Wadsworth Area Historical Society fundraising to purchase historic St. Mark's Church

WADSWORTH — The Wadsworth Area Historical Society has raised more than $200,000 in its fundraiser to purchase the historic St. Mark's Church building in downtown Wadsworth. The church, at 146 College St., has almost two centuries' worth of history, leading to the historical society's desire to preserve the structure. "We think it is the second-oldest church in Medina County," Historical Society President Roger Havens said. "We want to preserve it to make sure that it is not purchased and demolished to be a parking lot or something that is maybe not so desirable." Havens said the building was offered to the historical society for what it cost the owner to buy it about two years ago. "Our plan is to purchase it and preserve it," he said. "Inside of the church, it looks almost brand new. It was built in 1841, and the outside has pretty much maintained its look over the years." The building has housed several denominations, starting as a Congregationalist church before becoming a Mennonite church. In 1959, the Mennonite church wanted to expand, so the parish built a new church while an Episcopal church took over the property. Havens said about four years ago, an Anglican church moved into the property and holds services as LifeSong Anglican Church. "We allow the church to use it to keep it active," he said. "We use the fellowship hall for events, meetings and that type of thing. It was something we were lacking in as far as space." The goal of the fundraiser is to raise $225,000 for the cost of the building. "We just hit the $200,000 mark," Havens said. "We've already paid $175,000 toward it. We just owe $50,000. The owner has given us until April 1 of 2026 to pay off the debt. That's our goal." He said money comes in virtually every day, and people have been very generous. There are several ways to donate, including a paver brick donation, which allows donors to put a name on a brick that will be placed at the back entrance of the church. "I have been extremely impressed with the generosity of the community that has stepped forward and people who still have attachments to that church," Havens said. For more information on the historical society, and to donate to the St. Mark's Church purchase fundraiser, visit wadsworthareahistoricalsociety.org. Contact reporter Patrick Rhonemus at (330) 721–4050 or prhonemus@medina-gazette.com.