On March 13, 2012, the historical First United Methodist Church in Ada was devoured in flames. After many years of planning and rebuilding, a milestone was made Sept. 4. The congregation was able to watch the steeple be raised atop the newly built church.
While the loss of the church was devastating, there are still many positives to the new building. According to Bob McCurdy, member of the rebuilding committee, the new set up allows “opportunity to meet the needs of community and the ministry.” The new church has two floors, a separate worship area and a separate fellowship hall.
The church was looking at other sites to rebuild, but the history behind the spot on Main Street was too rich. With the church originating on Main Street in the late 1800s, it meant a lot to the members that it stay in the same location. The building’s members anticipate the new church to have its first occupancy in March 2015 for the dedication service.
Although the building itself was unable to be used after the fire, the members of the church remained positive about gathering each week for service. The First United Methodist Church continues to hold worship services Sunday mornings at 10 in the Wesley Chapel on Ohio Northern University’s campus. Sunday’s worship services can also be heard on 94.9 FM radio.