Part III - Bethany Church - 1920-1955
Later, during Rev. Sunday's tenure as pastor, many changes occurred in the property and personnel of the congregation, among which the following are worthy of record. Numerous improvements and repairs were made to the church property from time to time, as the need arose, and other equipment and facilities were added to provide adequate room for a growing membership in Church and Bible School.
Changes in the location of property owned by the congregation includes the sale of the old parsonage property on the southeast corner of Washington and Mulberry Streets, and the purchase of the property adjacent to the church on which the present parsonage was erected.
At a congregational meeting held November 11th, 1923, it was decided to purchase the property adjacent to the church property on the east at a price of $6,000 with the thought of modernizing the dwelling located thereon for use as a parsonage. At the same meeting, action was taken authorizing the Council to offer the old parsonage property at a sale price of $5,000. For this amount, in February of the following year, the old parsonage property was deeded to Samuel R. Kurtz and wife, Rhea M. Kurtz, for which cash payment had been made in full.
In order to provide necessary funds to pay for the property recently purchased beside the Church, at a Council meeting held December 4th, 1923, the following finance committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions: H. W. App, J. R. Hutson, Harris Dunlap, R. E. Deitrick, R. H. Rothfuss, George M. Lipp, G. C. Lyter and W. J. Artley. The members of this committee having secured some advance personal subscriptions previously, a public appeal was conducted by the Pastor of Bethany on Sunday, December 16th, 1923, which resulted in $6,200 being subscribed on that day. By the end of the year total subscriptions for this project reached $7,125.
On the night of January 1st, 1924, the old barn which stood on the rear end of the church property was destroyed by fire, and at the same time the annex structure of the church suffered considerable damage. In the attempt to carry out some of the resolutions adopted at the last congregational meeting, it was discovered that no number of alterations would transform the dwelling on the newly acquired property beside the church into a building suitable for a parsonage. In consequence, at a special meeting of the Council held January 13th, 1924, the following resolutions were prepared in order to have something definite to present for action at the annual congregational meeting: first, that the dwelling on the property recently purchased be moved to the corner of the two alleys at the rear of the church, equipped with basement and repaired as needed to make it rentable. The kitchen and woodshed were sold to W. J. Artley. Second, that a brick parsonage be erected on the lot east of the church; said parsonage to be modern and in keeping with the quality of the church property. Third, that a building committee, composed of the Pastor and seven members of the congregation appointed by the Pastor and approved by the Church Council, be given full charge and empowered to perform all actions necessary to carry out and execute these recommendations. Fourth, that work be started on the above resolutions at the earliest date consistent with economy and the best interests of the church.
At the annual congregational meeting held January 16th, 1924, the recommendations stated above were duly presented for action and unanimously adopted. Immediately following the congregational meeting, at a special meeting of the Council, the following persons, approved by the Church Council, were named by the Pastor as members of the New Parsonage Committee: J. R. Hutson, H. W. App, Harris Dunlap, G. M. Lipp, R. H. Rothfuss, John Peters and B. J. Fowler.
Work on the new parsonage was begun on June 16th, 1924, with Mr. F. Arthur Rainhard as supervising architect and Mr. Maynard R. Kohler as contractor. The construction work proceeded without interruption so that both the new parsonage and brick garage were completed, according to the agreement. The parsonage is stately in appearance, well-constructed and homelike, and was ready for occupancy in November 1924.
At the annual congregational meeting held January 21st, 1925, the chairman of the building committee, H. W. App, made a detailed report of the purchase of the property adjacent to the church, moving of the Hutson house to the rear of the church and construction of the New Parsonage and brick garage, and stated that the whole transaction represented an expenditure of $22, 941.00 with an indebtedness of only $8,865.00.
At the annual congregational meeting held January 20th, 1926, a resolution was passed to the effect: That the Pastor be and is hereby directed to appoint a finance committee of five church members to draft plans and procedures toward the liquidation of present indebtedness, and that such plans be made effective for execution during the Pre-Lenten season of the present year. The following people were appointed to serve on this committee: H. W. App, J. R. Hutson, T. F. mule, Harris Dunlap and G. C. Lyter.
