Our Old Bookcase
The rural community of Erastus, in Washington Township, Mercer County, Ohio, is quietly reaching the end of an era, and facing a new era of community service.
“The Erastus United Methodist Church will be closing July 17, 2022,” announced the pastor, at the memorial services of James V. and Connie M. Johnson, Saturday, June 25, 2022. I could not believe this announcement. Jim Johnson and I went to Fort Recovery Schools, for the 12 years preceding our graduation in 1959. I opened our 1978 “Mercer County History Book,” to see the history of this community on page 876.
The Erastus School Number 6 was listed in the 1888 Mercer County Ohio Atlas. When the one room school system was disbanded in Washington Township in 1939, the Erastus United Methodist Church purchased the building to be used as a community and recreation hall. Following the memorial services for Jim and Connie Johnson, the guests enjoyed visiting with the families and friends of the Johnson family in this former school house.
The Erastus United Methodist Church brick building was constructed in 1909. In 2009, the community celebrated its centennial. Hearing that this church would be closing on July 17, I was struck by learning that another rural church would be closed. I am always sad when I drive by a country church which has been closed. Rural communities are built around good neighbors who have been growing up together and raising their families together, for generations.
Jim and Connie Johnson’s son Brett and daughter Heather were discussing the possibility of the church building becoming a Community Center in Erastus.
“Our Old Bookcase,” readers not only live in Ohio, but also across the nation. The reason I am aware of this, is that the people who purchase the books published by the Mercer County Historical Society live across the nation. Perhaps, readers would like to share their memories of the community of Erastus, and write Heather (Johnson) Houston at hrjh@mindspring.com. Readers are also welcome to email me and share their memories of the community of Erastus. I will be glad to share your stories with Jim and Connie’s family, and to include your stories in the archival files of the Mercer County Historical Society.