A responsibility of the church's Outreach Board, the Food Pantry, an important asset in Marietta and Washington County, originated and is still housed at First Church. The continued financial support of the Marietta community through fundraisers, individual donations, and food drives (including exceptional support from the US Postal Service), have made it possible for our local food pantry and other feeding programs to continue to serve neighbors in need for more than 30 years. Scott Britton (at left), Director.
Other activities in which First Church participates include the One Great Hour of Sharing and the Christmas Fund. Donations from the latter benefit clergy who worked and retired before pensions were available. 740-373-5741 (Photo at right: Connie Cartmell, The Marietta Times)
Franciscan Meals
Housed at First Church, this service arranges for meals for those in the community not covered by other organizations. These low cost meals are delivered five days a week to those who cannot provide a well balanced diet for themselves. Many of these people are elderly and/or homebound. Volunteers from several local churches help by preparing, packing, and delivering meals to the homes of shut-ins in need of this very important service. 740-373-7998
Our Facilities
A gymnasium-sized parish hall is located on the top floor of First Church. Often used for church and community events, the hall is used often by our church members and the public. (There is a fee for non-church groups use of the hall and/or kitchen .) Church offices, a large well-equipped kitchen, and a meeting room comprise the rest of the top floor. A motorized chair lift provides access to the top floor.
At the street level are many smaller rooms used for Sunday School, the Food Pantry, and Franciscan Meals. Our church also serves as a meeting place for AA and Al-Anon groups, the Empty Bowls soup lunch, the annual Kiwanis Pancake Festival, and more. Over the years, the community has been entertained by in our sanctuary by the Marietta College Choir and other visiting choirs.
Whether or not a First Congregational church member, many couples often request to be married in our lovely and accommodating sanctuary. If you are among those, call the church office to request information and/or a meeting with Reverend Steelman. 740-373-0741