Ada First United Methodist Church's congregation has decided to rebuild on its historic site in downtown Ada at the corner of North Main and Highland streets. 

The congregation has worshipped in Ada for more than 150 years, but lost its 113-year-old landmark church to a devastating fire in March 2012. The church has taken this time to reflect on and examine its mission and goals for the future.

The Building Committee researched five different Ada sites but ultimately settled on the current site because of its location and community sentiment. The church has retained RCM Inc. of Findlay, Ohio, as architects and plans for a multi-story design that will incorporate the features necessary to carry out its future mission and goals.

Church members will be able to review preliminary designs on Feb. 3.

The cost of realizing this vision will be supported by insurance proceeds, many gifts from outside the community and local support, which will include gifts from the church’s 300-plus members. The church has a relationship with Ohio Northern University – a United Methodist-related institution – and has been holding Sunday Worship in the English Chapel on the ONU campus.

The university also has provided office and technology support for the church since the fire.

Ada First United Methodist Church hopes to be worshipping in their new building in early 2015. The church continues to be thankful for the outpouring of support since the fire. Rev. Mary Jo Yeakel serves as pastor of the church, and Dr. Brian Hofman is chair of the Administrative Council.