WARREN — The East Side Church of Christ has found a new location at 1750 Niles Road, with congregation members slowly being able to move in after a delay because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Minister Nick Kelson spoke at a recent service where he encouraged everyone to be healthy and safe and let God guide them through difficult times.

Kelson said the church members began attending at the new location late last year with plans for a dedication earlier this year that had to be postponded because of the pandemic.

“We had a dedication planned, but because of COVID, it has not been able to take place,” Kelson said.

The church previously was located off Adelaide Street SE, but had limited space in the building and parking lot.

“This new location has been a blessing because we have more room in the parking lot for outdoor worship. We also have more space to hold worship inside and do social distancing,” he said.

Kelson said plans for a new church started in 1997 when the church acquired the land off Niles Road. He said in 2015 the shell for the building was started.

Kelson said the new building is one floor, which makes it easier for people who had difficulty getting up and down stairs at the former church.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com