This committee decided that an appeal should be made for $10,000 and engaged the services of the Rev. R. G. Bannen, D.D., to conduct the public appeal at the forenoon and evening services on Sunday, March 14th, 1926. The total amount subscribed, including a number of very substantial advance subscriptions was $10,868 of which amount $1, 625 was subscribed by classes and taken from funds of the Bible School.
In August 1925, a new steam (Burnham) boiler was installed in the church at a cost of $680.
As the centennial observance of the organization of the congregation was contemplated, the unbecoming appearance of the properties entrusted to the care of the congregation, suggested that a rather extensive program of repairs and improvements, would be a timely way in which to celebrate this notable event. At the January 1930 meeting of the Church Council, the following committee was appointed to formulate plans for improvement of the Church property: H. W. App, J. R. Hutson, and R. H. Rothfuss. Later, this committee was subdivided and assigned special projects as follows: General committee: Church Council, H. W. App, Chairman; Pipe Organ: J. R. Hutson, R. E. Deitrick, Mrs. B. M. Dunlap; Interior Decoration: G. C. Lyter, A. O. Shafer, Harris Dunlap, T. F. Tule and Harry Artley; Exterior Decoration: B. M. Dunlap, R. H. Rothfuss and George B. Rickart; Electric Lighting and Radiators: C. A. Moore, B. J. Fowler and W. H. Clees; Windows: C. LaRue Artley, George M. Lipp and Herman Keebler. They were enjoined to submit recommendations to the annual congregational meeting held January 15th, 1930.
In general, their recommendations were approved with power to act, but as the work progressed, many other objects for repair and improvement, unanticipated at the beginning, presented themselves, so that what was originally considered as a minor affair developed into a major undertaking, the outcome of which included the following: Painting the exteriors of church building, parsonage, dwelling and garage; in the church basement, walls were repaired, replastered and the entire surface was renewed with several coats of paint; on the first floor the main Sunday School rooms were repapered and the pews and woodwork revarnished; the entrance, corridors, and the class rooms in the annex were repaired, the floor was covered with asphalt tile laid in mastic cement, and the walls were redecorated with a Tiffany blend to harmonize with the newly varnished oak pews and other furniture; radiator covers and electric fixtures were installed throughout the building. An addition to the organ chamber was made, and a stairway from the first floor with entrance to the choir loft was constructed, and a modern two manual and pedal Mudler-Hunter pipe organ equipped with a set of Deagan chimes, consisting of 25 notes was installed at a cost of $4,400.
The expense of this extensive renovation and new equipment was raised by a subscription campaign which was launched on Sunday, March 8th, 1931, by the Pastor for $11,000. During the campaign, $12,150 was subscribed, of which $2,200 came from the Sunday School.
Services of Re-dedication were held March 22nd, 1931, with the Pastor speaking at the forenoon service and Rev. R. G. Bannen, D.D. in the evening at 7:30. post-re-dedicatory services were conducted Wednesday and Friday evening of the week with guest speakers occupying the pulpit. We quote the following from the program of re-dedication: "We believe that our church, renovated and embellished throughout with new and added facilities for instruction and worship, is a creditable tribute to those who have labored and worshiped here in years gone by and stands as a fitting testimony of Lutheran faith and loyalty in this community."
On September 6th, 1936, the congregation observed the 20th Anniversary of the pastorate of Rev. O. E. Sunday. Special speakers and special music featured the anniversary services. Prof. H. Hadwin Fischer, Ph.D., of the Gettysburg Seminary, who assisted at the installation of Pastor Sunday 20 years ago, preached the sermon at the morning service. Mr. Frank Shipman and Miss Ruth Tallman sang special numbers. Prof. George C. Lyter, Principal of the Montoursville Public Schools, and lay President of the Church Council, presented the pastor with a beautiful electric clock—a gift of the congregation.
