History
Solid Rock United Methodist Church was formed from the union of the Jefferson Center United Methodist Church and the Warren United Methodist Church. The two churches first worshiped together as Solid Rock on July 6, 2008, and the merger was officially recognized as of August 1 of that year.
Many months of discussion, deliberation, and prayer preceded the decision to merge. Both congregations had been seeking direction for the future of their ministries, facing challenges of declining attendance, aging congregations, and church facilities which were not handicapped accessible, not conducive to programming needs in the twenty-first century, and in need of ongoing maintenance.
A task force was appointed in 2007, consisting of members of both congregations, to study opportunities for cooperative ministries. While many members in each congregation had given consideration to the idea of a merger, initially the task force discussed numerous ideas for joint ministry.
Several meetings ensued, and input was sought from both congregations. While many expressed interest in pursuing joint ministries, the work of the committee moved slowly for lack of direction and uncertainty about how best to proceed.
With roots going back to 1838, Warren Methodist Episcopal Church erected this building (left) in 1896.
Jefferson Center Methodist Episcopal Church (right) was erected at the center of Jefferson Township in 1926.
Many members of each congregation had deep roots in their home church. As discussion continued, it became apparent that, although the congregations could remain separate and participate in some joint ministries, only through a complete merger could the desired ministry goals be accomplished. For many, this idea took some time to accept. Throughout the process, meetings, discussions, and decisions were surrounded by prayer in both congregations as God’s will was sought.
In early 2008, the task force recommended moving forward with the merger. Both Administrative Councils held Charge Conferences on the evening of March 18, both ratifying the merger. The new Administrative Council first met on April 29, 2008.
Ten members from each congregation were appointed to the Naming Committee. Over 80 names were prayerfully considered before the committee recommended “Solid Rock United Methodist Church,” which was enthusiastically accepted by the new Administrative Council. The two congregations began meeting together on July 6, 2008, alternating meeting sites.
During the spring of 2009, both the Jefferson Center Church and the Jefferson Center parsonage sold. The last service at Jefferson Center was held on May 31, celebrating 82 years of ministry to the community. The congregation then met at the Warren site until a new facility was constructed.
The Capital Funds Committee was also active during this time. A capital campaign was conducted in the fall of 2009, with a goal of raising $400,000. At the conclusion of the campaign, commitments totaled $556,000.
Planning for a new building began at the inception of Solid Rock. An 11-acre tract was purchased on Bennett Drive. The congregation approved plans for the new facility on October 16, 2011, followed by groundbreaking on October 30. Construction was completed and the first service in the new building was celebrated on August 11, 2013.
On July 1, 2023, following several months of prayer, discussion, and discernment, the congregation transitioned denominational affiliation from the United Methodist Church to the Global Methodist Church, becoming Solid Rock Church of Warren.
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