Landmark church celebrates milestone

Poland United Methodist Church marks 50 years at 1940 Boardman-Poland Road. Next year is the 175th anniversary of its founding.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

Vindicator Religion Editor

POLAND — In 1957, when a fire gutted Memorial Methodist Church on Youngstown-Poland Road or Main Street, the congregation was devastated but determined.

With faith, fortitude and good stewardship, the congregation rebuilt at 1940 Boardman-Poland Road and adopted the name, Poland United Methodist Church. The church mark its 50th year on Boardman-Poland Road at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Katie Epps, a member some 50 years who served as church secretary for 28 years through six ministers; Tom Duncan, on the finance committee and lifetime member; and the Rev. Michael D. Grant, pastor, who came to the church last summer, recently got together to talk about the church anniversary and history.

The fire, which was on April 1, seemed like a cruel coincidence because of the timing — April Fools’ Day. Epps recalled the day of the fire and watching the church burn. “I got a phone call and thought someone was playing an April Fools’ prank,” she said. “Many of us stood across the street and watched the fire. The volunteer fire departments worked so hard.”

Later it was discovered that a short in electrical wiring near the organ in the sanctuary started the fire; and it was thought it had smoldered for days before igniting.

Though the congregation suffered the loss of its church, the situation worked out. Church members, Ernest and Mary Withers, now deceased, donated three acres at the church’s present location. And the church bought an additional acre next to the property, Duncan said. “I remember it being used as a polo field,” he said.

They met and worshipped in North Elementary School and a church-owned house at 12 Youngstown Road until June 1958 when the first worship service was held in what was the skeleton of the fellowship hall. Later, on Aug. 31, the congregation held its first worship in the sanctuary.

“They prayed as they went,” Epps said of the building project. The church plans included the narthex, sanctuary, offices, classrooms, library, dining room, multiuse fellowship hall and Grace Chapel.

The Rev. Mr. Grant said the congregation at the time had the qualities of being prudent and forward thinking. The church had the bulk of the funds to pay for the new construction. “The Methodist Church at large wants to make sure congregations don’t get into something over their heads,” he said, referring to financial situations.

In a church history, it noted 76 percent of the building fund was from pledges, 2 percent from groups within the church and 8 percent from the food concession operated for more than a decade at the Canfield Fair. The debt of $600,000 was rapidly reduced.

From 1957-68, the church sponsored a tent at the fair, where sit-down dinners were offered. “Some 300 people were needed to keep that going,” Duncan said of the project. Meals were made at the church and transported to the fairgrounds, where they were kept warm in ovens set up there. And it’s estimated that the bakers of the church made some 65,000 pies during the fair project.

Recent improvements, Duncan said, have included a new heating system, upgraded electrical system, air conditioning in the sanctuary, new doors and windows, elevator and handicap-accessible restroom.

“Some of the improvements are saving money on energy,” he said. The cost of the elevator was covered by funds willed from three estates.

Though the church is a landmark site, the people of the church make it what it is.

“I think we’re a praying church,” Epps said, noting that the congregation prays first and then decisions are made. “Prayer guides us.”

Duncan described the church as “family-oriented.” “Friendships I’ve developed at church have carried over socially,” he said.

Mr. Grant, a relative newcomer, said the congregation has been very accepting and welcoming.

The pastor commented on the range of activities offered at the church among them the five women’s circles, Abigail, Hope, Lydia, Mary Martha and Sisters; junior and senior high school youth groups; kids’ club that meets Wednesday afternoons; and volleyball for youth and adults. The youth groups will take a mission trip to Vermont this summer. The kids’ club, geared to kindergarten through sixth grade, offers Bible stories, crafts and music.

Mr. Grant said the women’s circles focus on mission work. “They’re the backbone of the church,” he said.

Boy and Girl Scout troops have met at the church over the years, and Duncan added that Boy Scout Troop 2 had met at Poland UMC since 1948. “There are a phenomenal number of Eagle Scouts,” he said.

The church also has developed a reputation for its annual turkey dinner. “We’ve been having them forever,” Duncan said of the popular fundraiser. In fact, at some events, 1,000 dinners have been sold.

That’s rivaled in popularity by the monthly chicken dinners held the first Thursday. Customers drive up and pick up the carry-out dinners in boxes. The fundraiser benefits missions nationally and internationally.

“There’s a lot of good food at this church,” Duncan said.

The church also reaches into the community. During the last week of the month, church members volunteer at the Salvation Army. Duncan said the church has been involved in that outreach about two years.

Poland UMC also is the host for Poland Interfaith Food Pantry, which involves five churches. The pantry distributes food to those in need who are members of the supporting churches or who live in Poland.

“It’s an excellent endeavor,” Mr. Grant said. And various community organizations meet at the church.

While Poland UMC is marking its 50th year in this church, it will observe another milestone next year to the 175th anniversary of its founding.

“The faithfulness of the generations have made this possible and we hope to continue,” Mr. Grant said.