history of christ church

HISTORY OF CHRIST CHURCH
The First Fifty Years (1849-1899)
Since the early 1700’s, people of the Reformed faith have lived in
the vicinity of Bethlehem, coming here even before the Moravians
arrived in l741. It was not until 1849, however, a few years after
Bethlehem was opened to people of other than the Moravian faith, that
there was a sufficient number to form a regular congregation. In the
Autumn of that year the Rev. Jacob C. Becker held regular services in
the market building on Broad Street, later City Hall and now a parking
lot.
Market Building on Broad Street
At about the same time, the Lutherans of the city held services on
alternate Sundays in the same place. Before long, the two groups agreed
to unite and erect a house of worship which would be used by the two
congregations on an alternate basis. It was, in fact, a Union Church, an
arrangement fairly common at the time and still to be found occasionally
in rural districts in Pennsylvania.
In the following year, 1850, a lot on the west side of High Street near
Broad was purchased from the Moravian congregation – now the site of
Salem Lutheran Church. The constitution of the Union Congregation
was adopted in August, 1850, and the cornerstone of the church was laid
in September of that year. The finished church building was dedicated to
the service of God on April 5, 1851. It was the second church in
Bethlehem.
On June 15, 1851, Dr. Becker was formally elected pastor of the
Reformed Congregation, and the first communion service was held on
November 9. During that year, the Union Church bought from the
Moravians a plot of ground on Nisky Hill, south of Church Street. It was
consecrated for the burial of the dead and was called then, as it is now,
Union Cemetery. The ownership of the cemetery remains the only joint
venture of the two congregations.
The Original Church on High Street
Records of 1851 show that the Reformed Congregation comprised 32
families. Its growth was slow but steady, as evidenced in records listing
37 communicants in 1853, 42 in 1856, and 54 in 1857. Dr. Becker held
his first and only confirmation rites in 1854, when ten young members
were received.
It was during Dr. Becker's pastorate, in May of 1853, that the Sunday
School was organized. For the first two years it met in the old Wall
Street school, but in May of 1855 permission was granted by the Church
Consistory to hold the Sunday School meetings in the church building,
thus recognizing the school as a definite part of church life. At this time
there were 100 members in the Sunday School.
Organized musical worship was also begun during Dr. Becker's
pastorate. The first minister of music was Aaron George, who
accompanied the singing on his violin. A melodeon was used by the
second, David Rothrock, until an organ was purchased in March of 1854.
Charles H. Schwartz was the third minister of music, serving until April,
1869.
Dr. Becker retired in 1856 because of ill health, and the Rev. A. J. G.
Dubbs was elected the second pastor of the congregation. He stayed for
only one year, however, leaving to accept a call to the Macungie Church.
In January of 1858, when the Reformed pulpit had been vacant for
about six months, the Rev. Daniel J. Heisler, D. D., was elected pastor.
He remained in Bethlehem for eight successful years, resigning in June,
1866, to become superintendent of what is now the Bethany Home. The
fourth pastor, the Rev. Isaac K. Loos, was elected in August of that year
and was installed in February, 1867. Through his leadership, the First
Reformed Church in South Bethlehem was organized in the Autumn of
1867, with a number of Christ Church members transferring to become
its nucleus.
Rev. Loos was also instrumental in bringing about the dissolution of
the Union Church, which had been discussed for some time but not acted
upon. At a congregational meeting in June, 1868, 61 out of 68 present
voted for a separate church, and the division began. Each congregation
put in a bid for the old church property, and the Lutheran group was the
successful high bidder.
Christ Reformed Church, 1869-1913
The Reformed congregation soon thereafter purchased a 72 x 180
foot lot at the corner of Center and Walnut Streets. Construction was
begun on April 10, 1869, the cornerstone was laid on June 6, and the
dedication ceremony was held on January 23, 1870.
Rev. Loos resigned in the summer of 1888. Together with a group of
Christ Church members, he organized St. Paul's Reformed Church at
High and North Streets and served as pastor there until his death the
following year. This was the second offshoot of the mother church.
Dr. Gustave A. Schwedes was elected fifth pastor of Christ Church
on February 25, 1889, at a salary of $1,000, and was installed in
September of that year. Before his arrival, repair work costing $3,200
had been started on the 16-year-old church, and on October 6, 1889, the
edifice was rededicated.
A third branch of Christ Church was formed in 1890, when 28
members of the congregation living in West Bethlehem organized
Bethany Reformed Church. The new building, at the corner of Fourth
Avenue and Schaffer Street, was dedicated in June of 1891.
In May of 1890, Prof. John M. Diefenderfer was elected Minister of
Music at a salary of $200, and John Jacoby was appointed BeIlows
Puller with an annual stipend of $24. The latter position was abolished
some time later, when the Ladies' Aid Society purchased a motor blower.
