Lees Creek United Church of Christ Closes After Nearly Two Centuries
- Real Change Wilmington
- Oct 2
- 8 min read
SABINA, Ohio (September 30, 2025)—Lees Creek United Church of Christ (UCC) held its last worship service on Sunday, Sept. 21, ending nearly 195 years of service since its founding as Centerville Christian Church in 1830.
Through generations of worship, fellowship, and service, the church has been a spiritual home and gathering place for countless families. Over its long history, 50 pastors have shepherded the congregation. Remarkably, for the church’s first 117 years, there was no full-time minister.
Rev. Connor Thompson, who has served as minister during this period of transition, delivered the sermon for the closing service. He shared that, “God’s love was spoken from this pulpit one final time, just as it has been for the last 195 years.”
The service also featured special guests from the Southwest Ohio Northern Kentucky Association and the Heartland Conference of the United Church of Christ, who offered prayers and words of blessing as the congregation concluded its ministry. Former Pastor Rev. Craig Showalter and his wife were also in attendance, joining members and friends in honoring the church’s rich legacy.
Although the church will close, its memories will not end, and its legacy will continue to benefit the community of Lees Creek and beyond.
Rachelle Priest, a senior at Ohio University, grew up in the Lees Creek church. “It is where I learned who Jesus is and where I found my church family,” she said. “Some of my favorite memories in church were the times I would sing with my grandfather while my grandmother played the piano. Those moments brought me closer to my grandparents. I will always cherish the friendships I found through Sunday School and the bond I developed with my Sunday School teacher. Lees Creek UCC gave me countless memories that I will hang onto forever.”
Eight-year-old Wesley Henry, the youngest member of the church, is maybe the most disappointed with its closing. “I don’t care if there aren’t 100s of people, I just want to come to my church every Sunday,” he said.
Wesley’s comments hint at the crucial circumstances that have caused the church to close. “The reasons we’ve closed our church are because of decline in attendance and participation, the age of members, and the lack of young families and children,” said member Linda Compton.
The Lees Creek Church is not alone. An estimated 15,000 churches are expected to close in 2025. The National Council of Churches projects that up to 100,000 churches may close in the coming years. For every new church that opens, three are closing. Church membership has dropped significantly, especially among Millennials and Gen Z. Weekly attendance among Gen Z fell from 22% in 2020 to 16% in 2023, according to sources. Gen Z includes those born between 1995 and 2015, while Millennials were born between 1980 and 1994.
“We are donating our church property to East Clinton Schools to renovate as an administrative building - a critical need for the district,” Compton said. The church’s remaining resources will be used to support the Sabina Public Library, the New Vienna Public Library, scholarships administered through the Clinton County Foundation, and other community organizations and projects.
Rev. Thompson said, “The spirit of Lees Creek UCC lives on through its people. Many members will continue their faith journeys in other congregations, carrying with them nearly two centuries of shared memories, relationships, and ministry.”
Jayne Garber, the church’s oldest member at 96, says the closing was “bittersweet” but seemed inevitable. She is glad that the church’s resources can be put to good use in the community. “And we were fortunate to have Pastor Connor to help us through a tough time,” Garber said. “He is well-liked, and I think many of our members will be sitting in the pews at First Christian Church.”
Rev. Thompson was the new pastor of the First Christian Church in Wilmington when in 2023 he began to also minister at the Lees Creek United Church of Christ. “It all started almost by accident — a passing comment to Joan Hinman while the garden club was meeting at First Christian Church,” Rev. Thompson said. “I mentioned that the only Disciples congregation and the only UCC congregation in Clinton County ought to find ways to strengthen our bond. Lees Creek had just entered a transition as their pastor moved on, and before I knew it, an arrangement was in place for me to share Sunday mornings with both congregations.
“Over these two years, our congregations have worshiped together, shared fellowship, sang hymns, prayed, laughed, and learned from one another,’ Rev. Thompson said. “I came to love Lees Creek not as a guest, but as part of its story. When I told the congregation in January that 2025 would be my last year with them, I thought I was simply making a necessary decision. What I didn’t expect was the sense of loss that would come with it.
“Like some of the families who count eight generations in their pews, I grieved as the congregation prepared to close. To be their pastor in this closing season has been a gift-humbling, holy, and one I will carry with me always.”
(Edited for publication by Dana Dunn, DunnWrites)
UCC – An Unusual Country Church
By Historian, Sylvia (Jeanie) Henry
In the mid-70s, our church newsletters featured a heading created by Reverend Bill Evans that read: UCC—An Unusual Country Church. In his newsletters, Bill described our church as warm and welcoming and one that offers a safe space--whether firm in faith or still searching. This spirit echoes the United Church of Christ’s motto, drawn from John, Chapter 17 verse 21: “That they may ALL be one.” In other words, all believers belong to the one body of Christ.
And to this day, we have held firm in our belief that every person is created in God’s image and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Prior to 1957, we were known as the Lees Creek Congregational Christian Church, tracing our roots to the Pilgrims’ arrival on the Mayflower in 1620. Then, in 1957, four denominations--the Evangelical, the Christian, the Reformed, and the Congregational Churches--merged to form the United Church of Christ.
Regarding our local history-- this church, then known as the Centerville Christian Church, has been in existence for 195 years! It began humbly, with meetings in a log cabin on Terrell Road, before moving a short distance to the Harmony Schoolhouse on Fisher Road, land currently owned by the Walker family.
