This Week @ Monday Creek: FAITH AT EVERY CORNER: A History of Buchtel Ohio Churches

At the office, sorting through archived photos of Buchtel, Ohio, churches.

 

Today’s conversation with Rodney Galentin—Buchtel, Ohio’s premier historian and the devoted curator of the Buchtel Mine Museum—was memorable.

Rodney approached me about collaborating on a new publication that will highlight the rich history of Buchtel’s churches—every denomination. With his deep knowledge and the extensive archives he stewards at the Buchtel Mine Museum, this project is already taking shape as a meaningful tribute to the town’s spiritual and communal heritage.

Rodney and I have begun assembling a collection of photographs and stories that trace the spiritual and communal life of Buchtel through its churches. These congregations—small, varied, steadfast—have anchored the village for generations. They’ve hosted weddings, funerals, potlucks, revivals, choir practices, youth groups, and quiet moments of prayer. They’ve been places of refuge, celebration, and connection.

Our working title, FAITH AT EVERY CORNER: A History of Buchtel’s Churches, captures the way these buildings and the people within them have shaped the town’s identity. Every corner of Buchtel holds a story, and every steeple points to a chapter worth remembering.

Why This Matters Now

In a time when small towns often struggle to preserve their histories, projects like this become essential. They remind us that community isn’t abstract—it’s built by hands, held together by traditions, and carried forward by those willing to remember. Rodney’s dedication ensures that Buchtel’s story won’t fade. Our collaboration aims to honor that legacy and invite others to share their memories, photos, and reflections.

What’s Next

As we continue gathering materials, we’re uncovering forgotten snapshots, handwritten notes, and engaging stories. This project will grow page by page, voice by voice, until it becomes a tapestry of Buchtel’s faith communities—past and present.

Submit your stories, poems, photos, etc., by email to mondaycreekpublishing@gmail.com, or mail to Monday Creek Publishing, PO Box 399, Buchtel, Ohio 45716. If you would like to sit and reminisce, we would be thrilled to hear your story. Give Rodney a call to schedule a time that works best for you.

All proceeds from the publication will be donated to The Village Church, ensuring that the work not only preserves Buchtel’s past but also directly supports its present-day community.

Rodney Galentin sorting through old photos @ Monday Creek Publishing