First Church of the Resurrection facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Church of the Resurrection |
|
|---|---|
Church exterior in 1997
|
|
| 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) |
|
| 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 at 901 Tuscarawas Street East in Canton, Ohio. It's so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places! The main part of the church, called the sanctuary, was finished and dedicated in 1862. In 2023, because fewer people were attending, First Church joined RiverTree Christian Church as one of their locations.
Contents
History of the Church
Early Years and Building Changes
The church's story began in 1810 when the Union Church was built. This church was shared by both Reformed and Lutheran groups. Just two years later, in 1812, a Sunday school was started for children.
In 1843, a choir was formed, adding music to the services. The current church building, which you can see today, was constructed in 1862. Around 1866 or 1871, the church began holding services in English, in addition to German. A group called the ladies' aid society was also started in 1879 to help the church.
Growth and New Additions
In 1897, the church officially became known as the First German Reformed Church. The next year, a new addition was built for the Sunday school, and the church building was updated. In 1903, the Women's Missionary Society was founded.
A few years later, in 1906, the famous Andrew Carnegie Fund helped pay for half the cost of a new organ. The church was remodeled again in 1916. Then, in 1926 and 1927, a parish house, an educational center, and a social hall were added.
Changes in Name and Community Work
Sadly, the parish house was destroyed by fire in 1937. 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 to the First United Church of Christ. This happened because of a larger merger with the United Church of Christ. In 1966, a new organ made by Fratelli Ruffatti was installed. Four years later, in 1970, a special Bach musical festival was held.
The church also started helping the community in a big way. In 1978, the 901 Food Pantry began giving food to people in the local area. The Karl Koepke Memorial Chapel was dedicated in 1979. In 1982, the church was officially listed on the National Register for Historical Places. This year also saw a new outdoor lighted sign and the opening of a west parking lot.
Modern Era and New Beginnings
A brand new, large pipe organ was installed in 1993. This organ weighed six tons and had 1,600 pipes! From 2002 to 2005, the church added a new office wing, classrooms, and a meeting area.
In 2005, the church decided to become independent and changed its name to the First Church of the Resurrection. The Shepherd's Garden was dedicated in 2007, and the church began offering both traditional and modern worship services. In 2008, Handel's Messiah was performed. The church celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2010. Today, all services are held in English.
In 2018, as fewer people were attending, First Church sold its building to RiverTree Christian Church for a small amount of money. RiverTree Christian Church is a large church with many locations. RiverTree used the building to create the One Center for Leadership, a space for shared workspaces, leadership training, and community activities.
First Church continued to meet in the building. In 2019, Rev. J.R. Rozko and Rev. Amy Rozko became co-pastors. However, the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 brought new challenges, and even fewer people attended. After the Rozkos left in 2023, First Church decided to officially join RiverTree Christian Church. It is now RiverTree's eighth location in northeastern Ohio.
Gallery
-
First Church of the Resurrection (left) and First Lutheran Church, both on the National Register of Historic Places
-
The church in 1890, with the new parsonage
-
Church interior in 1917
-
Church interior in 2010
-
Another 2010 view of the interior
