1902 Service Flag which cont~ined 112 blue stars, 2 Part of the plot at the corner of Spruce Alley and gold stars, Encasing colors, enshrouding the chancel Franklin Street was sold to Beth.Israel Synagogue. furniture, This was the site of the first church and log school. Note: The chancel furniture — altar, pulpit, lectern, Also a lot facing on Franklin Street was sold to baptismal font were installed.in the present church and are I. E. Asbury, a local barber, still in use, The altar is the product of the cabinet 1905—1907 making skills of Rev. Hemsath. Rev. Paul Z. Strodach. Installed November 11, 1905, 1919—1926 Remained until March 17, 1907. Author of Hymns 103 Worshipped in the Public Meeting Room of the Court House. (Now Let the Vaults of Heaven Resound) and 209 I92O~1922 (God of Our Life) in the Service Book and Hymnal. ~ Rev. Frank C. Oberly became pastor. Installed November 1, 1907—1916 1920. Under him a building fund was begun but plans were Rev. R. Morris Smith, D.D. Pastorate began May 16, laid aside when his ministry was terminated by his untimely 1907. Remained until May 15, 1916, Died , death March 22, 1922. The organ in the present church was 1938. dedicated as a memorial to him. N5.Y 31j 1921 In 1910 the pastor’s salary was fixed at $1,000 per Petition presented to Court to abandon old graveyard. year. Previous to this time, salary was by sub September 8,~ 1921 scription. Hearing and petition granted to vacate “Old German Grave —December 1916 yard”. Bodies to be reinterred separately in the Washington Cemetery. Vacant — Supplied served. 1916—1920 1922~19 149 Rev. R. E. Jensen. Presided at first Council meeting Rev. Harry B. Ernest. Installed October 1, 1922. Retired December 1916. Installed . Served until , 1949, when he became Pastor Emeritus, which January 1, 1920. Salary for year 1916—1917 was fixed office he held until his death May 27, 1964 at age 90. at $2,000. ,1923 1918 Decree to vacate graveyard modified to change location of A study began for the erection of a new church, having reinterment from Washington Cemetery to a “suitable and outgrown their present church, Building Committee appropriate vault, which shall be located and constructed was Rev. R. E. Jensen, Frank Berthel, Lewis Paul. either within the church building to be erected, or out— Architects drawing presented. side thereof but adjacent thereto and within the limits of 1919 said old graveyard”. Five lots on East Chestnut Street were purchased for 1923 $21,500 for the purpose of erecting the third church. New church proposed. The site was found unsuitable for a church building. May 19214 Instead, a building was erected and leased to Sears, Thirty five members of the Brotherhood met at Wigman—Iams Roebuck & Co. Several other storeroöms were renovated Lumber Co. and constructed small individual caskets for and leased. the remains to be excavated from the old graveyard. August 12, 1919 June 19214 The property at Beau and Franklin Streets was sold to Excavation started on burial vault. Christian Science Society of Washington, Pa. Church September 19214 sold for $7,000, Parsonage for $5,500. Christian Vault completed. Cost $1,350. Science used this building until razed in 1965 for October 5, 19214. redevelopment project. Private recommittal services for remains reinterred in October 26, 1919 vault. 373 bodies were recommitted. Participants in the

Leave taking service at Beau Street Church — Rev. recommittal service were Rev. Harry B. Ernest, Council R. E. Jensen, Pastor. Service included demobilizing members, President Judge James I. Brownson. The prayer was offered by Professor 0. F.H. Bert. September 19214 1879 Change proposed in plans for new church in order to cut First organ purchased and installed. For over 60 years costs. Contract price $126,500. Total completed cost the old German songs were sung in this church without benefit of instrumental music of any kind. about $200,000. J. C. Fulton & Son of Uniontown —

