Church leaders honor first responders

The leaders of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church recognized the workers who responded to the emergency and community members who have since allowed the church to continue its mission a during a Lebanon City Council meeting.

On Wednesday, Feb. 14, church leaders presented a resolution recognizing the first responders to the Dec. 13 fire at the 150-yearold church at 111 N. Cherry St. in downtown Lebanon.

The church also recognized “our city government, the ecumenical and interfaith community, our business organizations and civic groups and the many caring individuals who make our town a very warm place to call home.

Since the fire, church members have been working toward restoration, while holding services and other events at alternate locations.

On Sunday, Feb. 18, the church’s traditional worship service will be conducted at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 1270 N. Broadway, Ohio 48 in Lebanon, starting at 11 am.

Cash and check donations are being accepted at Sharefax Credit Union, 1550 Genntown Dr., next to Walmart in Lebanon. For bank information, visit https:// www.sharefax.org/us/office- locations-hours/. Donations can also be made using PayPal at http:// www.bethellebanon.org/donations or by checks payable to BETHEL AME CHURCH, 111 N. Cherry St., Lebanon, OH 45036.