RiverTree, High Point churches join forces, forming Orchard Hill in Clinton

Steven M. Grazier, The Independent
·3 min read
John Stahl, left, missionary at the newly formed Orchard Hill Church, and Rev. Drew Causey, pastor of the church, helped to coordinate an effort to merge RiverTree church in Canal Fulton and High Point Church in Clinton. Orchard Hill's first service is slated Sunday.
John Stahl, left, missionary at the newly formed Orchard Hill Church, and Rev. Drew Causey, pastor of the church, helped to coordinate an effort to merge RiverTree church in Canal Fulton and High Point Church in Clinton. Orchard Hill's first service is slated Sunday.

CLINTON – A RiverTree Christian Church in western Stark County has joined together with the former High Point Church to form a new congregation, with combined services to begin this weekend.

Orchard Hill Church has its first service scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday at 2545 W. Comet Road. The new church will be part of the RiverTree network, which is a grouping of independent Christian churches.

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The Rev. Drew Causey, who joins the new church from RiverTree, and missionary John Stahl, of the former High Point, were catalysts helping to pave the way for Orchard Hill. Logistics and finances were main reasons for the two churches joining forces.

"COVID-19 has taken the gas out of a lot of churches, and this (merger) is a way to come back," said Causey. "Our goal here is to help people live out their faith every day of the week."

The new Orchard Hill Church is located at 2545 W. Comet Road, Clinton. It combines the memberships of the former RiverTree Christian Church in Canal Fulton and High Point Church, which was located on West Comet for about 70 years.
The new Orchard Hill Church is located at 2545 W. Comet Road, Clinton. It combines the memberships of the former RiverTree Christian Church in Canal Fulton and High Point Church, which was located on West Comet for about 70 years.

In December, SCM Resources LLC purchased the RiverTree Christian Church facility at 709 Elm Ridge Ave., Canal Fulton, for $820,000. The LLC is operated by John Eichelberger, who appears to be keeping the fitness center and volleyball club on the property in tact.

Eichelberger could not be reached for comment.

RiverTree had used the center, also known around Canal Fulton as "The Rock," for church services on Sundays since moving there in 2016. The new Orchard Hill Church is located at the former High Point site.

High Point Church had recently been saddled with more than $500,000 of debt, according to Stahl, who said revenue from RiverTree's sale will pay off the debt. Remaining funds will help upgrade the Orchard Hill campus, which includes the main sanctuary, a kitchen and classrooms, as well as a separate gymnasium and pavilion.

Drew Causey, left, pastor of Orchard Hill Church, and John Stahl, a church missionary, talk about the large gymnasium on the church campus that is available to lease for private events.
Drew Causey, left, pastor of Orchard Hill Church, and John Stahl, a church missionary, talk about the large gymnasium on the church campus that is available to lease for private events.

More space at Orchard Hill Church allows for possible growth, expansion

Orchard Hill totals more than 27,000 square feet and sits on about 10 acres, allowing plenty of space for any future expansion. A freshly paved parking lot and new paint for the sanctuary are among the planned upgrades.

"The local church is still a conduit (to bring people together)," Stahl said. "I think we have something special going here."

RiverTree is bringing about 120 members to the new congregation, said Causey, adding that High Point has under 100 coming.

Both Stahl and Causey expect Orchard Hill membership to grow while the church works to find its groove.

"It will take some time for things to align," said Causey, adding that Orchard Hill is slated to begin church youth group classes in February for grades 6 through 12 on Wednesday evenings.

In December, the RiverTree Christian Church building, 709 Elm Ridge Ave., Canal Fulton, was sold to SCM Resources LLC, allowing the church to relocate and merge with High Point Church in Clinton. The former RiverTree site is often referred to as "The Rock" in Canal Fulton.
In December, the RiverTree Christian Church building, 709 Elm Ridge Ave., Canal Fulton, was sold to SCM Resources LLC, allowing the church to relocate and merge with High Point Church in Clinton. The former RiverTree site is often referred to as "The Rock" in Canal Fulton.

The name "Orchard Hill" was selected as the new name because church leaders want to symbolize the growth of "many fruits within the garden."

"We wanted a name to pay honor to this (former High Point) place, and stand on all the good that's happened here over the years," Causey said.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: RiverTree Christian Church-High Point form Orchard Hill in Clinton