Ralph Minton, the founder of Jarrettsville Builders Inc. who built homes, firehouses and more than 50 church projects, died Monday of cancer at Upper Chesapeake Health Center. He was 77 and lived in Jarrettsville for 70 years.

Born in Chilhowie, Va., he moved with his family to Harford County when he was a boy and attended schools in Fallston and Jarrettsville. He went into business for himself at the age of 24 as a contractor.

"He was a self-made person -- self-motivated," said William R. Minton of Jarrettsville, one of his three sons, who works in the business along with a grandson.

Mr. Minton was a contractor for 53 years, incorporating the business in 1977, and was known for his custom-built homes. But William Minton said his father was most proud of the more than 50 churches that he built, renovated or expanded.

"We've always been well-known in the area for building custom homes," he said. "But churches were always what my dad was the most proud of." Among the 22 churches he built are Ames United Methodist Church in Bel Air, Advent Lutheran Church in Forest Hill, Fallston United Methodist Church, Bel Forest Baptist Church in Bel Air and Upper Crossroads Baptist Church in Fallston.

The company also built firehouses in Jarrettsville, Fallston, Whiteford and Fawn Grove, Pa, William Minton said.

Mr. Minton was a founding member of North Harford Baptist Church, which he served for many years as a deacon, Sunday School superintendent, teacher and trustee. Funeral services were held there Thursday.

He is also survived by his wife of 56 years, the former Eleanor Trout; sons James E. Minton and Robert A. Minton, also of Jarrettsville; a daughter, Carolyn L. Ramsburg of Street; six grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.

The family suggested memorial contributions to North Harford Baptist Church, 4008 Old Federal Hill Road, Jarrettsville 21084.