Lutheran Churches Archives - Shamokin Online Museum

Several attempts were made to start a mission among the German Lutherans of Shamokin but none were successful until 1885, when Rev. H. Weicksel began to hold German services in Trinity Lutheran church every fourth Sabbath in the afternoon. As the hour proved inconvenient, a congregational meeting was held at Seiler’s hall, October 31, 1885, and at this first business meeting of the church ten persons were present: Christian Lehner, Samuel Wagner, Martin Hoffman, Mrs. Sarah Mack, Lewis Marquart, John Myer, John W. Kessler, William H, Mack, Miss Ida Mack, and Rev. H. Wicksel; among the results of the meeting was a decision to hold German services every fourth Sabbath in Seller’s hall, to install Christian Lehner and Samuel Wagner as deacons, and have Lewis Marquart as treasurer.

The congregation was served for some time by Rev. J. W. Early, after which Rev. H. Weicksel returned; the latter was succeeded by his son. Rev. W. Weicksel, who was installed by his father, assisted by Rev. A. P. Pfleuger, September 16, 1888. A constitution was adopted, January 1, 1888, and the organization was incorporated as the “German Evangelical Lutheran Grace Church of Shamokin” on the 11th of the following May. Rev. W. Weicksel is the present pastor, and through his efforts the church has now a membership of seventy-five communicants. Two large lots at the corner of Seventh and Chestnut streets have been secured for the future location of a church building.

The first effort to establish a Sunday school was made, August 14, 1887, by Luther Early, but for three successive Sabbaths the announcement for Sunday school was attended with no results. On the afternoon of the fifth appointment fourteen children were present and an organization was effected.

Among the earliest supporters of this faith at Shamokin were William and Reuben Fagely, and through their efforts the Rev. J. P. Shindel, of Sunbury, was induced to institute occasional services at the Central school house about the year 1840. Several Mormon missionaries were endeavoring to proselyte at the little mining town, and the immediate object of the Fagelys in introducing Lutheran worship was to counteract the influence of their work. It had the desired result, without, however, affecting anything immediate or definite in the way of Lutheran church organization. The Reverend Alleman, of St. Peter’s and St. Jacob’s churches in the Shamokin valley, partially effected an organization in 1842, and regular services were held under his administration and that of his successor, Rev. Philip Williard.

On the 11th of October, 1854, the church was fully organized under Rev. C. J. Ehrhart as pastor. His incumbency was principally noticeable in view of the educational project undertaken -the erection of a college, now the Academy school building – which was not a success, and depleted the resources of the congregation to a serious extent. Mr. Ehrhart also conducted a private school of an academic grade.

Mr. Ehrhart was succeeded, October 11, 1857, by Rev. J. F. Wampole. Under his administration services were held in the Presbyterian church one year; in 1858 a room was fitted up in the Odd Fellows’ hall by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations, and used by them on alternate Sundays for divine worship. Rev. J. B. Keller became pastor in 1865, and in the summer of that year a project for the erection of a church edifice assumed tangible form. C. S. Wetzel was the architect, and Jonas L. Gilger the contractor.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Early Postcard

The corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies on the 8th of October,1865, Rev. H. Zeigler, D. D., officiating, assisted by the pastor. The basement was first occupied for public worship on the 20th of January, 1867, and on the 11th of August, 1867, the completed edifice was dedicated, Rev. A. C. Wedekind, D. D., preaching the dedicatory sermon. On this occasion the contributions aggregated two thousand dollars.

On the following Monday the Susquehanna Conference of the church assembled here. Since the resignation of Mr. Keller in 1869 the following clergymen have served as pastors: Reverends J. R. Williams, S. Domer, D. D., H. C. Haithcox, P, S. Hooper, J. A. Flickinger, L. D. Wells, and C. F. Steck:, the present pastor, who assumed charge in the autumn of 1889.

The church edifice is a substantial brick structure on Sunbury street. It was originally fifty by seventy-five feet in dimensions, and in 1884 an addition of twenty-five feet was erected at the rear. Steam heating apparatus was provided in 1887, and in 1891 a fine pipe-organ was secured. The height of the tower is one hundred eighteen feet.