The festivities began at 4 p.m. on Sunday with games and fellowship, followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Cake and ice cream was served an hour later.

Though the weather was hot, the evening ended with games both indoors and outdoors.

Paying off the mortgage was something the congregation looked forward to as it inched closer and closer to becoming a reality.

The land for the church was purchased in 1997, and paid off three years later. Despite this, 10 years went by before they actually broke ground on the property, all the while they saved what they could. Construction on the structure of the church began in October 2010.

PHOTO PROVIDED Children play during the mortgage burning ceremony.

During the two year construction, there were approximately 3,900 volunteer hours donated by members of the church family.

Because the church is such a unique shape and structure, there was only one institution that would loan the church the money — West Milton State Bank — in the amount of $1.1 million.

They later refinanced again with Woodland’s Bank and then achieved their final loan through the Jersey Shore State Bank.

They obtained occupancy and began worshipping in their newly constructed building in August, 2012, and officially dedicated the building to the Lord’s service on Oct. 14, 2012.

“With the blessing from our Lord, and the faithfulness of God’s people, the loan on the building was paid off in May of 2025,” said Pastor Mark Riley.

PHOTO PROVIDED Some attendees are pictured at dinner for the mortgage burning ceremony.

The mortgage was ripped into small pieces so that many could have a hand in burning it in the fire pit.

The congregation gathers every Sunday beginning at 8:45 a.m., and all are invited to join.

You can find more information about the Flemington First Church of Christ on their website, ffcoc.net or on their Facebook page, First Church of Christ Flemington.