Photo provided Grace Presbyterian Church members currently are raising funds to repair the venerable Martins Ferry structure.

MARTINS FERRY — What’s Happening at Grace Presbyterian Church?

That’s the question many people are asking when they drive past the church these days.

According to a press release from the church, the current building was dedicated in 1901 and after years of weathering and usage, the mortar that holds the bricks together is deteriorating. A few weeks ago, several bricks unexpectedly fell from the building. The entire structure has been inspected and repairs are underway.

“The unfortunate part of the process is that insurance does not cover wear and tear such as this,” the church noted. “Therefore, the cost of repairs is estimated at $44,000. The Elders of Grace Church have found it necessary to begin a major fundraising campaign in order to cover this expense.”

This campaign will officially kick off April 6 with a spaghetti dinner and basket auction held in the Fellowship Hall from noon to 5 p.m. It is open to the public and will feature Terry Stratton’s famous sauce. Dinner will include spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, Italian bread, dessert and drink for $10 per adult and $5 per child.

Grace Church has been an important part of the Martins Ferry community since 1851 and provides many services to its residents. ReThreads is a free clothing store on the second floor of Webster Hall and is open to anyone in the surrounding area. The hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Holy Grounds Cafe is open beginning at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of the month, offering fellowship and free music to the public.

At the same time, many gather for knitting and crocheting fellowship in Webster Hall.

Grace offers a free community dinner the first Friday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

All are welcome to attend a Bible study every Wednesday evening at 6 p.m.

The Christian Education committee has a very active youth program scheduled for the coming months, which is open to any youth of the community and surrounding area. It will sponsor an Easter Party from 2-4 p.m. April 12 beginning in the Fellowship Hall at the church and featuring an Easter egg hunt at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Vacation Bible School, scheduled June 9-13, is open to all youth in the area as well.

Another very important service of Grace Church is the Free Legal Clinic held in Webster Hall on the second Wednesday, every other month. The next clinic is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. March 12.

“Most importantly, Grace Church is an open, welcoming church where diversity is celebrated as a rich gift of God and where Christ is central,” the release states. “Everyone is welcome to attend our worship service on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m.”