Universalist Church-Blanchester.

The Blanchester Universalist Church was located at Main and Wright where First National Bank is currently located. Its majestic steeple can be seen in many old photos towering over the other buildings. 

History
"The first Universalist Church in this area was at Edwardsville, four miles north of Blanchester. At that time (1836) it was near a much traveled highway, the C&C Turnpike. This stands for Cincinnati to Columbus.

With the construction of the B&O Railroad, many members moved to Blanchester. At that time the members held their services in the old school house facing W. Center Street.

In 1852, The Ballou Association of the church, which is a convention, was to meet in Blanchester. The members were in a quandry (sic) where to hold it. A quick decision was made to build a new church on a lot at the corner of E. Main and N. Wright St. donated by Judge William A. Baldwin.

The building was constructed and services were held there in seven weeks. The seats were brought from Edwardsville and the meeting was held before the walls were plastered. This was a two-story brick. Two rooms were used for school. Dr. F.M. Baldwin had a drug store in one room. The church was on the second floor. Marion Crosley, Uncle of Powell Crosley, prominent radio man of Cincinnati, was the teacher. Just how long school was held there is unknown before going to a four room building on E. Main St.

Judge Baldwin was the first Sunday School superintendent of the church and held that position until his death in 1862.

In 1886 the church was remodeled, with two stairways going up to the second floor. The rooms on the first floor were used for, mayor's office; council chambers; engine house and J.B. Baldwin's agricultural implement store.

In 1892 it was decided to tear down the old church and rebuild. This was done, the cornerstone was laid in 1893, with about 700 people attending. The building cost $11,000.00 and much of the material from the old church was used.

After speaking of the Ballou Association in this article, the Miami Association of Universalists was formed in 1835. Because it took so long to travel, the members decided to form a new association, the Miami River to be the dividing line, the Ballou Association came into existence in 1842. This included the Blanchester church and also Milford, Mt. Carmel, Cuba and Farmer's Station.

As a church, the Universalists still followed the precept of their forebearers; believing in the fatherhood of God; the Brotherhood of Man and the final harmony of all souls of God; the Golden Rule was their guide. The ladies of the church worked hard serving dinners and luncheons to make money.

Due to decreasing membership the church finally closed. It was torn down in 1968 and the First National Bank held open house on June 22, 1969.

Many prominent people belonged to this church:
Dr. F.M. Baldwin           
Dr. Lyman Waykins       
Dr. Harrison Watkins    
Dr. Harvey Smith          
Dr. Andrew Robb          
E.W. Strawn                   
Dr. B.F. Wade                
Lillie B. Wade                
Lucretia Moon             
C.P. Starkey                  
James Garrison            
J.W. Gustin
Levi Watkins
D.W. Hogan
J.W. West
Rev. Miss Harriet Baker
Alex Crosson
Owen Brown
Jonathan Baldwin
Josina Johns
Abe Covalt Family
R.M. Fouch Family

MINISTERS

Dr. W.R. Rowland

Rev. R.S. Kellerman
Served many years until he felt a need to rest and a chance to do some writing.

Lillie B. Wade
Sunday School Superintendent. Served many years.

Alden C. Shawhan
Gave generously many times for keeping the church in a good state of repair.

Many high school activities were held at the church in the 1920's. My family attended this church after moving to Blanchester in 1927.

Credit given to Lillie B. Wade for writing much of this history many years ago with  updates by Ethel J. Lyttle."

Source: Blanchester Area Heritage - Compiled by Blanchester Area Historical Society, 1994, published by The Curless Printing Company, Blanchester, Ohio

Photo 2. 1909

Photo 3. 1969. Demolition of the church.

Photo 4. 1892 newspaper article.