St. John's United Church of Christ is a beautiful church located on National Drive in Newark, Ohio.
In 1841 the original and legal name chosen for this congregation was The St. John’s German Evangelical Protestant Church of Newark, Ohio. In 1919, the church became a member of the Evangelical Synod of North America. In 1940, the Evangelical Synod merged with the Reformed Church in the United States and the church was called St. John’s Evangelical Reformed Church. Then in 1962, this denomination merged with the Congregational Christian Church to become St. John’s United Church of Christ.
The original church was built at the corner of Fifth and Poplar Streets. The structure was of brick and stone with dimensions of 30’ x 40’. In those days it looked quite imposing when the “South Side” of Newark was “country” with perhaps a half dozen houses scattered over an area of miles. The church was built with all free-will gifts, most of which came from the members, and the first service of worship was held in the new church on January 16, 1842. The church outgrew the Fifth Street building, and in 1949, the Miller property on National Drive was purchased as a future building site. In 1952, the lower level was finished and services were held in Hermann Hall. In 1957, the sanctuary of European Gothic design, and constructed of Ohio limestone, was completed and dedicated. The Education Facility was dedicated in 1968 and the final building phase was completed in 1983.
Up until 1906, the German language was exclusively used at St. John’s. In October of that year, Rev. H.M. Wiesecke introduced English into the Sunday School, The Young People’s Society, and the Evening Service. The last German service was held on Good Friday Night, April 11, 1941.
Twenty-five pastors have served St. John’s and the surrounding Newark and Licking County area through the years with the present pastor being the Rev. Mark Katrick.
http://www.stjohnsnewark.org/
The cache is an easy park and grab. It's a lock tight container with lots of swag which will be updated often. Of course, if you can't trade and see something you like, go ahead and enjoy the freebies. It's St. John's gift to all the GeoCachers of the World.