History of Sardis Church

The early believers at Sardis built their first church in approximately 1850. Before that, they assembled in homes. Misfortune struck the small group in the early 1850s when their log church burned and was destroyed.

In 1875, a new one-story building, without a basement, was constructed. In 1890, the building was lifted and a first story was built underneath to house a kitchen, dining room, and Sunday School.

In 1964, a well was dug for the church. For over a hundred years, members of the church had to carry water in milk cans, to provide for drinking, making coffee for the noon lunch, and washing dishes afterward.

In 1966, a major renovation and modernization of the church were accomplished, including installing toilets, an updated kitchen, and a new brick entrance and foyer. Over 99 volunteers pitched in to helped complete the task, and $18,000 of materials and labor were given. One man put in nearly 800 hours of volunteer work on this job.

Just a few feet from the church building is a cemetery plot that was sold to the church for $3 in 1854 by Ulrich and Elizabeth Gerber.

In 1986-1987, a new brick church was built 3 1/2 miles west of Sardis on Ohio 255. It was dedicated on August 9, 1987. Elders present for this special occasion were Don Sauder (Roanoke, Illinois), Eugene Pamer (Akron, Ohio), and Ben C. Maibach (Detroit, Michigan). The former church building on Baptist Ridge Road was remodeled and used as a fellowship center.

Information coming soon.