HARRISVILLE — The Harrisville Methodist Church, founded in 1844 by the Rev. William Carl as a Methodist Episcopal Church, announces plans for a major expansion of its current facility. Known for its Bible-based teaching, music and welcoming congregation, the church has continued to grow, with one member sharing, “On our first visit, we knew this is where we needed to be. The people are so friendly.”

The congregation of 104 members averages a weekly worship attendance of 100 people, officials stated, noting Sunday worship is held at 11 a.m., with men’s and women’s Bible studies on Wednesday evenings.

Members travel from surrounding communities, including Jewett, Cadiz, Adena, Shadyside, St. Clairsville, Dillonvale and Colerain. The church maintains a strong online presence as well, live-streaming its services on Facebook and YouTube to reach more than 200 viewers each week.

Due to its sustained growth, the worship space has been filled to capacity for the past several years, officials commented, noting Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programs have exceeded the limits of the existing facility as well. A planned expansion includes a new sanctuary to seat 200 people, a fellowship hall to accommodate the same number of guests and a warming and serving kitchen to support expanded church and community activities for children and adults.

According to the Rev. Ken Staley, “This expansion is not about a building — it’s about people. God continues to bring families from Harrison, Jefferson and Belmont counties who are hungry for Biblical teaching, authentic fellowship and a church they can call home. We are simply making room for the ministry God is already growing. Our prayer is that this space will allow us to disciple more believers, serve more children and youth and reach more of our surrounding communities with the hope of Jesus Christ.”

Groundbreaking is planned for Sunday, with everyone invited to bring their shovel and take part. While final construction estimates are still being finalized, the generosity and faithful giving of the congregation and its friends provides hope the project will be completed debt free. Those interested in supporting the expansion are encouraged to contact the church directly. Harrisville Methodist Church has been served for the past 10 years by Staley and his wife, Patty. In 2023, the congregation disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church over theological concerns and is now a member of the Global Methodist Church.

For information, contact Staley by e-mail at harrisvillemethodist@gmail.com or visit harrisvillemethodist.com or the Harrisville Ohio Methodist Facebook page.

Breakfast on the Farm set

COSHOCTON — The Ohio Farm Bureau has announced this year’s annual Breakfast on the Farm event, along with the FFA Food Fight! Breakfast, will be served from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on March 14 at Lapp Farms, located at 44772 U.S. Highway 36 in Coshocton, for a donation to a local food pantry.

Non-perishable food donations and monetary contributions will be collected. A pedal pull will be held at 9 a.m. for children.

Byham Theater welcomes Josh Gates

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Steve Litman Presents announced television personality and author Josh Gates will bring an evening of legends, mysteries and tales of adventure to the Byham Theater at 7:30 p.m. June 12.

Located at 101 Sixth St., the show will be for all ages, with tickets now on sale. A pre-show VIP meet-and-greet can be purchased as well. For tickets and information, visit TrustArts.org, call (412) 456-6666 or purchase at the box office, located at 655 Penn Ave.

The Byham Theater is a venue and project of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Its child policy notes those 3 years and older are welcome to attend, with children under 12 having to be seated and accompanied by adult ticket holder. Gates is the host and executive producer of the Discovery Channel series “Expedition Unknown.” The show follows Gates as he sets out on a global journey to explore archaeological discoveries, historic mysteries and scientific breakthroughs, immersing himself into each story and conducting his own investigations while showcasing the work of explorers and highlighting cultures and destinations.

Gates travels to some of the most remote corners of the planet in immersive, hilarious and thrilling journeys, officials stated, adding he possesses a degree in archaeology, a quick wit and a hunger for adventure.

History center to hold symposium

PITTSBURGH — The Sen. John Heinz History Center announced its fourth-annual Martin Delany Symposium speaker lineup, presented by the museum’s African American program set from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 18.

The symposium will offer presentations and panels that address organizing and activism rooted in the life, ideas and legacy of Delany, one the nation’s most influential African American leaders during the 19th century.

Tamika Nunley, the William and Sue Gross professor of history at Duke University, will deliver the keynote address titled “At the Threshold of Liberty: Women, Slavery and Shifting Identities.” A question-and-answer period will follow. The symposium will feature three panel discussions with visiting scholars from universities and institutions across the country. These sessions will explore Delany’s political thought and activism, Black-led emigration movements, journalism and print culture, military service, gender and debates over freedom and citizenship.

Admission is $50 for non-members, $20 for history center members, $10 for college students who have a valid ID and $10 to attend virtually. The program will be held in the museum’s fifth floor Mueller Center.

McDonald’s to offer new burger

STEUBENVILLE — McDonald’s restaurants is bringing its boldest burger yet to the United States.

Beginning Tuesday, the Big Arch Burger will be available for a limited time. The Big Arch gives patrons more of the flavor they crave, including two quarter-pound beef patties, three slices of melted white cheddar cheese, crispy and slivered onions, lettuce, pickles and Big Arch sauce between toasted sesame and poppy seed buns.