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WEATHESFIELD -- The Church of Christ of Mineral Ridge has expanded, having acquired the former Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4192 hall located next to the church off state Route 46.
An open house took place recently for the congregation and public to see the expansion.
Blakeman said the church will use the hall as an activity and event center. He said the building was used for more than 75 years as a VFW hall.
The church acquired the building late last year and began cleaning it.
"We had to change the VFW hall into a more family-oriented place. We gave away the historical items to the Mineral Ridge Historical Society for them to display at their museum," Blakeman said.
Items included VFW photos and other memorabilia that the society can showcase.
"A lot of people have memories of this place," he said.
Blakeman said the VFW was merging with another local VFW hall. He said the membership declined over the years.
"They were a very active VFW hall for 75 years," Blakeman said.
In addition to the hall, there is another pavilion on the property being used by the church for events.
Blakeman said the church paid $1 for the transfer of 3.4 acres that includes the hall, pavilion and parking area. VFW and the church are nonprofits. He said the church negotiated with the VFW for the transfer.
Glen Brooks, a church member, said the church already has scheduled rentals of the hall and also the pavilion. He said local Scouts have used the site for Pinewood Derby.
He said volunteers have helped with painting and cleaning of the hall.
Blakeman said the church and the VFW shared the parking lot.
"We have always had a great working relationship," he said.
Marci Buchanan of the local historical society was given various items, including trophies, flags and pictures.
"We found so many pictures. We want to see the local history of Mineral Ridge include the VFW hall," Brooks said.
Brooks said the church can use the hall for different options such as lawn concerts on the property.
"This hall allows us to have options we did not have before," he said.
Brooks said the VFW had about 60 members, with only a few older veterans who were active. It was a lot for them to maintain the hall and run the bar.
Church member April Brooks said she had not been in the hall for 20 years.
"I had not seen the inside in years. It now really looks bright. Everyone from the church was invited to stop. We have been talking about the hall and wanted to see what work was done," she said.
She said the church was limited on space for large events such as banquets and the church picnic.
Diana Blakeman of Mineral Ridge said the hall will be nice for the community.
April Brooks said when the Weathersfield community garage sales are held, it can be at the pavilion. She said the church used to have to go to Austintown Township Park for the church picnic because of limited space.
"We now have our own facility," she said.
Glen Brooks said there are still items such as small flags and other items to be used for Veterans Day and other holidays.