South Side church memorabilia sold at rummage sale today

YOUNGSTOWN

Ruth Zembower’s voice was heavy when she described her long association with Bethlehem Lutheran Church — and the surprise she felt upon learning about its sudden fate.

“I was overwhelmed regarding its closing and the short notice,” the 35-year member and church secretary recalled.

As a result, Bethlehem Lutheran, which held its final service Dec. 28, was the site of a rummage sale today at the church, 388 E. Midlothian Blvd., on the South Side.

Many members and nonmembers braved the subzero cold to attend the eight-hour sale of the church’s contents. Funds raised will be used to maintain the 50-year-old building until it’s sold, noted Zembower, who also made many blankets for sale.

She attributed a steady decline in membership and the transference of the church’s most-recent pastor as the main reasons for the closing.

Read more about the sale and the church's history in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.