A new path

A new path

Ellsworth Community Church, formerly Ellsworth Presbyterian Church, is now nondenominational.

Background: The church, located at the intersection of state Route 45 and U.S. Route 224, was chartered in 1818 and built in 1833. The church has been a meeting place for many community groups. On the website, www.sacredlandmarks.us/Mahoning, the church is described as Carpenter Gothic architectural style and is a village landmark that played a role in the settlement of Ohio’s Western Reserve.

In the news: The church was in the news in 2009 when the congregation began a Save Our Steeple campaign. The bell tower, housing an 800-pound antique bell, began leaning after a windstorm Sept. 14, 2008. The small congregation was faced with raising nearly $73,000 for removing the damaged steeple and bell and replacing the old steeple with a fiberglass one. Tony and Mary Lariccia, Valley philanthropists, donated $50,000 to the cause, and the church raised $25,000. The new steeple was dedicated Aug. 18, 2013.

Upcoming: A vacation Bible school will take place from 9 a.m. to noon July 11 to 15 on the theme “Come Hang Out at VBS.” The free activity is for preschoolers through sixth-graders. Registration forms are available at the door; registration also will be accepted the first day.