GIRARD — Guiding Light Presbyterian Church has functioned well since the Girard Presbyterian and Liberty Presbyterian churches merged several years ago.

Pastor Debby Dockstader said that in 2021, the two churches came together to form the new church. Dockstader said there had been talk of merging prior to that, but she advised “do not do a merger in the middle of a pandemic.”

She said there were discussions on what the Girard, Hubbard and Liberty Presbyterian churches might want to do together. Dockstader said Liberty and Girard churches hosted joint events together such as Ash Wednesday services and study groups.

While both churches could have continued on by themselves, Dockstader said the memberships of both began to decline, so the future was a concern

“We decided to merge together out of choice rather than later out of necessity. We found we are stronger together rather than apart,” Dockstader said.

Nancy VanHorn, who previously was with Liberty Presbyterian Church, said that the church needed more members and did not have a pastor. Often they had Dockstader or someone else fill in so communion could be offered.

“Whenever there was a need, we tried to fill in and help.” Dockstader said.

Chris Giron, who previously was with Girard Presbyterian Church, said he is a commissioned ruling elder able to lead worship and communion.

“I did a test at Liberty Presbyterian Church when I was taking classes. I was there just about every week,” Giron said.

Giron and Dockstader often lead the church service together. The two churches officially closed Dec. 31, 2020, and the new church began Jan. 1, 2021.

Four years later, Giron said the church is doing well with more people and more ideas.

“We have been able to help our community better. We do a lot to help the Emmanuel Community Care Center. Girard used to do the food and Liberty the bathroom supply collections. When we came together, we did both,” Giron said.

VanHorn said the Liberty church for years supported the Needle’s Eye in Youngstown, which helped children.

“Merging with Girard was the best decision we ever made because we would have eventually closed, but it was difficult to give up our church,” VanHorn said.

She said another religious group did purchase the Liberty church building and has previously rented space for their programs.

Dockstader said one of the blessings of the merger was that both congregations were similar in many ways.

“Because of similarities, it was not jarring to come together. It was like the same people, different site,” she said.

Giron said he likes how everything was changed — including the name of the church — to benefit both former churches

“We discussed what both church members wanted and what we could live with and what they could live with. It was like a dating period to see if we liked each other and can we be with each other. I think that helped to make this a good move,” Giron said.

He said it has been an amazing journey with no fighting.

VanHorn said she remembers a session at the Liberty church asking people what they wanted when the church closed.

“We had people fill out cards, and the main thing was many wanted to keep the morning praise songs. That has now evolved here at the new church as we have a praise band. Everyone enjoys it,’ she said.

Liberty church members brought chairs and banners to the Girard site.

Giron said meetings were held to discuss a name for the new church.

“We thought G and L for Girard and Liberty Presbyterian Church. The initials covered both churches and Guiding Light because we follow God and the light,” Giron said.

Dockstader said the church has an attendance of between 35 and 45 people each Sunday.

Giron said the future looks bright, with plans to bring back more programs such as the soup and sales event and sending items to Emmanuel Care Center, as well as coats and backpacks for the children at Prospect School.

“Our goal is to continue to grow in faith and also serve God’s people in our community to the best of our ability. We keep looking for new things to do. We like to host events for the community and also offer spiritual development,” Dockstader said.

The church works with the Girard Ministerial Association, which consists of all different church denominations in Girard.

“It is a warm, friendly feeling when we hold a Bible study, movie night or some other event and people show up,” Dockstader said.