Source: Centreport Centennial 1884-1984 by Milton K. and Luella E. Blatt, page 494:
In November of 1963 several families living in this area felt a call for a place of witnessing and worship in the community since they had a drive of about 20 miles to a church of their faith. Some of these families were the Marvin BYLERs, the John YODERs, and the Elmer MARTINs. They contacted Isaac L. MAST of Geigertown to meet with them and discuss all possibilities including that of him serving as pastor.
On February 16, 1964 worship services were begun in the P. O. S. of A. Hall here in town with prayer meetings held each Wednesday evening in the homes of members. The rent for the hall was set at $5.00 per meeting and 49 persons were in attendance for the first service.
In August of 1949 the MASTs bought the former Rufus BALTHASER home on Main Street in Centreport and on October 16th Rev. and Mrs. MAST with their two daughters moved into the house.
Services were held at 9:30 with Sunday School at 10:30 A.M. on a Sunday morning. Marvin BYLER became the first Sunday School Superintendent. Also, the group conducted services monthly at Hope Rescue Mission in Reading and quarterly meetings at Berks Heim. A Joint Bible School was held with the Mohrsville Church of the Brethren near by.
Services were held in the P. O. S. of A. until June 8, 1969 when the former NOECKER's Store in Dauberville, Pa. was purchased and remodeled and is now known as the Schuylkill Valley Bible Chapel. This group is an independent, fundamental believing church, believing that the Bible is the Word of God.
[PHOTO: P.O.S. of A. Hall where the Schuylkill Valley Bible Church started.]
Contributed by: Diane Klopp.
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