newbury United Community Church
Our History
A Living Legacy Since 1832
Newbury United Community Church is one of the oldest churches in Geauga County, with roots reaching back to the early 1800s. For nearly two centuries, this church has stood at the heart of the Newbury community as both a place of worship and a gathering space for civic life.
In 1832, citizens from Baptist and Universalist backgrounds founded a Baptist church that met in the old Number 5 Schoolhouse near what is now Auburn and Kinsman Roads. In 1845, thanks to land donated by Enos Hawes and the shared vision of Christians across multiple denominations, a Union Church was built at the center of Newbury Township.
That original church—now known as Newbury United Community Church—was a collaborative effort involving Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians. It became a hub not only for Sunday worship but also for political gatherings, auctions, secret societies, and stage shows. Early leaders included names still familiar in Geauga County, such as Punderson and Russell.
📜 Historical Highlights
A Living Legacy Since 1832
1845 – The original Union Church was built through combined efforts of multiple denominations.
1883 – Methodist Episcopal Church began holding weekly 2 p.m. services.
1892 – Major renovations included leveling the floor, replacing siding and windows, and removing the rotten steeple.
1916–1926 – A basement and furnace were added, followed by electricity.
1943 – The church was reorganized as the Newbury Community Church.
1953–1954 – Merged with South Newbury Congregational Church to become Newbury United Community Church. First full-time pastor: Rev. Charles Luckey.
1957 & 1965 – Two major additions expanded the building to serve the growing Sunday School population.
1961 – Voted to join the United Church of Christ.
1963 – An anonymous donor gifted the gold altar cross and sanctuary wall clock.
1979 – Mortgage burning ceremony celebrated the church’s financial independence.
1987 – Hymnals purchased through donation from members
2006 – Sunday attendance averaged 92 people.
2017–2021 – Building improvements included:
New energy-efficient sanctuary windows
New vinyl siding
New front doors
Front porch wall rebuilt
2025 – Plaster restoration and full roof replacement of the church building
Ongoing Stewardship
Throughout its history, Newbury United Community Church has cared for its historic building with intention and responsibility. In recent years, this has included updates to windows, siding, doors, structural elements, and necessary roof and interior repairs—ensuring the sanctuary remains a safe, welcoming place for worship and community life.
A Church for All
From its inception, Newbury United Community Church has welcomed people of various denominational backgrounds.
Rev. Charles Luckey once wrote:
“Though an individual might come from an Episcopalian, Lutheran, or Methodist background, we invite you to try our community church, for we are a united group... It is good to sink roots where your children live and play.”
That spirit of unity, rootedness, and hospitality remains central to who we are today.
Historical Sources
This history is drawn from Newbury United Community Church: Its First 130 Years by Jean Nelson Russell, along with contributions from church historian William Felberg Jr. and the Chardon branch of the Geauga County Library.
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Newbury United Community Church
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14916 Auburn Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065