St. Mark's Building Attains Milestone

Celebrates 60 Years

Founded in 1852, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Williamsport, is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the dedication of its current sanctuary located at the foot of the Market Street bridge. It is only the congregation’s third church building in its 168 year history.

A procession of the congregation from its former nave (in use since 1896) to the current building took place on Sunday, February 28, 1960. Members were led by the Rev. Frederick G. Hasskarl, Senior Pastor; the Rev. Paul F. Bosch, Assistant Pastor; and the Rev. Dr. J. Ray Houser, President of Waterloo Seminary and former pastor.

Also participating in the procession were Trustees of the Church Council, the Choirs, and the Congregation. Frederick A. Snell, Organist and Choir Director, composed an anthem, entitled “Praise the Lord”, for the Service of Dedication. The Rev. A. Howard Weeg, President of the Illinois Synod, presented the sermon.

The Holy Bible, the Sacramental Vessels, and the Altar Book were carried by Trustees of the Council: Charles A. Schreyer, Louis Welker, Harry J. W. Kiessling, William C. Roos, and Chester M. Best. Frank Kelley, Trustee, served as Chairman of the Building Committee. The architectural firm of T. Norman Mansell, Philadelphia, designed the new church.

St. Mark’s was founded in 1852 as the first English-speaking Lutheran church in Williamsport, and is located at the foot of the Market Street bridge. The Holy Eucharist is celebrated on Saturdays at 4 p.m. and on Sundays at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday church school for all ages is held at 9:15 a.m. The Rev. Brian D. Vasey serves as the current pastor.

Read and see more:

Architect Norman Mansell's recommendations and development scheme for a new church - June16, 1954.
Dedication Program - February 28, 1960.
Mayor Thomas H. Levering congratulates St. Mark's on the dedication of the new church - February 28, 1960.
Understanding the design elements of the new church.
Photos from the construction and dedication of the new church buliding,