Although services had been conducted at Shamokin by Rev. Joseph Young, a clergyman of this denomination, no organization was effected until 1846, when, through the efforts of Rev. Samuel Seiders, a church was formally organized with Jeremiah Zimmerman. S. S. Bird, George Krieger, and H. Hagey as trustees.
A frame church edifice was erected on Sunbury street in 1848; it was remodeled and enlarged in 1869, rededicated on the 1st of August in that year, and served as the place of worship until 1890, when it was removed to make way for the new brick structure now approaching completion.
The succession of pastors has been as follows:
Samuel Seiders
Jacob Brewer
Joseph Young
Israel Carpenter
George Hoffman
George Gilbert
P. L. Zimmerman
Wesley Detrich
A. F. Yeager
John Swenk
G. W. M. Rigor
G. A. Snapp
J. P. Long
G. A. Lee
W. B. Evers
J. F. Mower
J. R. Reitzel
J. D. Kihan
George Brickley
W. H. S. Keys, D. D.
E. P. Funk
J. G. Stiner
Solomon Merrick
E. W. Etter, D. D.
W. H. Uhler
M. J. Heberly
J. H. Yonedia
H. B. Spayd
J. P. Cowling
The Sunday school was organized in 1861 with Mahlon Scholl as first superintendent, and has been successfully continued to the present time (1890).
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.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
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.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
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.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Early Postcard
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.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Early Postcard
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.
The first services of the Presbyterian Church were held about 1844, by ‘Rev.’ James Hamilton, in the Central schoolhouse. The method of -making this, appointment was somewhat novel., About four o’clock in the afternoon of a certain day, the good people living along Shamokin and Sunbury streets, had their attention attracted by seeing a fine-looking man, on horseback, riding along these streets, saying: “There will be preaching in the school -house this evening.”
A large number attended who became much interested in Mr. Hamilton, and he was invited to remain and build up a congregation. Mr. Hamilton went to work in earnest, and after great effort, succeeded, in 1845, in building the church now occupied by this denomination. Mr. Stephen Bittenbender was the builder, but the pews were put in by Jonas L. Gilger. The church was organized April 8th, 1845, by Rev. William R. Smith and Elder John B. Boyd, a committee appointed by the Northumberland Presbytery. This was the second church edifice erected in Shamokin, the Catholic being the first.
The First Presbyterian Church
The following is the first organization:
Pastor – Rev. James J. Hamilton
Elders – Solomon Eckert, Daniel Evert, and Alexander Caldwell
Original Members – Solomon Eckert, Daniel Evert, Alexander Caldwell, Jacob Smirk, Mary Ann Runyan, Mary Cauterman, Mary Evert, Martha Caldwell, Catharine Caldwell, Sarah Ann Reed, Eva Smirk, Harriet Eckert, Mary Black, Sarah Hamilton, and Elizabeth Reppard.
Hamilton remained with the congregation until 1850, when he resigned and moved away.
The First Presbyterian Church
The church was then supplied with preachers, for some years, that had charge of Elysburg Church. Rev. David Hill succeed Mr. Hamilton, who, in turn, was followed by Rev. Mr. Barr. About 1856, the Rev. P. B. Marr succeeded as pastor, and continued in the work, greatly appreciated by his congregation, until July 1859, when the Rev. A. D. Hawn, a young man who had just completed his studies, was called to supply the pulpit here, and one or two other points. Here the real history of this church begins. Mr. Hawn was a most untiring worker, and, in the course of a few. years, the congregation became the leading church in the town.
The First Presbyterian Church
During the year 1864, the church building was raised eight feet, and a stone basement placed under it. A spire was erected, and the interior arrangements greatly improved. In November 1864, he was installed as the regular pastor. During this time he took great interest in the welfare of the town. He edited the Herald for some time, served as president of the school -board, took, a great interest in the Lyceum, and identified himself with all the leading movements of the times. In June, 1869, he resigned, after serving eight years as paster. Mr. Hawn was succeeded by Rev. J. P. Conkey, one of the ablest preachers that ever resided at Shamokin. Mr. Conkey remained about two years, and was followed by Rev. Mr. Dewing, who remained one year. In April, 1872, the Rev. S. P. Linn, of Philadelphia, was called to take charge, who remained about two years. After a vacancy of some months, during which time the pulpit, was. filled by preachers from other churches, the Rev. A. C. Clarke was called, and installed in June, 1874.
The First Presbyterian Church Postcard
Mr. Clarke entered upon his duties under some difficulties of a very discouraging nature, but, by uniform courtesy and a persistent effort to do right, he has succeeded, in a great degree, in building up the broken-down walls. Mr. Clarke is a good speaker, who closely devotes his energies to his great calling. He deserves the success he has achieved. The church edifice is a neat frame building, located in the central part of the town, on Sunbury Street. It will accommodate about four hundred people. The present membership numbers two hundred and ninety. The elders are Alexander Fulton, George H. Liebig, and John James.
First Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Sunday School
On the dissolution of the Union Sunday School, in 1854, the Presbyterian Sunday School was organized. Dr. William Atwater was the first superintendent. A large number of scholars were in attendance from the beginning. It is now one of the best regulated schools. in town. The present superintendent is George H. Liebig. Number of scholars, two hundred and twenty-five; teachers, twenty; volumes in library, eight hundred.
From The 1976 History of Northumberland County with Illustrations
There were members of the Evangelical Association, living at Shamokin, as early as 1842. They had preaching occasionally by ministers from other places, until about 1854, when a regular appointment was made here, which was served with Mahantongo circuit. During this period, services were held in the Central schoolhouse, and sometimes in private houses and awhile in the United Brethren Church.
St. John’s Evangelical Church Postcard
In Spring of 1867, it was formed into a mission with Trevorton, with Rev. C. Gingrich as pastor. He preached every alternate Sabbath. In 1869, Rev. S. S. Chubb, was appointed pastor. During his administration, the church they now occupy was erected. It is a handsome frame structure, on West Sunbury Street. The membership increasing considerably, in 1871, it was constituted a mission by itself, and Rev. R. Mott was appointed the first regular pastor, that resided in the place. He had two services each Sabbath, German in the forenoon, and English in the evening.
St. John’s Evangelical Church Postcard
The church debt was paid off, and the society so prospered that in the Spring of 1872, it became a self-supporting station, with a membership of two hundred. Mr. Mott was succeeded by Rev. B. J. Smoyer, who served the congregation acceptably two years. The church prospered under his labors, numbering some two hundred and fifty-three members on his retirement. He was followed by Rev. W. A. Leopold, the present incumbent, who is filling out his second year. The church, under the able charge of Mr. Leopold, has increased to four hundred and two members, the largest membership in the town except the Catholic Church. Last year, the church edifice was enlarged so as to contain three hundred more. It will now accommodate eight hundred persons. The trustees are: D. C. Smirk, Daniel Rahn, John Wolf, Joseph Kopp, and H. L. Renn. Value of the church property, about seven thousand dollars.
St. John’s Evangelical Sunday School
This school was started in 1869 and has prospered to a wonderful degree. Number of teachers, forty-two; number of scholars, five hundred and fifty. The pastor is the superintendent. Besides this, the church has three mission schools under its charge; one at Burnside Colliery, with fifty scholars; one at Big Mountain, with forty scholars, and one at Springfield, with fifty-five scholars.
