It is a little hard for us
today to picture the Williamsport of 100 years ago. Actually it was no
more than a little country town. Third Street, beginning at Penn and
ending at Hepburn, was the business center, where in the general stores
anything might be purchased or had in exchange for butter and eggs, from
hair pins or a jug of molasses to an Easter bonnet. Fourth Street which
was only a few blocks long, while considered a lovely residential
section, was only a dirt road and boasted nothing more pretentious than
plain one and two story houses. A loghouse, one of the oldest in the
city and probably dating back to the 1700’s, stood at the corner of
Front and Market Streets. The slightest rain transformed Market Street
into a muddy sea.
For some time the only way
to reach Williamsport was by canal or stage coach. The canal boats were
drawn by four mules walking the tow path, and besides carrying
passengers, carried mail and express. The packet’s arrival in the town
was heralded by the ringing of a bell and every able-bodied citizen
usually ran to the canal’s edge to watch the spectacle. These boats ran
twice a week from Williamsport to Northumberland and also between
Williamsport and Lock Haven. The canal, which has long since been filled
up and is now called Canal Street, was crossed at Market Street by a
swinging bridge. A few of our older members with whom I talked still
recall the fun they had as a youth, swinging on the old bridge.
The Susquehanna was spanned
by a covered wooden bridge and a few scattered houses lined the South
Side of the river. DuBoistown was a field of grain and virgin timber.
Lutheran people early moved
into the Susquehanna Valley from York and Lancaster and from Berks and
Bucks Counties in the migrations westward. In the successive waves of
European immigration many German and Swedish families came into this
area to work in the forests as lumbermen. Little is recorded about the
first Lutheran services because they were held in foreign languages,
chiefly German. In 1840, several families came from Center County to
Williamsport, and finding no Lutheran pastor here, appealed to the
Pastor from whose parish they had come to secure one for them. Thus it
was in the Fall of 1845 the Rev. John Kohler, D.D., of New Holland,
Pennsylvania. was sent by the Home Missionary Society of the General
Synod to minister to the needs of the Lutherans in this section. He
remained until 1849 and recorded a total of fifty communicants upon the
church roll. The population of Williamsport at that time was about
2,000.
In June, 1850, the Rev.
Henry Ziegler came to this area, dividing his time between this
congregation in Williamsport and five other Lutheran groups in and
around White Deer and in Allegheny which was 14 miles from Williamsport.
These services were all in German.
By 1852, because of the
great wealth of virgin timber upon the mountains round about here and
the possibilities of industrial prosperity, Williamsport grew to be an
important lumbering town and became known as the Lumber City, the
largest lumbering center in the United States. At the height of the
industry, the boom extended from Williamsport to Linden and could hold
300 million feet of logs at one time. Thirty mills were in operation
along the river. Because of the growing importance of the little town,
more and more families migrated here to make their homes.
This is the historical
background as the infant St. Mark’s was born 100 years ago to minister
to the spiritual needs of these early settlers of our community.
THE BIRTH OF ST. MARK’S
(First English Lutheran Congregation in Williamsport)
The German Lutherans and
the German Reformed, according to records, first came into existence in
Lycoming County in the year 1827. They worshipped together in harmony
for more than twenty years in a church on Third Street between Pine and
William Streets, now known as Reno Post Hall. Discord between the two
groups became so great that a small group of Lutherans resolved that
their worship would be more meaningful to them if the services were held
in English. They therefore withdrew from the Reformed Church and
established their own congregation. On March 7, 1852, Dr. Herman Ziegler
organized the first English Lutheran Congregation with a membership of
21, and though still meeting with the German Lutherans, held separate
services, the English worshipping in the morning and the German
worshipping in the afternoon. A constitution was adopted and a church
council elected.
On the morning of April 3,
1852, Rev. Ziegler held his last communion for the 36 members of his
English-speaking congregation and in the afternoon he gave the Sacrament
for the 36 members of his German congregation, and on the first Sunday
in June, 1853, he brought his labors in Williamsport to a close,
resigning to become a theological professor of the Missionary Institute
at Selinsgrove. During his pastorate, early in 1852, the English group
purchased a lot, No. 27, on Market Street for $425.00 opposite the site
of the present church. Of this amount, $286.00 was paid by the Female
Industrial Society later known as Cotta Society which to the present day
is a leading organization of the church, contributing generously towards
its support. Later this lot was exchanged for lot No. 25 whereon the
church now stands. Here was erected the first St. Mark’s Church, the
First English Lutheran Church in Williamsport.
