1854 – 1954
One Hundredth Anniversary

St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
Fort Hill, Penna.
The Rev. Paul R. HAFFLY, Pastor
THE CHURCH COUNCIL
Pastor HAFFLY, President
Donald BECK, Vice-President Luther CRAMER
Harry LEYDIG, Secretary Chester BENDER
C. T. SMITH, Treasurer Earle FRAZEE

ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
Mrs. Paul MATTHEWS, Chairman Earle FRAZEE
Donald BECKET Pastor HAFFLY

The History of Our Church

In the year 1846, the Rev. Michael F. PFAHLER began preaching occasionally in the Ringer School, which stood near the site of the present church. He preached there for six years. The Rev. Michael SNYDER then began serving these people and on June 28, 1854, they organized into a congregation with twenty-eight charter members. On that day they not only elected their church officers, but they also laid the corner stone of their new church. The first officers of the church, which were installed July 23, 1954, were: Christian GOTTMAN, Andrew TURNEY and Harrison STERNER.

The new church was a one story frame building, which was built on a plot of ground donated by Christian GOTTMAN. On November 26, 1854 the new house of worship was dedicated and the first communion service was held.

An additional plot of ground was purchased from Isaac and Sophia DAVIS in October 1886 to be used as a burial ground and to be held in trust by the trustees of the church.

The first church served for fifty-two years, but during the pastorate of the Rev. Moses GROSSMAN the people saw need for a new edifice. Moving the old church aside in the spring of 1906, but still holding services in it, they began the erection of a new church. The cornerstone, which was laid Ascension Day, May 25, 1906, was presented by Mary Jane AUGUSTINE of Addison. The new church was dedicated June 16, 1907. It measures 35 by 45 feet and contains fine art glass memorial windows. In the steeple is an eight hundred pound bell, which was given by Jasper AUGUSTINE.

While the Rev. George O. RITTER was pastor, extensive repairs were made on the church building. When they were completed a service of reopening was held on October 19, 1924.

In the year 1947 under the pastorate of the Rev. Jerome V. GUSS, the interior of the church was renovated. A beautiful new altar, pulpit, lectern, and chancel rail of light oak were placed in the sanctuary. At this time the family of J. A CRAMER gave the lovely reredos painting, and the H. R. RINGERS gave the offering plates. The cross on the alter was given in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Urias RINGER by their children, and the pulpit and lectern Bibles were given by Mrs. Omar COLLIE, Miss Olive RINGER and Mrs. Howard RINGER. Alter vases by the children of Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Livengood in honor of the parents. The lamps on the lectern, pulpit, and piano and missal stand were given by the children of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah RINGER in the honor of parents.

On September 20 of this year, the new pews arrived, which will be dedicated at the worship service on this coming Sunday, October 3, 1954

OUR PASTORS --- 1854 – 1954

Michael SNYDER 1854- J. J. HAWKINS 1892 – 1894
Charles REESE Henry PETREA 1894 – 1897
M. L. PHALER James E. ZEATER 1897 – 1902
Charles LEPLEY William HILBISH 1902 - 1904
John W. TRESSLER Moses GROSSMAN 1904 – 1911
Peter GREEN - 1872 James A. DUNLAP 1911 –1 913
William TRIDAY 1872 – 1874 E. B. BOYER 1913 – 1916
David KOSER 1874 – 1877 H. C. SUMMERS 1916 – 1917
A. M. SMITH 1877 – 1880 Charles W. BAKER 1918 – 1922
A. K. FELTON 1880 – 1881 George O. RITTER 1922 – 1935
W. G. GETTLE 1881 – 1885 James S. SHANNON 1935 – 1943
S. J. TAYLOR 1885 – 1887 Jerome V. GUSS 1944 – 1953
Ed. L. FOLK 1887 – 1892 Paul R. HAFFLY 1954 –

MONDAY, September 27, 1954
7:30 p.m.

Prelude
Hymn 129 "Beautiful Saviour"
Vespers, Opening Versicles Page 40
Psalm 48 Page 175
The Gloria Patri
The Scripture 1 Corinthians 3:10-23
Announcements
Hymn 198 "The Church’s One Foundation
Meditation Pastor Haffly
Worship through Hymn Singing
Offering
Prayer
Hymn 361 "O Saviour, Precious Saviour"
Benediction

CONGRATULATIONS TO ST. PAUL’S OLDEST MEMBER!

To Mrs. Missouri Smith who has served our church faithfully for many, many years we express our deep gratitude in recognition of her service on this our hundredth anniversary. Mrs. Smith, who became a member of our church in 1878, has witnessed many of the happy events, which have taken place in our congregation’s life. In 1950 the State Sunday School Association awarded to her the fifty year medal for outstanding service in our Sunday School. We are indeed proud to have such a dedicated servant of the Lord as a member of St. Paul’s.

