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Second and Pearson Streets, Auburn, PA 17922
Second and Pearson Streets, Auburn, PA 17922
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CONNECTING OUR HISTORY AND OUR FUTURE St. John’s Lutheran & UCC Church Auburn, Pennsylvania In 1857, members of the Lutheran and Reformed faiths decided to build their own church, the “Church on the Hill.” The building was dedicated in 1859 and a charter of incorporation was granted in 1861. The two congregations operated in a traditional union church model. Extensive renovations to the building were carried out in the early part of the 20th century, including an addition to the narthex, installation of stained glass windows in place of the plain glass and new chancel furnishings. Electric lighting was added in 1911 and central heating replaced the pot bellied stoves in 1917. The music program was enhanced in 1946 with the addition of a Hammond organ and Mass chimes. The church commemorated its 100th anniversary in 1959 with a three-day celebration. In addition to dedicating the new parking lot, the community was invited to the church for a celebration on November 17th. Then two days later a reunion of former pastors was held at the church. By 1981 additional space was needed for the education and social ministries of the church, so the lower level was rearranged to provide Sunday School and kitchen space. In 1997, St. John’s explored and committed to a new model of ministry … shared ministry. The proposed agreement between the two congregations called for a single pastor to minister to both congregations without compromising the integrity of either. Initially, two services were held each Sunday, one Lutheran and one UCC. Most special services were held jointly. More recently, however, a single service including elements of both the Lutheran and UCC liturgies has been held. In November 1998, St. John’s installed its first called pastor since entering shared ministry, Pastor Melody Herr. Thus a new tradition was begun at St. John’s based on the rich history of its two denominations. St. John's truly is a single congregation, related to two dynamic denominations! Today, Pastor Karl Jones serves at St. John’s. Under his leadership the congregation is looking toward the future. St. John's is truly a church that has a vision of ministry for the Auburn community in the 21st century. St. John's provides people the opportunity to worship God. Education is taken seriously through programs like the Sunday School, Youth Ministry, and bi-weekly Bible Studies. St. John’s provides a vital ministry to the people of Auburn and surrounding areas. One of the new efforts at St. John Church is a Thursday morning Prayer Time at 9 AM in the sanctuary. The event is coordinated by Debbie Moyer and Pastor Karl. There will be times of guided prayer and devotion, Bible reading, and silence. Everyone is welcome. We invite you, no matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, to join us for worship or any of our programs. We take our motto seriously - "A tradition of faithfulness ... a future of renewed witness." THE CHURCH ON THE HILL (Compiled by Beverly Kilmer) Interesting facts during the history of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and United Church of Christ, Auburn, Pennsylvania. 1857 - Members of Lutheran and Reformed faiths decided to build their own church. “The Church on the Hill” had broad square windows with clear glass and inside shutters and a steeple on the belfry. 1859 - Church was dedicated. 1861 - Charter of Incorporation was granted to “The High German Evangelical Reformed and Lutheran Saint John Church. 1903 - Extensive renovations which included: · Addition of narthex · Installation of arched stained-glass windows · New chancel furnishing installed · The painting of the “Resurrection” by the Rev. N.A. Weller and his daughter was placed in the center panel of the altar. 1905 - Baptismal Font presented by Sunday School. 1911 - Electric lights installed and interior repainted due to blackening from previous kerosene lamps. 1917 - First furnace installed to replace pot-bellied stoves. 1925 - Present pews were purchased. 1933-1936- Basement was further excavated and stairway to narthex was erected. New carpeting and a new heating plant were purchased. 1936 - The cross, candlesticks, and flower vases for the altar were donated by F.V. Filbert, Mr. And Mrs. Frank L. Brown and Mr. And Mrs. Fred Schultz, respectively. 1937 - Three- hour Good Friday services began. 1943 - A blackout committee was appointed to cover the windows due to the war effort. The Missal Stand was presented by the Lutheran Confirmation Class, and the Missal was the gift of Rev. and Mrs. Drumm. 1946 - A Hammond organ and Mass chimes were installed, gifts of Mr. Guy Diefenderfer, Sr. 1950 - Complete renovation of interior included: · Walls given a white sand finish · Lights were relocated · Altar was illuminated · Choir loft was lowered · Chancel rail was straightened · New hymn boards and hymnal racks installed · Organ and chimes relocated · Hardwood floor laid · New carpeting placed in center aisle · Asphalt tile placed in narthex · Clothing racks placed in narthex · Radiators were recessed · White celetex installed in ceiling · Short amesite walk placed at entrance of church · Organ and chimes were relocated Rededication service held in August 1951 - Church exterior was painted. Wrought iron credence table was gift from Evangelical and Reformed Confirmation Class of 1951. Embroidered paraments presented by family of John W. Morrison. 1952 - The oil burner was installed. 1957 - Candelabra were given by Mrs. Annie Schultz and her son, Clifford. A landscaping project was undertaken, including: · Removal of trees in front of church · Considerable leveling and paving of parking lot · Concrete walls, curbing and steps This project was a gift of Mr. Fred Mengel in memory of his son, Dr. Sterling Mengel. 1958 - 3rd and 4th grade Blue Mountain School classes used the church schoolroom due to overcrowding at the Auburn school. 