The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Chesterland Baptist Church celebrates bicentennial
In 1812 Lebbeus Norton traveled on foot from Massachusetts to Ohio.
Seven years later he became a founding father of what is now known as the Chesterland Baptist Church which celebrates its 200th anniversary this year.
Members originally gathered in private homes and a small frame meeting house on the corner of Sherman and Chillicothe roads.
But in 1870 the same structure that is used today was erected near the northwest corner of Chillicothe and Mayfield roads in Chester Township. The original bell which rang out still calls people to worship each Sunday, according to Deacon Garland Likins who authored two books on the church’s history.
“After 200 years of service the church still stands near the main crossroads of Chester Township,” he said. “Chesterland Baptist Church continues to take and has a world-wide, as well as, local missionary outlook. Our mission of following Jesus Christ and spreading His good news is supported by a strong Biblical faith and a deep love for God and the community.”
Likins tells of several stories associated with the church throughout its two centuries.
One recalls a missionary endeavor following the organization of the Women’s Baptist Foreign Missionary Society in 1871. Congregation member Laura Elder traveled to an Indian region that is now Oklahoma and served 18 years as a teacher in the Seminole Academy in Sasakwa.
Today missionary work is still very evident. Youth teams have been sent to such places as Tennessee and Atlanta and monetary support has aided people overseas.
Another historical story tells of a very cold day in February 1875 when the congregation went to a nearby river to baptize two members. There the ice was reported to be two feet thick.
In 1920 electricity became available and enabled the church, parsonage and horse sheds to be lit. Throughout the years various pastors have led the congregation. Currently serving in that capacity is Rev. Jerry DeHart who had been a missionary in Japan for 15 years before his appointment in 2017.
During the two years prior to DeHart’s arrival the church was without a permanent pastor. Filling in on a temporary basis was Andre Bernier, an ordained minister who also works as a meteorologist for Cleveland television station Fox 8.
Comprised of approximately 100 active members, DeHart describes the church as “community-focused” with many opportunities to grow.
“Fundamentally our goal is to think biblically and relate in a Christ-like manner,” he said.
Although the church is centuries old, its approach is current. DeHart’s sermons can be heard on podcasts found on www.chesterlandbaptist.org and he also writes a blog published on the website.
However, staying focused on the original vision is key, the pastor said, noting that “It’s more about the purpose and direction than the methodology.”
Physical improvements made to the church building over the years include the addition of a basement in 1937, an all-purpose wing built in 1958 to help with burgeoning educational programs and social functions, another addition in 1994 and the remodeling of the Fellowship Hall in 2018.
Community outreach activities have included food distribution, aid to local families and a free spaghetti dinner on the third Thursday of each month. Each year a free Vacation Bible School is openly provided to the community.
Special activities to celebrate the bicentennial are set for Aug. 2-4. All events are free.
“The hand of God is on the church and it’s obvious the root of faith that has kept his church going is solid and it’s evidenced by the care and compassion of those who come here,” De Hart said when asked what makes the church special.
For more information on Chesterland Baptist Church and the bicentennial activities, visit www.chesterlandbaptist.org.