History

In 1822, George and Elizabeth Howlett settled in Putnam County about a half mile north of Brick Chapel. Mr. Howlett was the first to settle north of Greencastle and helped to clear away the brush where the the town now stands. The Indians helped him raise his log cabin, which was made of round logs with a puncheon floor and clapboard roof. A short time later, they invited neighbors to their still unfinished log-cabin, (only half the floor was laid and chimney half the intended height, with a bed-quilt to enclose the doorway) to hear Rev. Benjamin Jones preach what is thought to be the first " Methodist sermon" in the area. Mr. Jones was a local preacher in the M. E. Church, and resided near where the town of Greencastle now stands. (This being before the town was built.) It is stated by Elizabeth Howlett. Two local men led in worship and preaching: John Mancer and Mr. McNary.

A few faithful Christians including Elizabeth Howlett, George and Susanna Jackson, Ann Jackson, Joseph and Susanna Bruner organized the Methodist Society (Church) in Monroe Township in 1825. The Society was included on the Eel River Circuit with Rev. Daniel Anderson as minister. His first sermon was based on Luke 12:32 which seemed appropriate: "Fear not little flock; for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." As the numbers increased they out-grew the Howlett's log cabin and with community effort and spirit, they erected a larger log cabin at the crossroads (Brick Chapel) in 1830. The building served as a church and school for several years, with the land donated by James Montgomery. Mr. James E. M. O'Hair a very zealous member and a few others built the first church/school in the township.

By 1834 even the larger log cabin could not meet the needs of the expanding congregation, so a new brick building was constructed (31x41feet) a little further up the hill at the present site. The new building was dedicated as Montgomery Chapel being named for James Montgomery one of the leading members, and was held in trust by Mr. Sand Tolin, Mr. James Fisk, and Mr. James E. M. O'Hair. For almost thirty years the building provided a home for the faithful. In 1872 mainly through the influence and means of Mr. James Eddington Montgomery O'Hair the present and more modern church was erected, in which Mr. O'Hair had great pride. James E. M. O'Hair was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for over sixty years and he never allowed an opportunity to pass without saying a good word for the church.

In 1958 in Mr. Walter Reeves Laymen's Day address, he observed that his Great-grandmother Howlett (Elizabeth) used to tell how the women came to church wearing sunbonnets and going barefoot. That observation reflects a letter written by "A" in the Greencastle Banner May 30, 1872 that says, "A cotton dress and a sunbonnet made up the toilet of our mothers and Aunt Betsy Howlett says she has seen good sisters shout barefoot many a time." Gradually the Chapel became known very simply as Brick Chapel. Under the leadership of Rev. Elihu Mason the first building was torn down and a new one erected in 1872 (40x60 feet) brick building at a cost of nearly $2000. The brick were made on the John O'Hair farm just east of the church. The bricks were made by Henry Hillis, a brother-in-law of Mr. O'Hair. Fernando O'Hair, as a small boy walked several miles from his father's home each day to drive the horse to help make the bricks. The entrance to the church was in the center front, with the pulpit in the center east. Heating was by large stoves, one on the south center and one on the north center. Long seats were on each side of the aisle and a picture on the north wall of all the men that made the church possible. Sunday school classes were in different parts of the room. The small children were in the northeast corner with Lizzie O'Hair as teacher, and a better one never lived. Mrs. Ella O'Hair Hillis played a small organ "The Silver Tongue," for several years to accompany the singing. The building was dedicated by Thomas Bowman D. D., President of Indiana Asbury University. Great thanks is due Brother Mason, the Pastor, for the skill and energy with which he managed and carried out the completion of the best rural church in the region. At this time (1894) there are but three churches on the circuit, Brick Chapel, Union Chapel, and Bethel, Farrow's Chapel having been abandoned. Brick Chapel was cut off the Morton circuit in 1894 and made a station with Joseph Greene as Pastor. Brick Chapel began a new era with a membership of 142 persons in full and 2 on probation. Pastor Joseph N. Greene 1894

