Uniontown Church of Christ: Historical Timeline

Phase 1: Founding & Early Leadership (1960–1967)

1. November 13, 1960: The congregation first assembled for worship at the downtown YMCA building. The seven founding members previously worshipped with the Connellsville church of Christ: Thomas and Gween Condon, Robert and Russel Oliver, Neil DeCarlo, Mary Jaroz, and Charles Gatts.

2. 1960–1967: Charles Gatts served as the vocational minister through December 17, 1967. Chester S. Perhacs and his student son Roger (from California [PA] University) frequently served as guest speakers during this period.

Phase 2: Transition & First Full-Time Ministry (1968)

1. July 1968: James (Jim) F. Johnson, his wife Pat, and their three daughters (Marlys, Debbie, and Jennifer) relocated from Saint Mary’s, West Virginia, to begin full-time ministry. The Morgantown church of Christ supported this work with a $100 weekly contribution.

2. Mid-1968: Sunday mornings continued at the YMCA, while Sunday and Wednesday evening services shifted to the Johnson family home on Johnson Avenue.

3. Late 1968 (4 months later): Sunday morning worship relocated to a storefront on East Main Street as planning for a permanent home advanced.

Phase 3: Building and Mortgage Freedom (1967–1987)

1. July 1967 & March 1969: Property lots were purchased for $5,700, followed by leveling and excavation work starting in March 1969.

2. June–July 1969: The basement was finished for $35,269.62, hosting its first assembly on July 27, 1969.

3. 1970–1971: Construction of the main auditorium began in the spring of 1970 and finished in July 1971. Total construction costs reached $108,936.50 ($49,136.50 from donations and sister congregations, plus a $59,800 bank note from First National Bank of Cameron, WV).

4. December 20, 1987: The building debt was fully paid off in less than 15 years, celebrated with a mortgage-burning ceremony.