At the evening service, Mr. E. Raymond Shaheen, who was baptized and confirmed by Pastor Sunday, and now a student preparing for the gospel ministry, was the speaker. The service was preceded by an organ recital presented by Mrs. Marian Lehman, the organist and choir directress. The guest soloist was Mr. J. Mervin Gottshall, supervisor of music in the public schools. The junior chorus, a recent organization of the church, rendered special music.
In July of 1937, a new roof was placed on the annex.
September 8th, 1937, a bid of $331.66 by the Fleck-Marshall Co. to install radiators in the auditorium was accepted.
On May 15th, 1938, the Church Council granted permission to a committee from the Bible School to renovate and install new equipment in the kitchen of the basement, provided the project be financed by classes of the Bible School. A committee, consisting of two members from each class in the Adult Division of the Bible School, planned work and selected the equipment, the members of the William Trump Memorial Class assumed responsibility for the labor.
The whole interior of the kitchen underwent extensive alterations in general plan and appearance, making it more convenient and adaptable for culinary use. Not only was the general structure modernized, but many articles of needed equipment were purchased and installed, such as, one steam table with two extra insets, one eight-burner gas range with two ovens, one electric mixer and beater, eight eight-quart aluminum kettles with covers, and fourteen electric waffle irons. The new equipment cost $495, the cost of material used in renovation $144, estimated cost of labor $162. All those who contributed to the successful completion of this project deserve praise for a fine piece of work well done.
During the early part of 1939 the rest rooms were renovated, enlarged and some new facilities were added. Toward this improvement, the Sunday School class taught by Mrs. James Waltz, gave $50, individuals subscribed $48, and the church paid the balance of a total cost of $171.
In July of 1940, realizing that the walls and floor coverings of the auditorium and Sunday School rooms needed attention, the following committee was appointed to make recommendations as to what should be done: C. LaRue Artley, H. W. App and J. R. Hutson. In view of evident needs, The Williamsport Window Cleaning Co. was engaged to clean the walls and ceilings of the Sunday School Rooms and auditorium, and carpeting for the first and second floors of the church was purchased from the J. H. Larson Carpet & Rug Co. at a price of $1,603.94.
At the suggestion of the same committee an order for a new altar, pulpit and two clergy stalls were given to the Vallamont Planning Mill Company. Before the completion of this undertaking, the children of J. W. Artley and wife voluntarily offered to assume all expenses involved in the manufacture and installation of the new furniture, including two flower vases for the altar in the sanctuary. Rev. I. S. Sassaman was engaged as the guest speaker at the rededication service held October 13th, 1940.
In connection with this event an effort was made to raise $2,000 to cancel all indebtedness incurred by the recent improvements and interest on borrowed money. With the $860 provided by the Bible School, the total amount of the appeal reached $2,393. Knowing that the congregation had voted to purchase new hymnals, October 20th, 1940, Harry E. Artley & Family offered to finance the purchase of sufficient copies of the "Common Service Book" to supply the needs of the pulpit, choir and congregation.
By the end of the year 1940, the principal and interest on all outstanding notes was paid and the congregation was declared free of debt.
At the fall Communion, October 4th, 1942, the Senior Choir made their first appearance in new vestments. Material and local labor cost $208.
September 14th, 1941, the 25th Anniversary of the pastorate of Pastor Sunday was marked by the congregation with services in keeping with the occasion held both morning and evening. At the morning service a Gorham brass cross along with a set of candlesticks to match, and four brass offering plates were dedicated. The cross and candlesticks were presented by the family of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Artley in memory of their parents, and Mrs. B. M. Dunlap presented the offering plates in memory of her mother, Mrs. Mary Stryker. Special music was rendered by the church choir under the direction of Mrs. Marian Lehman.
At the evening service, the four choirs of Messiah Lutheran Church participated in the service. They sang several numbers under the direction of Miss Louise M. Atno, Minister of Music. The Rev. E. Raymond Shaheen, pastor of Messiah and ministerial son of Bethany spoke briefly and on behalf of the local congregation, presented to Pastor Sunday, who recently had received his Doctorate in Sacred Theology from Temple University, a doctor's robe for pulpit use.
