A History of St. Mark’s Church

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

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.

February 20, 1952.

HELEN K. CLOKEY, Parish Historian.