How do I reset or erase contend on an Ipad (model A1219) that I bought at a church sale?

Niel wrote:

Restore it on a computer.

It isn't possible for a first generation iPad to have an activation lock due to the OS version requirement for it; this didn't become available until 7.0.

(261006)

Good catch!

Restore it on a computer.

It isn't possible for a first generation iPad to have an activation lock due to the OS version requirement for it; this didn't become available until 7.0.

(261006)

Unless you want this iPad for a historical collection, it isn't worth trying to save it. According to MacTracker, A1219 is the original iPad (Wi-Fi) that Apple released in April 2010.

It has a 32-bit processor and 0.25 GB of RAM, and cannot update past iOS 5.1.1. Even if you could get the previous owner's help in resetting it, there would be nothing in the App Store that would run on it. Apple dropped support for 32-bit iPhone and iPad processors a long time ago, so it is quite possible it couldn't connect to the App Store at all.

Apple released iOS 5.1.1 on May 7, 2012. That tells us that the version of Safari on that iPad is at least that old – and thus might have issues trying to browse modern Web sites.

It is (or could be) a nice museum piece, but it's not useful for much else.

so_transplant wrote:

how does one dispose of an ipad that may have information on it?

You recycle it. See “Good for the planet” here.

Apple Trade In - Apple

There is no workaround as the device may well have been previously stolen, and Activation Lock would certainly reduce its value. It may have been an expensive lesson, but next time you’ll know better.

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community

If this is your first exposure to Apple products, all the original owner needed to do was go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad before giving it to someone else to avoid this calamity.

If the iPad disabled or Activation Locked, unless you can independently obtain assistance from the previous owner, the iPad is (and will remain) useless to you. iOS/iPadOS device security is intentionally contrived to ensure that a stolen or misplaced device remains unusable to anyone other than the owner that last successfully activated the iPad.

There is no mechanical "reset' button that can reset or bypass the iPad's security features.

If you are able to contact the original owner, they will require this information:

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as the original sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.

For information, here is what Apple suggests when purchasing a previously used device:

Check for Activation Lock before you buy a device from someone else

Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Follow these steps to check if the device is ready to use: 

1. Turn on and unlock the device. 
2. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
3. Begin the device setup process.
4. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to use a browser to remove the device from their account. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.

You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to "Set up your iPhone," “Set up your iPad," or “Set up your iPod” the first time you turn it on.

There is no workaround for Activation Lock.

If you were the original owner, and had purchased the Pad either from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller, and had proof of purchase that was satisfactory to Apple, there might be circumstances where Apple would consider an Activation Lock support request. But not for a second-hand purchase.

If your church can contact the previous owner of the iPad, and that person is willing to help make the iPad useful, then your church could point them at this article and ask them to carry out the steps in it.

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

The original owner must unlock the iPad or it will remain useless forever.

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support