A valuable asset to the congregation is the addition of a $10,000 trust fund to its endowment by Charles W. Hiller made in December 1942.
September 8th, 1946, Bethany Lutheran Church observed the 30th Anniversary of the pastorate of Rev. O. E. Sunday with special services at 10:30a.m. The church choir provided special music and Rev. L. G. Shannon, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Williamsport and president of the Susquehanna Conference, had full charge of the anniversary service.
For some years the need to increase the capacity of the church facilities was increasingly felt. The growth in the enrollment in the Bible School and the increase in the number of active church members, made it evident that the best interests of the congregation could no longer be served with present space and equipment, and that something more than planning had become a necessity. In consequence at least two architects were called into the conference, one of whom submitted some preliminary plans, and a contractor was asked to estimate cost. Little progress, however, was made as the plans seemed too extensive and the probable cost exorbitant. Temporarily the activity was stalled, but the determination to do something to relieve the congested conditions in church and school persisted.
A unique organization of Bethany which received recognition in the public press was the Weekday School of Christian Education. This educational agency was instituted in the Fall of 1921 and has functioned each year from the beginning of October to the Easter season since its beginning. Including youth from six to sixteen years of age and with a curriculum built around parts of the catechism, it has proven its value.
In February of 1946, H. E. Artley and Family purchased and presented to the congregation 60 additional copies of the "Common Service" hymnal.
During March of 1946 extensive repairs were made to the chairs and tables in the church basement.
September 4th, 1946, Pastor O. E. Sunday, because of impaired health, presented to the members of the Church Council his resignation, which in turn was presented and accepted by the congregation September 8th, 1946, with the understanding that it become effective October 6th, 1946, at which time, according to plans, he would move to Rebersburg, Pa. to serve the Rebersburg Pastoral Charge.
Pastor and Mrs. Sunday were guests at several farewell events held by organizations of the church at which they were remembered with substantial cash gifts. Among them was a farewell dinner, held at Manley's Restaurant in Williamsport, given by the Church Council and their wives. Prof. G. C. Lyter, president of the Church Council presided at the dinner and made presentation of a gift of money from the group. Mrs. Sunday was presented with an orchid corsage.
Pastor Sunday states: "We leave a congregation, aggressively strong and possessing great potentialities, not only free of debt but with substantial surpluses both in the Current Expense and Building Fund accounts; a people united in spirit, loyal to their church and faithful in the use of the means of Grace as shown by the fact that 574 members received the Holy Communion last (1946) Easter. One of the supreme joys of my 30 years of ministering in this parish is found in the fact that during my pastorate two young men of the congregation have entered the gospel ministry: The Rev. E. Raymond Shaheen, ordained in 1940 and John D. Ickes, ordained in 1945. Both men are doing creditable work and have brought honor to the congregation which nurtured them."
During the few months when the congregation was without a pastor, the Rev. H. D. Hoover, D. D. acted as regular supply, and was instrumental in the church securing a regular pastor.
On December 8th, 1946, the Rev. David C. Burnite of York, Pa. appeared before the congregation as an applicant. He was elected and accepted a call extended to him to become pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church. Soon, thereafter, he moved to Montoursville, Pa. and took charge of the parish as pastor.
In January of 1947 a new electric refrigerator and a new electric range were installed in the new parsonage, the latter piece of equipment being donated by the Gilbert Brothers.
The beginning of February 1947, the Pastor was authorized to secure and use printed bulletins for the Sunday services. As the use of bulletins was intended as a regular practice, people were needed at the door of the church to distribute them. For this purpose and to serve in other ways, an usher’s organization was formed with Mr. Lester Ertel as chairman. Vestments for the Girl's Choir were purchased in May of 1947.
At a congregational meeting held July 20th, 1947, it was decided to sell the dwelling on the rear of the church property in order to make way for contemplated improvements. The price secured was $300.
