Jersey Christian Universalist Church & Cemetery

Jersey Christian Universalist Church & Cemetery

Jersey, Ohio
(Licking County)

[13134 Worthington Rd. (Jersey Township, Pataskala, Licking County).]

Architectural Style: A classic example of Greek Revival architecture, characterized by its simple, symmetrical design. A style typical of many early American rural churches.

The first fellowship met in the cabin of Michael Beem in 1824. The first minister to preach was Curry (no first name). As the congregation grew it moved to Beem’s barn. Those meeting were “fellowshipped” (organized as a church) in 1829, and a church was built in 1840. That structure was replaced by a new church building in 1887. Presumably the edifice in the picture is that church. The church sign board lists the dates 1917-2010.

The church clerk in 1840 was "C. Cook," who the year before was clerk at "Brother Petty's" in nearby Delaware County. As 1839 is the last mention of "Brother Petty's" I am wondering if that fellowship is connected in some way to Jersey church? There is however, no listing of a church that correspond to “Brother Petty’s.”

I believe that at the merger this church joined with the non-credal Trinitarian Congregational Christian Church, but remained a Christian Universalist Church. Although named as the Jersey Universalist Church it is closer to the township settlement of Beech (just west) than to Jersey (some distance south).

Can anyone add or correct anything?

Cemetery came under Jersey township control in the 1930s, and has no full lots available. The earliest burial is Feb. 25. 1832.

[Images: Used with Permission]

Bibliography
Robinson, Elmo Arnold, 1923, The Universalist Church in Ohio. The Ohio Universalist Convention.


[Church history may be updated as new information comes to light.]