poland united methodist church Through the years

Poland United Methodist Church will mark its 50th year in its location at 1940 Boardman-Poland Road, Poland. A service is planned at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and will feature a video. The Rev. Orlando Chafee, district superintendent, will attend. After the service, the new elevator will be dedicated. A meal will follow in fellowship hall.

1800s: The original Methodist church was a frame structure and was built in 1834 and extensively remodeled in 1867. Its location was on Youngstown-Poland Road.

1900s: Poland United Methodist Church was built in 1905 and was the second Methodist church to occupy the Youngstown-Poland Road location.

1950s: On April 1, 1957, the church was destroyed by fire. The congregation broke ground Sept. 15, 1957, for a new church at a new location, 1940 Boardman-Poland Road. On April 4, 1958, a service was held in new building on the open steel framework of what is now the balcony and those attending were the pastor, contractor and 62 workmen of different faiths. On June 22, 1958, the congregation began worshipping in fellowship hall and on Aug. 31, the first service was in the sanctuary. From 1957-68, the church held fund-raiser dinners during the Canfield Fair to help pay for the church.

1970s: The church held a day of fulfillment and dedication May 20, 1973, and former pastors attended. The mortgage was burned.

2000s: In 2005, a capital campaign was started to make improvements including new heating, lighting, windows and outside doors, air conditioning for the sanctuary and a handicapped-accessible restroom. An elevator, portico and foyer were added in 2007. This month, the sanctuary will be painted and this summer, a new roof will be put on.

2009: The church will mark its 175th anniversary.