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North Springfield Presbyterian still a focal point in Ellet area
By Colette M. Jenkins
Beacon Journal religion writer
Published on Saturday, Apr 25, 2009
Some of the first members of North Springfield Presbyterian Church rode seven miles in an ox cart on mud roads every Sunday to attend worship service.
They used kerosene lighting and an outdoor bathroom.
Today, the congregation enjoys indoor plumbing, electricity and paved roads.
But one thing has remained the same in the congregation's 200-year history — its standing as a focal point in the Ellet community.
''This church has always been involved in the community,'' said the Rev. Janet Lowery, who has served as the church's pastor for 10 years. ''We are an anchor for the Ellet neighborhood. More than 350 people from the community are in our buildings weekly for programs like AA (Alcoholics
Anonymous), Good Neighbors Food Pantry, Al-Anon and Alateen, Eastgate Preschool and the Rubber Capital Harmonica Club.''
On Sunday, the congregation, which distinguishes itself as the oldest in Akron, will spend the day celebrating its bicentennial. The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee in the fellowship hall. The church is at Canton Road and Albrecht Avenue.
To mark the historic event, the church bell will toll 200 times and the congregation will use its special-occasion pewter communion set, purchased with the money from the sale of a steer in the early 1800s and brought to the church on horseback. The American pewter plate, pitcher and two cups will be used during the 10:45 a.m. worship service.
The morning reunion service will feature the Rev. Dan Schomer, regional leader of Presbyterian Church USA, as speaker. Members of 50 years or more will be recognized, and there will be a potluck dinner after the service.
A bagpipe concert will begin at 3:30 p.m. Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic will be the keynote speaker at the 4 p.m. program. A reception after the afternoon service will feature music by the Men's Quartet and the OPEN M Diamond Girls.
The church was established in 1809 by a group of Scot-Irish settlers in what was then Portage County. It started out in a log structure on the north shore of Springfield Lake.
In 1820, a church member (and successful landowner), David Ellet, allowed a church ''meeting house'' to be built on his property at the crossroads in the northern portion of Springfield Township. The town was known informally as North Springfield or Springfield Center.
Ten years later, David Ellet sold more than four acres of land to the congregation for a church or cemetery for $50. In exchange, he was given permanent use of pew number one.
The church was renovated in 1867. Latches were removed from the pew doors to give easier access for hoop skirts. That same year, a manse (parsonage) was built facing Canton Road.
Over the years, the church has undergone several changes and expansions to its 1828 building. It became an Akron church when the Ellet area was annexed into the city in 1929.
Ten years after the annexation, Robert Weyrick joined the mainline church. He said the congregation has always strived to be a place where people are comfortable.
''Our motto here, 'Open Hearts, Open Minds,' is one way to characterize who we are,'' said Weyrick, a member for 70 years. ''We are open to helping our community in whatever way we can.''
At various times in its history, the congregation's property has been home to a school and a town hall. It has leased a parking lot and frontage on Canton Road to a bank since 1959.
The church has been home to a group of Boy Scout troops. It became popular in the late 1940s for its Elleteen dances which sometimes attracted more than 300 teens and sparked controversy with some local clergy.
The historic cemetery behind the church contains the graves of David Ellet; his granddaughter Minnie Ellet, an Akron Temperance leader; and Aiden Wilson Tozer, an evangelical author who wrote nearly 40 books about faith. Each year, out-of-town visitors make a special pilgrimage to the Ellet Cemetery to honor the 20th-century prophet. Veterans, spanning service in the Revolutionary War to the Korean War, are also buried there.
Pastors of the church have been instrumental in establishing and maintaining churches in Akron, Mogadore and Streetsboro.
David Cullison, chairman of the anniversary committee, said he was drawn to the church 25 years ago because of its warmth and friendliness.
''My favorite part of this church is that it's like one big family. We are very welcoming. People from all walks of life fit in here,'' Cullison said. ''The neighborhood is our mission field and we strive to be good neighbors.''
As the 104-member congregation celebrates its past, Lowery said the challenge is to look forward and begin the next 100 years.
''This church has been strong about walking in faith,'' Lowery said. ''God has walked with us in the past and made us a fruitful congregation. We invite him to continue walking with us.''
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com.
Some of the first members of North Springfield Presbyterian Church rode seven miles in an ox cart on mud roads every Sunday to attend worship service.
Get the full article here.
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akron, oh
Posted 01:04 AM, 04/29/2009
way to go i am glad for our church hopefully we can see 200 more yeras:}
