Nestled at crossroads of Mentz Church and McDonald Roads in the rural countryside was one of the first churches built in the area.  Now owned by the Town of Montezuma the building is known as the Historic Mentz Church. It was built by the first settlers of the area on land purchased from the Weston family on a lot where a cemetery was located with the earliest burial in 1813. The gable-roofed, one-room church was erected prior to its incorporation as the First Methodist Episcopal Church in 1825. Built by area farmers with timber from their land, it represents a unique example of early nineteenth-century architecture in Cayuga County. Virtually intact to its date of construction, the church retains a remarkably high degree of integrity in design, material, craftsmanship, and feeling of the early settlers of this area.

Following World War II, as families from Mentz Corners moved away the congregation dwindled and finally closed in 1954. During that time Lester O’Hara became the caretaker for the church and looked after it for many years. Lester’s wife, Lena and several of the later church women members formed a group called the Mentz Fidelius Club to help raise funds to maintain the church. 

The Town of Montezuma took ownership of the closed church building in 2004, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A preservation committee was formed to help restore the building which eventually led to the Montezuma group forming as a historical society in 2006. Many historical programs, and special events such as weddings and special services have been held there. The Montezuma and Port Byron Lock 52 historical societies merged and formed the Old Mentz Heritage Center located at 73 Pine Street in Port Byron.  As a part of its mission to preserve historic resources, members of the building committee continue to check on the church for its protection and Mike Riley, president has done a special headstone cleaning project in the cemetery. 

The Historic Church is available by special appointment to visit. Plans are underway by the Old Mentz Heritage Center program committee to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the church and its importance to our community in 2025. For more information contact the Montezuma Town Historian, Cheryl Longyear at 315-776-8844.