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Community Celebration & Special Worship Service Set for September 6-7
Westlake United Methodist Church, one of the first religious entities on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio, will celebrate two centuries of faith, mission, and love with a community celebration on Saturday, September 6 and a special worship service on Sunday, September 7. Everyone is invited to participate.
On Saturday, September 6, the celebration begins at 4 p.m. with outdoor games, food, music, and tours of the church and its historic artifacts. Church leaders and Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough will speak briefly at 6:30 p.m. about the church’s unique role in the region’s history and its 200-year legacy. A campfire will follow at dusk.
On Sunday, September 7, the 10 a.m. worship service will commemorate this special milestone with a sermon by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Erhman, former pastor. The church’s Chancel Choir will debut a new anthem commissioned for the occasion and written by Christopher Neely, Director of Music, and Anna Judkins, Organist. A reception will follow. All are welcome.
The church is located at 27650 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake, OH 44145. More information about the anniversary celebration can be found on the church’s website: www.westlakeumc.org.
About Westlake UMC: History: Founded in 1825 as Dover Methodist Episcopal Church, Westlake UMC has been in continuous operation since a small group of founders began meeting in homes in the newly settled Dover Township. The first church building, which still stands at 27328 Center Ridge Rd., was erected in 1853 on what was then known as Middle Ridge, a major stagecoach route used by people traveling to the west.
The congregation laid the cornerstone of the current church at 27650 Center Ridge Rd. in 1955. The original bell from the tower of the first church, used in the 1800s as the community fire alarm, is still in use in the current church tower today.
About Westlake UMC Today: Westlake UMC’s mission is to live and love so that others will want to be followers of Jesus Christ.
Under the direction of the Reverend Abby Caseman, Westlake UMC is actively engaged in ministry and mission in Westlake, greater Cleveland, and around the world through its affiliation with the United Methodist Church. Westlake UMC’s mission partners include Nehemiah Mission, Flat Rock Homes, the LGBTQ Center, and others.
Among the church’s programs are extensive Christian education for children, youth, and adults, an active music ministry led by a large Chancel Choir, a food pantry, and free community meals. Worship services are Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Phone: (440) 871-3088; email: westlakeumc@westlakeumc.org.
