First Congregational United Church of Christ has announced that its Mission and Service team will host a coffeehouse event on March 26 from 6 to 8 PM in the church's social hall. This announcement was made in a news release on March 18, 2025.
According to the First Congregational UCC, the event will take place at their location on 200 N. Main St. in Mount Vernon. It will feature performances by local musicians, including Marley and Willow Boone, the Handsome Devils with Patrick Gilligan, Halle Krajenski and Jon Tazewell, and ECHO with Jeff Putnam, Chris Petee, and Heather Petee. The performers specialize in music from the 1960s to the 1980s, featuring songs by Peter, Paul and Mary, The Beatles, and REM.
Refreshments will be available during the event, with donations supporting the Haitian Support Center in Springfield, Ohio. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing services and fostering a sense of community for children, youth, and the elderly.
The Haitian Support Center was established on December 12, 2023, in Springfield. It serves refugees and immigrants—particularly Haitian nationals—in Clark County and surrounding areas. The center provides assistance with housing, interpreting services, job searches, and welfare support by connecting individuals with local institutions. Committed to fostering integration and self-sufficiency among newcomers through education, advocacy, and direct support efforts, it aims to empower individuals while strengthening the broader Springfield community.
First Congregational United Church of Christ itself is located at 200 N. Main St. in Mount Vernon. Founded in 1834 as an anti-slavery church, it has been active in various social causes such as civil rights advocacy, peace efforts, gender equality initiatives, and LGBTQ+ rights promotion. Constructed in 1868 with stained-glass windows depicting African Americans as biblical figures dedicated to the anti-slavery movement; this historic building serves as a hub for worship activities and interfaith dialogue opportunities alongside community outreach programs welcoming diverse backgrounds according to its website.
