By Monty Siekerman
The First United Methodist Church members retired the church's mortgage during the morning worship service last Sunday.

Pictured are Pastor Mary Jo Yeakel and Brian Hofman, lay leader, shredding the mortgage document.

Usually, when a mortgage is paid off, there is a burning of the mortgage, but not in this case. Tragedy struck the church on March 13, 2012, burning the structure to the ground. Thankfully, no one was injured in the all-consuming fire. So, last Sunday's ceremony was a shredding, not a burning of the mortgage.

The replacement cost was $6.25 million, most of which was covered by insurance. Members and friends of the congregation gave generously to supplement the insurance to help rebuilt and replace furnishings.

Today, the church structure stands at the same spot on North Main, and serves the community as a worship center and as a meeting place for many organizations.

Pastor Yeakel appreciated the help from Ohio Northern, which provided worship space, offices, and support for three years until the new building was completed.
Bob McCurdy served as chairman of the building committee. Gene and Laura Smith and Brian Hofman led the capital campaign.

Rev. Barry Burns, the local district superintendent, was a special guest at the service. The Sons' Rays, a group of musicians from ONU, performed.