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

The beloved structure, built in the 1800s, is on 175 acres of land purchased in 1913 by Cathy Uhl’s grandparents. Her father, who was a baby at the time, spent the rest of his life living in the same house, the house where his daughter grew up.

Uhl and her husband, Harry, 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 Uhls’ 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 the dark cloud of COVID-19 quarantines, shutdowns and school closings.

Their parents’ desire to open the property for the event did not surprise the Uhls’ four children because family, friends and church events have taken place there for many years, including two weddings, a reception in the woods and a reception in the barn. After a few weeks of planning, hanging posters, shopping, baking and cleaning the barn, the 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.

As the evening wound down, many people asked the Uhls for more events like it. The plan for each of the following years’ events has been similar to the first.

The Uhls’ original idea of music interspersed with brief, uplifting messages continues, with different musicians, speakers and menu. Guests will be treated to a country supper this year.

The Uhls urge anyone to bring family and friends for the evening. Seating is limited, so bring a lawn chair if possible.