About Our Church

Unity

1918 – Present Day

History of Copley United Methodist Church

Copley Township was incorporated on July 15, 1918. The first religious services were led by a Baptist elder in 1822. The first church was organized by a Congregationalist preacher in 1832. Shortly after a Methodist group was formed.

On January 11, 1843 the Congregational Society of Copley Ohio was incorporated. Later that year the Society began building Copley’s first structure for religious purposes. On February 29, 1844 the township clerk, Jonathan Starr, presented the deed of the lot on which the new building stood.

The census of 1850 revealed that the Township reached its highest population of the century with 1,541 persons. During the years of 1850-99 much discourse was exercised over the use of the building. In 1860, the population dropped to 1,329 and remained around 1,300 during the rest of the century. In 1874 the amount of $125 was raised to purchase an organ to be used by all the denominations that worshipped in the Church.

In 1902 the Society came under the jurisdiction of the Centralized Methodist Episcopal Church. From that time to 1926, fourteen pastors served the Church. In 1926 Rev. F. A. Ashburn was appointed to Copley. A successful campaign to build a new Church was undertaken. The white New England style frame structure was sold and removed and a new red brick building was constructed and dedicated on December 8, 1929. That building stands today with additions completed in 1953, 1957, and 1972. In 1968 The Church underwent a name change, becoming the Copley United Methodist Church.

During the years of 1972 to present day Copley United Methodist Church has been served by many pastors. Some of the pastors served for many years and a few served for relatively short periods. Attendance has fluctuated during these years as the community demographics reflected the population. At present the Church is being led by Rev. Amy Shipley.