At the close of 1895 the membership had a total of 166 with 1 on probation. A good prayer meeting has been maintained throughout the year. The Epworth League has kept the meetings up with interest and contributed close to $60 for the church. The labor has not only been prosperous, but delightful. It has been a pleasure to be with these people. Some of the teachers and leaders were: James E. M. O'Hair, Mrs. Lizzie O'Hair, Mr. Asbury O'Hair, G. W. Hanna, A. W. Tolin, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Reeves, Myrtle Allen, Mr. Clarence O'Hair, Mr. Conie Nelson, Mr. Clay Frank, Mr. and Mrs. Clay O'Hair, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Allen, and Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Jones. I close the year hoping prosperity will always bless this Chapel and in future years life might be as blessed to the people and the Pastor, as it has been this year. Pastor Joseph N. Greene 1895

Appointed in the fall of 1898 was Fred W. Hixson as Pastor of Brick Chapel reporting that the harvests have been good throughout the country and the health of the people unusually good. The church regular preaching services have been sustained every sabbath, class meeting every two weeks, the Sunday School ever growing and the Epworth League has maintained an even standard of social, literary and spiritual activity. Brothers G. W. Hanna and A. W. Tolin have been class leader and S.S. Supt. Conie Nelson and Myrtle Allen have been Epworth presidents within these years. Numerous special Sunday School day and Epworth rally days have been observed with good success. "Old folks day" an occasion of unusual interest. During these years there have united with the church: Marion Allen, Neely O'Hair, Raymond Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. John Berry, Mrs. Ida Hathaway, Mrs. Sylvester Whitted. In Aug. 1899 occurred the death of one of the oldest and most useful men the community has ever known, the oldest member of the church, Mr. James E. M. O'Hair. This is worthy of mention as the long identification of Father O'Hair with interests of Brick Chapel society. Within these two years have occurred the deaths of: Verdie Couteright, Mrs. Greenberry O'Hair, George House, Jessie Thomas, Catherine Whitted. A commendable spirit of good fellowship prevails among the membership. The church is in good repair. About $100 has been expended in refitting the building. Papering, painting, repairing the roof, and adding book racks to the pews. A fine new supply of song and hymn books have just been put in by the Sunday School. The cemetery adjoining is now, after a readjusting of the monuments made last year, one of the finest cemeteries in the rural districts of Indiana. God richly bless Brick Chapel and make it a powerful faction in bringing the Kingdom of Christ upon the earth! Rev. Fred W. Hixson Aug.1899

In 1902 G. S. Reedy was sent to Brick Chapel. During that year the church gave $248 for benevolences. The various services of the church were maintained, with a marked advance in the prayer service. In 1903 G. S. Reedy returned to the appointment. During this year the church was much strengthened by a revival. Twenty-four were saved and two were sanctified. The church gave to all benevolences this year $170, and extended $110 for repairs and improvements. The year was closed with an all day meeting. Dr. Walker our new presiding Elder preached in the morning and administered the sacrament, and Dr. Hoagland, Pastor of College Av. M. E. Church of Greencastle, preached in the afternoon. Seven were baptized. G. S. Reedy 1903

9/1913, At the conference held in Terre Haute in 1911. C. W. Jeffras was appointed to serve Brick Chapel and Harmony. Two years have been served, he having been returned for the second year. There have been no phenomenal steps in growth, but the church has maintained a prosperous and healthy condition. During the fall of 1912 the church was remodeled at a cost of two thousand dollars. A vestibule and bell-tower were added, a furnace installed and a partition made. The interior was rearranged and refinished. This has made the church one of the most comfortable and beautiful of our country churches. Dr. J. G. Campbell dedicated the church Jan. 12, 1913 raising all the money needed. Money was also raised at this time for a large bell (44") which was installed. A paper was placed under one of the bricks, with the names of the officers, the minister and several who helped make it possible during the dedication. (Note: The bell in the church was removed in the 1930's by Raymond Reeves, when it was thought it might fall due to its size and weight, Lee Hall was the bell ringer and lived just east of the church.) Oscar O'Hair, Clay Frank, Clarence O'Hair, Albert McClary, and Robert Harbison constituted the building committee. The committee and the church received a heavy loss during the remodeling in the passing of Clarence O'Hair. Mr. O'Hair had a heart attack while digging the basement for the church and it was decided not to complete the digging of the basement after his passing. The Ladies Aid Society is entitled to much credit for their efforts and a gift of about $400. C. W. Jeffras, Sept. 1913

The years between 1912 and 1950 witnessed no major changes in the church. In fact, the church went through some lean years, and at times came close to closing. In spite of the discouraging frustrations, there were a few who responded by accepting positions of leadership: Mr. and Mrs. Oscar O'Hair, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Reeves, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rutter, Mr. and Mrs. James F. O'Hair, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey O'Hair, Mrs. Raymond Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Flint, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hendrich, Mrs. Clifford Hillis, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Wagner.

