Worship on Wilkes-Barre's Public Square

Sounds of Christian worship can now be heard coming from Wilkes-Barre's public square for the first time since 1812. Sunday, the Church on the Square opened.

"Of course it's really exciting," said Andrew Randazzo, a church member.

The non-denominational church's pastors say they've been praying for this day to come as their membership grew.

"We started out small; we did services and prayers meeting bible studies in all of our houses," said Pastor Vince O'Boyle.

The five or six families who make up the membership now have a building to call home, right in the center of it all and they hope to grow larger now that they have a greater presence in the community.

"We're right here. We're right here where everything is," said Pastor Louis Smyth.

They hope to reach out to the needy at this new location, but say they are here for everyone.

"There are all kinds of events that take place here we want people to know they can come down and get their vegetables, they can come down and get things they shop for. They can stop in and have prayer," said O'Boyle.

Church members volunteered their time and some local businesses donated supplies to help create this new space. The pastors say it is free to worship here and contributions from members help pay for rent and daily expenses.

While it may seem like a small beginning, the members of the church on the square say they have a greater vision, and with that anything's possible.

Church on the Square offers a service each Sunday morning at 10:30. A prayer service is held each Tuesday night at 6:30. Ladies bible study takes place Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. and Fridays at 6:30 p.m. is Family Bible night.

For more information call (570) 388-3166.