Rooted in faith.
At home in Xenia.

A cabin and the roots of local Methodism

Frederick Bonner settled about two miles south of Xenia in 1803 and built a cabin. Samuel W. Williams’ Pictures of Early Methodism in Ohio records that his home became a regular preaching place in 1804, served by John Sale and Joseph Oglesby. Worship continued there until a log meetinghouse was erected in 1809 near the later Union Chapel.

This cabin belongs to the story of the Bonner Society and Union congregation—part of the area’s wider Methodist roots. The account does not establish that First Methodist’s 1808 gatherings took place there.

Williams, pages 85–86 ↗ · Ohio historical marker: Union Meeting House ↗

Methodist roots in Xenia

Xenia appears in a Mad River Circuit record dated June 19, 1808. John Sale was presiding elder; Thomas Milligan and James Davidson were the circuit preachers. Greene County Archives credits Frederick Bonner, a Methodist from Virginia, with the congregation’s beginnings. These early gatherings preceded a permanent church building.

Organizing a congregation and a home

Robinson’s county history records formal organization under Rev. Benjamin Lakin, with Solomon Langdon also serving the circuit. Trustees included Frederick Bonner and James Towler. Worship continued in private homes while the trustees purchased town lot 151 from Towler for $30 and planned a meetinghouse.

The first documented meetinghouse

After several years of work, trustees accepted the building from Mills Edwards. Plans called for a 30-by-40-foot brick church on a stone foundation. In 1817, caretaker Edward Wamble earned $10 for the year and collected small contributions for candles. The earliest documented church building was brick; a particular 1808 cabin meeting place remains unverified.

A season of growth

Robinson’s history describes revival meetings that continued from before Christmas into spring. It reports 300–400 people joining the church, with some traveling 20–30 miles to attend.

A resident pastor for First Methodist

The congregation became able to support a resident minister. Rev. A. Brown—identified as Azra Brown by Greene County Archives—was appointed in 1836, ending its dependence on a shared circuit appointment.

Building again

The original meetinghouse was replaced during the 1840s. While construction proceeded, the congregation worshiped in the Methodist Protestant church on Church Street. Bishop Morris dedicated the replacement during Rev. William Herr’s pastorate.

Caring through an epidemic

During Xenia’s cholera epidemic, Pastor Charles Elliot visited homes to care for the sick and dying. Robinson’s account preserves this example of ministry reaching beyond the church building.

Trinity grows from First Methodist

As First Methodist grew, a second congregation took shape. Trinity’s cornerstone was laid at Main and Monroe Streets on May 14, 1864. Rev. George C. Crum became its first pastor.

On September 25, 1864, about 100 worshipers gathered in the Xenia Female College chapel. By November, services were being held in the new church’s lecture room. The completed church was dedicated on October 1, 1865.

A century of Methodist life

First Methodist celebrated its centennial during Xenia’s Home-Coming. The 1908 county history describes more than 800 members at First and about 350 at Trinity. It also records Trinity’s charitable giving—approximately $1,000 in the preceding year—showing service as part of its congregational life.

A United Methodist family

The Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren denominations united. First and Trinity became United Methodist congregations.

Conversations about a shared future

First and Trinity began merger discussions. They had continued to share special services and events through the years; now they considered becoming one congregation again.

Two congregations become Faith Community

First Church and Trinity Church joined together as Faith Community United Methodist Church, bringing their shared roots into a new chapter.

A new home. A living heritage.

The united congregation moved into a new home at 100 Country Club Drive. Trinity was razed in 1972 after earlier wind damage to its steeple and concerns about the building’s future.

Trinity’s stained glass and First Church’s pipe organ were preserved at Faith Community. The new sanctuary carried tangible reminders of both congregations into their shared future.

The story continues with us

We continue to worship, grow, care, and serve together—a safe space for exploring faith and building community.