First United Church of Christ to hold Celtic service
Stained-glass windows at the First United Church of Christ in New Philadelphia.
The First United Church of Christ will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day Celtic-themed service and lunch March 16 in New Philadelphia. The music will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the service starting at 10 a.m.
Last year they changed the service to provide more Celtic music.
“We had great success with our music-focused service,” said Amber Pottmeyer, pastoral assistant. “We had an overwhelmingly positive response from both our congregation and numerous guests. Many of those guests expressed that they looked forward to coming again.”
The church said this service is one of its most well-attended events every year.
“It’s great to have a chance to showcase so much music and to focus on an interesting aspect of Christian history and ministry with St. Patrick and the other saints of Ireland,” Pottmeyer said.
Scheduled to perform are Sarah Fouts, harp and organ; Laura Gray, a soprano soloist; Calvin Graham, bagpipe; Pottmeyer, flute; Ethan Belknap-Ault, oboe; Bart Herman, piano; and the chancel and youth choirs.
“We’ll be doing ‘Be Thou My Vision’ with the children’s chorus and a choral piece in Gaelic called ‘Ag Criost An Sioll’ and Highland Cathedral featuring all of our instrumentalists and many more,” Pottmeyer said.
There will be commentary on the music so people understand the origins and the inspiration behind the music. Pastor Jill Lovett will lead the service.
The history of St. Patrick and Tuscarawas County’s Irish immigrants is important to recognize.
After the event an Irish dinner of bangers and mash will be served at a cost of $6 for those who wish to stay. The dish consists of sausage and mashed potatoes and is typically served with gravy. Dessert also will be served.
The First United Church of Christ has a long history. The church started as the Reformed Church as early as 1857. The church was originally on the corner of Third Street and Fair Avenue Northeast in New Philadelphia.
In 1895 the congregation moved to the corner of Second Street and Fair Avenue Northwest. Sacred Heart Catholic Church bought the First United Church of Christ’s former building that same year, and the Sacred Heart Church’s existing building was then constructed in 1928.
“The current Gothic-style sanctuary of our church was dedicated in 1941,” Pottmeyer said. “The church joined various congregations and changed names several times through its history, but we became the First United Church of Christ in 1957. The new addition for the church including our portico entrance was dedicated in 2005.”
The church also is planning another musical service for Easter. In other activities it also has a chancel choir that rehearses once a week. Its youth group meets Wednesdays.
The church also posts occasional blogs to its website.
“They explore history of various hymns and common church practices or apply faith to popular music and various life practices to make living in faith a practical day-to-day thing,” Pottmeyer said.
Its regularly scheduled church service is at 10 a.m. on Sunday with adult Sunday school held prior to the service at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday youth groups are held around 3:30 p.m. when the students get out of school.
The church is located at 201 Fair Ave. NW in New Philadelphia.
Visit the Facebook page at First United Church of Christ, New Philadelphia, Ohio or www.firstuccnp.com.