The first Christ Church publication appeared in 1891, when Dr.
Schwedes established "The Christ Church Companion," with himself as
editor and H. J. Mack as business manager. The following year, Dr.
Schwedes and his family moved into the newly-built parsonage at 261
East Broad Street.
An important decision was made by the congregation in 1894. For
some years past, only the first sermon in each month had been in
English, since German was the prevailing tongue of the area at the time.
Now, however, the people of Christ Church decided to have a German
service only on alternate Sundays. Three years later a further change
was made, and a short English sermon preceded every German sermon.
Holy Communion, however, was still held in German. The 20th century
was well under way before German was eliminated entirely from Christ
Church services.
In October 1897, Prof. Diefenderfer resigned as organist and was
succeeded the following year by David Griffith Samuels, who served in
the capacity of organist and choirmaster until 1944.
During Dr. Schwedes' pastorate, progress was made in Sunday School
affairs, with a Sunday School building being erected to the rear of the
church. A milestone was passed in 1898, when electric lighting was
installed in the school rooms.
The Second Fifty Years (1899-1949)
The Sanctuary in the early 1900’s
The church reached the half-century mark in 1899, and the occasion
was marked with fitting celebrations and a number of changes and
additions to the church sanctuary. The organ was moved from the
balcony to the southwest corner, new electric chandeliers were installed,
and the lovely stained glass window depicting Christ and His disciples
was placed over the altar. Part of this window is now in the church’s
Memory Room.
The congregation now had more than 500 members, which was
especially noteworthy since it had willingly given up many members to
the four new churches it had helped to establish: First, St. Paul's,
Bethany, and Zion, which was founded in 1898 on Hillmond Street in
Hottlesville, now a part of North Bethlehem.
The twentieth year of Dr. Schwedes' pastorate at Christ Church was
celebrated in 1909, and in the same year a new Junior Sunday School
building and heating plant were constructed. On July 10, 1910, Dr.
Schwedes presented his resignation to the Consistory in order to become
pastor of Salem Church, Allentown.
The sixth pastor of Christ Church was the Rev. J. Rauch Stein of
Harrisburg, who preached his first sermon in Bethlehem on January 15,
1911. The following year, the new constitution of the Reformed Church
in the USA was adopted by the Consistory, and the Christ Church
constitution was changed to conform with it. The Consistory as a whole
now constituted a Board of Trustees for the congregation.
At the congregational meeting in that year, the organization of a
young people's group was sanctioned. Accordingly, the Heidelberg
League of Christian Endeavor was formed on January 10, 1912, with 35
charter members.
During that year a campaign was conducted to raise money for
church improvements, and early in 1913, when $4,000 had been raised,
work was begun. The church steeple, now so weak as to be a hazard,
was removed and an entire new front was constructed.
Christ Church as it appeared from 1913-1974
On December 16, 1916, Dr. Stein tendered his resignation to take up
a new charge at Wilkes-Barre, and on July 21, 1917, Dr. Henry I. Stahr
of Reading was elected seventh pastor. Two years later the church
sanctuary was renovated, with rededication services held in October
1919.
The church’s 75th anniversary was celebrated on October 4, 1925.
Dr. Stahr conducted the service, and the evening service was held in
Salem Lutheran Church, recognizing the fact that the two congregations
had made their start together.
Dr. Stahr resigned in November, 1926, after nine fruitful years with
Christ Church. He had established the Men’s Brotherhood in 1918,
helped to inaugurate a six-week School of Religious Education which
was held annually for many years, and developed the idea of an annual
Christmas pageant, which served as the pattern for the first Christmas
pageants held in Liberty High School.
Early in 1927, Dr. William H. Bollman was elected to replace Dr.
Stahr, who went on to become president of Hood College in Frederick,
Md. The new pastor and his family arrived in Bethlehem in June and
took up residence in the newly renovated parsonage.
During that year work was begun on a kitchen and social hall in the
church basement, and in May, 1928, a housewarming and reception for
new members was held in the newly-finished rooms. Two years later the
church nave was redecorated and the Sunday School rooms repainted. A
33-stop organ and a grand piano were installed in the church, and the old
organ was given to Bethany congregation for its new church building.
Rededication was held on October 5, as part of the celebration of the
church’s 80th anniversary, and the entire program was climaxed by the
celebration of Holy Communion on October 26.
Dr. Bollman resigned in April, 1932, to become pastor of First
Church in Lancaster. He was replaced by the Rev. Samuel R. Brenner.
During this period widespread economic stress necessitated a welfare
program supported by the church. In spite of this, the church managed
also to finance the revamping of the Sunday School in 1932.