Architects; Eckstein — Kuglen Co. of Wheeling, W. Va. — Contractors. During this period there was controversy over the language December 19214 (German or English); organizing a Sunday School; and Ground breaking for new church. instrumental music of any kind. May 1925 I883—1895 Permission was granted by the owners of the old church Rev C. A. Wenzel, D,D. During his pastorate, the con— on W. Beau Street to remove contents of cornerstone, troversy over the language problem was solved, He laid in 1884. Most articles had disintegrated because preached in both languages until German was terminated about they were contained in a tin box which had rusted. 1895. April 19, 1925 Cornerstone laying ceremony. Name changed by charter amendment to First Evangelical Contents of copper box, said box being furnished by Lutheran Church. Manrow’s, the roofing contractor for the church: Holy Bible Under the 1884 charter, the congregation became established Common Service Book of United Lutheran Church on a distinct Lutheran basis and entered into membership Luther’s Small Catechism of the Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelicai Lutheran Church. List containing names of Church Council members For several years the parish received missionary assistance Sunday School Officers and Teachers, Ladies Aid but after 1891 such aid was declined as unnecessary. and Missionary Society, Luther League, Brotherhood. 18814 List containing names of City Officials and Lot purchased on corner of West Beau Street and South Judges of County Courts. Franklin Street for the erection of a new church. Cost of Minutes of Pittsburgh Synod lot $800. Year Book of United Lutheran Church 1885. Copies of “The Lutheran” Church at corner of Beau and Franklin Streets dedicated, Copies of “Lutheran Herald” Church erected at a cost of $4,154. Our Lenten program for 1924 and 1925 1892 Individual Communion Cup Last burial in old graveyard, that of Mallosena Alrutz. Old one—half cent coin dated 1803 found in the Died October 3, 1892 in her 71st year. No interments prior cornerstone of previous church to this for 10 or 15 years. She was buried here at her Copies of Washington Observer and Reporter request. June 20—27, 1926 Church Dedication Week 1896.-1898 Sunday, June 20 Church dedicated Rev, C. B,Lintwed installed February 1896. Died at

Monday, June 21 Post dedication — Organization Week Biglersville, Pa. May 27, 1940 at age 82.

Tuesday, June 22 Post dedication — Community Night 1898—1900

Wednesday, June 23 Post dedication — Mid—week Service Pulpit filled by supplied.

Thursday, June 24 Post dedication — Music Night 1900—1905

Friday, June 25 Post dedication — Preparatory Service Rev. C. H. Hemsath installed April 1900. Died September

Saturday, June 26 Post dedication — Children’s Service 1928 while visiting in the home of Dr. Howard Smith of