May, 1953, was the turning point of the church, to decide to grow with a full-time minister or to close the doors. Twelve men each made a pledge of $100 to keep the Church open: Mr. Charles Hendrich, Mr J. R. South, Mr. Clifford Early, Mr. Ernest O'Hair, Mr. Francis Lane, Mr. Oscar O'Hair, Mr. Walter Reeves, Mr. Glenn Flint, Mr. Herman Hendrich, Mr. Charles Rutter, Mr. William Blue, and Mr. Clarke Hendrich. Very little had been done to the Church since 1912, and the south wall and roof were in desperate need of repair. Remodeling and repainting began. With special gifts such as a new organ purchased by the Herman Hendrich family; the communion table by the Charles Hendrich family, the pulpit by the Glenn Flint family, Dorsal Curtains for behind the altar by Mr. and Mrs. Francis Lane, new entrance doors by Artie O'Hair and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Welch, bulletin board by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar O'Hair. New stained-glass windows were installed. The stained-glass window on the west wall was presented by the O'Hair family in 1944, the two on the south wall by Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hendrich and Mr. and Mrs. J. R. South, and the two on the north wall by the Adult Bible Class taught by Mrs. Onald Hendrich. The Payne-Spiers Studios Inc., Paterson, New Jersey completed the O'Hair Memorial Window in December 1944 and the window was stored until April due to weather conditions. The other windows were ordered in 1949 and later added to the church. The windows being made of rolled glasses, painted and kiln fired, with an inscription at the base, except for the north windows that the Bible class had given, with installation done locally. Rev. Howard Clinebell, N. C. O'Hair, and Madonna O'Hair helped make the stained glass windows possible with all the paper work and research. The O'Hair Memorial window was $150 in 1944 and two additional windows in 1949 ( 36"x112") with emblem and double action steel ventilator for the sum of $275 each to be added at a later date. By 1953 all five stained glass windows were in place as a wonderful addition to the Church on the Hill.

The men organized in 1954 to farm about 55 acres that they were renting and give the income to the church. In 1956 the church purchased forty acres of land, "Lords Acres" to be farmed by the Men's Club to produce income for the church. New experiences await us, but memories of the old linger on. So far as can be determined the original part now incorporated in the Chapel Cemetery was included in a tract of 1.5 acres conveyed as a gift January 9, 1844 by Hiram B. Slavens and Sarah Slavens to James Fisk, Robert Allen, Henry Cowgill, James O'Hair, Henry Jackson, J. G. Lewis, G. Williamson and Alexander Tolen, Trustees "including Montgomery Chapel... that they shall cause to be built thereon a house of worship for the use of the members of the M. E. Church in the U.S.A." Apparently this old part of the present cemetery was operated as a free burial ground. The records show an enlargement of Montgomery Cemetery grounds made by James Bridges in Sept. 1873. The present Chapel cemetery company was organized in 1886, and the Constitution and the By-Laws were adopted in a meeting Oct. 16, of that year with F. G. Albin and R. A. Talbott acting as secretary. The first directors were Charles Dicks , J. H. Nelson and Henry Hall. Subscribers were solicited and the records show 46 names as members. Additional land has been acquired at different times as follows: in 1888 5 acres was purchased from Harvey H. Crow and Rosannah Crow. In 1931 additional 2.83 acres was purchased from Harvey H. Crow and in 1934 a tract which is the present landscaped area in the front was acquired from Dessie O'Hair Thomas and Oscar Thomas, and Myrtle O'Hair Allen and Neal Allen. The tract south of the present church know as the "school lot" was originally purchased by Brick Chapel Ladies Aid Society and later acquired by the cemetery board. A portion of this tract was lately conveyed to the church trustees to permit additions to the present building. Much of the fine tradition of the Chapel Cemetery is due to the many years of service and interest on the part of James I. Nelson who for many years held the position of superintendent and who contributed unreservedly of his time and experience to the end that the reputation of the Chapel Cemetery be maintained as a beautiful and well kept burial ground. Forest O'Hair who has served more than thirty years, first as sexton and in later years as superintendent, has also given loyal and constant attention to many details of maintenance and supervision. To both these men, for their loyalty and interest, the directors express their appreciation. Rev. Donald Orr 1955

