ASHLAND – Park Street Brethren Church has announced an exciting new chapter in its century-long legacy within the Ashland community, with plans to raze the old sanctuary building in order to create an expansive green space and enhanced playground for its preschool and neighborhood families.
This vision for the campus improvement was overwhelmingly affirmed by the church’s members in a 2018 town hall meeting, reflecting a shared commitment to foster spaces that support life, vitality, and ministry for generations to come.
“After much prayer and thoughtful discernment, our church decided that the cost to renovate and preserve the sanctuary is beyond what we could justify,” said Nate Bebout, Lead Pastor at Park Street.
“But we are thrilled to reimagine our campus in a way that continues our mission to empower authentic disciples who live life on mission with God.”
As part of a visionary capital campaign launched in 2018, Park Street Brethren Church has undertaken significant campus improvements that reflect the church’s commitment to serving the growing needs of its community.
Key projects include the transformation of the gym into a welcoming sanctuary, bringing the congregation together under one roof in two services, enhancing the sense of unity and shared purpose within the church.
The Park Street preschool and childcare ministry has expanded in recent years to support more young families and offer a safe, nurturing environment for children.
Most recently, the church opened its new ministry building, designed to meet the needs of an evolving church, with wide open space available for fellowship, discipleship, and leadership development.
This campus expansion not only enhances the church’s capacity to minister effectively but also reinforces its mission to foster a vibrant, multi-generational community that can grow and adapt together.
With demolition set to begin in late December and construction to continue through June, the church is prepared to transform this area into a welcoming green space with an expanded playground, creating a hub for families, children, and community gatherings.
This new design supports the church’s dedication to provide resources and joy-filled spaces for the wider Ashland community, especially young families, who have become a growing and vibrant part of the congregation in recent years.
Founded over 100 years ago, Park Street Brethren Church has been a fixture in Ashland, building strong connections with Ashland University, Ashland Theological Seminary, and local social services.
These partnerships have long enabled Park Street to serve the spiritual and social needs of the community, adapting over the decades to meet evolving challenges and opportunities.
In recent years, the church has celebrated a notable increase in young families, along with a rich diversity in generational representation, sparking fresh energy and excitement throughout the congregation.
“This project symbolizes so much more than a change to our physical space,” Bebout said. “It’s a testament to the dynamic growth we’re experiencing and a sign that our community desires to proclaim the Gospel to the next generation.
“At the end of the day, a church is not its building — it’s the people who come together to live out its mission. Though our spaces are being transformed, our commitment to Christ and His Kingdom remain unchanged.”
For more information about Park Street Brethren Church and its campus improvements, please visit parkstreetbrethren.org.