poland united methodist church Celebration and history

Poland United Methodist Church, 1940 Boardman-Poland Road, will mark its 175th anniversary next weekend. A community, family-oriented event is planned from 2 to 7 p.m. Sept. 19 with games and music including Tia Ciferno at 4, evangelist Ricky Riggs at 5 and Gospel group Redemption at 6. Bishop John L. Hopkins of the East Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will be the keynote speaker at a worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 20, which will include elements of the contemporary with the praise team and traditional. A dinner 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 had a day of fulfillment and dedication May 20, 1973, and former pastors attended. The mortgage was burned.

1990s: A group of church members were trained in a national program, Stephen Ministry, to be confidential listeners and supporters in times of grief, illness or crisis. A Jesus and Me session was initiated as a service by and for youth.

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. In 2008, the sanctuary was painted and a new roof put on.

Source: Poland UMC