Forward through the ages
Following a special worship service led by Rev. Dr. Gary George, assistant to the EOC Bishop, an anniversary celebration was held Sunday, July 10, in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church in Uhrichsville. The church is 175 years old, having its humble beginnings in 1836.
The founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, made a surprise appearance (Jack McKeown of Uhrichsville portrayed John Wesley). He spoke to the gathered members, friends, and guests about his life serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Former pastors who served the church, Rev. Jeff Belt (1989-1992), now residing in Heath, and Rev. Barb Garth Dibel (1992-1994) of Akron, were in attendance and shared their fond memories. Rev. John Clark is the current pastor at First Church.
Music, door prizes and a PowerPoint game of Jeopardy, telling of the beginnings of the Uhrichsville church, added to the celebration.
A roll call of members was presented. Ora Kinghorn, 103, of the Maple Grove area in Uhrichsville, was unable to attend due to a family reunion. She joined the church in 1922 and is an 89-year member. Vivian Maxwell, of Uhrichsville, 75 years; Anna Mae McCloud, 74 years and Kenny and Dorothy Lint, 73 years, all of Tuscarawas, were some of the members in attendance. Each person with 50 or more years of membership was given a certificate of recognition.
Those who came to the anniversary celebration enjoyed a covered dish after the program.
The church is planning more special activities throughout the summer to celebrate its anniversary. The community is invited to an Outdoor Movie Night August 20, at 9 p.m. A Block Party/Open House at the church will be held from 4-6 p.m., with a concert to follow Sept. 17. Performing will be the Shiloh Mountain Trio. Bring a chair or blanket to the parking lot located behind the church on East Third Street. All activities can be moved inside the church in case of rain.
The founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, made a surprise appearance (Jack McKeown of Uhrichsville portrayed John Wesley). He spoke to the gathered members, friends, and guests about his life serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Former pastors who served the church, Rev. Jeff Belt (1989-1992), now residing in Heath, and Rev. Barb Garth Dibel (1992-1994) of Akron, were in attendance and shared their fond memories. Rev. John Clark is the current pastor at First Church.
Music, door prizes and a PowerPoint game of Jeopardy, telling of the beginnings of the Uhrichsville church, added to the celebration.
A roll call of members was presented. Ora Kinghorn, 103, of the Maple Grove area in Uhrichsville, was unable to attend due to a family reunion. She joined the church in 1922 and is an 89-year member. Vivian Maxwell, of Uhrichsville, 75 years; Anna Mae McCloud, 74 years and Kenny and Dorothy Lint, 73 years, all of Tuscarawas, were some of the members in attendance. Each person with 50 or more years of membership was given a certificate of recognition.
Those who came to the anniversary celebration enjoyed a covered dish after the program.
The church is planning more special activities throughout the summer to celebrate its anniversary. The community is invited to an Outdoor Movie Night August 20, at 9 p.m. A Block Party/Open House at the church will be held from 4-6 p.m., with a concert to follow Sept. 17. Performing will be the Shiloh Mountain Trio. Bring a chair or blanket to the parking lot located behind the church on East Third Street. All activities can be moved inside the church in case of rain.
Published: July 31, 2011