1959 - 100th anniversary celebration took place over three nights. · November 15 - 100th anniversary and parking lot dedication · November 17 - Area night for community congregations · November 19 - Former pastors night 1960 - The church school was renovated. 1973 - UCC offering plates in memory of Elaine H. Miller 1976 -The church’s exterior masonry walls were renovated with “Nu-Side” sprayed coating. 1977 - Altar vases and liners in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Mr. And Mrs. Ed Lesser by Phyllis and Jean. 1978 - The church’s ceiling was insulated. The sanctuary candle was installed. 1980 - Iron railings on front steps installed, a gift Mark Brensinger. 1981 - Kitchen added to Sunday School room by George Kerschner. 1981 - The stained glass windows were repaired and then covered with Lexan shields. 1984 - New doors were presented by Mr. And Mrs. Gerald Swoyer. Ceiling fans were presented by Mr. and Mrs. George Fidler. A church piano was purchased by members of the church. 1985 - Green paraments were given in memory of Agnes Seiler by her family. 1986 - Professional landscaping was done. A sound system was donated by Willie Stauffer. Church roof was painted silver. 1987 - White paraments were given by the Lutheran Congregation in memory of deceased members. 1989 - The exterior of the church was restored to its original brick and stone through chemical washing and sand blasting and then repointed and trim repainted. 1990 - The Sunday School room was renovated by Leonard Brown. - Repairs on church organ. 1991 - Copier purchased. - Altar painted. - Church steeple repaired and repainted. - Heating system for church. - Heating system for parsonage. 1992-1995 - Lutheran Pastor “Chris” Zander 1992 - Display case in Sunday School room in loving memory of our Parents by Mr. and Mrs. George Kerschner. - Silk flowers in Altar vases – Fred Moyer. 1993 - Paschal Candle in memory of Andrew and Twila Doviak by Dawn Hoffman and Carolyn Wessner. - Seat cushions for pews in loving memory of Sarah Clauser, Harold N. Deibert and Guy Boger. - Sunday School refrigerator donated by Wilbert Faust and daughter. - Bulletin Board purchased by UCC Congregation. 1994 - Steeple Roof repaired. - Sanctuary Candle established by Mr. Cullen Clauser in memory of his father. 1995 - Lapel microphone in memory of Mrs. Ruth Lesser and Mrs. Jean Major by Phyllis and Nelson Major. - Organist edition purchased. - New Lutheran Constitution submitted by Synod. 1995-1998 - Lutheran Pastor Hank Wohlgemuth 1996 - Celebrated 150th Anniversary. - Lutheran Parsonage to be sold for $53,434.60. - Pictorial Directory issued. - Developed Mission Statement. 1997 - Development of “Shared Ministry” initiated and guidelines set up. - Organization of Church Board consisting of 7 Lutherans and 7 UCC. Carol Seiler President. - Lutheran Book of Worship in memory of Martha Meck and Lauretta Wessner. - Bookshelves for Sunday School room in memory Lauretta Wessner and Martha Meck. - Fair Linen for Holy Communion by Rev. and Mrs. Henry Wohlgemuth. - Bibles for Confirmation class by Clara Brommer. Lutheran – Oldest female - Ruth Young; oldest male - Mr. George Kilmer, Sr.; youngest – Samantha Pike. (active) United Church of Christ – Oldest female – Esther Heffner; oldest male – Harold Long. (active) 1998-2002 - Lutheran Pastor Melody Herr installed in Nov. 1998 - Youth group organized by Adam Grickis and Jennifer Lehman. They chose the name V.O.Y.A.G.E. (Voices Of Youth Attempting Great Endeavor). - Combined (UCC and Lutheran) church services were held during the summer months at 9:00 am. - Kerry Oil Candles purchased for altar. - Church signs installed at 2nd and Market Street and at Cemetery on Rt 895 - Church roof replaced. - Cruet and Funeral Pall in memory of E.S. Filbert. - Pastor’s desk a gift from Pastor Crucius. - Dedication of statue “Christ the Redeemer” and paved road at the cemetery by Merritt Runkle in memory of his wife “Sissy” Runkle. 1999 - Youth – Appalachia Service Project. 9 youths and 5 adults traveled to Southwestern West Virginia for home rehabilitation for one week. - Organ Service Hymnal in memory of Eleanor Deitrich. - Purchased 2 new white acolyte gowns. - Board President – Beverly Kilmer 2000 - Board President – Marion Hummel - Youth group participated in Habitat for Humanity in Pottsville. - Christmas Tree Pledges tradition began. 2001 - Board President – Betty Renninger - Microphone system improved in memory of Charles Sowers. 2002 - Board President – Jim Peiffer - Altar chairs refurbished in memory of Albert Nagle. - Steeple put on church. - Bell tower repaired. - Roof painted. - $1.3 million bequeathed to Lutheran Church by Ruth Schultz. 2003 - Pastor Arthur Hahn became part time Interim Pastor in January - Pastor George Miller became part time supply Pastor - Board President – Russell Mengel - Christian Education Program introduced - Bible Study began with study of “Jesus” video – 19 attended 2004 - Board President – Russell Mengel - Electrical service up-dated - Air conditioner installed - Repair and restoration of stained glass windows began at a cost of $5000 per window. - New shed erected outside. - Exterior brick preserved. 2005 - Board President – Russell Mengel - Unified offering envelopes introduced. - One treasurer elected – John Reedy - Pastor Miller became ˝ time interim Pastor in lieu of supply Pastor. - Canopy over front entrance to church erected. - New hymnals introduced in September to replace old UCC & Lutheran hymnals. - New Choir gowns were purchased in memory of Naomi Nagle & Margaret Koch. 2006 - April 16 was the last Sunday for Pastors Arthur Hahn and George Miller. The Rev David Crowle became Interim Pastor until a new pastor is elected. 2006 - The Rev Karl Jones was elected by a majority vote on June 11 to be our new pastor. He began his duties on August 15.
2006 - The Rev Karl Jones was installed as Pastor of St John Church
on Nov 12. |
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