctuary.  A Reading Room at the side and back was used often by the public and by church members.  Services on Sunday were at 10:45 a.m.  Readers appeared promptly following organ music by Etta Brown, sister of George Burdge.  The organ was a pump type.  Edith (Martin) Rittenhouse of Liberty Mills was soloist for many services.  The readers had the Bible and the Christian Science Book by Mary Baker Eddy before them and this comprised the sermon.  The Mother Church is located at Boston, Massachusetts.

 Wednesday evenings were open to testimonials and fellowship.  The Lord’s Prayer was always used in the ceremonies of the church.  It became a symbol of the teachings to all in attendance.

 Members came from a wide area:  Akron, Urbana, Sidney, South Whitley and more.  Visitors were welcome anytime at the Oldfather home and at the services of the church.  Much of the counseling was throughout the week in the home.  Families and friends attending were:  Goehler, Naber, Ruse, Brown, Guinnup, Gaddis, Koller, Sells, Keaffaber, Frushour, Frakes, Werking, Oppenheim, Rittenhouse, Leffel, Mow, Miller, Summa and Hippensteel.

 Closed 4/6/1966