LaPorte United Methodist Church celebrates 200 years

ELYRIA — For 200 years, LaPorte United Methodist Church has been a beacon in the community. The church is sharing that light with everyone during its 200th anniversary Homecoming Celebration. From weddings to funerals, sermons to mission trips, the church has accumulated a lot of history. It's where people have come to share their happiest and saddest moments. It's where they have sought comfort and felt at peace. And it is where they have found family. "Our longevity is a testament to how tight-knit our community is, how loving we are as a family and how God has blessed us by giving us these generations to carry on our legacy," said Ethan Greenly, co-chairman of the 200th anniversary committee. The celebration includes history exhibits, pipe organ demonstrations, activities and games for the kids and snacks from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. The event continues with an 11 a.m. worship featuring former pastors and a video greeting from Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, resident bishop of the Ohio Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church, on Sunday, followed by a potluck luncheon. Grafton-Midview Public Library will be on hand, as well as the Carlisle Fire Department with a fire truck for the kids to explore. A freewill offering will be collected for Neighborhood Alliance, which also will be in attendance. All of the events are free and open to the public. The anniversary committee has been meeting for two years to bring everything together for the weekend. Church historians have been gathering artifacts and collecting photos from parishioners, who have been talk about to share their memories of the church. "We were able to collect quite a lot going back to the early 1900s," said Greenly, 26, of Elyria. "We're putting together a video, talking to people about their history with the church. One lady talks about her youth and growing up in the church and how Lake Ridge Academy started here." With its strong history in the community, the church is thriving with an average weekly attendance of about 85 members, Greenly said. Last year, about 10 members were celebrated for being with the church for 50 or more years, while another four members have been a part of the church for even longer. "I see a bright future ahead of us," Greenly said. "I see a passion in the church. Older members want to share what they've learned in this church and the blessings they're received, passing them on to the younger generations. Many of our members have children or grandchildren who attend here. For 200 years, we have been a beacon in the community and we want to continue to show others how good God can be and share the blessings he has shown us." Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com.