Sunday, June 27 Post dedication — Confirmation and Washington, Pa. Communion 1928 Parsonage at the rear of Beau Street Church completed. First Community Vacation Bible School. Cooperating Rev. Hemsath did considerable work on this parsonage. churches were First United Presbyterian, Third Presbyterian, Jefferson Avenue Methodist, First Lutheran. 1829—183~4 In session from June 11 to July 6. Teachers were paid. Rev. Johrr Brown succeeded Rev. Weygandt. 18311 School operated in three divisions, each division meeting Rev. Abraham Winters, possibly a United Brethren Supply. at a different church. Junior Division met at First Lutheran, Mrs. Maude Hootman, teacher. 18311—1838 Rev. Charles Swissler. Reformed Supply. 1947 1838—18111 Reception for Rev, Ernest commemorating 25 years service to Pulpit Vacant. According to Dr. Creigh~s 1870 history First Lutheran Church. 19117 of Washington, probably supplied by Rev. Doubert and Rev. Beckerman. East Chestnut Street property sold. Decerber 31, 1949 1811 1—18 14 3 Rev. P. H. R. Meuller, Rev. Harry B. Ernest retired. Became Pastor Emeritus. May 23, 18112 May 7, 1950 Incorporated as German Evangelical Lutheran and Re Rev, Reginald E, Dozer assumed charge. Installed May 14, formed Church of the Borough of Washington. 1950, 1811 3—18 55 May27, 1953 Rev. Abraham Weills 111th Convention of the Pittsburgh Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church met in First Lutheran Church. Thirteen 18 55—18 58 Vacant. Served by Supplies. young men were ordained into the ministry at this con 1858—1859 vention, It is the only time that the Synod convened here. Rev. John Haerdtle Nay 27, 1953 1859—1863 Rev, Ernest was honored at a special service of the Synod Rev. Abraham Weills (second term) in convention on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of 18 63—18 66 his ordination, Vacant. Served by Supplies October 21, 1956 186 6—18 6 9 Dedication and blessing service for renovated chancel. Rev. Michael Schweigert (Lutheran) The newly installed paneling and reredos are a memorial to 1867 Lewis H. Paul, presented by his wife. Mr. Paul served on About this time Reformed ceased to exist. English the Church Council from 1921 to 1946. services were held irregularly with the Rev. Weills April 1959 continuing as English pastor. New Service Books and Hymnals dedicated. 1950’s 1870—1882 — Rev. G. C. Frederick as the German pastor. Amplifiers installed. A gift from Mr. and Mrs. Harry 1872 — Rev. L. H. Geabul as English supply pastor. Miller as a memorial to their daughter, Edith Miller Miles 1881—1883 — Rev. J. W. Myers as English supply. During this period there were two ministers. The service Calhoun. was in both German and English. Note: Some of these early ministers also served the Original carpet replaced. A gift from Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bethlehem Lutheran Church at Glyde: Rev. G.H. Weygandt, Rackley. Rev. John Brown, Rev. Abraham Weills, Rev. L.H. Geabul, Rev. J.W, Myers. Property purchased for parking lot. 1871 Sunday School organized. Conducted in German language Houses on East side of Church purchased and demolished. until 1879. Growth slow. Jacob Blond was the last survivor~of our congregation to attend this Sunday I. E, Asbury property purchased and demolished to make School. He was one of the early superintendents of the room for new educational wing. Sunday School. Mrs. Catherine Moninger was the first June 1960 superintendent. Choir lost enlarged. 1960—1963 Ho-ge October 18~ 173i~ A Meeting House was to be erected The ground rental of Sometime during this period the name was changed to with a burial grounds adjoining. plan of Washington was First Lutheran Church of Washington, Pa. $2.00 on all lots in the original Hoge and their heirs. 1963 due “forever” to John and William A fund drive was organized and $16,520 was raised for the renovation of the organ. It is interesting to note that the County of Washington 1966 was created by Act of Legislature March 28, 1781 and the Plans adopted for erection of new educational wing. town was incorporated as a borough February 13, 1810. Fund drive organized. September 1 812 , 1968 Trustees made a contract with James Chambers, a carpenter, Ground breaking for new educational wings to build a Meeting House for the congregation. Contract 1969 price — $170, Trustees to furnish materials. Building Kenneth N. Schott served as summer student seminarian. was delayed probably due to lack of funds. Subscriptions October 11, 1970 were taken to pay Mr. Chambers and buy material. Reception for Rev. Dozer commemorating 42 years in 1816 the aidni~try. The Meeting House, facing on Spruce Alley, was completed January 18, 1970 on what is now the annex area of the Knights of Columbus j~áucational Wing dedicated. Building (formerly the Beth Israel Synagogue), June 13, 1971 Kenneth N. Schott ordained at Zion Lutheran Church, After personal examination in 1921 by Earle Forrest, Pittsburgh. historian, it was revealed this building was of brick, 197 1—197 2 laid between studding and weatherboarding placed on the Rev. Kenneth N. Schott served as Associate Pastor, outside. The entrance was in the center fronting on Spruce First Lutheran Church. Alley. The interior had a balcony extending along the west December 3, 1972 and north sides and part of the east side. The pulpit was Kneelers installed and dedicated. A gift from Mr. elevated style about 9’ or 10’ high, resembling a half wirre and Mrs. Frank B. Rackley. glass, reached by circular stairs. The seats were oak April 30, 1973 benches and faced the pulpit. Lighted by tallow candles. Rev. Reginald E. Dozer, D.D, retired. Became Pastor The floor was foot wide tongue and groove supported by Emeritus. heavy logs across the entire building, instead of sawed April 30, 1973 joists. These logs were supported in the center by log Rev. Kenneth N. Schott assumed charge. Installed uprights on which the bark was still in place. Later years April 30, 1973. this was converted into a double dwelling owned by Beth October 21, 1973 Israel Congregation. 175th Anniversary observance began with the morning 1817 worship service. Rev. R. E. Dozer, D.D. preached First burial in graveyard. Oldest stone found that of the sermon. Cherub, Childrens, Lutheran and Senior Henrietta Koch, died September 29, 1817. Age 11 months, 24 Choirs provided special music. days. 1818 Community Choir, under the direction of G. Richard The Lutheran Congregation built a log school on the same Zimmerman, presented a concert of sacred music at pröj~erty (Corner of Spruce and Franklin) used by the the evening service. children of early German settlers from 1818—1831. Building October 27, 1973 later occupied by the church sexton. It stood until 1902 Anniversary Banquet at First Christian Church. when it was torn down to make room for the Beth Israel