REV. JOSEPH WELKER
(1853-1856)
The successor to Dr.
Ziegler was the worthy and laborious Rev. Joseph Welker, under whom the
Church was completed and dedicated. He brought to this new parish his
wife, children and household possessions in a covered wagon, arriving
amidst his little flock of 30 souls July 5, 1853. Laborious is a good
word to describe the pastor; he as a building committee of one, let all
the contracts for the new church, hired all the laborers, paid all the
bills and even labored with his own hands digging the cellar, laying
brick and siding in the carpenter work. So rapidly did the work progress
that a little more than a year after his arrival the cornerstone was
laid October 27, 1854. The building was dedicated January 22, 1856. It
is interesting to note that the Treasurer’s report of that day showed
the following record:
Credits: Subscriptions paid
in Reliable subscriptions
Subscriptions from “abroad” and Collection night of Dedication
Total $4,000.00
Debits: Cost of church
Total $4,000.00
However, the new building
did not bring golden success to the poor struggling congregation. From
the minister’s records we learn that the minister’s salary was always
secured with great difficulty, and life in the old parsonage was indeed
distracted, wretched and disappointing. During this time, thirty new
members had joined, making the group 70 in number when Rev. Welker
resigned.
REV. J. F. FAHS (1858 1863)
Rev. J. F. Fahs was a young
man when he assumed pastorate of the still infant congregation on April
1, 1858. A prayer meeting, the first of which we have record, was
instituted. During his four years and ten months of ministry here, many
difficulties presented themselves, but nevertheless, it grew in strength
and in spirit. The membership increased from 70 to 100, and the little
church emerged from the critical period of childhood.
During his leadership, a
full time sexton was hired to care for the church and its property; the
parsonage next to the church, which building was recently demolished for
the bridge ramp construction, was purchased and an altar was erected in
the chancel to replace the table formerly used. He resigned to accept a
call from St. John’s Church, Allentown, Pennsylvania.
REV. F. C. LAMPE
(1863-1864)
Rev. Lampe of Pottsville,
Pennsylvania accepted the call to St. Mark’s in May, 1863 and served
until September, 1864.
The German Lutherans, about
whom we previously wrote, having ceased to worship with the German
Reformed on Third Street now petitioned the English Lutherans for the
privilege of worshipping with her. The two groups satisfactorily
arranged for the division of the pastor’s salary between them and the
Germans were granted the use of the sanctuary every alternate Sunday
morning and evening. Rev. Lampe who became pastor of both congregations
was a man of great oratorical power and an elocutionist of note.
GROWTH OF ST. MARK’S AND
CITY OF WILLIAMSPORT — HAND IN HAND
Since the City of
Williamsport and St. Mark’s Church have grown side by side through the
years, let us take another look at the City. By 1864, to be sure, it was
no longer the little country town which we described at the beginning of
this article, but rather a thriving community, expanding in all
directions.
The Civil War was now in
progress and Williamsport had been transformed from a single industry
town to one of diversified industries, thus sparing it the fate of
becoming a ghost town after the lumbering boom was over. During this
time, Williamsport was also noted as a station on the Underground
Railroad, helping countless negroes to freedom via the Hollow, now
called Freedom Road. Williamsport had been made the County Seat. Fourth
Street was beginning to look aristocratic; railroad communications had
taken the place of the old stage coach. The English Lutheran
congregation, no longer regarded as a mission, now numbered 120, besides
the 130 Germans who worshiped with them.
REV. A. R. HORNE, D.D.
(1865-1871)
On April 1, 1865 the
dynamic Rev. A. R. Horne of Turbotville was called to Williamsport to
become pastor of the then “Market St. Lutheran Church.” President
Lincoln had been assassinated the evening before and the general
atmosphere was sad and gloomy. The St. Patrick’s Day Flood of 1865,
which had demolished the first Market Street bridge and had thoroughly
soaked both the church and parsonage, was still very fresh in the minds
of the congregation who had worked so hard to put their buildings in a
presentable shape for their new pastor. The terrible Civil War was just
drawing to a close, many of the dead and wounded were being brought
home, and Williamsport and St. Mark’s, not excepted, saw many a sad
sight.
GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
(IMMANUEL)
For three years now,
services had been conducted in both German and English. Finally, the
German Church with a membership of 230, thinking she was large enough to
support a separate house of worship and pastor of her own, left the
English Congregation and built the German Immanuel Church on Basin
Street, the Rev. Mr. Zentner being their first pastor.
MESSIAH’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
In 1866, Williamsport was
incorporated into a city and with the growth of Williamsport, it is
understandable that South Williamsport had grown too. Streets had been
laid out and a school house erected. In December, 1867 (St. Mark’s then
only 15 years old), twelve St. Mark’s members, living in South
Williamsport, separated from the Mother Church and started their own
congregation across the river. This is now Messiah’s Lutheran Church.
They met first in the “Rocktown School house” until they built and
dedicated their first church in February, 1869.
In 1868, in spite of these two divisions, Pastor Horne recorded a
communicant membership of 307.
THE GATHERING STORM
About this same time, the
storm which had been gathering momentum for some time in the Lutheran
Church over the “Augsburg Confession” (worship, customs, doctrine, and
polity) finally broke.
One group of Lutherans
being of an American type mind, eager for progress and success and
willing to throw overboard as an encumbrance the priceless heritage left
by the fathers, and the other group having the German spirit, clinging
tenaciously to the tradition of the elders, clashed over these churchly
principles. The result was a split in the church, the first group
remaining with the General Synod, subscribing to the Augsburg Confession
with some reservations, and the latter group breaking away to form the
General Council, adhering to the unaltered Augsburg Confession.
ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
St. Mark’s Church lay in
the path of the storm and it became necessary to choose the group with
which they would affiliate. The majority voted to unite with the
Ministerium of Pennsylvania and the General Council, but the minority
who did not wish this move withdrew. Uniting with the General Synod,
they organized a new church of their own.
On April 30, 1871, the
second division of St. Mark’s was accomplished with the birth of St.
Paul’s, the Rev. Joel Swartz being their first pastor. By 1873 they had
built for themselves a house of worship on William Street (now
demolished). St. Paul’s was the second English speaking Lutheran Church
in Williamsport, and it is well to note that both congregations worked
together to further the work of the Gospel in Williamsport.
In 1871, Rev. Horne
received a call to the position of President of Kutztown Normal School,
and after one of the most eventful pastorates in its severed his
connections with St. Mark’s.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST
CHURCH
Unfortunately there is
little record of the interior of the first St. Marks Church. The
entrance was on Market Street, the same as our present building, but
from the inside vestibule, a stairway on either end ascended to the
second floor auditorium. The altar was along the Eastern wall, with the
choir and melodian to the right of the altar. There were two aisles and
a balcony. The chancel was not elaborate and a table served for an
altar.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL IN THE
‘70’s AS TOLD BY CHARLES A. SHEMPP
At this point we include
excerpts from a History of the Sunday School in the early pioneer days
of the seventies, compiled for us by Mr. Shempp.
He tells us that in those
years, it was considered a sin to miss services on the sabbath and
youngsters and adults alike walked miles in all kinds of weather to get
to Sunday School by 9 A. M., and interesting enough, managed to get
there on time.
In the Spring and Fall, the
red top boots and home-made clothes were usually wet and muddy by the
time they reached their destination. There were snows sometimes 16
inches in depth, and the older members of the family broke the path
through the snow, while the younger ones followed in Goose fashion,
being careful to step into the same foot prints as the ones in the lead.
Many times after arriving at Sunday School they had to take off their
boots and empty snow into the coal bucket which always stood handy, and
then dry the home knit stockings while seated on a bench next to the
stove. Often in severe cold weather they would arrive with frozen ears,
and the good sexton would hold snow to their ears to draw out the frost.
Those coming from South
Williamsport had to cross the Market Street Bridge, which by the way was
a toll bridge. Upon reaching the Northern end, the toll keeper would
collect the sum of two cents from each pedestrian; fifteen cents for a
horse and buggy; and twenty-five cents for a two horse rig with spring
wagon. However, on Sundays, if the toll keeper was certain that they
were going to Sunday School, he would allow them to go across without
paying the stipulated price, but he was always watchful that they really
went to Sunday School.
The heating system for the
entire building was not in the basement, but consisting of two
combination stoves and hot air furnaces was placed in the Sunday School
room . . . one furnace on each side of the hallway. They were so placed
in order to heat the entire first floor and also the large room above.
