Youngstown non-profit aims to relocate and renovate city's oldest church
Youngstown CityScape not only aims to renovate the city's oldest church, but to physically lift it off its foundation and relocate the building.
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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A non-profit in Youngstown is undertaking one of its most ambitious projects to date. Youngstown CityScape not only aims to renovate the city's oldest church but to physically lift it off its foundation and relocate the building.
At 157-years-old, The Welsh Congregational Church on Elm Street is the city's oldest surviving church in Youngstown.
The property now owned by the Catholic Diocese but, with plans to develop the grounds the historic church has to go.
"Everybody kind of waves their fist whenever we demolish these really historical structures, this is the communities chance to actually make a contribution and save one," said Phil Kidd with Youngstown CityScape.
Youngstown CityScape has plans to physically lift the church from its base and move the structure one mile to its new home in Wick Park.
"The church was a gift from the Wick family, Wick park was a gift form the Wick family, it seems like the perfect marriage really," said Sharon Letson with Youngstown CityScape.
The cost of moving of the church has been covered by a donation of about $150,000 from a descendant of the Wick Family.
Once the church is moved it's still going to need a lot of work. So, Youngstown CityScape has launched a campaign to help fund the renovation.
"It can be used to have a small wedding, a shower, or a birthday party, public space just like the pavilion, " said Letson.
The cost of the renovation is estimated at $700,000. CityScape is hoping the community will pitch in their time and donations to help keep the historic piece of Youngstown alive.
Donations can be made, here.