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On May 19, 1888, a subscription was started to raise funds to “erect a church building” at Erlanger, Kentucky, for the Methodist Episcopal Church South, Petersburg Circuit, Covington District; “other denominations to have use of this building at such times that the Methodist Episcopal Church South does not desire to use it.”
There were several subscribers which included Amos Shinkle, who built and owned the Suspension Bridge between Covington and Cincinnati. He lived in Ft Mitchell, Ky.
During that Summer and Fall, enough money was raised to enable them to purchase a lot and start the building of a frame Church, which was finished in the Spring of 1889. The Church was dedicated May 6, 1889, and was organized May 8, 1889 with eleven members. Our first pastor was T. W. Barker.
The cost of our first Church was $4,870.28. That included the building, furniture, organ, interest on the loan, insurance, and probably the lot too.
In 1893 our average attendance was up to 47 people and the average offering was 48 cents per person. On December 24, 1893 we set a new attendance record of 107 people.
In 1924-25 a two- story addition was added on to the back of the church building. This provided several class rooms and a basement.
Our first parsonage was purchased in 1937 at 3509 Home Street for a total cost of $5700.00.
January 4, 1948, fire was discovered, which was quickly put out by the Erlanger Fire Dept., but the building was so badly damaged, the remainder had to be torn down. The pulpit, pulpit Bible, and the Alter were some of the items saved. We received $8800.00 from the insurance company which was the full amount of the policy. For the next two years, we used the gymnasium of the Locust Street School for our services without charge.
A building committee was formed consisting of Blaine Fulton, Carver A, Kuck, Otwell C. Rankin, and Dr. A. R. Rich. A new building was built and the first service was in January 1950. During this period, much time and skill was contributed by Mayo M. Taylor, who did so much in so many ways for the church, that none of us can realize the extent of his service.
July 1, 1979 Mayo. M. Taylor was presented a plaque recognizing his long time faithful service. It said: “Mayo Taylor’s efforts have been unselfish and humble. His contributions to the Erlanger United Methodist Church and to God’s Kingdom are countless. We dedicate this plaque so that others may be encouraged to do the same.” Each year since then, a person has been selected who best depicts the life of Mayo M. Taylor and has made similar contributions.
Much more history is known and recorded about Erlanger United Methodist Church. If you are interested in more information send an e-mail to EUMC or Ken Maynard Thank You.