In those days, it was impossible to force heat higher than the room
above the furnace.
The lighting system was
wireless and switchless. Coal-oil lamps fastened to the side walls
provided the illumination. Matches were expensive, so a wax taper was
used to light the lamps.
There was no water in the
church building, but a “water works” in the form of a pump on the East
side of the parsonage served both places.
REV. WILLIAM RICKERT
(1871-1886)
In 1871 Rev. William
Rickert, our sixth pastor came to St. Mark’s. A recent Theological
graduate, he served the parish for fourteen years till 1886. He is still
remembered by some of our oldest members for his personal interest in
the lives of his parishioners. He enriched the service of our church by
introducing the pastoral robes and stressed the attitude of reverence on
the part of the congregation when in the Lord’s House.
Under his guidance the
Sunday School grew and some youth activities were promoted. We had a
church quartet and Eudora Jones was the organist.
The salary of the pastor
was nothing to induce a man to enter the work of the church—$800.00 a
year plus his parsonage and food donations from the congregation. A
humorous note from the recollections of Mr. Shempp says that an
outstanding trait of Rev. Rickert was his pastoral calls, in making
these, he arranged to reach a certain place of excellent culinary
reputation at just about meal time. He recalls that on Mondays the
pastor usually visited his home because his mother’s menus called for
Sauer-Kraut and Dumplins which was a special favorite of the pastor.
After the visit, he usually returned home with a plenteous supply of
fruits or vegetables, the gifts of his parishioners.
He resigned as pastor in
January, 1886 and subsequently left Williamsport to enter the Drug
business in Philadelphia.
REV. A. L. YOUNT, D.D.
(1886-1891)
From Nova Scotia, came
Rickert’s successor in December, 1886, the Rev. A. L. Yount. A royal
welcome greeted him and the congregation rallied around their new
pastor. Under the combined efforts of congregation and pastor a new life
for the church became manifest.
A congregational paper was
issued called “The Church Chronicle.” On October 24, 1888, the name of
the church was changed from the “Market Street Lutheran Church” to “St.
Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.” A Hindoo boy was educated in a
native school (this has been continued to the present time).
CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER
The Swedish Lutherans,
having no church building of their own, worshiped in ours on Sunday
afternoons. The Sunday School increased. The Church of the Redeemer for
members living in the Eastern section of the city was started on its
way.
During his pastorate, the
chancel was remodeled and the old pulpit replaced by a modern one.
Every Sunday found the
little church well filled, and on great festival days it was crowded.
The congregation was now faced with the question, should a new church be
built or the old one remodeled and enlarged.
FLOOD OF JUNE, 1889
It was decided to enlarge
the building, but with this decision, on the same day, came the
disastrous flood of June, 1889. Within a few hours, the high hopes of
this thriving congregation were swept away, and we might add, so was the
second bridge across the Susquehanna.
We who have experienced
more recent devastating floods, will find it easy to picture the pastor
with a battered silk hat and in rubber boots, after the waters subsided,
standing and looking at his fine library, drenched and destroyed by the
hungry waters; we can also picture the dripping ceiling of the Sunday
School rooms and the mud-covered walls. (The walls had been wainscoated
and the ceilings were only eight feet high).
Yet, had it not been for
that flood, St. Mark’s today might have had a remodeled church instead
of the large brick and stone edifice in which she now worships.
Rev. Yount resigned on
September 28, 1889 after five years of service. 331 new members were
added during his pastorate.
REV. GEORGE G. KUNKLE
(1892-1893)
Too long a delay in calling
another minister was responsible for the drifting away of many of the
members. Rev. George G. Kunkle came to minister to the group for one
year and from a letter he wrote to St. Mark’s after the celebration of
our 50th “Golden Jubilee we read—”I sincerely joy and rejoice with you
all in your jubilee and entertain the hope founded on God’s promise,
that St. Mark’s may brave her CENTENNIAL as full of life and spirit of
the Reformation as she celebrated her Jubilee.”
REV. WILLIAM F. RICK
(1893-1898)
In 1893, the Rev. William
F. Rick, just graduating from Mt. Airy Lutheran Theological Seminary,
was called as pastor. Under his leadership and guidance, the church
became a thriving and enlivened institution. The need for a new building
became a material reality, and the corner-stone for the new St. Mark’s
(our present building) was laid in September, 1895. The church was
dedicated October 14, 1896.