TUESDAY, September 28, 1954
7:30 p.m.

Prelude
Hymn 360 "My Faith Looks Up to Thee"
Vespers, Opening Versicles Page 40
Psalm 96 Page 187
The Gloria Patri
The Scripture Philippians 4:8 – 13
Announcements
Hymn 294 " O Worship the King"
Sermon The Rev. Raymond A. Heist
The Offering
Prayer
Hymn 353 "Jesus the Very Thought of Thee"
Benediction

We are indeed happy to have as our guest speaker tonight, the Rev. Raymond A. Heist, pastor of the Confluence Baptist Church. Rev. Heist is president of the local ministerium, and we thank him for being with us to share this part of our Centennial celebration tonight.

WEDNESDAY, September 29, 1954
7:30 p.m.

Prelude
Hymn 158 "Holy, Holy, Holy"
Vespers, Opening Versicles Page 40
Psalm 122 Page 200
The Gloria Patri
The Scripture Isaiah 6: 1 - 8
Special Music Miss Robinson
Announcements
Hymn 379 " Onward Christian Soldiers"
Sermon The Rev. Roy L. Yund
The Offering
Prayer
Hymn 437 "Saviour Again to Thy Dear Name"
Benediction

A warm welcome to Pastor Yund, our guest speaker this evening. Pastor Yund has been pastor of Christ, Casebeer Lutheran Church since 1948. Pastor and Mrs. Yund were missionaries in Liberia from 1922 to 1924. Our sincere thanks to them for being with us tonight.

We are grateful to Miss Robinson of Salisbury, Pa. For her music which helped beautify our service tonight.

THURSDAY, September 30, 1954
7:30 p.m.

Prelude
Hymn 195 "A Mighty Fortress"
Vespers, Opening Versicles Page 40
Psalm 46 Page 175
The Gloria Patri
The Scripture John 8:31 – 33 and Romans 1:8 -17
Anthem Confluence Lutheran Church Choir
Announcements
Hymn 68 "Thy Works Nor Mine, O Christ"
Sermon The Rev. E. B. Boyer
The Offering
Prayer
Hymn 295 "Blessing and Honor"
Benediction

We are so happy to welcome back into our midst one of our former pastors. The Rev. E. B. Boyer served St. Paul’s and this parish from 1913 to 1916 and made lasting friendships here. Pastor Boyer now makes his home in Knox, Pa. We thank him so much for coming back and bringing us the message of the evening, for it is a treat to hear him and renew old acquaintances.

We also thank the members of the Confluence Church Choir for their participation in this evening’s service.

FRIDAY, October 1, 1954
7:30 p.m.

Prelude
Hymn 164 "Come Thou Almighty King"
Vespers, Opening Versicles Page 40
Psalm 1 Page 161
The Gloria Patri
The Scripture I John 4: 7 – 21
Special Music Spring’s Mennonite Church Choir
Announcements
Hymn 62 "In the Cross of Christ I Glory"
Sermon The Rev. Jerome V. Guss
The Offering
Prayer
Hymn 344 "How Firm a Foundation"
Benediction

It is indeed a happy occasion to welcome back tonight one who is so dear to the hearts of our people. Pastor Guss, who for ten years faithfully served our parish, is now pastor of the Lutheran Church in Turbotville, Pa. It is a delightful experience to have Pastor and Mrs. Guss with us again to share the joys of this happy time.

We are grateful to the choir from a neighboring church, Spring’s Mennonite, who have provided the lovely music for this evening’s service.

SUNDAY, October 3, 1954

HOMECOMING DAY

Sunday School, 11 a.m. G. Floyd Dye, Guest Teacher

Mr. Dye is President of the Somerset County Sunday School Association, and we are happy to welcome him for this part in our anniversary activities.

Lunch at the Church 12:30 p.m.

DEDICATION WORSHIP SERVICES
2:30 p.m.
Prelude
Hymn 131 "All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name"
Vespers, Opening Versicles Page 40
Psalm 8 Page 162
The Gloria Patri
The Scripture Ephesians 3:13-21; Luke 7:11-17
The Apostles Creed Page 17
Special Music Townsend Brothers
Dedication of New Pews
Hymn 199 "I Love Thy Zion, Lord"
Sermon The Rev. Walden M. Holl, D.D.
Offertory Page 18
Offering
The Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn 283 "Now Thank We All Our God"
Benediction

We are happy to have Doctor Holl, Pastor of First Lutheran Church, Johnstown as the Homecoming speaker today. Dr. Holl was selected by the National Council of Churches to preach this past summer in England and Scotland. Dr. and Mrs. Holl returned to the United States the first week of September. We deem it a great honor and privilege to have them with us so soon after their return. Our sincere thanks and deep appreciation.

The special music for this Homecoming and Dedication Service is provided by the Townsend Brothers from Masontown, Pa. We welcome them to our church and express our gratitude for their fine selection today.