The oldest continuously operating church in the Northwest Territory, First Congregational United Church of Christ, the Church of the Pioneers, is showing it’s age.

While the sanctury and church proper remain in good shape, the Fellowship Hall needs some major repair. The Fellowship Hall is best known to the community as the site of the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. For years folks gathered to enjoy pancakes and sausage prepared by Kiwanians, the proceeds of which supported the good works of the Kiwanis Club.

Sadly, in late 2023 a catastrophic failure of the main trusses in the Fellowship Hall resulted in this important gathering site for the church and community, located at 318 Front Street, in Marietta Ohio to be closed indefinitely. The 2024 Kiwanis Pancake Days had to be moved.

Eventually, the church leaders have been able to secure a local contractor who is willing to undertake replacing the dozen or more trusses and work is scheduled to begin in September 2024. Obviously, the work is difficult and may span many months. The sanctuary remains untouched and worship continues each Sunday at 10 am. The congregation has raised some monies but much more help is needed.

Understandably, the community of Marietta has many churches and the access to the Fellowship Hall does not affect everyone in the community. However, if anyone who has the means to do so cares to donate to the revivial of the Fellowship Hall, the congregation would be most grateful. Donations are tax deductible to the extent of the tax law.

Checks may be mailed to Fellowship Hall Revival c/o First Congregational UCC 318 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio 45750. Checks should be payable to First Congregational UCC with Fellowship Hall on the memo line.

Please share this information with others who may be out of town. Over the years the Fellowship Hall has welcomed various events of historic and cultural significance and the sanctuary continues to be used by choirs from Marietta College, as well as other musical programs. Evidently, the acoustical quality of the sanctuary is exceptional. The value of this centrally located church to the downtown landscape is a shared asset for Marietta. For more information, please contact me at 740-516-4029.