Column: Remembering Scio’s United Methodist Church and its devoted teacher Helen Hughes

The Scio United Methodist Junior Church Class, shown here around 1948-49, gathered with their teacher Helen Hughes, pictured at far right. Hughes was also a longtime teacher at Scio Elementary School, remembered by many former students for her dedication and kindness.

The cornerstone for the Scio United Methodist Church was laid in 1905, and the completed building was dedicated Jan. 6, 1907. The church served its congregation for more than six decades until the afternoon of March 8, 1970, when a fire that began in the attic spread rapidly, destroying the structure.

The church once stood on the site where the Scio Medical Office is located today, marking a place rich with both faith and community history.