The Ladies Aid was formed in 1903 for the purpose of aiding in the maintenance of the Church. Ladies Aid served well through the years aiding the church. Running a food stand at the Putnam County Fair, 1951-1961 was the biggest venture. A Mrs. Elsberry O'Hair hosted the first meeting with Mrs. Oscar O'Hair, Mrs. Dessie O'Hair Thomas, Mrs. Bascome O'Hair, and Mrs. Cyrus O'Hair. These ladies helped celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Brick Chapel Ladies Aid in 1953. In 1955 with the leadership of Rev. Donald Orr the church felt the need to expand and plans were made for a new addition on the south side of the church. The new addition was dedicated in 1956. Assisting Rev. Donald Orr was Dr. Claude McClure, chaplain of Methodist Hospital who gave the sermon, "The Dynamic Power of Service." Special music by Mrs. J. E. Porter, "Bless this House." The new unit cost approximately $13,000 and was paid for by cash and pledges over a six month period. Part of the expense was due to remodeling the sanctuary and insulating, modernizing the heating system. Much of the work and some material was donated by the Ladies Aid and the Men's Club. Former pastors invited were: Rev. John Porter, Rev. John Godwin, Rev. Forrest Howell, Rev. A. L. Meredith, Rev. Norris King. Through the years Brick Chapel Church had depended on Ministers who were actually Ministerial students from DePauw University. However with growth a full-time minister was needed and plans for building a parsonage began with Rev. Glen Berg. 1961, at the cost of $15,000 with the land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Clarke Hendrich the parsonage was completed and dedicated.

When I requested retirement about a year ago I never dreamed of being at Brick Chapel. When Bonnie and I came down and met with the committee and others, there just seemed to be some kind of magnetism. We have been so happy with the welcome through the year. In more than 40 years as Pastor, I believe, this is the first time we ever moved into a parsonage where the entire of the house had new paint. We are so grateful to the many people who worked day and night to have all the work done before we moved in. There is so much beauty around the parsonage that morning and evening we marvel in the glory of what God puts all around us. As I look back it's difficult to believe I am a retired preacher. I have preformed 4 weddings since last conference; conducted or assisted in 11 funerals; preached the Renewal Mission at Lena and at Brown Street. I have composed, published, addressed, and mailed "The Chapel News" through the year. I also have published the bulletin every Sunday since I've been here. Our Devine Worship has been well attended except in the heavy snow and many people live on roads that do not get cleared as quickly as the state roads. Our largest attendance was Scout Sunday when we had 150 present. Last Sunday we had 85. I am very proud of our Cub Pack and Scout Troop. It is unbelievable what the cubs can make. Our Scouts have not reached their goal of 20 in the troop, but I think they will. Our Methodist Youth Fellowship is largely Junior High. During the winter the numbers have grown and the activities. They are planning the Easter Sunrise Service which we hope will be in the dell south of the church. I do want to thank Mr. & Mrs. Herman Hendrich for the gift of the wonderful organ which we will dedicate in the near future, hopefully April 25. I want to pay tribute to Paul Evans who has played the organ almost every Sunday for the Worship Service and his interest in all church projects. Our church membership is the same as the beginning of the year. We lost 4 by death, 3 transferred out and we have 7 uniting with the church next Sunday. It has been a privilege to be a Pastor at Brick Chapel this year with our fine District Superintendent Mr. Ralph Steele. Rev. C. H. Loveland 1965

The activities of the current year began with a two week Daily Bible School, under the capable leadership of Mrs. Nancy Brown. Summertime projects included the operation of the church farm which our Methodist Men's Club accepted the responsibility of operating. The farm shows a net gain of over $1900 for the 1967 crop year. Funds for the new memorial entrance doors were contributed by Mrs. Welch and Mr. Artie O'Hair, and remodeling of the vestibule was made possible by generous giving of interested members. A Spiritual Action study group was led by Rev. Patterson. Those attending found the study very interesting, informative, and spiritually stimulating. A Revival, or Spiritual Renewal, is planned for March 31st through April 5th with Rev. Fair from Brownsburg preaching. Songs will be lead by Dr. Joseph Rammel, Superintendent of Greencastle Schools. The Christmas Story was presented December 10th this year. We had the best attendance in several years. Santa Claus came in to the delight of the young and old alike. Our church has been active in many area's, and needs to become more active in others. We feel as time goes on, with God's help, we will get the job done, and continue to be a credit to the cause of Christ our Lord. Mr. Clarke Hendrich 1968

