State College Church Moving to Celebration Hall Building

Unity Church of Jesus Christ is purchasing the Celebration Hall property, 2280 Commercial Boulevard in College Township, and will move its congregation there in January.

The church has been located at 140 N. Gill St. in State College for the past 32 years. It will take ownership of the Celebration Hall building on Jan. 4, according to a news release.

‘This year, you will continue to see the favorite elements of UCJC, including small group fellowship, uplifting worship, community outreach, and weekly church services practiced in the African American tradition,’ the release said. ‘Our vision is to continue a commitment to embracing God, embracing people, and embracing service.’

The last service at Gill Street will be on Dec. 31, according to a post on the church’s Facebook page.

Celebration Hall has been owned by Hoag’s Catering and was built in 1994, serving as a home for both he catering business and as a facility for conferences, banquets and special events. It was put on the market in December 2016, though Hoag’s Catering remains in business.

With the new location and a new year, Unity Church of Jesus Christ will introduce some changes. It has recently added a full-time youth minister, Kevin Tranzor, who ‘is dedicated to engaging middle and high school students in weekly fun fellowship opportunities and personal spiritual development.’

A transportation ministry has been developed for students in need of a ride from campus or town.

Anyone interested in being involved in weekly fellowship gatherings or attending Sunday service can contact  (814) 238-6489 or visit www.ucjc.org for transportation information.

Unity Church of Jesus Christ is led by Pastors Harold and Sherren McKenzie and Assistant Pastor Vernon Davis.