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Wedgewood Park church celebrates 50 years
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Former and current pastors for Wedgewood Park Evangelical Church in Austintown gathered during the 50th anniversary celebration at their house of worship on April 1. They are, from left, Mike Soltis, current pastor Dave Dennis, Bruce Hill, Jack Ward, Jim Hanson, Bob Zetterburg, and Don Metz.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Before Wedgewood Park Church moved to Meridian Road in Austintown in 1962, the congregation gathered in many different locations throughout Youngstown. Caroline Wilt (left) and Jim Grope have been with the congregation since the community of faith was founded in 1932, and joyfully celebrated the 50th celebration of Wedgewood in Austintown on April 1.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Wedgewood Park Evangelical Church member Marilyn Eberle looked through some of the collages and scrapbooks on display for the 50th anniversary celebration of the church on April 1.
By SARAH FOOR
April 1 was an important day at Wedgewood Park Evangelical Church in Austintown.
The church observed Palm Sunday, but also marked the 50th anniversary of the church’s service to the Austintown community.
Back in 1932, Rev. Jackie Burrows hosted the first religious service at a location at Ridge Avenue in Youngstown. Once Rev. Harry James took the helm, the church moved to many locations around Youngstown until the congregation approved a relocation and building project in 1961. The first service in their home at 1944 S. Meridian Road was held on Easter Sunday, April 22, 1962.
The 50th anniversary milestone began with Bishop Bruce Hill speaking during the April 1 morning service.
“This is a day of celebration, where we are thankful for our rich heritage here in Austintown. Our mission in the years ahead has always been our mission — to teach others about Jesus through the way we live, the way we love and the way we worship,” Hill said during his sermon.
Jim Dudley, who serves as president of the board, said the church boasts a lively congregation of 100 that includes a youth group, Bible studies and support for others in community food drives and service at the Mahoning Valley Rescue Mission.
“We are proud of our 50 years because we continue to serve God and spread His word,” Dudley said.
Following the morning service, the congregation traveled to the church’s Family Life Center to enjoy a catered meal and the musical entertainment of Chris Mowrey, a Christian musician and youth minister at nearby Four Mile Run Christian Church in Austintown.
The afternoon meal provided a chance for members of the church to share old and new memories. The crowd included Jim Grope, 90, and Caroline Wilt, 92, who both have attended the church since 1932.
“We were there when the church was only a tent,” Grope mentioned.
“It’s a wonderful anniversary. Our congregation has always been a loving, wonderful group who care deeply for one another. This church has meant so very much to me throughout my life,” Wilt said.