In the beginning, the area which is now Richland County, was established in 1788 as part of the Northwestern Territory and settlers began to come.    Early religious services were held in homes or later in barns. Throughout this period, circuit riders ministered to the early settlers of our county. The first Methodist Circuit rider, John Cobler, was sent to this new territory by Bishop Asbury with the mission to “plant the first principles of the Gospel”...

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