Master of Ceremonies — Mr. Joseph Jefferson; Synagogue.

Principal Speaker — Dr. Ernest L. Abernathy. Enter 1816—1829 tainment provided by the New Washingtän Chorus. Rev. C. H. Weygandt served as pastor. The history of the First Lutheran Church of Washington October 28, 1973 as it is now known goes back almost to the beginning of Special Sunday School Program featuring Mark Tedeschi, the town itself. Among the early settlers of ventriloquist and Sylvester. Washington and vicinity were a number of Germans who could speak little or no English. Others came from the Reformation Service with the Rev. Gerald Christianson, Dutch settlements of York and Cumberland Counties and Associate Professor of Church History at Gettysburg were what we call “Pennsylvania Dutch”. Seminary and Dr. William C. Hankey, President of W. Pa. — W. ~1a~ Synod. The German settlers were Lutherans and the Dutch be longed to the Reformed or Dutch Presbyterian Church. The two spoke a common language. Washington County was then the edge of the western frontier of civil ization. There was no church here of their denomination. Their religious beliefs were much the same, so they banded together for the common good, meeting in each others houses for religious worship. 1782 A letter found among the papers of Charity Meeks, written in October, 1782, asked that Adam Koehier (Koechier) of Bassettown (Washington) be informed that a minister would be in the vicinity. 1798 There are no written records of these early gatherings~ but tradition tells us that about 1798 the German Lutherans and Dutch Presbyterian settlers in old Washington town and vicinity gathered at the house of Jacob Weuler for “spiritual advice and comfort”. They became known as the German Lutheran and Presbyterian (Reformed) Congregation. 1801 About this time and for several years, Rev. Demas Hertzler, a Reformed minister, made irregular visits, preaching and baptizing in the homes of members. 1811 or 1812 to 1816 Rev. J. P. Mahnenschmidt (Reformed) was the first regular pastor. May 5, 1812 Two lots were bought from Peter Snyder and Catherine, his wife, for the consideration of $50.00 and the annual ground rent of $2.00, They were conveyed to Jacob Weirich, Lewis Hewit, David Ledicker and Christian Hornich, trustees and managers of the German Lutheran and Presbyterian Congregation. The lots fronted 120’ on Spruce Alley and extended north along what is now North Franklin Street 240’ to Walnut Researched and Prepared by: Mrs. Helen Swaggard

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For this reason I bow my knees before the

Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell CHRONOLOGY in your hearts through faith; that you, being Compiled for 175th Anniversary rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is October 21—28, 1973 the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God. Now to him who by the power Sources of Information: at work within us is able to do far more Observer—Reporter History by Earle Forrest abundantly than all that we ask or think, to Church Records him be glory in the church and in Christ Mrs, Naude Hootman’s Scrapbook Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever.

Amen.