Freedom Twp. – Imagine sitting in church service when suddenly, the yipping, snarling and howling of wolves gathered outside drown out the voice of the pastor delivering his sermon. This was commonplace for parishioners of The First Congregational Church of Freedom, when it was first established in 1828 on the five-acre triangle bounded by State Routes 303, 700 and 88.
The wolves, bears, mountain lions and other wildlife from the former wilderness are long gone now. But the First Congregational Church of Freedom invites the community to Take a Step Back in Time to celebrate their 190th anniversary on May 19, 2018, during the annual Garrettsville Yard Sale. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, the church will have items for sale under the tent out on the lawn, with proceeds going to the Freedom Historical Society. Inside the church will be refreshments and guided tours (11am-4pm).
Originally, people would gather for church in log buildings surrounded by swampland. While the nondescript meeting-place of the 1835 congregation still exists next door, the current church structure was built in 1845 over a two-day period for a total of $3,000. Church head trustee Ginny Adams says that architect Ralph Shepard designed the distinctive towered church for $3, and earned $1.25 a day as a carpenter. A cross was erected above the bell tower, but it attracted lightning, so was eventually removed. The original tin ceiling, pews, blacksmith-crafted chandelier and coal-fired foot warmers still endure in the sun-filled sanctuary. A 314-pound bell installed in the bell tower in 1872 still rings every Sunday as services begin.
The Reverends Jim and Janie Melick have been pastoring the First Congregational Church of Freedom since March 2010, where about 40 parishioners currently attend. The Melicks have been serving in ministry together for over 40 years as church pastors and hospital chaplains.
According to the Melicks, “The Freedom Congregational church family continues to fulfill the vision of the original members to be a visible church of Jesus Christ. They continue sharing Christ as the savior, healer, baptizer in the Holy Spirit and the soon coming King. God’s love, word and power continue to shine in the lives of this body of believers, which is a reflection of all the pastors and those who have worshiped and followed the Lord Jesus Christ in the life of this church over the past 190 years.”
Records from church history remind us of this area’s rugged pioneer and Civil War days. Freedom Township became a settlement in 1818, when the region was densely wooded swampland. By 1830, 242 residents had settled here. Thomas Lloyd donated his five-acre triangle plot of land for public use, where the church, school and town hall were established. Freedom was reportedly also a stop along the Underground Railroad, with local residents hiding runaway slaves en route to freedom in Canada.
The Melicks encourage their congregation to carry forward the Freedom legacy of their spiritual forefathers, sharing their faith with the community and volunteering with various local food and crisis ministries throughout Portage County.
