A Message From Our Pastor...

I greet you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ in this the 200th Anniversary Year of our Church. In 1810, three lots of land, then known as “Jacob Grounds” were set aside in the Town of Bethlehem (later to become Navarre, OH) for the purposes of Public Worship and Burying Ground. The “little log Church,” known as the German-Reformed Church, was built during that same year. It was the first recorded place of worship in Bethlehem Township AND in what would later become, Stark County. This was located on the northeast side of Fourth Street. This little log Church was the first of several Church buildings that would house the Congregation of, what is now, St. Paul United Church of Christ.

It is with great joy and anticipation that we turn our energies to celebrating the vital and inspiring life of this Congregation 200 years later. Please plan to join us in some, or all, of the festivities planned for the entire year of 2010. Here are some of the highlights of what is planned up to this point. More activities are yet to be added:

Sunday, January 24, 2010 ~ A Proclamation declaring 2010 as the 200th Anniversary Year of St. Paul United Church of Christ, by the Village of Navarre, will be officially declared by Mayor Robert Benson (a St. Paul UCC Member) during the 10:30 AM Church Service.

Sunday, February 28, 2010 ~ An Old-Fashioned “Hymn Sing” will dominate the 10:30 AM Service on this day.

Sunday, June 6, 2010 ~ Former Ministers and their Families will be our Honored Guests at this 10:30 AM Church Service. 

Sunday, July 18, 2010 ~ People of our Congregation (who are able) will begin the morning at the original 4th Street site of our Church, and then will walk, ride, bicycle, skateboard, rollerblade, etc to the present day site of St. Paul UCC on the corner of Route 21 and Wooster St. There we will participate in an “Old Time” Church Ser vice. (We will start at the 4th Street site at 9:00 AM, then begin the Church Service at 9:30 AM (Summer Worship hour) at the present St. Paul UCC building.) 

Sunday, August 8, 2010 ~ Our 9:30 AM Church Service will be held at the Navarre Park Pavilion, followed by a picnic and old-time games at Navarre Park. (Casual dress is encouraged.) 

Friday & Saturday nights, November 5 & 6, 2010 ~ 200th Anniversary Dinner Theatre, featuring an original play about St. Paul’s history. (This will be presented by the Beach City Lutheran Church Dinner Theatre Players, directed by Rick Slay man, starting at 5:30 PM. Menu & ticket prices to be announced at a later date.)

So as you can see, we have a lot of exciting events planned in 2010 to celebrate this Special Anniversary. It will not be complete without all of you! Watch the CHURCH BELL and your Bulletins for more information and additional dates.

As it tells us in Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the House of the Lord!” For 200 Years, our Church has been the “House of the Lord” for the people of our Congregation and for many others in this part of Ohio. May it faithfully serve God and this area for (at least) 200 more.

Peace & Love,


Rev. Elaine Tullis