Later, the congregation worshiped at Union Chapel on Larrick Road, near today’s East Clinton School property line and west of Joe Leslie’s current home. At that location, space was shared with a Methodist congregation on alternate Sundays. When both groups decided to expand their ministries, the Methodists moved to nearby Memphis, and both churches began a new chapter.
In 1871, this beautiful sanctuary was built for $2,000. It has certainly stood the test of time withstanding roof damage from a tornado in 1894! In addition, all church records were destroyed by fire in the clerk’s home, located next door.
Major improvements through the years have included:
Kerosene lamps were replaced with incandescent lights powered by Delco batteries, then later with electricity.
Heating began, with two floor stoves, then a coal furnace, followed by an oil furnace, and now, a natural gas system.
In the 40s, stained glass windows were added, along with new Sunday School rooms and a decorative metal ceiling.
In 1959–60, this sanctuary was reversed, new hardwood floors, windows and lighting were installed, as well as siding and a new heating system. A foyer and coatroom were also added to the newly built side entrance.
Our final addition was built in 1991, including a social room, kitchen, office and storage spaces.
We’re unusual in the number of fascinating pastors who have served here, and that would include the famous Bob Murphy and Craig Showalter! Now don’t worry gentlemen, I’m not going to tell stories about either of you! The pastors I will discuss served here between 75 to 195 years ago!
The first, Rev. Isaac Walters, served prior to 1830 and reportedly crossed the Allegheny Mountains 50 times, and traveled enough miles in 32 years to circle the globe five times before he died at the age of 51!
We also proudly claim Rev. Rufus McDaniel, our ninth minister, who served from 1896 to 1899, and composed the world-famous hymn “Since Jesus Came Into My Heart.” Although he wrote 100 hymns, Rev. McDaniel once said he never earned a penny from the hymns but trusted that his reward would come in heaven. His songs were popularized by the Evangelist Billy Sunday and others during his 50-year ministry. At one point, he served congregations 30–40 miles apart traveling by horse and buggy. In 1939, on his 89th birthday, he was interviewed on WHIO Radio, then sang one of his famous hymns, promising to return the following year. Sadly, he passed away before his 90th birthday.
Another remarkable minister was Ed Powers, known as the “Walking Preacher.” In 1947, as a Wooster College student, he served our church during his summer break. Without a car, this young, unmarried man slept at the church and relied on meals from members, as he made his rounds on foot. Sometime later, he graduated from Yale School of Divinity.
And then there’s John Selvey, our 35th minister, who braved the legendary “Big Snow of 1950.” He somehow managed to shovel his way from the parsonage to Lees Creek just to ring the church bell on Sunday morning. He was shocked to see that a young woman had braved the weather—determined not to break her perfect attendance record at a neighboring church. Rev. Selvey held a service for her and signed a note confirming she had been to church that snowy Sunday!
We’re unusual in that since 1871, eight generations of families have worshiped here! In a photo, you can see a stern-looking Jennie Morris, the Great, Great, Grandmother of Mary Jane Bentley, Ron and Don Bean, Brian Garber, Wanda Everman, and me.
Her obituary noted that Sister Jennie “stood ready at all times to admonish and advise us to travel in the path of righteousness and rectitude. So, for members Lisa and Mike, she would be their Great, Great, Great Grandmother, four “Greats” for their children—Derek, Tyler, Matthew, and Wesley—and five “Greats” for Chloie and Charlee!
It’s also unusual that for 78 years, our church has owned and operated a small farm. This tradition began in the mid-40s, when Mrs. Bob Judkins offered to sell a portion of her land east of Lees Creek for $185 per acre—donating the first acre herself. Inspired by her gift, others followed, and
by November 1946, the farm was fully paid off, with an additional $3,000 remaining to help build a much-needed parsonage.
The first harvest was sweet corn and involved 36 men, 18 wagons, three trucks, and 12 tractors. By evening, the work was done, and the corn was headed to the local cannery in nearby Sabina!
In 1971, when a more modern parsonage was desired, members Roy Brandenburg and Willard Henry led the charge! Once again, the second parsonage was built entirely with volunteer labor.
This spirit of pitching in extended to many other efforts, such as our Election Day Lunch and Dinner, a beloved tradition for 97 years! Incidentally, our records show that in 1927, the menu consisted of: chicken pie, mashed potatoes, beans, coleslaw, pickles, pie and coffee for 35 cents, 25 cents for children! The profit was an amazing $48.40! For the past 65 years, Lees Creek UCC has been well known for its annual August Ice Cream Social.
Proceeds from these events, along with income from the church farm, and a Memorial Fund-established in 1960--have enabled us to generously support causes within our church, our community, and abroad.
As difficult as it is to close our church, those of us who remain are deeply grateful to continue our legacy of giving. We are proud to support:
East Clinton Local School District for Student Scholarships and Facility Improvements
The Sabina and New Vienna Libraries
The SATH Foundation (serving special needs students)
The Wayne Township Historical Project
Summit Church (newly formed in Lebanon, Ohio)
The Southern Ohio/Northern Kentucky Association of the United Church of Christ
While the sanctuary doors are closed, the spirit of Lees Creek UCC lives on through its people. Many members will continue their faith journeys in other congregations, carrying with them nearly two centuries of shared memories, relationships, and ministry.
Article Submitted by Dana Dunn
