The first movement toward the establishment of this church was made by Rev. F. B. Riddle, who began to preach in a Coal township school house near the western limit of the borough (the region then known as Scotch Hill), in August, 1882. A great religious interest had been awakened in this neighborhood during the spring of that year by Rev. George J. Byer, an itinerant evangelist, who held a series of revival services there, and the converts thus made were the nucleus around which the congregation gathered.
Through the influence of Rev. F. B. Riddle, Presiding Elder Rev. M. L. Smyser appointed Rev. M. J. Runyan to West Shamokin circuit, formed of West Shamokin, Uniontown, Springfield, and Bear Valley. The church was connected with this circuit until March, 1890, since which time it has supported a minister individually.
A lot was purchased on the corner of Third and Chestnut streets for four hundred dollars, Aucker, Slayman & Company contracted for the erection of the building, and the audience room was dedicated by Reverends S. C. Swallow and J. A. DeMoyer, February 18, 1883. In the spring of 1888 a vestibule was added and the basement finished for a Sunday school room.
Rev. M. J. Runyan was pastor from August 6, 1882, to March 21, 1883; E. H. AVitman, from March 21, 1883, to March 27. 1S84; R. S. Taylor, from March 27, 1884, to March 27, l885; D. F. Stiles, from March 27, 1885, to March 15, 1887; V. W. Rue. from March 15, 1887, to March 25, 1890, when the present pastor (1890) Rev. J. Horning, took charge.
The Sunday school was organized with A. M. Osmun as superintendent.