Millersburg First Presbyterian Church celebrates 200 years of faith

Quick, name something in Holmes County that is 200 years old.

If nothing comes quickly to mind, that is because two centuries is a long time ago, but this year marks the bicentennial for First Presbyterian Church in Millersburg.

The history of the church is incredible, knowing that it became part of the fabric of Holmes County almost simultaneously with the creation of the county itself.

With the church celebrating its bicentennial anniversary this year, there is reason to rejoice for its members, along with anticipating a bright future.

However, even as they celebrate, there is one big task of finding a pastor to lead the congregation.

When beloved Reverend Rami Almaqdisy left for Michigan last year, it left a huge hole. As the church searched, it turned to its members for leadership, and even as the search progressed, one of its own, Joe Edinger, felt called to fulfill the role of permanent pulpit leader.

In doing so, he will lead each Sunday service, although he said seeing the leadership within the church shine brightly during the past year has been inspiring.

“I love the concept of a leadership team in the church,” Edinger said. “There’s value in building all the ministries in the church from within. After all, we are all the church, and as we mature in our gifts and the ministries grow, we need to be constantly open to the new call.”

On Sunday, Jan. 25 the church body will vote Edinger in as pulpit leader, and he continues to take seminary classes that will eventually allow him to perform the ritualistic duties that accompany Sunday sermons.

Edinger said he was gearing himself up to pursue the ministry when he graduated from Bluffton before pursuing a career in education. However, his heart has always remained entrenched in the ministry.

“I kind of left that calling my whole life, but I’ve stayed involved in many ways, and now my life is settling down, and I’m realizing I’m out of excuses,” Edinger said. “So, it’s time to serve in this capacity and see where God moves us in this beautiful church that has been going strong for two centuries.”

Edinger, who is currently going through the Presbyterian Church Certified Ruling Elder training course, said recognizing this congregation genuinely cares for one another with no drama and a focus on serving others with a willingness to take on roles that enhance the church body makes taking on a leading role easier.

He said their motto, “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,” rings as true today as it did 200 years ago.

Almost since Holmes County came into existence, the Presbyterian churches in Hopewell and Millersburg have been part of the county’s faith ministry and outreach.

Carol Norman, 92, has been attending Millersburg Presbyterian since 1954. She has developed a longstanding relationship and a spot in the front pew with fellow member Nancy Irving, who, at 102 years old, is the oldest active member.

Norman said she can remember numerous ministers who have come and gone during her decades there and said Eldon and Bonnie Truby have played a monumental role in keeping the church moving forward.

She said in 1954, with the church under the leadership of Reverend Neil Hand, she was invited to come to Millersburg from Euclid, where she lived and graduated. She was invited by Lois Norman, mother of Joe Norman, whom Carol would eventually marry.

“We got married a year later, and this church has been a part of our lives ever since,” Norman said.

She said the people were so warm and welcoming when she first came, she couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

She added that she continues the weekly Sunday tradition of picking up Irvin to attend church.

“It always makes me chuckle that this 92-year-old woman goes to pick up this 102-year-old woman every Sunday,” Norman said with a laugh. “She’s an amazing woman. There’s these two old ladies faithfully sitting near the front every Sunday.”

Longtime church members Dave and Kate Findlay said the journey with the church has been a valued part of their lives.

The Findlays have been members since 1984, moving to the area from Canton.

“I think what drew us here was the people and community was so supportive,” Dave Findlay said. “It’s impressive that a small community is so invested in serving others and doing good in the community.”

Kate Findlay added that since Almaqdisy left a year ago, it has been inspiring to see the church congregation step up and fill important roles.

“We are the church, and we’ve continued the ministry in the absence of a minister,” she said.

This current shift in leadership marks another era in Millersburg First Presbyterian Church’s role in the community, one that has stood the test of time for two centuries.