Much could be written about
this beloved leader, but space does not permit. During the five years of
his pastorate, he saw his congregation grow to more than 700 members,
and become one of the most substantial churches in Williamsport. He was
one of the most popular clergymen in the city when, at the age of 29, he
accepted appointment as Chaplain of the 12th Regiment on March 14, 1898,
during the Spanish American War Days.
Shortly after his
appointment, war clouds darkened and open hostilities broke out on April
21, 1898. The 12th Regiment entrained for Mt. Gretna the night of April
27th. Anticipating the departure of Williamsport’s three companies of
volunteers, Chaplain Rick preached a farewell sermon on April 24th.
Because of public interest in his address, the service was transferred
from the Church to the Opera House, which had the largest seating
capacity in the city. The audience was estimated at more than 3,000
persons.
When the regiment entrained
on the night of April 27th, it marched up Fourth Street between solid
walls of 10,000 cheering residents. At the head of the parade marched
Chaplain Rick with his wife (now living in Philadelphia) by his side.
Behind him marched the congregation of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
singing again and again “Onward Christian Soldiers.”
Pastor Rick ministered to
the soldiers at Camp Alger until a typhoid epidemic spread through the
camp killing 24 men of the 12th Regiment. Capt. Rick was the eleventh
victim, and his death brought about the darkest hour of the Spanish
American War period for Williamsport. He was brought home from Camp on
August 10th, seriously ill of the fever, and early on Sunday morning,
August 21, 1898, he was called to live with his Heavenly Father whom he
had served so well on earth. More than 4,000 persons paid tribute while
the body lay in state before the pulpit of St. Mark’s and the cortege
that followed the Chaplain’s body to Wildwood Cemetery was described by
THE SUN as the largest in the city’s history up to that time, with every
available conveyance in the city joining the procession of mourners. It
is doubtful whether it has been exceeded in the last half century.
On August 21, 1948—50 years
later—St. Mark’s and Camp Rick Post of Spanish American War Veterans
remembered Rev. Rick with a graveside memorial service in Wildwood
Cemetery. The hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers” rang out from the
Carillon on that Sunday, as 50 years later a Cavalcade of some 50
automobiles moved from the church to the cemetery.
In the words of a SUN
Reporter “How great must have been his ability and his influence to have
drawn 3,000 to the Opera House when he preached his farewell sermon; to
have 4,000 sorrowing persons view his body in death, and hundreds follow
his casket to its grave; and to have a whole congregation affectionately
remember him after a half century!”
REV. EDWIN LUNN MILLER
(1898-1903)
The Rev. Edwin Lunn Miller
became Pastor of St. Mark’s in 1898. He was called from St. Mark’s
Church of South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to succeed the Rev. Rick and had
the honor of conducting the 50th anniversary celebration of the church
beginning March 9, 1902.
He stressed the need for
the church to help finance the various causes of the Lutheran Church in
America and abroad—missions, education and charity. Today our
congregation is carrying out this splendid teaching, as our records show
a generous portion of our entire income is annually devoted to the
benevolent causes of the church.
Rev. Miller resigned in 1903 to become the pastor of St. Mark’s Church
in Boston, Massachusetts.
REV. STEPHEN PAULSON, D.D.
(1905-1911)
The Rev. Stephen Paulson
came to St. Mark’s on May 15, 1903 and served as pastor for 8½ years
until 1911. During this time 419 new members were added to the roster,
and after a very successful pastorate here, he resigned to accept a call
to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church of Germantown, Pennsylvania.
As a testimony to Dr.
Paulson’s talents, culture and learning, we want to mention his
authorship of weekly sermons appearing in GRIT since 1905, and which are
now being read all over the country.
It is with great pleasure
that we look forward to greeting him again during our Centennial
celebration.
REV. HENRY DOUGLAS SPAETH,
D.D. (1911-1920)
Rev. Henry Douglas Spaeth,
son of the nationally known Lutheran Theologian and teacher of Lutheran
pastors, became pastor in 1911.
He came to us from
Selinsgrove and was a brilliant, gifted, and impressive expounder of the
Gospel.