A major change occurred in June, 1934, when the Reformed Church
in the United States merged with the Evangelical Synod of North
America. The new entity was known as the Evangelical and Reformed
Church, and Christ Church adopted that name.
Rev. Brenner died an untimely death in June, 1935. During the
months of his illness, the pulpit was filled by the Rev. Raymond S.
Haupert, a Moravian minister who later became president of Moravian
College and Theological Seminary. The pastoral work was handled by
the Rev. William Van Seltzer of the Evangelical and Reformed Church.
On January 1, 1936, the Rev. A. Augustus Welsh came from
Ashland, Pa., to take over Christ Church, having been elected the
previous November.
The tenth pastor’s zeal and ability began to evidence itself very soon.
On his first Palm Sunday in Christ Church he confirmed a class of sixty
people. That Autumn, he began the editing of a weekly Church Letter,
which later was expanded into a longer monthly mimeographed
publication.
Early in 1937 a Board of Christian Education, consisting of
representatives from the Consistory and the Sunday School, was
established for the purpose of planning and guiding the work of the
school.
Because of this and other innovations, including the
reorganization of the Sunday School orchestra, attendance at the school
increased so greatly that larger quarters were necessary. The Consistory
therefore made plans for a new Church School building which would be
financed by a bond issue to be liquidated by Building and Loan shares
sold to members and organizations of the church.
The completed building was dedicated on October 23, 1938, with Dr.
Welsh presiding, and a number of special services were held during the
ensuing week. The building contained six departmental units, the church
office, a parlor used for meetings, and the Pastor’s Study.
Christ Church and Church School
View from School Street and Walnut Street
Dedicated October 23, 1938
At the Easter Communion in 1938, pew communion was held for the
first time. The necessary equipment had been purchased by the Ladies'
Aid Society as its final gift to the church, since the group was disbanding
after 49 years of service. The old Communion equipment was sent to Dr.
Stahr for use at Hood College.
September, 1940, saw the organization of one of the most famous of
the Christ Church youth groups – the "Round Tablers of Christ," with the
former Senior Christian Endeavor members as its nucleus. The group
had Sunday night supper meetings with a speaker and then attended the
evening church service in a body. The success of the "Round Tablers,"
for the 17-to-23 age group, led to the formation of three additional
organizations, the "Inner Circle," the "Crusaders," and the "Questers," for
other ages. In 1945 these youth groups were singled out by the Eastern
Synod and by Moravian 'I'heological Seminary as models for the district.
Many of the members remain very active in Christ Church affairs.
The early 1940’s saw the formation of the Mothers Club, forerunner
to the present Mothers Plus organization. The Mothers Club/Mothers
Plus supports the programs of the youth of Christ Church. Around the
same time Dr. Welsh formed the Men of Rubicon, an ecumenical group
of men who meet twice a month for dinner and entertainment.
On June 5, 1944, Prof. Samuels resigned as minister of music after
45 years of noteworthy service, which included the presentation each
year of a complete performance of Handel's "Messiah." He was replaced
by Miss Frances Kratz, later Mrs. Walter Schrempel, who held the post
until September, 1948. Following her resignation, Carlton S. Weaver
took over. Mr. Weaver was associated with the Bethlehem Area School
District, eventually becoming the head of its Music Department.
With the steady growth of the congregation, the church staff was
enlarged by the appointment of a permanent secretary in February of
1944. An addition was also made to the church's property with the
acquisition of the home at 130 Wall Street as new parsonage in 1946.
Late in 1947 a senior at Moravian Theological Seminary, Wilbur
Behrend, was secured to assist Dr. Welsh. Upon his graduation in 1949,
the Rev. R. Howard Paine was elected as full-time assistant minister.
Other significant events of 1949 included the awarding of a Doctor
of Divinity degree to Rev. Welsh by his Alma Mater, Ursinus College,
and the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Christ Church in October.
The latter included various special services and an historical pageant,
"The Keys to Christ Church."
The Third Fifty Years (1949-1999)
Rev. Paine resigned after two years and was succeeded in turn by
Betty Acker, director of parish activities; Betty Stamm, director of
religious education; Virginia Brown, director of youth activities; and
finally, by the Rev. Harold H. Ley, who in October of 1956 became our
first associate pastor.
Earlier that year, the mimeographed church letter was upgraded to
become a monthly "Parish News," four printed pages with photographs,
later expanded to eight pages.
During all these years the congregation grew steadily, and in the
summer of 1955 planning had begun for a new, larger church building.
Groundbreaking was in June, 1958, the cornerstone was laid in May of
1959, and the new church was dedicated on June 5, 1960. By that time
the congregation numbered over 1700.