December 3rd, 1947, the Pastor was authorized to proceed with plans for the Christmas Vigil which, as explained, was a service to begin on Christmas Eve at eleven o'clock and to continue for one hour. This was later known as the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
A publication that has merit in stimulating interest in the church is the "Bethany Messenger" which made its appearance in September 1948. It is a small-size parish paper edited by the church staff and mailed into the homes of the congregation with comments on past events and forecasting things to come.
Looking toward remodeling the church interior and extending the annex portion, Mr. Harry R. Lenker, an architect from York, Pa., appeared before the Church Council on February 5th, 1948, with suggestions and plans for the improvements contemplated. He was directed to prepare a blueprint design to be shown to the congregation and it was agreed to engage him as the architect for the entire remodeling program, subject to the approval of the congregation.
At a congregational meeting April 4th, 1948, the building committee, which consisted of Ralph Keebler as Chairman and G. C. Lyter, Robert Swartz and Ward Gilbert as other members, explained the whole undertaking to date and asked for the approval of the congregation to proceed at once according to plans presented and at the estimated expenditure of approximately $50,000. By unanimous vote, full approval was given. During the course of the year, pews used in the large Sunday School room, the pulpit and choir rail were sold.
The first phase of the extensive remodeling program of Bethany Lutheran Church began May 10th, 1948, when ground was broken for the addition to the Sunday School, and the project was in process for a period of nearly eleven months. The program included the enlarging and modernizing of all of the Sunday School facilities, providing each department with adequate space for future expansion, and requiring a complete re-construction of the entire first floor.
During the time the first floor was being renovated, Sunday School was held in the Masonic and Odd Fellow's Halls and the worship services were held in the Presbyterian Church in conjunction with that congregation.
An efficient lighting system and a modern heating plant with the latest types of radiant and baseboard heating were installed throughout the renovated building.
On November 21st, 1948, the first floor had been completed to the degree that it could be used for Sunday School and Church services during the time while the work was continued on the second floor.
The artist, Ralph P. Coleman, standing beside the finished mural, "The Blessing Christ", in his studio.
It is on the second floor that the greatest change was noticed. A second story was added to the annex addition, providing room for a church office, a pastor's study, council chamber and choir rooms. The church auditorium underwent a complete change in appearance, by the use of the American Colonial type of architecture. The ceiling was lowered and levelled so that it provides a perfect reflecting surface.
The original organ was completely rebuilt. The great and Swell organs were separated, each being placed in individual chambers, on either side of the chancel. The light-colored panel work; the quiet blue walls; the white furnishings, the glow in the chancel carpet, the walnut wood, the organ grills and arrangement of the sanctuary with the beautiful altar painting "The Blessing Christ", created by Ralph P. Coleman, all combined to provide a most cheerful and uplifting atmosphere for worship.
Great credit was due the Pastor and members of the Building Committee who planned and promoted this extensive and outstanding artistic piece of work in church renovation.
The total cost for this renovation program amounted to $70,800. This figure does not include the cost of many memorials which were presented by individuals of the congregation, a list of which appears in the souvenir booklet of the Rededication Services of April 3rd and 24th, 1949.
Service of Re-dedication was held April 3rd, 1949, in which the following guest speakers took part: The Rev. E. Raymond Shaheen, President of the Williamsport District; the Rev. Herman G. Steumpfle, President of the Susquehanna Conference; and the Rev. Dr. Dwight F. Putman, President of the Central Pennsylvania Synod, who performed the act of dedication and preached the sermon.
The Community Service was held on Wednesday evening, April 6th, with the following local pastors participating C. H. Hershey of the Immanuel Lutheran Charge; L. W. Lykens, Montoursville Methodist Church; C. E. Rickabaugh, Presbyterian Church; and W. L. Baughman, of the local E.U.B. Church, who delivered the sermon.
