Ministerial Lands

[3] These land purchases were divided into townships six miles square arranged on a checkerboard pattern.

[3] Monies realized from the leasing or sale of section 29 were to be distributed to the township’s churches on a pro rata basis according to each denomination’s membership.

[3][4] In 1833,[5] Congress authorized Ohio to sell Ministerial Lands and invest proceeds in a fund to support religion in the various townships in which they sat.

In May, 1968, Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment that directed any future ministerial income be used solely for educational purposes.

He cited that the bill “comprises a principle and precedent for the appropriation of funds of the United States for the use and support of religious societies, contrary to the article of the Constitution which declares that Congress shall make no law respecting a religious establishment.”[6]

Areas in Ohio with Ministerial Lands
six mile square divided into 36 mile square sections numbered starting one in the southeast corner and proceeding northward to six in the northeast, then seven west of one to twelve west of six, and so on to thirty six in the northwest corner
The plan for numbering sections of a township was adopted May 20, 1785. Section 29 was devoted to support of clergy in two land sales.