The 1800s

1871
Mrs. John Chipps, helped to start a Sunday School at the home ofJohn Budd since she "was much interested that more should learn of God's rules." The Budds would walk to Chester to attend services at the Chester Church. There was an average attendance of 40 children at the Sunday School with seven teachers. The total donated for the summer session was $20.

August 14, 1872
John Budd deeded land to trustees Jesse M. Sharp, John D. Budd, Samuel C. Caskey, Henry C. Seward and Theodore N. Boss for the sum of $1 "for the purpose of erecting thereon a chapel or church edifice for the use of all protestant denominations". A condition of the deed was that the chapel or church had to be erected within two years of the present of the land.

October 15, 1873
Ground was broken for the Chapel.

August 7, 1874
The church building was completed at a cost of $3,400.

1875 The church was dedicated.

October 24, 1875
From the record book (1872-1880):

Singing and prayer by the Assistant Superintendent Brother Chips. The weather being pleasant we have a goodly number in attendance but we are sorry to be obliged to write that there are not as many as should be here or would be if we all did our duty by endeavoring to persuade our neighbors of the importance of their attending this organization and sending their children.

November 7, 1875
From the record book (1872-1880):

We have but a small sum in attendance today on account of not having any stove in the church and no fire.

December 26, 1875
From the record book (1872-1880):

School opened by the superintendent with singing and prayer. We had but a small attendance today, a number of our teachers having lost their interest in the saving of souls have thought it not worth while to do any more in the cause of their Master.

January 29, 1876
From the record book (1872-1880):

School was opened with singing and prayer by N. O. Bennett. We have quite a number out but not as many as there should be. It has been thought by those interested that it be best to try and keep the school going all winter - but some are averse to it. But by the help of God we will die at our posts and take courage from the words of our Lord where He says, "Ye shall reap if ye faint not."