For more than 200 years, Newcomer’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Pigeon Run, Ohio has stood as a place of worship, community, and faith.
From humble beginnings in outdoor gatherings to the welcoming church we know today, our story is one of perseverance, growth, and dedication to serving God and our neighbors.
The first congregation on this site began in 1812, when the Pigeon Run Baptist Church was organized.
Services were originally held outdoors in a grove and in nearby homes. The Rev. Edward H. Otis became the first licensed preacher in Tuscarawas Township, following in the footsteps of his father, Elder Otis, who helped organize the church.
In 1816, Rev. James Dixon of the Methodist Episcopal Church formed a society in the Tuscawaras Circuit. A log cabin church was built in 1817, serving until 1840. Around the same time, Christian Newcomer, a United Brethren circuit rider from Maryland, began preaching in the area. His work—and that of fellow ministers like David and John Wimar—planted the seeds of a growing United Brethren presence in Pigeon Run.
In 1816, Rev. James Dixon of the Methodist Episcopal Church formed a society in the Tuscawaras Circuit. A log cabin church was built in 1817, serving until 1840.
Our Building Through the Years.
The church structure has been renewed and expanded many times to meet the needs of the congregation.
- 1958–1959 – A full basement was added for classrooms.
- 1976–1978 – The sanctuary was remodeled with new pews.
- 1979 – A steeple was added.
- 2002 – A major expansion added a large hall, kitchen, classrooms, restrooms, and a pastor’s office.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
Today, Newcomer’s Chapel United Methodist Church continues to build on its rich history, serving the Pigeon Run and surrounding community with worship, discipleship, and fellowship. From our first log cabin to today’s thriving church, we remain committed to honoring our past while living out our mission for the future.
Newcomer's Chapel 