First Church of the Resurrection facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Church of the Resurrection |
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Church exterior in 1997
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| 40°47′51″N 81°22′12″W / 40.7975416°N 81.3699945°W | |
| Location | 901 Tuscarawas Street East, Canton, Ohio |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Non-denominational |
| Previous denomination | United Church of Christ |
| Churchmanship | Evangelical |
| Membership | 60 |
| History | |
| Former name(s) |
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| Status | Church |
| Founded | 1810 |
| Founder(s) | Rev John Peter Mahnenschmidt |
| Dedication | 1862 |
| Dedicated | October 5, 1862 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Architectural type | Gothic Revival |
| Groundbreaking | Spring 1861 |
| Construction cost | $7,000 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 450 |
| Number of floors | 4 |
| Number of towers | 1 |
| Tower height | 28 feet |
| Number of spires | 2 |
| Spire height | 145 feet (44 m); demolished in 1948 |
| Materials | Stone, wood, brick |
| Bells | 2 (English-style, full-circle ringing) |
| Tenor bell weight | 1,800 pounds (820 kg) |
The First Church of the Resurrection is a historic church located in Canton, Ohio. It's a special building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's important to history. The church building, especially its main worship area called the sanctuary, was finished and opened in 1862. In 2023, the First Church joined RiverTree Christian Church and became one of its locations.
Contents
Church History and Changes
Early Beginnings: 1810-1862
The church's story began in 1810. Back then, it was called the Union Church. It was a place for both Reformed and Lutheran groups to worship. Just two years later, in 1812, the church started its Sunday school program. This was a place for children to learn about faith. In 1843, a choir was formed, adding music to the services. The current church building, which you can see today, was built in 1862.
Growth and Remodeling: Late 1800s to Early 1900s
Around 1866 or 1871, the church started holding services in English. Before that, they were likely in German. In 1897, the church officially became known as the First German Reformed Church. The next year, in 1898, they added more space for the Sunday school. The church building also got a new look with some remodeling.
In 1903, the Women's Missionary Society was started. This group helped support missionary work. A few years later, in 1906, the church received help from the Andrew Carnegie Fund. This fund paid for half the cost of a brand new organ. The church was remodeled again in 1916. Then, in 1926 and 1927, they added a parish house, an educational center, and a social hall. These new spaces were used for meetings, classes, and community events.
Challenges and New Names: Mid-1900s
Sadly, in 1937, the parish house was destroyed by a fire. But the church didn't give up. Three years later, in 1940, the church changed its name to the First Evangelical and Reformed Church. A new parish house was built in 1941 on the same spot where the old one stood.
The church's name changed again in 1959. It became the First United Church of Christ. This happened because of a larger merger with the United Church of Christ denomination.
Music, Community, and Recognition: Late 1900s
In 1966, a new organ, made by Fratelli Ruffatti, was put into the church. Four years later, in 1970, the church hosted a special Bach musical festival. The church also started helping the community in 1978. They created the 901 Food Pantry, which gave food to people nearby.
The Karl Koepke Memorial Chapel was dedicated in 1979. This was a special small chapel within the church. In 1982, the church received an important recognition. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a historically important building. Also in 1982, an outdoor lighted sign was built, and a new parking lot opened.
Modern Changes and New Partnerships: 1990s to Today
A new, large organ was installed in 1993. This Kegg organ weighed six tons and had 1,600 pipes! From 2002 to 2005, the church added more new spaces. They built a new office wing, classrooms, and a meeting area.
In 2005, the church decided to become independent. It separated from the United Church of Christ and became the First Church of the Resurrection. The Shepherd's Garden was dedicated in 2007. Around this time, the church started offering both traditional and modern worship services. In 2008, Handel's Messiah was performed there. The church celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2010. Today, all services are held in English.
In 2018, the First Church sold its building to RiverTree Christian Church. RiverTree Christian Church is a large church with many locations. Even after the sale, First Church continued to meet in the building. In 2019, two new pastors, Rev. J.R. Rozko and Rev. Amy Rozko, began leading the church. However, challenges during the 2020 pandemic caused the number of people attending to become very small. After the Rozkos left in 2023, the First Church decided to officially join RiverTree Christian Church. It is now the eighth RiverTree Christian Church location in northeastern Ohio.
Gallery
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First Church of the Resurrection (left) and First Lutheran Church, both on the National Register of Historic Places
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The church in 1890, with the new parsonage
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Church interior in 1917
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Church interior in 2010
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Another 2010 view of the interior
