First Christian Church has new home

PRINCETON — A church that has been in existence in Princeton since 1840 has a new home.

The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Princeton will hold an open house to celebrate its new location at Towne Center, 105 S. Main St., The new church is just north of the former church on South Main Street that will be demolished later this year. First Christian Church will occupy a portion of the Towne Center with other businesses.

“We moved out of the old church building two years ago,” said Pastor Laura Mahn, who has served the church for the past 18 months. “We bought this building last fall and moved into it in June.”

Mahn said the purpose of the open house from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, will not only be a celebration of the new church, but also welcoming the community so all can get acquainted with them. A special blessing service will be held at 1 p.m. followed by an informal dessert and fellowship until 2:30 p.m.

People wanting to attend the open house can enter the building’s north doors off Mechanic Street or park behind the new building.

“After 176 years, it is exciting that we are still serving God and the new opportunities this space opens us for us,” said Mahn about the First Christian Church in Princeton, one of the longest-standing congregations in the denomination.

After moving in 2014 out of the old church built in 1870 after it was deemed the 144-year-old church wasn’t a viable home for the congregation due to a crumbling foundation, church members had been meeting in the Nelson Chapel until buying the Towne Center in 2015.

The church was established in Princeton on March 8, 1840. The church met in stores and homes until 1845 when a two-story brick building just south of the Bureau County Courthouse was built. Future U.S. President James Garfield preached in this building in 1861. In 1870, the now vacant church was built to serve the congregation’s growth.

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