Normandy United Methodist Church

A Brief History of Normandy Church

Welcome to Normandy United Methodist Church . Our Church building was originally the private home of Richard H. Grant, one of Dayton 's outstanding citizens and businessmen. For several years the Grants enjoyed weekends in a cabin on property along Holes Creek. When they decided to build a permanent home in the area they purchased six adjoining farms, totaling 780 acres. The house was constructed in 1927-30, at a cost of nearly one million dollars.

The Grants chose Medieval English Manor style for their new home. Mr. Grant's energy and constant demand for quality, which brought him success in the business world, was directed toward the construction of his home. The two-story tower and staircase with the massive chandelier add historical elegance to the three-story building with its thirty-eight rooms consisting of a main section and two wings. The eight-inch thick concrete floors and eighteen-inch outer walls topped by six inches on the roof gives the house great stability. It was literally built to last for ages. A slate roof and leaden drainpipes also show great attention to durability and quality. The eleven sculptured marble fireplaces, the massive entrance gates, many of the doors, and the stained glass window plaques were purchased in Europe . The beautifully hand carved old wood paneling in the main hall and library was imported from England and dates back to 1603.

Other beautiful furnishings, many period chairs, paintings, painted tapestries, andirons, and tables can be seen throughout the building.

The Grant living room now serves as Normandy 's Chapel. The sleeping quarters on the second floor now serve as a church school area and offices for the pastors and staff. The lower ground floor opens out to the side yard and contains a recreation room, a billiard room, a squash court, and a large furnace room.

In July 1955 Normandy Farms house became Normandy Evangelical United Brethren Church when the Ohio Miami Conference of the Evangelical United Brethren Church purchased it. The price of the building plus a seven-room gatehouse, a swimming pool, and approximately 15 acres, was $125,000.

In 1957 Mr. Grant's funeral took place in the chapel.

On June 2, 1963 , Bishop Paul Herrick and Dr. William K. Messmer dedicated the new multi purpose building including meeting space, a new kitchen and classrooms with the idea of this becoming a Fellowship Hall in the future. The upper level served as the sanctuary from 1963 through 1996.

In April 1968, the merger of the Methodist Church with the Evangelical United Brethren Church took place. At that time the name was changed to Normandy United Methodist Church .

In 1984 the Normandy Farms house was placed on The National Register of Historic Buildings.

On February 15, 1996, with new spirituality and enthusiasm, the Normandy Church Conference convened and the congregation voted to build a more adequate sanctuary and to renovate the old multi purpose building into a fellowship hall.

On March 24, 1996 Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new sanctuary took place. On January 12, 1997 West Ohio Resident Bishop Judith Craig consecrated the new sanctuary.

Our church's particular physical setting makes us feel that God's house is a real home. Because of its unique character there is family warmth not felt in a more traditional structure. Many who come out of curiosity "to look" have felt the warmth of a friendly fellowship and have returned to worship with us. Through the action of preserving a heritage, we also strengthen a fellowship of faith.

SENIOR MINISTERS 

Rev. Milford E. Ater conducted the first worship service on September 18, 1955 , and the congregation was organized on October 2nd of that year. He served until June 1975.

Rev. Glenn E. Copeland was appointed in June 1975, serving until his sudden death in June 1981.

Rev. A. Donald Collins was appointed in November 1981. He retired in June 1989.

Rev. Charles E. Titko was appointed in June 1989 and served until June1991.

Rev. Gail D. Rohrbacher was appointed in June 1991 and served until July 1994.

Rev. David F. Frazer served from July 1994 to his retirement in July 2000.

Rev. Thomas Harry and Rev. Jan Harry were appointed as Co-Pastors in July 2000 and served until retirement in November 2007.

Rev. David Brown and Rev. Elizabeth Brown are current Co-Pastors at Normandy, since appointment in November 1997.

ASSOCIATE PASTORS

Rev. Harvey B. Smith arrived in 1965 and served until June 1972.

Rev. David C. Trout was appointed in June 1972 and served until June 1977.

Rev. Philip H. Conley served from June 1977 until June 1989.

Rev. Joseph C. Beavon served from June 1979 to June 1984.

Rev. Michael W. Donnally was appointed in June 1984 and served thru June 1989

Rev. Ronald A. Hoeksema, who had served as a Student Pastor from September 1987, became the Associate Pastor in June 1989 thru June 1991.

Rev. Phyllis H. Scholp was appointed as part-time Associate Pastor, In October 1989 and served until June 1991.

Rev. Thomas H. Maxedon, Jr. served from July 1991 until July 1993.

Rev. Bonnie L. Loudner joined the professional staff in July 1993 and served until March 2000.