This past fall, Friedens Peace United Church of Christ held its last service in the chapel on October 8, 2023, after 120 years of serving the New Melle Community. After deciding to close, the church board decided to sell the property at 3560 Mill Street, which is adjacent to Short Stops Convenience Store.
Friedens Community Center (FCC), a nonprofit organization, has purchased the property. The FCC's four-member board consists of local community members working together to contribute positively to the community. The board consists of Wyatt Gober (President), Gina Ackerman (Vice President), Nancy Floyd (Secretary), and Jackie Ginther (Treasurer), all of whom reside in or around New Melle.
The Friedens Community Center proposed honoring the church's legacy by memorializing its name and turning the property into a community hub that benefits people from all walks of life. After about a year of negotiations, the non-profit, unaffiliated with any religion, completed the purchase of the property last July. It will be maintained through the volunteer efforts of its board members. The New Melle Food Co-op and New Melle Country Market will continue to operate on-site.
Their plans include renovating the property, organizing recurring community events, and creating gathering spaces. The chapel will be preserved and available for community members to rent for special events. The center also has space for rent in interested call 636-795-5054.
To learn more, please visit Friedenscommunity.center.
FCC is holding a community meeting, click here to read more.
