Historic Beech Spring Church once served as ‘Mother Church of Ohio’

Beech Spring Church, Hopedale, located off Rose Valley Road, was known as the “Mother Church of Ohio” for its role in founding many churches in Harrison and Jefferson counties during the 1800s.

Harrison County was formed in 1813. The first church at the site was built in 1804 in what was then the Jefferson County wilderness. David Welsh donated a five-acre plot from his farm and organized the first congregation in a small log structure east of the cemetery.

After the log church burned, a second temporary structure was built and referred to as “the tent.” That building was used for 10 years before a brick church was constructed in 1830.

The name Beech Spring came from a spring located beneath beech trees near the second church. The brick church was remodeled in 1850.

The congregation disbanded in 1929, and most members were incorporated into Hopedale Presbyterian Church. The structure was torn down in the 1960s.

Several Revolutionary War patriots were involved with the church and are buried in the adjacent cemetery. Those recorded to be buried there include James Black, James Clark, Francis Holms, James Kerr, Andrew Ralston, Daniel Welch and Adam Wyle.

The photo, undated, is from the Harrison County Historical Society. Information is from a reprint of the booklet “Beech Spring Church History” by Mrs. J.W.R. Smith.