A congregation that melds the rich history of two faith communities

On July 1, 2001 the New Horizons United Methodist Church was formed by uniting two historic congregations. While there have been “bumps in the road” the uniting of the gifts and graces of persons from these two strong traditions, provides the ability for God to use this new community to do God’s will in the southwest side of Columbus, Ohio.

Briggsdale (or Union of Briggsdale) Methodist Church can trace its origins to 1822 when a pioneer class in Methodism began meeting in the home of Henry Goetschius. Soon after the class was formed, a log meeting house was erected on what is called “The Scioto Big Run land” which was donated by the family of Samuel White. Mr. White was a veteran of the American Revolution. The log building was replaced at the same location in 1844 with a brick building. A cemetery that stood next to the building can still be seen from Frank Road across from the old Franklin County Children’s Services Building.

By the turn of the century the church had outgrown the brick building. The present sanctuary which now houses the united New Horizons Congregation was dedicated in 1902.

The education building/fellowship hall unit was added in 1962 and an elevator was installed in 1992.

The Briggsdale Church has served the surrounding community faithfully since its inception. Even people who do not attend worship regularly remember and enjoy the many activities of the church including the annual Chicken and Noodle Dinner which stated over fifty years ago and continues as a part of the new merged congregation.

Salem Heights Methodist Church can trace its origins to 1843 when Edward and Sarah Marsh sold one acre of land at the corner of what is now Demorest and Alkire Roads to the Methodist Church for $5 for a church and burial place…

Surrounding landowners cut trees and donated money to build a log church structure. The church was remodeled and rededicated in 1859 by Rev. William Doughty.

The church was forced to close in 1917 but reopened in 1924. In 1928 the original structure burned when sparks from a trash fire ignited the wood shingles. W.S. Brown rebuilt the main sanctuary in 1929 and placed a 700 # bell in the steeple.

In 1954 the cornerstone was laid for a new 1600 addition. On May 1, 1955 Bishop Werner dedicated the new building and declared the church was free from debt.

On May 21, 1985 Salem Height had the unique distinction of being a church that literally moved across the street onto a larger parcel of land. The members lovingly coined the slogan that Salem Heights would be known as “the church on the move.”

The congregation continued to serve the area faithfully until their merger with Briggsdale in 2002.

Since that time many faithful members have invited their time and energy into serving God through this newly formed NEW HORIZONS CONGREGATION.

In October of 2005 New Horizons was placed on a Charge with Hilltonia United Methodist Church and is served by a team of part-time pastors.

The new Charge shares talent and resources as they strive to serve God in the 21st Century.

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