New First Presbyterian Church
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ST. MARYS -- A new church is no longer just a dream for members of the St. Marys First Presbyterian Church.
Members, friends and dignitaries representing the Maumee Valley Presbytery and the City of St. Marys were on hand for ground breaking ceremonies Sunday at the church’s 12.5 acre property on Greenville Road just south of Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. The first shovel of dirt was turned by Albertine Kuenzel, one of the oldest members of the congregation, representing the rich 165-year history of the church. She was assisted by Sara Secrest, one of the youngest members of the congregation, representing the future. The congregation currently worships at its 100-year old building at the corner of Main and High Streets in St. Marys. “Our building has served us well for a great many years,” Chairman of the Building and Relocation Committee, Bill Zink said. “But because of its traditional design, accessibility has been a problem, especially for the older members of our congregation. |
“We did the due diligence of investigating the possibility of remodeling, but the cost was not in good stewardship,” Zink added. “We would have spent the same amount of money as new construction and still had an old building.” “Part of our mission is to reach out to the unchurched of the area and to bring more people in touch with the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. We believe a new worship facility is imperative if we are to meet that goal,” Zink said. After an extensive two-year pastor search by church members, The Rev. Keith Kivlin came to the St. Marys First Presbyterian Church as its full-time pastor in June. And with The Rev. Kivlin’s 30 years of ministerial experience, Zink said church Elders felt they had the leadership to move forward in faith and begin planning for construction. We have a major commitment and undertaking ahead of us,” Chairman of the Building Campaign Committee Tom Morgan said. “We have a strong financial base to begin the project, but we still have a long way to go to meet the costs of the entire $550,000 project.” |
Morgan said the congregation has set a goal of raising an additional $350,000 to help complete the construction of the new facility.
“We’re well under way with our campaign, but we are going to need the support of the community if we are to be successful,” he said. The new Presbyterian Church will seat 192 people in the sanctuary, have four classrooms, an office, a fellowship hall and a kitchen.The Elders of the church feel that the close proximity to JTDMH will provide an excellent opportunity for a day care center. In addition, plans are under way for opening the sanctuary to families and visitors of hospital patients for spiritual uplifting in times of struggle. The members of the St. Marys First Presbyterian Church invite everyone to join their joy and celebration as they move forward in the once in a lifetime opportunity. Donations to the Building Fund can be made by contacting Tom Morgan at 394-3802 or Bill Zink at 394-3802. To contact the church directly, phone 394-5059. |
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