The New Church Dedicated June 5, 1960
The New Sanctuary
In the meantime, in June of 1957, another major change had taken
place in the denomination: the Evangelical and Reformed Church joined
with the Congregational Christian Churches to form the United Church
of Christ.
In early 1963, Associate Pastor Ley resigned, and in March the Rev.
Stewart Bortner replaced him. Three years later, with Christ Church now
the largest UCC church in Pennsylvania, it was decided to hire a third
full-time pastor, and so the Rev. Richard Benner joined the staff in
January, 1967. A second secretary was also added.
The following year, Robert Birk was appointed as business
administrator, to help the staff in some of the more involved business
aspects of the church's ministry. Like all succeeding administrators, he
was a member of the congregation.
Also in 1968, Dr. Welsh presented a letter of resignation, stating that
he would retire in September, 1970, having then served as senior pastor
for 34 years. During his tenure the congregation had increased some 700
members to almost 2000, many innovative parish projects and
organizations had been established, a Sunday School building had been
added, and the new church and attached buildings had been erected. His
resignation was accepted with great regret.
His replacement was the Rev. Otto E. Sommer. After Rev.
Sommer's arrival in October 1970, it was decided to accommodate the
three pastors in a centralized location, so the third and fourth grade
Church School rooms were renovated into offices for them.
Changes were being made in the Consistory during this period. For
the first time, a woman was elected as a deacon; and a reorganization of
the group was initiated which would enable the members to discharge
their duties more efficiently. There was also a change in the pastoral
staff: Rev. Benner resigned and was replaced by the Rev. Frederick
Eyster as the third pastor, with a two-year contract.
Another "first" was scored in 1972, when a lay person was elected
president of the Consistory, a position formerly filled by the pastor.
That year, a committee was formed to study the problem of what to
do with the old church building on Center Street. The first decision
made was to remove the old bell tower, which had become a serious
hazard. The original steeple of 1870 had been replaced in 1913 with the
copper-domed tower and its Celtic cross; now this one had to be
replaced. The original bell was preserved and placed in the Cloister as a
memorial to Charles Arnold, church custodian for over 25 years.
Close up of old bell tower
Another staff change occurred in 1974, when Associate Pastor Eyster
resigned and was replaced by the Rev. Timothy Morrison.
That year was also the church's 125th anniversary, and impressive
services were held, with the pastor emeritus, Dr. Welsh, launching the
week-long celebration. A son of the church, Dr. Sheldon Mackey, also
participated. At this time the congregation numbered 1943.
The year 1975 was one of enormous change. All three pastors -Otto Sommer, Stewart Bortner and Timothy Morrison -- answered calls
to other areas. A Search Committee was selected immediately; their first
accomplishment was to appoint Dr. Daniel W. Nicely as interim pastor,
with Thomas Burlington to assist him. They, with the help of Dr. Welsh
and some neighboring clergy, kept the church going. During this period,
only one worship service was held, at 11 a.m.
A new senior pastor, the Rev. Robert D. Samuelson, was elected in
1976. William Rinderknecht, a student at Moravian Theological
Seminary, took over the youth programs and also served in other areas.
Business Administrator Warren Kresge left to work with the Penn
Northeast Conference, and Carlton Weaver, Minister of Music, assumed
his duties. Seminarian Rainelle Kimmel replaced William Rinderknecht.
The Search Committee, which had been seeking an associate pastor,
came up with another "first": the Rev. Ann Suzedell joined the staff in
January, 1977, as the first woman pastor at Christ Church.
By January of 1978 the committee studying the problem of the old
church building came up with four alternative solutions which they
presented to the congregation. By a two-to-one vote, the parishioners
decided to demolish the old second-floor sanctuary and remodel the first
floor to create offices, a large multi-purpose room, and a Memory Room
to hold artifacts, photographs, and other memorabilia from the old
church. Items that could not be utilized in that way were sold at two
auction sales in March, and the resultant $8,000 was added to the
Building Fund.
Renovations of the old church sanctuary
Early in 1979, Rev. Samuelson took a leave of absence and resigned
in May. Guest ministers were engaged to aid Rev. Suzedell with her
many duties, and volunteers from the congregation also helped. In this
way the ministries of Christ Church continued to move forward; one of
these was the sponsorship of a Vietnamese family, which was given
food, clothing, furniture and a place to live. In only a few months the
family was firmly established and, at a July church service, expressed
their sincere gratitude for their new life in Bethlehem.
In the fall, the Wall Street parsonage was sold, with the proceeds
going into a fund as a housing allowance for the next senior pastor. Rick
Bruckert, a Moravian Seminary student, was hired as student pastor. A
Search Committee was organized; over 70 candidates responded to the
call. Dr. Daniel Nicely was again hired as interim pastor from May 1979
to Aug. 1980.
