History of Fairlawn Community Church
1944 - The Puritan Association of the Ohio Conference of the Congregational Christian Churches began to look for setting in Akron area for a new church start. The First Congregational Church loaned its Associate Pastor, the Rev. Earl Linden, who started a Sunday School in the Fairlawn area. Rooms were rented in the Fairlawn Elementary School.
May 6, 1945 - A flier is sent home with every school student announcing the new Sunday School.
February 3, 1946 - Worship services began. The following quotes from the printed history indicate struggles that have in some fashion continued to this day... "...raise money. Always, where's the money?" In a section talking about planning to build the first building - "There was talk of a 'Quonset' hut for church, scouts and young folks to have parties and dancing.... Well, right there, Mr. Trunick said 'If this church condones dancing, count me out,' and that was 'finis' for Mr. Trunick. He had been our best financial giver, and a good adult bible teacher, as was his wife, Louise. Mr. Trunick was a lawyer. Dr. North (from the national offices of the Congregational Christian Churches) tried to explain that young people needed lively activities, but Mr. Trunick said he would have no part of it, although he had one young son. Building plans were shelved. The Trunicks left the church."
May 1,
1946 - Rev. Jack Warford was called as the first pastor. His wife the
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Rev. Lorena Warford was also a pastor, but did not serve the
church. She did preach sometimes with the services at Fairlawn
Elementary School.
June 9, 1946 - The Congregation was chartered with 45 members. Thier Covenant - "We are united in striving to know the Will of God as taught in the Holy Scriptures, and in purpose to walk in the ways of the Lord, made known or to be made known to us. We hold it to be the mission of the church of Christ to proclaim the gospel to all mankind, exalting in the worship of the one true God, and laboring for the progress of knowledge, the promotion of justice, the reign of peace, and the realization of human brotherhood."
May 7, 1947 - Fairlawn Church is received into the Puritan Association.