43
Church celebrates 175th anniversary
By LINDA M. LINONIS
AUSTINTOWN
West Austintown First United Methodist Church has much to celebrate – it’s the 175th anniversary of the church; the 50th year in ministry of its pastor, the Rev. Dr. George L. Lee; and the mortgage was paid off eight years ahead of schedule.
Missey Rech, anniversary coordinator, said there will be “a lot of surprises.”
A highlight will be guest speaker, the Rev. Dr. Gary George, administrative assistant to the bishop in the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church, who was ordained with Pastor Lee.
In another way, it’s the beginning of a long goodbye as Pastor Lee has announced his retirement. His final day will be the last Sunday in June.
“The generosity of members made the mortgage payoff possible,” Rech said. “It’s the faithful giving of members,” added Trudie Lee, wife of the pastor.
The current church was built in 2003 at a cost of $1 million; the mortgage will be burned at the celebration to mark being debt-free.
The three recently discussed activities of the church.
United Methodist Women are involved in myriad projects, including food drives, clothing distribution, funeral dinners and about 12 mission endeavors including Operation Christmas Child’s shoebox project with toys, hygiene products and school supplies for needy children. The men’s group sponsors a Valentine’s dinner for women. Trustees handle the building and grounds.
This year, seven young people will be confirmed May 15, Pentecost Sunday.
Ohltown United Methodist Church and West Austintown UMC co-sponsor a well-attended vacation Bible school during the third week of June. About 50 children from kindergarten to sixth grade participate, said the pastor, adding some 40 volunteers work on the project.
The church also adopted a new teacher at William Holmes McGuffey Elementary School in Youngstown. “We help with supplies,” Rech said. That included a printer and ink.
West Austintown also supports Protestant Family Service, United Methodist Community Center and Salvation Army through various projects.
The music ministry is a highlight. There is a Chancel Choir, Solid Rock praise band, bell choir, men’s and children’s groups and Women of Grace. “The church has a tradition of music,” Rech said.
Rech and Pastor Lee credited Valerie Wilson, choir and praise band director, with an “explosion” in the music ministry. Mary Hallewell is pianist.
“More than half of worship is music. It sets the mood and helps us center ourselves,” Pastor Lee said.
The pastor described West Austintown as a “church of the laity. I’m the cheerleader.” He said “trust the laity, and a church grows.”
West Austintown has about 140 people worshipping at Sunday services. He added that there have been 84 baptisms.
Rech credited Pastor Lee with the strength and growth of the church. “He taught us how to reach out and love one another,” she said.