Meanwhile, the conversion of the old church was progressing, and
Dedication Sunday was held on March 2, 1980. Shortly thereafter, Dr.
Francis X. Pirazzini was elected senior pastor and began his duties on
June 23.
A Visitation Committee was organized in January, 1981, with two
teams, one for visiting shut-ins and the other, recuperating parishioners.
The post of Lay Minister for Visitation was created, and parishioner Ellis
Valkenburg was selected to fill it. He became an official member of the
staff, with a primary responsibility for hospital visitation.
In 1982 a major addition was made to the pipe organ in the
sanctuary: an upper register trumpet stop, a rank of 61 pipes, was
installed in the "great" division. The organ, built by the Moller
Company, had been installed in the old sanctuary in 1930 at a cost of
about $20,000; it was now valued at over $150,000.
That same year, the Consistory decided to engage a third minister to
be in charge of Congregational Education, and a search was begun for a
pastor with those skills. It ended with the selection of the Rev.
Christopher Goering, who joined the staff in July, 1983. John Wallace, a
seminary student who had become student pastor in February, continued
in his post for two more years.
Through the years, Christ Church often joined with other local
churches in ventures which benefited the community at large, and 1984
saw the beginning of two of these. One was a soup kitchen, in which a
coalition of downtown churches provided one meal a day for the needy.
During that initial year, 3,000 persons were served.
The second was an educational program called "The Sandwiched
Generation," which dealt with the problems of the segment of the
population who have reached retirement age and are "sandwiched"
between responsibilities concerning both their parents and their children.
The program evoked an enthusiastic response from many churches in the
area.
Also in 1984, Christ Church was the sponsor of the Christmas Peace
Pilgrimage from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a cooperative undertaking
which began in 1959.
All of these programs are still in operation.
On March 15, 1985, Dr. A. Augustus Welsh, Pastor Emeritus died.
He had served Christ Church for 34 fruitful years.
A major addition to the church's facilities was made possible in 1985
by a gift from a couple who were long-time members. This was an
elevator in the southeast corner of the building, running between the
main floor and the basement. This made Eberts Hall accessible to the
handicapped. Also at this time, two ramps were constructed outside the
building and the Narthex restrooms were made handicapped - accessible.
Congregational generosity also enabled the church to purchase a
computer, and the computerization of the church records began.
Perhaps the most noticeable of the year's accomplishments was the
replacement of the wooden steeple by an aluminum one and some roof
repairs, at a cost of nearly $200,000.
After nine years of service, the Rev. Ann Suzedell, associate pastor,
resigned in the fall of 1986. The following year, Senior Pastor Dr.
Francis X. Pirazzini resigned, having served since June, 1980.
An Interim Search Committee, after three months of screening,
recommended the hiring of the Rev. James R. Blanning of the
Congregational wing of the UCC as interim pastor. Rev. Blanning and
his wife Jean, also an ordained minister, visited Christ Church on April
17, 1988. At that service, the choir's beautiful new maroon choir robes
were dedicated.
Rev. James Blanning officially began his interim pastorate on June
12, and the Rev. Jean Blanning became part-time interim associate pastor
on August 13. On the following day, Associate Pastor Christopher
Goering preached his last sermon before leaving for a position on the
UCC staff in New York City. In September the Board of Christian
Education announced the hiring of Marie Yoder Wenner as Director of
Christian Education.
In 1988 Search Committee to elect a Senior Pastor was formed.
There were 135 applications for that position.
At the end of June, 1990, the Blannings left, and on August 5 Carlton
Weaver had his final Sunday at the organ console, completing more than
42 years of service. He was named Minister of Music Emeritus and was
replaced by Dr. Allan Birney as interim director of music. Well known
in area musical circles, Dr. Birney was on the music faculty of Cedar
Crest College. The Rev. Nelson J. Wenner served as Interim Pastor in
1990.
In September, the Reverend Dr. Don R. Quayle, senior pastor of
Zion UCC in Louisville, Kentucky, was called by the Christ Church
congregation to become senior pastor. He preached his first sermon here
on November 18, 1990.
In July 1991 the Rev. Charles Mackley of Maryland became the new
associate pastor. With his arrival, the position of Director of Christian
Education was discontinued, and Marie Wenner left.
The Senior Club, for older adults, was organized and held its first
meeting in November, 1991. It has continued its ministry, meeting on the
third Monday of each month. Its success encouraged the formation, in
1992, of a Couples Club, which meets on the third Saturday of the
month.
Pastor Mackley began the Stephen Ministry Series in September of
1992. This was a 50-hour training program for lay caregivers, enabling
them to offer Christian counseling to those experiencing problems in
their lives. Five women of the congregation completed the course and
were commissioned into two-year terms of service as Stephen Ministers.
