Pictured is the Uhl family barn.

RANDOLPH — The community is invited to a free night of faith, food and fellowship, when the second annual “Gathering in the Barn” will take place on Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Uhl Family barn at 2467 Vollentine Road, Randolph.

The structure, built in the 1800s, is on 175 acres of land purchased in 1913 by Cathy Uhl’s grandparents. Her father, who was 1-year-old at the time, spent the rest of his life living in the same house, the house where his daughter grew-up. Cathy and her husband, Harry Uhl, built a home a few yards away from the old farmhouse, where they raised their children. Since that time, two of those children have built their homes on the Vollentine Road property. Five of the Uhl’s grandchildren are the fifth generation to reside on the old homestead.

The first gathering took place during the summer of 2022 when the Uhls wanted to use their barn to uplift people following two years of being under COVID-19 quarantines, shut-downs and school closings. Their parents desire to open the property for the event did not surprise the Uhl’s four children since family, friends and church events have taken place there for many years, including a wedding and reception in the woods and a reception in the barn.

After a few weeks of planning, hanging posters, shopping, baking and cleaning the barn, last year’s event came off without a hitch. The evening started with 100 guests being treated to a meal of hot dogs, chips, cookies and a beverage. Several small groups and solo performers played or sang upbeat praise and patriotic music, which was interspersed with brief inspirational messages brought by several speakers. At the end of the face-paced evening, many people asked the Uhl’s for more events like this. Requests started coming again this spring.

The plan for this year’s Gathering in the Barn is similar to the first one. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a meal of pancakes, sausage and real maple syrup produced by the Uhl family. The maple syrup production tradition was started by Mrs. Uhl’s grandfather when sugaring supplies came with the property in 1913. Most years since that time, sap has been collected and all of the family members, who have resided on the property, have played a part in the process of making maple syrup. The original sugar house was built in 1923. A new structure was built in 2004 by Mr. Uhl and his son, Cody, who devised his own work study program for Future Farmers of America. The high school senior spent the second half of his school day working on the project which earned him the FFA District Star Award.

Patriotic and praise music will be provided by Heidi Boser, Barb Price, Judy Messinger, Pastor Tim Middleton, Randy and Cindy Anderson, East Randolph Methodist Choir and Koinonia Christian Fellowship Praise Band. Tucked between the music will be brief, uplifting messages by various speakers.

Seating is limited, so bring a lawn chair, if possible.