MONTEZUMA - Nestled against an ancient cemetery in the town of Montezuma, the Historic Mentz Church was one of the first in Cayuga County to be served by roving clergy from the Baptist, Methodist and Protestant faiths.
The gable-roofed, one room church was erected by the towns early settlers prior to its incorporation as a First Methodist Episcopal Church. The first official service was held on May 10, 1825.
The church remained not only a place of worship, but a centerpiece of community until its closing in 1954.
Aside from a yearly community service held at the church by Lester O'Hara, a former church member, the building sat unused for half a century.
In 2003, the historic building and its grounds were acquired by Montezuma, and restoration of the church became a commitment of the small community.
Today, the high degree of integrity and craftsmanship of the early settlers remain as very little structural work will be required to return the church to its original design.
"So far most of the restoration work has been painting and cleaning," said town historian Cheryl Longyear. "We have asked local contractors to look at the structure of the building, and it is in remarkable condition. The roof is okay, but will need to be replaced, and the foundation will have to be repaired in about 5 years. We will continue to work on it as we go."
Upon acquiring the historic church, Longyear began to research its history for application of the church to be put on the National Register of Historic Places.
"During my research I learned that the church was a place of community," Longyear said. "It signifies a time when life was simple, when times were slow and community meant as much as family. It signifies what we all yearn for within our lives now."
Last September, the church received its historic designation.
Among the many restoration volunteers, Paul Baker and his wife, Bunny, welcomed guests at Sunday's service.
"As far as we can tell, the church looks the way that it was originally," Paul said. "We have had to replace a couple of the stained glass windows, but many of them are original. The cemetery can no longer be used, and as much as we can tell the last burial was in 1954. The original church records were damaged from being stored in the basement, so who knows."
The head markers within the cemetery date back to the early 1800s - some so old the markings on them cannot be read. Teenage vandals damaged some grave markers a few years ago as well.
John Gilmore, an early settler who helped to erect the church, remains buried in the cemetery. His family still has roots within the community.
"Before the church was erected, church services were held in the barn of John Gilmore,#" said Joel Gilmore, a distant nephew of John Gilmore. "I can remember coming to the church for ice cream socials as a child. This church has family ties for us. It's nice to see that it will be continued."
The church remained not only a place of worship, but a centerpiece of community until its closing in 1954.
Aside from a yearly community service held at the church by Lester O'Hara, a former church member, the building sat unused for half a century.
In 2003, the historic building and its grounds were acquired by Montezuma, and restoration of the church became a commitment of the small community.
Today, the high degree of integrity and craftsmanship of the early settlers remain as very little structural work will be required to return the church to its original design.
"So far most of the restoration work has been painting and cleaning," said town historian Cheryl Longyear. "We have asked local contractors to look at the structure of the building, and it is in remarkable condition. The roof is okay, but will need to be replaced, and the foundation will have to be repaired in about 5 years. We will continue to work on it as we go."
Upon acquiring the historic church, Longyear began to research its history for application of the church to be put on the National Register of Historic Places.
"During my research I learned that the church was a place of community," Longyear said. "It signifies a time when life was simple, when times were slow and community meant as much as family. It signifies what we all yearn for within our lives now."
Last September, the church received its historic designation.
Among the many restoration volunteers, Paul Baker and his wife, Bunny, welcomed guests at Sunday's service.
"As far as we can tell, the church looks the way that it was originally," Paul said. "We have had to replace a couple of the stained glass windows, but many of them are original. The cemetery can no longer be used, and as much as we can tell the last burial was in 1954. The original church records were damaged from being stored in the basement, so who knows."
The head markers within the cemetery date back to the early 1800s - some so old the markings on them cannot be read. Teenage vandals damaged some grave markers a few years ago as well.
John Gilmore, an early settler who helped to erect the church, remains buried in the cemetery. His family still has roots within the community.
"Before the church was erected, church services were held in the barn of John Gilmore,#" said Joel Gilmore, a distant nephew of John Gilmore. "I can remember coming to the church for ice cream socials as a child. This church has family ties for us. It's nice to see that it will be continued."
