The steeplechase originated in Ireland in the 18th century as a
derivative of the cross-country horse races which went from church
steeple to church steeple, hence "steeplechase."
The first steeplechase is said to have been the result of a
wager in 1752 between Mr. Cornelius O'Callaghan and Mr. Edmund
Blake, racing four miles (6 km) cross-country from Buttevant Church
to St. Leger Church in Doneraile, in Cork, Ireland. An account of
the race was believed to have been in the library of the O'Brien's
of Dromoland Castle.
Most of the earlier steeplechases were contested cross-country
rather than on a track, and resembled English cross country or hunt
racing as it exists today. The first recorded steeplechase over a
prepared track with fences was run in Bedlam, North Yorkshire in
1810.
Today’s Steeplechase can be done at a leisurely pace and
hopefully you will be able to enjoy some of Crawford County, Ohio’s
historic church steeples.
The Evangelical Pietist Church is located south of Chatfield,
Ohio and is one of the few remaining Pietist Churches in the
country. Pietism was started in the 17th century and brought to
North America by European immigrants who settled mainly in
Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. A Pietist Society was begun in
Chatfield Township, Crawford County, Ohio, as early as 1837.
This brick structure was erected in 1897 to replace a small
wooden church located at the same site. One of the new building's
unique features is the pineapple atop the steeple, a symbol of
hospitality.
The Evangelical Pietist Church of Chatfield, Ohio is pleased to
have this geocache available and has provided pens for the finders
of the cache as well as a gift for the FTF. Please hunt in daylight
hours only.