12/1/2023 0 Comments Mansfield news journal to close![]() The sisters have received many offers to attend other churches once East Hills closes. Her daughter was our church organist, too." "It was within walking distance, so we went," Sharon said. One of their neighbors, Thelma Brightbill, approached the girls' parents, asking why they weren't going to church. The Radabaugh sisters have been members most of their lives. Before the church at Park Avenue East and North Street was built, members met at the former East Mansfield Elementary School on Bahl Avenue. It was their mission.Įast Hills existed in another form as East Mansfield United Presbyterian Church, which was at the corner of Park Avenue East and North Street. In earlier years, East Hills thrived with an active membership, through years of dinners, election day suppers, bazaars, rummage sales and other fundraisers, all dedicated to helping others. Porter said she will miss the community aspect of belonging to the church. Porter said that as the congregation has gotten smaller, members have shown more care for each other. "It's very sad, very sad, heartbreaking," she said of the imminent closing, tears welling in her eyes. She and her husband were married in the church 36 years ago. Lemon told a News Journal reporter, "We just tell everything to everybody here. It told the story of the Virgin Mary.ĭuring the sharing of thanks, church members mainly provided health updates. Sharon then read the day's sermon, called "Fifteen and Willing to Serve," which she said she found on the website. Longtime East Hills members Esther Porter and Martha Lemon next took turns reading lessons from the Bible. "Oh, how do I follow that?" the younger Radabaugh sister asked. "This is my message from the Lord to keep pressing on," she said. I would never have expected this."īlankenship said she has met some resistance for her dream of expanding Harmony House to a campus. "You guys have that spirit of generosity and giving all year long. "You have been so faithful to us and one of our largest supporters all of the time. "I can't tell you how much this means to our mission and the community," Blankenship said. "We pick our hymns that way," she explained.īlankenship immediately started to cry when she saw the generous amount. The church members sing along with music Sharon also finds online. While Barb greeted the arrivals, Sharon got ready for the service. Barb is also the secretary, while Sharon is the clerk. Barb and Sharon, 67, are the custodial staff. They were the first to arrive for Sunday's service, unlocking the doors. The Radabaugh sisters have done everything they can to keep the church going. Perhaps the final blow for East Hills occurred in July when the pastor resigned. "There are things you want to do, but you don't have the ways and the means to do it," Sharon Radabaugh said. The church's padded pews can hold 120 people. East Hills is one of many churches reporting steep declines in membership. Most of the remaining members are elderly. "I have two people with canes and one on oxygen."Įast Hills has only about 10 members in its congregation, one of the main reasons the church, which has roots in the early 1900s, is closing after Friday's Christmas Eve service. "I hope nobody falls," the 80-year-old said. MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP - Barb Radabaugh swept away snow from the sidewalk in front of East Hills Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning. ![]()
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