The land for the Erie Church and Cemetery (originally called Bethel M.E.Church) was given by John and Rebecca Brown. The deed was recorded on August 10, 1843. The first grave was that of Robert L. Ellison, a youth of 16, who drowned in Back Creek. In 1846, a larger brick church was built to replace the older one, located in the same place in the center of the graveyard. On March 11, 1923 a tornado destroyed the church. Ground for the new church was bought from Volney Houston for $125 in 1923. The basement was dug and foundation poured and the cornerstone laid in June of 1924. The church was completed and first services held in November of 1924. Currently there are over 480 people buried in the cemetery. The church and cemetery still serve the community as they have for over 150 years.