Two of the most active programs were the Cub and Boy Scout programs from 1950's to 1970's. With able leadership given by Mr. Bayard Allen, Mr. Alden Webber, Mr. Robert Reeves, and Mr. Jim Ritter. A number of boys achieved the Eagle Award, James Kridler, Danny Webber, David Webber, and four brothers Steve, Paul, Greg, and Kelly Sanders. 1964, Troop 97 placed first at the National Scout Jamboree and Larry Reeves earned the "Order of the Arrow" at that time. The God and Country Award was achieved by Jim Kridler and Danny Webber. The Cub Scout program was primarily under the encouragement of Mr. Glenn Flint and Mr. Frank Sanders with the support of numerous den mothers. The Methodist Youth Fellowship was another very active program with the leadership of Mary Blue and Carolyn Flint in the 1950's and 1960's. A number of God's people working to serve the community. 1968, the Methodist Church united with Evangelical United Brethren Church to become the United Methodist Church.

On the 1972 Centennial Committee giving direction were: Mr. Glenn Flint, chairman; Mrs. Nellie Flint, Mrs. Reva Cox, Mrs. Irene Lane, Mrs. Connie Kersey, Mrs. Bessie Priest, Rev. Eldon Brown.

The church began a major restoration and improvement program in early 1973 with repairs to the stained glass windows, remodeled Chancel of the Sanctuary and painted the Sanctuary. Added new lights, carpet, pews, pulpit, and a six foot wooden cross. Replaced the roof on bell-tower, tucked and pointed the brick, placed sealer on entire exterior to preserve the brick. Refinished the ceiling and replaced the roof on educational unit built in 1956. We moved the kitchen to the west wall of the educational unit and closed the rear entrance. Rev. Charles Flory 1973

Brick Chapel Methodist Church stands on a rich heritage of Christian faith, sacrifice, and loyalty. The "Kingdom" is people loving and serving God as they have since 1822 at Brick Chapel, from the first Methodist Circuit Rider on horseback and buggy to Pastor Paul today, the message is the same. "Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." Mr. Larry Reeves 2001

The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America, incorporated on February 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916, is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.

Back row: Mr. Robert Reeves, Carl Norman, Carl Knapp, Rick Knapp, David Ardelean, Hal Hendrich, Mike Elliott, Front row: Larry Reeves, Steve Scobee, David Webber, Arthur Harris

Jim Hendrich, Hal Hendrich, Steve Brackney, Mr. Robert Reeves, Charles Steele, Larry Reeves

Larry Reeves, Charles Steele, Chris South, Fred Cox, Steve Sanders, Eddie McBride, David Webber, Arthur Harris

Steve Sanders, Arthur Harris, Chris South, Larry Reeves, Mr. Alden Webber, David Webber

David Webber, Chris South, Hal Hendrich, Mr. Alden Webber, Steve Sanders, Arthur Harris

Jim Hendrich, Mike Steele, Hal Hendrich, Larry Reeves, Mr. Ed Steele, Charles Steele, Norman Taylor, Steve Brackney, Mr. Bayard Allen, Mr. Clarke Hendrich, Mr. Roy Hendrich

Back row: Kim Kersey, Bobby Edwards, Randy Whybrew, Mr. Jim Ritter, Brian Smith, Darrell Goode, Jeff Elliott. Front row: Steve Taylor, Greg Sanders, Tim Scobee, David Ritter, Jim McGaughey, Doug Lockrell, Kelly Sanders 1969.

Under our present leadership of Pastor Paul Taylor were a growing congregation that welcomes everyone. Were still working for our community and Our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is our mission to provide a ministry program for Senior High School aged youth which will encourage a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and nurture spiritual growth at all levels through Christian fellowship, outreach, missions and service, prayer, and Bible study. We are committed to building strong, dedicated Christian leaders who participate in the ongoing life of the local church and the surrounding community.

Hal Hendrich, Noble New, Beth Hendrich, Judy White, Carolyn Blue, Kathy Hendrich, Ruthie New, Barbara Flint.