Pastor Quayle, in the early 1990’s, instituted the Maundy Thursday
Easter week Seder service. This service incorporated the Christian Seder
Pageant depicting the Lord’s last supper. Pastor Quayle was to institute
many other new programs, some still existing today; to name a few:
Small Groups, Dinner for Eight, Adjusters, Couples’ Club, Bethel Bible
Series, Singles Club - and to this day challenges the congregation to new
programs.
The annual Cross Carry on Good Friday 1994 celebrated its 25th
Anniversary, with the Rev. Richard Benner, originator, participating in
the event.
Church finances were a major concern that year. Annual giving had
remained level for a number of years, while uncontrollable expenses
increased. The Consistory developed a special fund raising drive named
"Save Our Church" to offset the deficit. Each member was asked to give
a one-time gift of at least one hundred dollars to maintain the church and
its programs. Between contributions and a number of fund raising
projects, over $15,000 was raised from June to October.
Renovations were undertaken in the Sunday School rooms, including
dropped ceilings, new lighting, carpeting, and painting.
These
improvements were funded by the annual Country Fair in October, which
that year netted over $6,500.
During Advent, for the first time, a beautiful Christmas Nativity
scene, on loan from the city, was placed in front of the cloister area on
Market Street. This added to the Christmas spirit already enhanced by
the annual Trim-A-Tree celebration, the Hanging of the Greens service,
the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, and the other Christmas
traditions observed by the church for many years. The Nativity figures
were purchased by the church in 1996.
The year 1995 saw an innovation in the schedule of worship
services: a Contemporary Service, conducted between the two regular
services, was now offered as an alternative Worship Service. Held in the
All-Purpose Room, it offered contemporary music, prayers, Bible
readings, dramas and sermons in an informal, casual setting. The pastors
alternated in presiding. Extremely successful, the service continues to
the present day.
"Celebration Sunday" was held on September 24, with the
congregation treated to the largest Christ Church choir ever, under the
direction of Dr. Birney and Mr. Weaver. Over 100 current and retired
choir members, representing five decades, performed at the 11 o'clock
service and enjoyed fellowship with the congregation at a reception
afterwards.
Dr. Birney, who had served as Minister of Music since 1990,
tendered his resignation in December 1995.
Air conditioning for the sanctuary and Eberts Hall, long desired by
most of the congregation, came a step closer to realization through a
bequest from a long-time member in 1995.
The Consistory
recommended that roughly twenty percent of the bequest be used as the
nucleus of an air conditioning fund, with the balance of $75,000 to be
raised by a fund drive. The congregation approved the recommendation
at the semiannual meeting in January, 1996, and work commenced in
May. Although there were many unexpected delays, the cooling system
finally began operation in 1997.
Meanwhile, a Music Search Committee had been at work and in June
1996 recommended the following "team": Brian Henkelmann, music
director and organist; Linda Beris, Senior Choir director and
Contemporary Service music coordinator; and Melissa Mackley, director
of the Youth and Junior Choirs. Mrs. Beris and Mrs. Mackley are both
members of the congregation, with musical training and teaching
experience; Mr. Henkelmann, with Master’s degrees in Theology and in
Church Music, has been organist in churches in Bethlehem, New York
City and the Chicago area.
Along with a new music staff came other developments in the
musical area. In early 1997 a Hymnal Committee was formed to decide
whether to augment the hymnals currently in use by the congregation,
which had been published in 1941 by the Evangelical and Reformed
Church, or to consider a new hymnal. Also, a capital fund drive was
begun to purchase a new organ for the chapel. The drive was called the
“Carlton Weaver Chapel Organ Memorial Fund.” And lastly, Music
Director Henkelmann announced that he wanted to form a Handbell
Choir; if there was a sufficient response from the congregation, he would
initiate a “Buy-A-Bell” campaign.
The results of all this activity was the decision to purchase the
“Chalice Hymnal,” published in 1995; the installation of a Rogers threemanual organ in the chapel; and the purchase of a set of handbells and
the organization of a Handbell Choir. Thus Christ Church’s long
tradition of exceptionally good music continues.
In other developments of 1997, a new look came to the narthex with
the placement of an information booth, sponsored by the Church Growth
Committee. It provides information and publications for old and new
members alike, as well as materials to keep little children busy during the
service.
At the mid-year congregational meeting held on June 22nd a new
Christ Church Mission Statement was adopted. It states “To Help Our
Members and Others to Become Totally Devoted Followers of Jesus
Christ.”
In the area of spiritual matters, it was decided to make Holy
Communion available at least once a month at a special service held in
the Chapel at 12:15 p.m., in the months when Communion is not offered
in a regular worship service.
