Staff photo / Bob Coupland
The Rev. Gerald Gammon delivered his final sermon and the choir of First United Church of Christ on East Market Street in Warren sang their final song as the church officially closed at the end of September. The choir in the background was under the direction of Karen Fumerrola. The church began in 1894.

During the service held Sept. 28 with the Rev. Gerald Gannon, the members current and past shared their memories and stories of being at the church including the different pastors the church has had over the years and the many different events and celebrations held.

Gannon said just as Jesus told his disciples to go out into the world, members of the congregation can do the same as they go out into the world.

“As the doors close behind us, new doors will open to us. All the time you have spent in this building has been getting you ready for this move. This is your time to shine. Show the love of Christ in everything you say and do. Go out and take Jesus with us,” Gannon said.

His final service at the church was titled “We March with Jesus.”

The Oakland Center for the Arts has acquired the building and will use it for children’s programming.

Ron Schoch, president of the church congregation, said the congregation was blessed to be together in such a beautiful building.

He said at the time of the closing there were 30 to 40 active members.

Schoch said the church was blessed over the past 131 years with the many items used in the sanctuary.

Items were given to different families including the deacon’s bench, called the Amen Bench, which will be displayed at the Harriet Taylor Upton House. The bench was given to Ken Conklin, son of Alfred and Jeanette Conklin.

Also given were the brass candelabras on both sides of the altar to Ruth Gilbert who, at 100, is the oldest living member of the church and a lifetime member.

Items also distributed were the baptismal font first used in October 1923, worship books that have been on the altar table since 1948, a brass cross that sat on the altar table and a large print Bible on the lectern.

The choir led by director Karen Fumerola played “Go Now in Peace.”