MAHONING VALLEY Several area churches mark their anniversaries

YOUNGSTOWN -- A number of churches are celebrating their anniversaries throughout the Mahoning Valley.
The events include:
The Rev. Dr. Carlton Young will be the guest speaker at 10:45 a.m. Sept. 21 in Trinity United Methodist Church, 30 W. Front St.
The former minister at Trinity will introduce a musical piece he has written and scored especially for the church's ongoing 200th anniversary celebration, and present a message, "Trinity Church, A House of Prayer for All People."
The pastor has served as editor of two revisions of the United Methodist hymnal used throughout the world. He is the music consultant and editor of Global Praise Publications for the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries and has 150 published works and has received 27 awards as a composer and editor.
Central Christian
In Warren, Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 2051 E. Market St., is also celebrating its 200th anniversary.
Concord Baptist Church was founded in 1803. After meeting in the homes of the settlers, the church erected its first building in downtown Warren in 1821. The present structure on East Market is the church's fifth building.
In 1828, evangelist Walter Scott rode the Mahoning Valley Baptist Association circuit. The church split that summer, with one group following Scott, Alexander and Thomas Campbell, and Barton W. Stone, which eventually formed Central Christian. The other group formed First Baptist Church in Warren
Bicentennial events include a free concert for youths by the Lester Finn Experiment at 3 p.m. today at the church.
At 3 p.m. Sunday, storyteller Donald Davis and a community choir will appear at a community service at the Warren Amphitheater.
Dr. Calvin Miller, a professor of preaching and pastoral care at Beason Divinity School will lead a worship service at 7:30 p.m. next Saturday. He will also present a free preaching seminar for ministers from 9:30 a.m. to noon next Saturday at the church. Call (330) 372-1676 to make a reservation.
In Southington, Southington Christian Church, 3285 state Route 534 will celebrate its 175th anniversary from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the church and the gazebo across the street. A silent auction from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will benefit church missions, including sending Brenda Church to work at Betel, a drug rehabilitation program in the United Kingdom, for one year. There will be a variety of foods and games. There will be music at the gazebo all day, ending in a Christian rock concert at 5:30 p.m.
St. Stephen Church
In Niles, St. Stephen Church, 129 Park Ave., will observe its 150th anniversary when Bishop Thomas Tobin of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and St. Stephen's pastor, the Rev. John Gubser, celebrate Mass at 3 p.m. Sunday.
A dinner will follow at 5:30 p.m. at Ciminero's Banquet Center. Speakers include Judy Conti, principal of St. Stephen School, and Paul Heltzel, a parishioner.
St. Stephen's was founded in 1853 by Irish immigrants who worked in the Valley's steel mills. At the time, the only other Catholic church in Trumbull and Mahoning counties was St. Mary's Church in Warren.
The church at 129 W. Park Ave., was constructed between 1888 and 1891, after the congregation outgrew its first building at the same location. The school, which is celebrating its 135th anniversary, is the oldest Catholic school in Trumbull County.
As part of the anniversary, parishioners are raising $58,000 to renovate the church's historical organ. The church has also created a history book and a pictorial directory. The anniversary will end with a Mass at 11 a.m. Dec. 28 to celebrate the feast day of St. Stephen, followed by a brunch.
In Struthers, Fellowship Church of God in Christ, 115 Frank St., will celebrate its 13th anniversary at 11 a.m. Sept. 28. A dinner will be served after the service. Call (330) 750-0002.