The new government structure approved at the June 1997
Congregational meeting was followed up by a series of articles in the
Parish News. During the new structure is based on balancing the key
functional areas—worship, instruction, community outreach and
operations.
Christ Church hosted the installation of Rev. Dr. Toby Hollerman as
the Penn Northeast Conference Associate Conference Minister for
Stewardship on March 8, 1998.
The 150th Anniversary Guest Speakers and special activities were
published by the 150th Anniversary Committee. The complete list of
activities can be found at the end of this booklet.
The Living Water Campaign conducted by Outreach to raise funds,
including $5,000 to build a church in the Congo, was successfully
completed.
A Lovefeast was held for the first time on July 12th. A Lovefeast is a
simple meal (in North America, usually coffee and a roll) shared by the
congregation in the context of worship, especially the singing of hymns.
The lovefeast is not limited to communicants and does not take the place
of the Holy Communion, but is rather the “family meal” of the
congregation.
An outdoor yardsale was held on July 25th. This was Consistory’s
effort to reduce deficit; over $1,500 was raised.
A 150th Anniversary Pictorial Directory was planned with photos
taken in October; pictures arrive prior to Christmas with directories to be
received by the third quarter of 1999.
As in past years, Christ Church ended 1998 by hosting the
“Candlelight Concerts” and “First Night” celebrations.
As a part of the 150th Anniversary celebrations, 1999 started of by
serving communion in the style of the Reformed Church of 1849. (See
following page).
A 150th Anniversary congratulatory letter was received from
President Bill Clinton. In part, President Clinton writes “Our country was
founded on a great tradition of religious liberty. This freedom helps unite
our nation of diverse faiths and creeds and gives us common grounds for
tolerance and understanding of others. Your precious faith and freedom
come with great responsibilities, used to fulfill our obligation to help
others.”
Many other 150th Anniversary special events took place throughout
1999 as outlined in the 150th Schedule of events – found in the back of
this booklet.
Other 1999 events included Habitat for Humanity Breakfasts
sponsored by the Adult Work-Campers; Lenten Breakfasts – “Miracles
of Jesus” Bible Study; Church-wide covered dish and Baby Shower for
the Mackley’s on March 21; Spaghetti dinner sponsored by the Adult
Work Camp Group; “Undie Sunday” Month to help our sister church –
1849
As a part of the 150th Anniversary celebration, Holy Communion
was observed in the style of the old Reformed Church of 1849 at
the 11:00 AM Service of Worship, Sunday, January 3, 1999. The
order of communion was in the tradition of that time. In 1869, the
tradition of the old Reformed Church was to come to the alter for
Holy Communion. Since our chancel was not set up that way, we
had people come forward and stand in the front pews, where they
were served as a whole group. Then the group was dismissed and
another group came into those pews. The communion was not by
Intinction but rather received the bread and the individual cups.
Following the tradition of that day only men serve the communion.
Salem, UCC’s Allentown’s Thrift Shop – and a “Thank Your Reception”
held, May 16, 1999 honoring our many volunteers.
On April 13, 1999 Christ Church Consistory met with Salem UCC’s
Consistory to explore ways we could be of help to them.
On May 17,1999 Elizabeth Nicole Mackley was born – 6lbs. 11oz.
And 19 ½” long – to the Rev. Charles and Melissa Mackley.
The Stewardship Team announced this year’s stewardship for a time
and talent survey and a every-member visitation.
The Habitat for Humanity Adult Work Camp was held June 27-July
2, 1999 at Salisbury, MD. Twenty-three Christ Church volunteers spent
their week building three houses.
Pastor Quayle reported the formation of a Creative Arts Team and
the appointment of the newly created Director of Christian Ministry.
As it nears the completion of its first 150 years, Christ Church,
United Church of Christ, continues its physical progress, its spiritual
growth, and its dedication to God and service to mankind. With the
continued help of God and the loyalty of the congregation, it will go
forward for centuries more.
Skyview of Christ Church
Christ Church Throughout the Years
1869-1913
1960-Present
Editors
Deborah Brogan
Elizabeth Nowicki
Robert Sheriff
1913-1960
150th Anniversary Committee
Amy Haggerty, chair
Elaine Crockett
Brian Dillman
Doris Dillman
Jean Dillman
Stephanie Dillman
Fred Dunlap
Louise Dunlap
Joyce Jacoby
Dave Jacoby
Beverly Ludwick
Rev. Charles Mackley
Dorothy R. Peters
Dorothy S. Peters
Dr. Don Quayle
Barbara Rogers
Myrtle Ruth
Margaret Sentz
Robert Sentz
Robert Sheriff
150th Anniversary Quilt
The 150th Anniversary Quilt depicts the traditions and history of the
congregation of Christ Church, United Church of Christ from October
1949 to October 1999.
