Eighty Four church celebrates 200 years
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Olive Killmeyer, left, and Vonnie Richardson look through historical documents they’ve collected from Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church’s 200 years. The woman are co-chairing the anniversary celebration.
Emmanuel
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
The first building used for worship was “Hall’s Tent,” a roofed platform that is now a part of the church cemetery, which can be seen to the left.
Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church, which will soon celebrate 200 years, adopted its name just 56 years ago.
Originally Pigeon Creek United Presbyterian Church, church members had to select a new name when the Presbytery ruled that two churches should not have the same name. Since the congregation was younger than that of nearby Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church, the church in Somerset Township had to make the change. Members selected Emmanuel, which means “God with us.”
To celebrate 200 years as a congregation, the church will hold festivities over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1 and 2.
On Saturday, a members-only catered picnic will be held, followed by an old-fashioned hymn sing at 5 p.m. that is open to the public. Heaven Bound Ministries will lead the event, which will feature well-known songs of praise.
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Booklets for the celebration, like this one from the 100th anniversary, will be printed.
The Rev. Dawn Sherwood will lead the Sunday service, in which all former pastors are invited to participate. Birthday cake and punch will be served after, and participants can peruse the memorabilia that has been collected, including photographs, cards, booklets and newspapers.
According to church archives, the first building used for worship was “Hall’s Tent,” a roofed platform that was located where the church cemetery now stands. A log structure was built in 1819, and was used until 1838. A brick building was used until 1871, when the current church was constructed at a cost of $78,000. An educational annex was designed by architect Robert M. Berry, a member of the church, and complete in 1970.
Because of its proximity to Interstate 70 and Route 519, the church has often been a place of welcome for those in need. Members Olive Killmeyer and Vonnie Richardson said Sherwood has given away boxes of food and gift cards for gasoline.
“We’ve come to the realization that this church is a beacon. You can see if from 70. A number of people have stopped,” said Sherwood. “And we help them out.”
Killmeyer, who has been a member for 38 years, said members care about their community and each other.
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
Natalie Reid Miller/Observer-Reporter
The sanctuary of the church, with the “Rose Window”
“If something needs to be done, someone will get it done,” she said.
Sherwood agreed.
“There are very few members who are not involved in some way. Anytime someone in the congregation needs something, they’re right there to contribute and give what they can,” said Sherwood, who has been with the church for two years.
About eight years ago, someone realized that there were 17 widows in the congregation. So they started a group for widows that meets regularly.
“It was very much needed,” Killmeyer said. “We have a commonality. It’s good to be able to say, ‘The roof’s leaking again,’ and know you’re not alone.”
Like many congregations, Emmanuel’s membership has declined over the years.
Richardson said she misses having a choir.
“It’s what brought me here. I was not a leader or a soloist. I was strictly support. I love music. It was a kind and close group, like a family. I miss it,” said Richardson, who has been a member for 52 years. “We disbanded about five or six years ago. We would try to sing about once a month, but with older members, they miss a lot.”
The church has about 65 members, including some new members who recently joined.
“It’s exciting to see children and new people of all ages,” said Sherwood. “It’s been a wonderful experience to get to know people who are here, and see how welcoming they are to everyone who walks in the door.”
Killmeyer said the new members are enthusiastic.
“We’re hoping it will grow from there,” Killmeyer said. “Hopefully, someday we’ll have a 225th anniversary.”
Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church, 724-222-7488, is located at 480 Route 519, Eighty Four.
A sketch of the church, once known as Pigeon Creek United Presbyterian Church. The church was renamed in 1962 because nearby Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church was established first.