Our History

   Artist renderings 1991, by Bob Keller for 175th anniversary.

Ohio's land was divided in accordance with the Northwest Ordinances of 1784 and 1785. President Thomas Jefferson desired to avoid the pitfalls of dividing the new lands according to the location of trees, rocks, and streams because that method was unwieldy and resulted in a haphazard system of land division. The Ordinance of 1785 divided the new territories into rectangular defined squares of six miles per side. Each thirty-six square mile township was further divided into one mile squares called sections. In Ohio as well as New England the sixteenth section of each township was set aside for the support of public education. The Northwest Ordinance stated "schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Information gathered from Historical Collections of Ohio in Two Volumes by Henry Howe, 1898.

It was in 1807 that Tuscarawas Township in Stark County, Ohio was first surveyed. In 1810 the township was officially organized with Section 16 set aside for the support of education. Since the school was situated near the sixteenth section, it was appropriately called Sixteen School.

The early community was settled primarily by Presbyterians who at that time held church services in their homes. When the people recognized the need for a place of worship, Ebeneezer Shaw, a leader in the church, on September 21, 1816, donated three acres of land on which a place of worship and a cemetery were to be built. On May 6, 1820, the same tract of land was conveyed to Archibald Steele, James Ervin and Andrew Poe as trustees and to their successors serving the Presbyterian Congregation of Pigeon Run. The first name given to this fellowship's gathering place was the Sixteen Meeting House. Today, Sixteen, St. John's Church and Sixteen Cemetery sits on the original tract of land donated by Ebeneezer Shaw.

Church records show that in 1854, the church affiliation was changed from Presbyterian to the German Reformed Church of Stark County. At that time the congregation decided to upgrade from the original log meeting house and authorized subscriptions for the building of a house of worship. On October 12, 1855, the new house of worship was completed and dedicated to the service of the Lord. It was then that the name of "St. John's Church" was added. From 1855 till the present time, through varying denominational affiliations until we became a non-denominational church we have been known as Sixteen, St. John's Church.

Jesus said: "My house will be called a house of prayer." Sixteen Church continues to be known for being a praying church. This fellowship believes in the Creator God Who identified Himself to Moses as "I Am." We believe that God not only hears the prayers of His people, but that He answers those prayers. Thus, we pray; corporately as well as individually to make our petitions known to God.

200 Years of God's Faithfulness was Celebrated September 11,2016

Beginning in the fall of 2015 we set the second Sunday of each month to reflect upon various aspects of the history of God's work in and through this church in North Lawrence, Ohio. Since that time through the anniversary celebrated on 9/11/16, there were presentations covering our social organizations which benefited the community and the church, the varied outreaches of the church over its two hundred year history, as well as past and present areas of ministry focus.

Each month a different display of articles that highlighted our history including old photos, newspaper clippings, church bulletins, and other items was placed in the foyer for all to enjoy.

The faithfulness of God toward this community over the generations was celebrated in the worship service led by Pastor Tom Hough and in the fellowship meal afterward in the social hall. Two of our former pastors, current and former members and friends of Sixteen Church enjoyed the meal and the conversation that followed.  Praise God for His steadfast faithfulness!