Our History

Community. More than a geographical location and common interests.

Greater than a shared identity and a sense of belonging.

When the Bethel Building and Loan was established in 1889, the purpose was to benefit the community by providing members with funds to improve the local area. The original shareholders sought to impart residents a place to invest their funds, and a secure institution from which to borrow money to start a business or purchase property.

The initial investors meeting brought in receipts of less than $50. The Treasurer’s salary was $1 per year and the association’s Secretary was paid 50 cents per week.

1889

Our First Loan

The first loan was put on the books after just one month in existence. Money was offered for sale to the highest bidder, with Dr. J. T. Huggins procuring a $500 loan. Principal and interest were to be paid weekly with a fine of 10 cents if a payment was late.

1972

Honoring Local Heritage

As Bethel continued to grow and prosper, Bethel Building and Loan recognized the rich history and association with Ulysses S. Grant. The 1972 Sesquicentennial celebration of Grant was documented in film due to the generous partnership of the Bethel Building and Loan. The Grant Memorial Building, named in Grant’s honor, stands in the heart of the Village.

1974

Modernization & Financial Strength

1974 brought significant changes for the Building and Loan. After many years of sharing space in the First National Bank building, the Board of Directors undertook the task of securing land and financing to construct a new office building. Robert Saner was hired as Managing Officer, and modernization of operations moved forward. Decisions on loans became more efficient with the addition of Mr. Saner and focus on employee compensation and benefits was seen as a priority, as evidenced with the addition of an employee pension plan.

The growth of the company was controlled, with policies, procedures, and accurate documentation always on the forefront. The role of good stewards of local deposits became apparent during the “Savings and Loan Crisis” of 1985, when the financial strength of the Bethel Building and Loan became widely known in the Greater Cincinnati region. Our customer relationships remained strong during this statewide financial debacle.

1998

Investing In Our Neighbors

Support of community events was always the focus of Bethel Building and Loan. During Bethel’s Bicentennial celebration in 1998, the sole sponsorship of the Cincinnati Pops concert was credited to Bethel Building and Loan, cementing the commitment to family friendly events and community partnerships.

2010

Becoming Community Savings Bank

Continued local growth necessitated an expansion of services and banking products. In 2010, Bethel Building and Loan became Community Savings Bank in conjunction with a major renovation of the bank building. The name changed, but the exceptional commitment to the surrounding geographic area remained a constant beacon. Partnerships with Bethel-Tate Local Schools, American Legion Post 406, and The Bethel Historical Society and Museum are ongoing. We have supported the Asian Longhorned Beetle Citizens Cooperative, Empower Youth, Bethel’s Down Home Christmas, the Bethel-Tate Fighting Tiger Boosters, and numerous community events in Burke Park.

2014

Expanding Our Horizons

2014 brought an opportunity to grow and expand the bank’s market area when The Home Building & Loan Greenfield Ohio merged with and into Community Savings Bank. Combining these two century old community financial institutions with a common mission and culture was a significant event in our history.

2026

A New Chapter of Growth

To facilitate the continued growth in banking services, the bank converted its mutual form of ownership to stock in 2026. Shares of stock were offered to bank depositors with the opportunity to financially benefit from the future success of the bank. The bank’s commitment to giving back to the community was solidified with the creation and funding of the Community Savings Bank Foundation Inc.

Today

Looking to the Future

The team at Community Savings Bank works very hard to fulfill our mission to be there for our customers, community, employees – and now shareholders. We believe everyone can achieve financial independence, and as a financial partner, we can help.