The man who lead the Moores Chapel United Methodist Church for over three decades retired last week. Dennis Grooms, also a local educator preached his last sermon as the pastor on Sunday, June 28th in front of a packed congregation at the church.
“We were extra-blessed to get to be a part of a special day for our dear friend, Mr. Dennis Jay Grooms,” said David Vogler, a long-time friend and former student of Grooms.” “Although he preached his last sermon as pastor of Moore’s Chapel UM today, his spiritual influence will live on forever. Not only for his congregation, but for those of us who were fortunate enough to have, what I call, a teacher-pastor for many years.”
A member of the congregation, Carla Conley said that his last sermon as the Pastor was on ‘changes’ and three things that are changeless: the man Jesus Christ, our message, and the mission of the church. The three things that must change for churches to continue to stay alive: our mindset, our methodology, and new ministries. “It was a bitter-sweet morning,” said Conley.
The Moores Chapel Church is one of the most historic churches in Adams County. The present structure is located on the original site of the first Methodist Church built in Ohio and the old Northwest Territory. The original church building was erected in August of 1800. Rev. Joseph Moore organized the church in 1795 or 1796. The pulpit was constructed from sixteen kinds of native wood. Moore’s Chapel is the oldest Methodist Church west of the Allegheny.
According to social media posts, Richard Owens will be assuming the duties of Pastor at the church. The church is located at 2484 Wintersteen Road, just off of Blue Creek Road in Jefferson Township.
