O
n July 22, the congregation of
the First Presbyterian Church
of Girard awoke to devastating
news—their historic church building
had been destroyed by fire. All that
remained were two crosses from the top
of the church that firefighters were able
to salvage.
Although a State Police fire marshal
investigated the scene, no cause could be
determined due to the extensive damage.
THE END OF AN ERA
The church stood on Main Street in
Girard for many years. According to the
church history compiled by Karl Rohrer
for the church’s 175th anniversary, which
the congregation celebrated in 2010,
the beginnings of the First Presbyterian
Church of Girard can be traced to 1806.
That year, Johnston Eaton came to the
Erie lakeshore and preached his first
sermon in a small log cabin owned by
Captain Swain located near the mouth of
Walnut Creek. The log cabin is reported
to be the first house built in Erie County.
The first church building was
constructed between 1830 and 1832 on
the crest overlooking Elk
Creek on the south side of
what is now Ridge Road.
In 1832, the “Old Brick
Church” was built on the property at 260
East Main Street in Girard, but behind
where the most recent church building
stood.
The congregation officially organized
in 1835 and continued an active ministry
in the Old Brick Church. In 1892, the
church building was severely damaged by
a storm, and a new church was built at a
cost of $10,500. The steeple bell and the
cornerstone from the Old Brick Church
were installed in the new building. The
church was dedicated on July 13, 1893.
Through the years, the congregation
maintained the historic building, often
raising money for projects with special
events. Recent work included restoring
the pipe organ and stained glass windows,
and updating the kitchen. In 2009, the
food pantry merged with the Red Cross
pantry and incorporated as the Christian
Cupboard, a ministry of eight churches in
the area, guided by the Girard-Lake City
Ministerium.
A COMMUNITY UNITED
The church pastor, Rev. Nicola Vitiello,
says that although there is still sadness
over the loss of the church building, the
congregation has rallied around each
other. “There’s been a coming together,”
he has observed. “People have enjoyed
each other’s company and found it more
meaningful. It’s great to see.”
Vitiello adds that the congregation will
continue to be a vital part of Girard and
hold events for the community—such as
“Trunk or Treat,” where children from the
community can enjoy a safe alternative
to trick-or-treating, receiving treats
distributed from trunks of cars.
He notes that the community has
gone above and beyond to support
the church. “I’m overwhelmed by the
generosity,” Vitiello says. Lake City
Presbyterian has provided its church
building for the Girard congregation to
hold services. The service for the First
Presbyterian Church of Girard is held
at 11 a.m. on Sundays, which enables
the congregation to hold Sunday School
prior to the service.
In addition, businesses, churches, and
individuals in the community have made
financial contributions, donated space,
and provided new office furnishings and
supplies to help the church continue
its work. Other churches have donated
books to help Vitiello rebuild his library
and have offered the Girard congregation
the use of their kitchens or fellowship
halls for events.
“People have done things we didn’t
even ask for. It shows people are thinking
and caring about us. It’s helped to give a
sense of the larger church, and it’s been
a blessing for me personally and for the
congregation,” says Vitiello.
With the donations from the
community—including those made in
August through Erie Gives—and money
from the insurance claim, the church has
established a restoration fund. Vitiello
notes that many people continue to ask
how they can help the church rebuild,
and those wishing to contribute to the
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WEST COUNTY
❘
WINTER 2018
11