Madison Missionary Baptist Church
also known as The Baptist Church and Madison Baptist Church
13400 State Route 335
P O Box 207
Minford, Ohio
The Madison Baptist Church was the first church organized in Madison Township. It was founded in 1821 by Thaddeus Bennett.
The early members were:
William Crawford and wife
Jacob Rickey and wife
James Rockwell and wife
Thaddeus Bennett and wife
Until 1836 meetings were held in private houses and school houses. The membership reached about forty. In that same year during the pastorate of Jacob Rickey, they built a log church which served them till 1868 when it was torn down.
In 1868 they built a frame building where the log cabin once stood.
In 1876 and 1877, Mr. Rippetoe held singing classes at the church.
Article in The Portsmouth Times, August 12, 1876, p. 2:
Article in The Portsmouth Times, November 24, 1877, p. 12:
In 1878 the membership numbered 140 people. However, this same year, the frame church burned down. At this point, a dissention arose among the members, and the organization split. The members that left the church organized the Fairview Baptist Church.
By 1884, an attempt to rally the members was only partially successful. At this point about twenty-five members remained faithful to the church, and they attempted to build a new structure. In 1884, a new half-completed building stood on the property. Trustees were: Ephraim Rickey, Daniel Dodge and Vincent Kent. The pastor was Rev. John B. Tracy.
Article in The Portsmouth Times, September 12, 1947, p. 4:
Article in The Portsmouth Times, September 20, 1947, p. 9:
Article in The Portsmouth Times, April 28, 1962:
Article in The Portsmouth Times, May 29, 1965, p. 9:
Article in The Portsmouth Times, June 13, 1970, p. 32:
Article in The Portsmouth Times, October 28, 1972, p. 5:
Church Pastors:
Jacob Rickey
John B. Tracy
Ulysses S. Pinson - September 12, 1947 to
Henry Thompson - 1950's
Raymond Cole - April 28, 1962 to
Jim Tussey -
Kevin Gullion -
Don Noel -
Click here for church-related obituaries.