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It was December 1819 when a few local families met with three Presbyterian ministers in a log school along the banks of the Muskingum River south of Adams Mills. Out of that meeting developed the First Presbyterian Church of Dresden, which would become the Dresden Madison Presbyterian Church.
By the 1830’s, the congregation had moved into a log school located on the mound in the Dresden Cemetery, then later into a school located near the Longaberger University. In 1836 Dresden had its first church building as subscriptions were solicited and the First Presbyterian building was constructed on High Street. A Presbyterian Women’s Sewing Society was formed to raise money to purchase a church bell. In November 1849, a 600-pound bell was received from a foundry in Cincinnati. The bell was installed in a steeple that towered 75 feet over High Street. Dresden woke up on July 4, 1850, to the sound of a ringing church bell for the first time ever. Just a few days later, the bell tolled for a half-day to mourn the death of President Zachary Taylor. It was claimed the bell could be heard for 7 miles across the countryside. The same bell is still ringing after 169 years.
Throughout the years, the church was remodeled several times During one renovation, the pipe organ was placed in storage in a warehouse. Unfortunately, the warehouse and the entire village block went up in flames, taking the pipe organ with it. The church would be without a pipe organ until Dr. Mcleod, pastor from 1908-1912, was able to procure another one.
The present building was constructed in 1880 partially upon the foundation of the earlier church, sometimes referred to as “the dungeon.” The church was described as having seating for 400. Like the 1836 building, the present building has been remodeled extensively. Improvements include a changeover from gas lights to electricity, stained glass windows, new furnaces, and central air. In the 1950’s, an addition was built on the rear of the church and included a kitchen, restrooms, an office, and a social hall.
A few years ago, the Madison Presbyterian Church of Adams Mills and the First Presbyterian Church of Dresden merged to form the Dresden Madison Presbyterian Church. Service continues today with worship led by Rev. Darla Revennaugh at 10:15 followed by Sunday School at 11:30.
The Bicentennial Celebration will kick off with an old-fashioned wiener roast in the parking lot at 6:00 on Saturday, October 12. Everyone is welcome to gather around the fire and enjoy fellowship with friends and neighbors. The celebration continues on Sunday, October 20, with regular worship and Holy Communion at 10:15, followed by a catered meal at noon, and an afternoon program at 1:00, featuring historic reenactor Alice Hoover as the wife of a circuit riding preacher, a time of reminiscing, an old-time hymn sing, followed by refreshments in the social hall.
Everyone is invited to all events, but reservations are required for the catered meal. Reservations may be made by calling Dianne Peffer at (740) 754-6291 or by signing up at the church. All reservations must be received by Oct.14.
