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VAN BUREN
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
"Helping to spread the good
news about Jesus Christ!"
Who We Are
The Van Buren Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.). For over 169 years this congregation has served the
village of Van Buren, Findlay and the surrounding area. We are commited
to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to a hurting world. A friendly,
intimate experience helping you to grow closer to God and others.
What We Believe
- Jesus Christ is Lord
- Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, salvation has
come into the world.
- the Bible is God's written word and a guide for each of us.
- As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to minister to the world
around us.
About Us >
A Brief History
In 1837 the Reverend George Van Eman organized two groups of
Presbyterians, the Pleasant Hill Society in Portage Township and the
Ebenezer Society in Cass Township. These two organizations met in
the homes of members, and school buildings until 1843 when they
united and formed the West Union Church.
The first church edifice was made of logs and located three miles west
of Van Buren on the Ridge Road (now SR 613 West). This building
was torn down and a larger log structure built in 1846, one mile east of
Van Buren on what is now SR 613 East. This building was eventually
moved to the D.B. Kagy farm.
In the spring of 1856, construction began on a third building for the
congregation. It was erected on the church's present site and
constructed of brick made almost on site. A brick yard operated by
Sam Howard, located just outside of Van Buren at the creek west of
town, provided the brick. This building was dedicated in 1858.
During the years many improvements and additions were made to this
structure. The first major addition, a large fellowship room and kitchen,
was added on the west side of the building. A second major addition, a
kitchen, social room, and restrooms, was added across the rear of the
building in 1955-56. This addition was dedicated on January 20, 1957.
On Sunday, December 27, 1981, this building was destroyed by fire.
With the help of our brothers and sisters in Van Buren and our sister
churches in Maumee Valley Presbytery, and congregational fund
raisers, a new building was built and dedicated in 1983. The Women
of the Church contributed to the fund raising by making and selling
cheese spread. It has been said that the bricks of this building are
held together by cheese spread.
In January 2005, the Rev. Dr. James E. Friedmeyer was called as
pastor for the Van Buren Presbyterian Church. We have been
spreading God's love since 1837, and we look forward to many more
years of service to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to our community.