To take care of the growing
activities of the various societies of the church Dr. Spaeth proposed
the purchase of the property just North of the church and its conversion
into a parish house. This was done and completely paid for during his
administration. This building provided the home for the pastor on the
second and third floors, together with his office and meeting place for
the various societies on the first floor.
The name of the church was
changed for the third time: this time from St. Mark’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church to just “St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.”
The Missionary Society
progressed to distinguished service during his leadership and he was
also instrumental in binding together the men of the church in the
Brotherhood.
Pastor Spaeth entered his
Eternal Home early in 1920 and was succeeded by Rev. Paul L. Yount, D.D.
Rev. PAUL L. YOUNT, D.D.
(1920-1928)
Rev. Yount came to us on
July 3, 1920, the son of the Rev. A. L. Yount who had also served our
congregation back in 1886.
For eight years he
ministered to St. Mark’s and during this time the church sanctuary was
modernized, redecorated and rededicated, and the Diamond Jubilee
celebrated. The membership was now 930, with 450 new members added.
He was greatly loved and
respected by the members of his congregation and the people in our city,
when he resigned in 1928 to accept another charge in Norristown,
Pennsylvania. His resignation was accepted with deep regret.
We are anticipating the
pleasure of welcoming Pastor Yount, now retired from the active
ministry, back into the fold of St. Mark’s during our Centennial events
this year.
Rev. J. RAY HOUSER, D.D.
(1928- )
On July 1, 1928 the reins
of the parish were taken over by the Rev. Dr. J. Ray Houser. He is the
14th pastor of the 100 year old church and has served continuously for
24 years. With his spirited and gifted leadership, the congregation has
grown by leaps and bounds.
Pastor Houser was born in
Westmoreland County, was graduated from Gettysburg College in 1921 and
from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1924. From
1924 to 1926 he was a Teaching Fellow at the Seminary. He attended the
University of Pennsylvania, receiving an MA. degree in 1927. In 1948
Muhlenberg College bestowed upon him the D.D. degree.
Shortly after his arrival
at St. Mark’s, he organized an elaborate youth and religious education
program. With the increased activities, a deaconess was called, Sister
Mildred Winter, coming to work with the parish and youth in October,
1930. The Sunday School grew; Church membership increased; Daily
Vacation Bible School and Week day Church Schools were instituted; and,
with the rapid development of this program, it became imperative to
provide more adequate quarters for this work.
In 1929, the congregation
embarked upon a “Greater St. Mark’s Church Expansion Program” to cover a
period of five years, characterized by the gathering of funds by all the
organizations and the parish as a whole. But once again the people were
confronted with one misfortune after another—the bank crash and
depression of 1929, and after that the destructive St. Patrick’s Day
Flood of 1936 which filled the church with some 20 feet of water above
the cellar level. This dunking necessitated repairs and refurnishings to
the extent of some $5,000.00 and a temporary halt to the Expansion
program.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC
St. Mark’s has been a
pioneer in the field of church music as well as religious education. The
Ministry of Music program was begun in September, 1937, when Frederick
A. Snell was called from Boyertown, Pennsylvania, to organize a system
of choirs in the parish.
The first public appearance
of these vested choirs was at the 85th anniversary celebration of the
church on November 5, 1937. Lovely red and white vestments had been
purchased for the children’s choir and black gowns with a stiff white
collar and white cotta for the Girls’ choir. The Senior choir was robed
through the untiring efforts of the choir committee members.
St. Mark’s choirs have
earned a name for themselves in the field of church music. They are well
trained, and render the best and highest type of music, at least one
choir being present for every service. Combined choirs participate in a
monthly Vesper musical service.
In addition to the above
mentioned, a younger group named the Carol Choir was organized in the
Fall of 1938 for children ages 6-9 and within the past two years a boys’
choir has been added, making a total enrollment of 178 in the combined
choirs.
“GREATER ST. MARK’S
EXPANSION PROGRAM”
At the 85th Anniversary
Celebration, the pastor proposed the re-launching of the “Greater St.
Mark’s Expansion Program” and the proposal was enthusiastically
received. The membership of the Sunday School had grown from 224 to
nearly 700, with an average attendance of 450, resulting in crowded
conditions and confusion detrimental to a worshipful atmosphere. If the
present rate of increase was to continue, more space had to be provided.
