Local church wants to ensure legacy amid upcoming closure

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) — A church is set to close its doors by the end of next year but is looking to ensure its legacy by finding a new organization to occupy the building.

Known by some as the “church with the golden dome,” First United Church of Christ has long been a part of downtown Warren. The cornerstone of the structure was laid in 1912, but it’s quickly approaching the end of an era. The church has started the process of repurposing its building and is leaving by the end of next year.

Gerald Gammon, with First United Church of Christ, says they feel it’s necessary to leave, but they plan to keep their ministry alive in some other way.

“It’s unfortunate. Many of our members have been here their entire life, and it’s a very emotional, difficult thing to do,” Gammon said. “We’ve lost population in the area, and the church itself has lost population because God has called quite a few home.”

They are calling on the community to carry on their legacy of giving back. They are offering other churches, historical and civic organizations the chance to occupy the building when they leave.

The church has served German-style dinners for years, and recently worked with the Warren Family Mission.

“We donate food to them every year at Thanksgiving,” said Ron Schock, with the church. “We currently, over the last couple of years, have had toy drives so that kids at Christmastime can have toys on Christmas morning.”

“As we get closer to the end, there are going to be a lot of tearful Sundays. There’ll be a lot of tearful gatherings. We plan to have some dinners to reminisce,” Gammon said.

Gammon says he doesn’t want to see the building dwindle away to nothingness.

“My big fear is that this building will become a parking lot — and I don’t want that. No one wants that,” Gammon said.

Anyone interested in the space is asked to contact the church office Monday through Friday during the hours of 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. by calling 330-394-4741.

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