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Old North Church, in its 75th year, is committed to Christ and community
By LINDA M. LINONIS
Canfield
There’s been an Old North Church building, known by other names, in the township almost as long as Canfield has existed.
Church history recounts that a small Bible study group, Society of Separated Ones led by the Rev. Georgia Leonard, organized Ye Olde North Church on Oct. 11, 1936. The minister and 21 others formed the foundation of Old North based on Baptist principles.
The slogan for its 75th anniversary, “rich history, bright future,” reflects the background of the church and what its leadership and members hope to attain in the years ahead.
Today, the Rev. Dr. Brent Allen is senior pastor and leads the pastoral staff who serve members from birth to seniors. Recently, he and the Rev. Chris Drombetta, church administrator, discussed the past, present and future of the church.
Pastor Allen said the church is rooted in the Baptist tradition, and that affiliation continues to this day. It is a member of Converge Worldwide, the name adopted by the Baptist General Conference in 2008.
The pastor, who came to Old North in 1989, identified three “core values” of the church as: commitment to Biblical preaching and teaching, intentional and personal discipleship and healthy children, healthy families. “We believe that the Bible is God’s word,” Pastor Allen said. He said the values are “core DNA.”
Pastor Allen said the executive staff and elders led the process of delineating the values through “prayer, brainstorming and conscious effort.” The church website, www.oldnorthchurch.org, outlines its mission, vision, programs and outreach.
The church, Pastor Allen said, has about 1,500 adults and children who attend and are involved in programs. The pastor said the church works within and outside of church walls to follow the example of Jesus Christ. “We’re committed to the community and meeting needs,” he said.
To that end, Old North and its members partner with some 30 local and international organizations. In the Valley, that includes Operation Blessing, a community food pantry housed at Canfield Presbyterian Church; Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley; Pregnancy Help Center in Youngstown; and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The church also supports missionaries around the globe. Old North has donated some $5 million to outreach programs throughout its history.
The Rev. Mr. Drombetta said the church sponsors a sports program that has a huge following.
“It’s a way to connect. ... This is a huge sports area,” he said.
Basketball, flag football, soccer, lacrosse and cheerleading draws some 500 children, he said.
Participation serves various purposes, but the church is interested in “character building and values” that sports can teach, Mr. Drombetta said of the sports ministry.
Pastor Allen and Mr. Drombetta said these youth-oriented programs are steps to fostering healthy children and families — with attention to spiritual and all-around health.
Wednesdays are big nights at the church; that’s when Awana, a national youth program, is held.
The website describes Awana as a means for children to build relationships with one another, their leaders and with God. Games, crafts, activities and Bible study are highlights of the program for children from 3 years old through eighth grade.
Mr. Drombetta said FX, the family experience, takes place monthly, also on Wednesdays.
The family-oriented activity centers around a theater, drama, acting and building sets. It’s another step to nurturing healthy children and families.
The two programs get under way this month.
The Rev. Cyle Young, children’s pastor, said a new Sunday school program, Foreverland, will be launched. It offers age-specific activities and a creative place for children to learn about God’s love, he said.
The two leaders referred to the church vision “to be a Christ-centered, multi-generational community of disciple-making disciples.”
To that end, there are ministries geared to high school and college students, adults and seniors.
The church also tends to spiritual needs through its prayer chain.
Pastor Allen and Mr. Drombetta said Old North wanted to celebrate its 75th year with a community event. That activity, open to all, will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17 at the church.
“It’s to celebrate God’s blessing on Old North and the Valley,” Pastor Allen said.
“We want to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Mr. Drombetta, who has been at Old North for five years, oversees the staff, finances, facilities and music ministry.
He said Old North revolves around learning “who God is, what He has done for us and what it means to us.”
Old North Church, 7105 Herbert Road, Canfield, is marking its 75th anniversary.
Church and community celebration: The free event is scheduled from 2 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17 on church grounds. It will feature pony rides, face painting, volleyball, kickball, Twister, corn-hole tournament, bocce, music, food and fellowship. The church will conduct a special service at 6 p.m. Oct. 9 focusing on Old North history and presence in the community. A video vignette will be featured.
Vision: To be a Christ-centered, multi-generational community of disciple-making disciples.
Pastors and ministry leaders: The Rev. Dr. Brent Allen, senior pastor; the Rev. Chris Drombetta, church administrator; Rick Enlow, director of care and assimilation; Ryan Farr, middle school and sports director; Shawn Sprouse, student and family pastor; Marty Sweeney, pastor of adult discipleship; and the Rev. Cyle Young, children’s pastor.
Old North Church: In 1936, an interdenominational group with Baptist principles organized as Ye Olde North Church with 21 members and the Rev. Georgia Leonard as its first pastor. Official records began Oct. 11, 1936. The church adopted a constitution and filed articles of incorporation Jan. 23, 1943. Prior to 1936, Old North had a presence in the community as a building.
1950s: In 1953, the church sold property on Route 46 to Ohio Land Agents for the Ohio Turnpike. That July, the building, including a steeple circa 1896, was moved down Route 46 to the corner of Skyline and 46. An educational unit was added. The church was accepted May 6, 1954, into the Middle East Baptist Conference and Baptist General Conference of America.
1960s and ‘70s: The church added more classrooms, chapel, new sanctuary and fellowship hall.
1999: The church relocated to 40 acres at 7105 Herbert Road. The sanctuary seats 1,100, and facilities include a library; children, youth and adult classrooms, Great Room and family life center (gym).