So a $56,500.00 building program was instituted to build an extensive
addition to the present parish house with classrooms, social rooms and
other facilities, and also to replace the 23 year old pipe organ which
had been irreparably damaged during a severe rainstorm in the summer of
1938.
A NEW ORGAN AND A NEW
BUILDING
Sunday, September 1, 1939,
witnessed the dedication of a fine new Moeller organ of 27 ranks of
1,896 pipes and the transformation of our choir chancel at an
approximate cost of $11,000.00. This marked the first step in the
completion of the Greater St. Mark’s Program.
October 1, 1939 found us
engaged in ground breaking ceremonies for the new building. The
corner-stone was laid November 26th, and on Sunday morning, June 2,
1940, the new building was dedicated, providing classrooms, church
office, a modern kitchen with adequate facilities and the large spacious
“Fellowship Hall.” It was decided to wait until sufficient funds were on
hand before starting the second floor at an estimated cost of
$12,000.00.
GARDEN ALTAR
The lovely garden altar and
shrine in the rear of the church built of mountain stone by Robert R.
Vickers was dedicated May 31, 1942 in honor of all St. Mark’s youth who
had served their country in previous wars and who were then serving
their country in the savage World War II.
SISTER MILDRED PROMOTED;
NEW DEACONESS CALLED
For 13 years Sister Mildred
labored in the held of religious education for the youth of St. Mark’s
together with her other parish duties, and endeared herself to the whole
community. Because of her out standing abilities, she was chosen by the
Board of Deaconess Work in the United Lutheran Church to be the
Promotional Field Secretary of the Board. She has since been promoted to
the Executive Secretaryship of the Board.
She left St. Mark’s in
September, 1943, and was replaced by another faithful worker, Sister
Elaine Dunlap of Philadelphia, who continued this work for four years
until she was re-assigned to a new field of service in Waukesha,
Wisconsin in July, 1948.
Sister Esther Mae
Shepperson, a native of Danville, worked with our parish in the same
capacity for the next year, and was consecrated in Des Moines, Iowa
during the U. L. C. A. Convention in 1950.
On September 1, 1950,
Sister Elizabeth Hess of Philadelphia, our present deaconess was called.
ASSISTANT PASTOR CALLED —
REV. ROBERT E. NEUMEYER
St. Mark’s is strong, and a
leader in the community today, not only because of its ministry of the
Gospel, but also because of its ministry of education to every age
group. To this end, it was necessary to add to the staff an assistant
pastor, who would supervise the religious education of the parish, and
assist in the other pastoral duties, The Rev. Robert F. Neumeyer (Pastor
Bob, as he was affectionately called) came to St. Mark’s on November 19,
1946.
A native of Allentown, he
graduated from Muhlenberg College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary
at Philadelphia. For two years following graduation, he served as a Navy
Chaplain during World War II, and still holds a reserve commission in
the Navy Chaplaincy service with the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade.
He worked untiringly for
five years teaching and advising young and old alike and left an
indelible spot upon the hearts of the whole congregation before
accepting a call to become senior pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in
Wilmington, Delaware, which pastorate he assumed October 10, 1951. His
daily contact with the people of St. Mark’s and of the whole community,
and his friendly, vivacious leadership has earned for him the love and
respect of everyone.
YOUTH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Today this large youth
program is carried on by the pastor, deaconess and a host of other
willing workers and leaders. We have a Sunday School enrollment of 823;
Week Day Church School with 250 children and a staff of 25 teachers;
Children’s Church, instituted to teach children from 1st to 6th grades
the true meaning of worship and to enable them to learn and understand
every part of the liturgy, with an average attendance of 55; The Nursery
to accommodate babies and young children while the parents worship;
Summer Daily Vacation Bible School with an enrollment last year of 146
students and 33 teachers. We have a very much alive Intermediate and
Senior Luther League. In 1950, under Pastor Bob’s leadership, 74 area
Leaguers journeyed to Iowa City, Iowa, to attend the National Luther
League Convention, at which time our present deaconess, Sister
Elizabeth, was consecrated; Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Baseball and
Basketball teams and other sports.
A Boys’ Club is operated in
conjunction with the Y. M. C. A. with an enrollment of some 70 boys
endowed with atomic energy. The building of personality and character,
civic pride and moral discipline in these boys, as well as in all the
youth in our various activities, is the earnest endeavor of St. Mark’s.
We aim to bring Christ into all youth activities.
