The Congregational Church of Frankin Mills (Kent), Ohio, was established June 18, 1819 with eight founding members. Ours was one of several Western Reserve congregations formed under The Plan of Union, an ecumenical initiative through which New England Congregationalists and Presbyterians worked together to form new churches on what was then the frontier. Though the Congregational tradition has continued at the core of our identity, our name has changed from time to time, reflecting various partnerships and alliances in Christian mission.
| 1819 - 1931* |
Presbyterian Church and Society
|
| 1831 - 1834 |
First Congregational Church
|
| 1834 - 1839 |
The Presbyterian Church |
| 1839 - 1964 |
First Congregational Church
|
| 1964 - Present |
United Church of Christ |
*Congregationalists were recognized and formed as indicated, but placed under Presbyterian care.
Membership
Beginning with eight members in 1819, we have more than 500 active members today and a wide circle of (non-member) associates and friends who share in our community.
Leadership
Several clergy and lay members of Kent UCC have been outstanding leaders in the wider Church. Most notable in recent years.... The Rev. Herbert VanMeter served as moderator of the Ohio Conference and, later, as an executive with the United Church Board for World Ministries. The Rev. William Laurie served as staff member with the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries and, later, as Ohio Conference Minister. Lu Lyman served as moderator of the Ohio Confernece and on the Board for Homeland Ministries. Nancy Hansford has served the Eastern Ohio Association, Ohio Conference, and national ministries of the United Church of Christ in several different capacities.
Kent UCC is also a leader in financial support of Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM), devoting more than 20% of its operating budget to ministries beyond its doors.
An interesting footnote to our history is that John Brown, an early abolitionist, was a member of this congregation.
Kent UCC Church Building History
| 1816 |
Meeting House for school, church, and other meetings
|
| 1834 |
Brick Meeting House, Crain Avenue
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| 1858 |
Brick Meeting House, Lot 24, River Street (now Gougler Avenue)
|
| 1867 |
Franklin Mills Village incorporated and became Kent
|
| 1886 |
Hall, Sunday school addition
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| 1890 |
Chancel enlargement, choir loft, and other changes
|
| 1915 |
Major additions of offices and gym/fellowship hall
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| 1955 |
Entirely new facility, new site (present location)
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| 2003 |
Major additions of chapel, classrooms, offices, parking
|