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Christ Church Presbyterian marking 65th anniversary
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
Christ Church Presbyterian is aptly described as a neighborhood church.
Mike Shepherd, elder and unofficial historian of the church, the Rev. Paul Coleman, the first pastor, knocked on doors around the church location at 1933 Canfield Road to announce the planting of a new house of worship. “Most charter members lived around this neighborhood ... within a mile of the church,” he said. “Many walked to church.”
The church was established because there were no other Presbyterian sites in that area. The church began with 177 members including Ray Bradich, 97, who was able to attend one of the celebrations. Shepherd said an assignment on census data given to Pittsburgh Theological Seminary students in 1951 was used for church plants. “We’re still a neighborhood church ... it’s our philosophy,” Shepherd said.
Shepherd along with the Rev. Mark Thompson, pastor; Judy and Bob Davis, 63-year members; and Ellen Litwin, associate member, talked about the church and its 65th anniversary.
The original church sanctuary is now called the chapel and is used for services such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and the women’s retreat. It seats 120. A stained-glass window behind the altar was installed in 1981.
In Prudner Hall, Shepherd said he gathered some items of historical significance. There is a cross crafted from wood from the original sanctuary. There also is a trowel mounted on the wall that was used in the dedication service of the new sanctuary Nov. 24, 1961, with the Rev. Paul Coleman, who planted the church and served as pastor from 1951-86.
Shepherd said his wife, on a visit to Butler Institute of American Art, found a painting of the church and procured it. It now is displayed along with an architect’s rendering of the new sanctuary. He added that the architect, a church member, died suddenly and his funeral was the first service in the new sanctuary and the second, a wedding. Pipes of a Casavant organ, which was installed in 1976, is a highlight of the sanctuary. Kathy Banks is organist.
Christ Church Presbyterian’s history notes an all-time high membership of 1,422 in May 1972. “There were two worship services and early and late Sunday schools,” Shepherd said. Current membership is a “stable” 150, he said.
The church shares a minister, the Rev. Mr. Thompson, with Wickliffe Presbyterian Church. He started at Christ Church on Nov. 8, 2015, and is part time at both churches. The practice of sharing is termed “being yoked” with another church. Shepherd praised the minister, noting, “He’s been a great help to us.” Mr. Thompson began a Bible study on Wednesday mornings.
The church offers a free breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. the last Saturday of the month. Three crews rotate preparing and serving the meal. It has a steady attendance of about 35.
Judy Davis said the Lydia Circle is a sewing group that makes quilts for Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley and others in need. The Women’s Organization has provided funeral meals and does fundraisers.
Bob Davis, who is a deacon, said that group serves as greeters, does collections and arranges lunches and various meals for the church membership. The deacons also have a visitation program for shut-ins. “I’ve learned so much from these elderly people,” he said. “It’s a very rewarding activity.”
He also serves as a liturgist, who welcomes members to worship, makes announcements and announces hymns.
The church also provides space for outside groups to meet. The Youngstown Connection rehearses at the church and in return sings at worship services occasionally.
“It’s a nice experience to walk into the church and hear them rehearsing,” Bob Davis said.
For about four years, an afterschool program with tutoring for Youngstown students was housed at the church.
The church makes financial donations to The Needle’s Eye Christian Counseling Center and Protestant Family Service.
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), AA and Narcotics Anonymous groups meet at the church.
Mr. Thompson said there will be the first joint Christmas Eve service at Wickliffe. “The choirs will combine,’ he said. “We have to re-orient to a new time, day and place,” he said of changing circumstances for churches and their memberships. “We want to reclaim the vibrant ministry of the church.”
“Church members are welcoming and friendly,” he said. “We’re working on getting members in the door.”
Judy Davis, a crafter, said a crafter who participated in the recent show at the church commented to her how friendly the church was. “We try to be outgoing and friendly,” Judy Davis said. “We’re glad to see new people.”