Religion plays an important part in the life of a dynamic community and the residents of Shelby County enjoy a strong and proud church heritage. With over 60 Christian congregations in Sidney and the surrounding area and Jewish synagogues in nearby Piqua and Dayton, we have a community rich in values and tradition.

The Sidney-Shelby County Ministerial Association provides the clergy and religious leaders an opportunity to share in many ecumenical endeavors. From special community worship services to CROP Walk for the hungry, they are involved. From the jail ministry to Habitat for Humanity, the ministerial association celebrates a common bond of sharing God's love.

Historically churches have served as a focal point for caring citizens to address the spiritual, social, educational and humanitarian needs of the community. Religious services were held in Shelby County before any churches were even established. Because Shelby County was in the old circuit rider’s territory from Bellefontaine and Piqua, it is likely that services were conducted once every month. They would be held wherever it was convenient, probably outdoors. The first church to hold regular Sunday services in Shelby County, Ohio, was the Hardin Methodist-Episcopal Church. It was organized by the Rev. Goddard at Cephas Carey’s house. This church would continue to meet in member’s homes for the next 13 years until enough funds were collected to build a permanent place of worship.

The first two churches in Sidney were the Presbyterians and Methodists. They met in homes or under trees on the riverbank. In 1829, the organizing committee paid $16 for the lot to construct the Methodist church’s first building, which was opened in 1831. Since then, more and more churches have been built as the population of Sidney and Shelby County has expanded.

A listing of the churches is available from the Ministerial Association and the Chamber of Commerce. A sample of some area churches can be found here: www.shelbysites.com.