CHAPEL OF THE “UPPER ROOM”
The desire to complete and
enjoy the second floor of the parish house was evidenced by the
accumulation of funds for this purpose. Climaxing the idea born in the
20’s, the congregation overcoming one adversity after another finally
attained its goal, and on February 20, 1949, the new “Chapel of the
Upper Room”, its furnishings and the class rooms surrounding it were
dedicated, completing the final unit to be added to the building.
Mr. Snell wrote a special
hymn for the dedication services, and Sister Mildred who had been
helpful in starting the Expansion Program nearly 20 years previous,
returned to join in the glad event.
Many memorial gifts and
generous donations have enhanced the beauty and worshipful atmosphere of
the chapel which is the Heart of the Parish Educational Building. Few
meetings or social gatherings are opened without first a few minutes of
devotions in the Chapel.
ADDITIONAL PROPERTY
PURCHASED TO ASSURE EXPANSION
1949 was eventful for a
second reason which will undoubtedly prove to be important in the future
history of St. Mark’s. That is the purchase of properties North of the
Parish House on Market Street which assures the security of our church
from undesirable buildings and neighbors, and provides the opportunity
for the dream of the future — a new church building.
Another achievement was the
transformation of the first floor of the church building, part into a
downstairs chapel to accommodate the overflow congregations, and the
remainder into a choir rehearsal room, classroom, and Choir robing
rooms.
STEWARDSHIP
Our people have been quick
to respond to the Stewardship appeals of the U. L. C. In 1950 the
members of St. Mark’s with a quota of approximately $7,180.00, collected
and pledged $17,276.00 to the Christian Higher Education Year drive (CHEY),
and for Lutheran World Action (LWA) have also been over-subscribing
their quota. Extra funds have been allotted for Muhlenberg College and
Mt. Airy Seminary, and for missionary objectives both here and abroad.
GREATER WILLIAMSPORT MARKET
STREET BRIDGE
The Spring of 1950 brought
a change in the physical appearance of Market Street and of the 98 year
old Church. The construction of the “Greater Williamsport Market Street
Bridge” was started. At first it was feared that the people of St.
Mark’s would fall by the wayside during this trying period—that the
light of St. Mark’s would be greatly clouded by the continued
inconvenience under which she would be called upon to labor. But
happily, the fears were truly unfounded.
The congregations were
larger, the energy more abundant, and the spirit of the congregation
more inspired by the challenging circumstances.
By August 29, 1951, the
great new bridge was completed and dedicated, with the Harriet Hess
Metzger Memorial carillon of St. Mark's heralding the ceremonies,
proclaiming the loyalty of St. Mark’s during the time when mud and
debris plagued the worshiper week after week for more than a year.
The old bridge (the 4th to
span the Susquehanna at Market Street) was immediately dismantled,
removing one of the last land marks so familiar to the people of our
church. But Old St. Mark’s still stands on the same spot where the
handful of steadfast Lutherans planted the seed a century ago — a
shining beacon to the whole community and ministering to the needs of
all people through the generations.
CHURCH RE-DECORATED FOR
CENTENNIAL
After the bridge was
completed, we endeavored to clean-up and beautify the surroundings of
the church — landscaping was done, shrubbery planted, the old church
doors were transformed into new ones, and a new outside Bulletin Board
was erected.
The interior was
redecorated and a lovely new scarlet and gold altar reredos now
brightens the chancel.
1952 — CENTENNIAL YEAR
At the congregational
meeting on January 7, 1952, the congregation voted unanimously for the
council to make all the necessary legal arrangements for the transfer
from the Ministerium of Pennsylvania (to which Synod St. Mark’s has
belonged for its first 100 years of existence) to the Central
Pennsylvania Synod of the United Lutheran Church. This action was taken
to confirm with the will of the U. L. C. to consolidate all overlapping
parishes within its Synods.
CONCLUSION
From the seed of 21
Christian souls in 1852 has come the present congregation of St. Mark’s
now numbering more than 1400 active contributing members, and with
church property valued at $397,775.00.
As we close 100 years of
history, we look back to a glorious past, and with the zeal, spirit and
enthusiasm of our people, and with the help of Almighty God, we look
forward to a bright and useful future.
We shall be forever
grateful to the consecrated and generous friends of the Lord who have
worked with Him in making all these things possible.
A
History of St. Mark’s Church