In May 1997, this Quilt was conceived by members of the 150th
Anniversary Committee. It was designed by Ruth Kelchner, Magaret
Sentz and Lorraine VanKeuren. The quilt is 6 ft. by 6 ft. and was
financed by the “Quilters”. The Quilt pieces were appliqued and
embroidered by the following:
Anne Fritchman-150th Logo, Jean Dillman-First Union Church, Carol
Wesner Lutz-Baptismal Rose and Cradle Cross, Kathryn Mack-Christ
Church Center Street, Lorraine VanKeuren-Christmas Candle, Anita
Quayle-Bible and UCC Symbol, Linda Yenolevich-Pentecost Flames and
Confirmation Cross, Marie Ayre-Present Church (1960), Grayce Ayre
Ruth-Crown of Thorns and Cross, Jeanne Markotic-Steeple of 1869,
Church, Bonnie Kotze-Descending Dove, Barbara Rogers-Trim-A-Tree
and Manger, Arlene Wesner-Bread, Bowls, Willing Hands of Kitchen
Helpers, Eva Jones-Nails, Hammer, Work Camp Helpers, Nancy
Bartholomew-Banner 1849-1999, Vera Tycholiz-Old Chalice, Margaret
Tebelman Gaydos-Good Friday Cross, Barbara Dillman DaviesChristian Education, Eileen Frantz Zeizerl-Three Choirs, Alma MillerPrayer Circles, Edna Stackhouse-Stained Glass Window and Sue
Nelson-Peanut Makers.
Through the Years
ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/INTERIM PASTORS
Rev. R. H.
Paine
Rev. D. W.
Nicely, D. D.
1949-1951
1975-1977
1979-1980
Rev. H. H.
Ley
Rev. A. G.
Suzedell
1956-1963
1977-1986
Rev. S. H.
Bortner
Rev. Christopher P.
Goering
1963-1975
1983-1988
Rev. R. E.
Benner
1967-1971
Rev. F. D.
Eyster
1971-1972
Rev. T. A.
Morrison
1974-1975
Rev. Jean M.
Blanning
1988-1990
Rev. James R.
Blanning
1988-1990
Rev. Nelson J.
Wenner
1990
Through the Years
SENIOR PASTORS
Rev. A. J. G.
Dubbs
Rev. W. H.
Bollman
1856-1857
1927-1932
Rev. D. J.
Heisler
Rev. Samuel
Brenner
1858-1866
1932-1935
Rev. Isaac
Loos
Rev. A. Augustus
Welsh
1867-1888
1936-1970
Rev. G. A.
Schwedes
Rev. Otto E.
Sommer
1889-1910
1970-1975
Rev. J. Rauch
Stein
Rev. Robert
Samuelson
1911-1917
1976-1979
Rev. Henry I.
Stahr
Rev. Francis
Pirazzini
1917-1927
1980-1988
150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
GUEST SPEAKERS
10/11/98
11/8/98
12/13/98
1/10/99
2/14/99
3/14/99
4/18/99
5/2/99
6/6/99
7/11/99
8/8/99
9/19/99
10/10/99
Rev. Robert J. Welsh
Rev. Paul H. Sherry
Rev. Richard Benner
Rev. Carl E. Siegfried
Rev. Gary Piatt
Rev. Donald Overlock
Rev. Dr. Francis X. Pirazzini
Rev. Larry J. Yeager
Rev. Dr. James R Blanning
Rev. Jean Blanning
Rev. Rev. Edgar W. Shelly
Rev. Howard Paine
Rev. Chris Stockewell Goering
Rev. Dr. H. Dahler Hayes
REUNIONS
12/12/98
4/2/99
4/4/99
7/11/99
9/19/99
Coffee House Reunion
Cross Carry 30th Reunion
Confirmation Reunion
Sons & Daughters Reunion
Choir Reunion
CONCERTS
11/20/98
1/17/99
2/21/99
4/18/99
5/2/99
6/13/99
7/18/99
10/17/99
Main Street Brass
Evelyn Stewart
Donna Parris & Linda Beris
Satori
Concord Chamber Singers
Linda Kistler
Jacob and Molly Roseman
Zion Choral Society
SPECIAL EVENTS
10/17/98
1/3/99
7/11/99
8/8/99
10/16/99
Variety Show
Old Reformed Communion (1849 Tradition)
Women’s Chorus
Men’s Chorus
All Church Dinner at Masonic Temple
Three joined lines represent the base of the
Trinity on which we build in order to
celebrate the past and embrace the Future.
All is centered around the Cross and the
figures represent male and female, young
and old. To the left of the Cross you see
Praise and Worship, and Instruction. To the
right is Community (fellowship) and
Outreach.