Following the Easter season, Wednesday evening, April 20th was observed as Family Night, and the series of Re-dedication services ended with an Organ Recital, Sunday, April 24th by Mr. Frederick A. Snell, Minister of Music, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Williamsport, Pa.
A new roof was placed on the church building in August 1949, at a cost of $1,685.60, the expense of which was underwritten by the following members: Gilbert Brothers, C. L. Artley, C. W. Hiller, J. B. Spitler and H. E. Artley.
The month of October 1949 was used to renovate the basement in the church. This work was done by members of the Men's Brotherhood class under the leadership of Harry Schuck. The Building Committee was discharged.
Beginning in the month of February 1950, Mr. Frank Shipman was made Director of Music, having immediate supervision of the Senior Choir and the Men's Chorus, while the Girl's Choir remained under the direction of Mrs. Ruth Bruch.
On June 7th, 1950, a Testimonial Dinner honoring Prof. George C. Lyter, Supervising Principal of the Montoursville Public Schools was planned by a committee consisting of C. LaRue Artley and J. B. Spitler from the Church Council to meet with similar committees from the Men's Brotherhood and Rainbow Circle Sunday School classes. This dinner was served in the church basement, after which a program was held in the Sunday School auditorium. A garden tractor was presented to Prof. Lyter. Organizational representatives brought greetings. The main address was given by Mr. Charles Adams representing the community.
In connection with the Montoursville Centennial Week, plans were made to observe the One Hundred Twentieth Anniversary of Bethany Lutheran Church. This service was held in the church the forenoon of Sunday, June 25th, 1950, during which Mrs. Lester Burkhart, organist, rendered special organ numbers, and the combined choirs of the church under the direction of Mr. Frank Shipman presented choice anthems. Pastor Burnite preached the sermon.
Immediately following the conclusion of the service in the church, the Choir conducted the congregation to the location of the "Old White Church" where a brief Historical Service was engaged in by Presbyterians and Lutherans. Rev. Clyde E. Rickabaugh, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, read a Scripture Lesson and Pastor Burnite spoke of the early history of these two congregations. As a part of this celebration a special souvenir was prepared containing a brief historical sketch of the church and a number of old pictures.
October 15th, 16th and 17th, 1950, a special effort was made to reach the unchurched in the community. A large number of visitors were sent out on this mission and as a result twenty-one persons were brought into active relation with the church. It was the policy of Pastor Burnite to stress evangelism in preaching and teaching. From time to time his records reveal large numbers reached by volunteers enlisted in this type of service. Persistent effort was made to reduce the debt incurred in remodeling the church. Repeatedly special days were designated on which members were asked to make voluntary contributions.
At a council meeting held March 7th, 1951, a committee was appointed by the President to secure a Parish Secretary to succeed Mrs. Jean Hoover Blasser, who had served as parish secretary since September 3rd, 1947. She was succeeded by Mrs. Rachael Kreisher.
While in the midst of a busy schedule of
Lenten work and Easter preparations, Pastor
Burnite was unexpectedly called to serve as a Chaplain in the U. S. Navy. Less than a week elapsed between the time he received his notice and the date he was to report for active duty. As a result, his ministry was brought to a sudden termination sometime during the month of March 1951.
At a special meeting of the Church Council held March 13th, 1951, Dr. Dwight Putman, President of Synod and Pastor Harold Ahalt, President of Conference conferred with the council relative to securing a successor to Rev. David C. Burnite who had submitted his resignation to members of the council. His resignation was officially accepted at a special congregational meeting convened April 1st, 1951.
During the vacancy the congregation was fortunate in securing the service of the Rev. John J. Lenhardt, Protestant Chaplain at the Rockview State Penitentiary, as regular supply pastor. He won his way into the hearts of the people, and, through interviews, it was learned he would be willing to accept a call to become regular pastor.
At a special congregational meeting held May 27th, 1951, the Rev. John J. Lenhardt, chosen from a list of four applicants heard, was recommended to the congregation for favorable consideration by the Pulpit Committee and was unanimously elected. Pastor Lenhardt accepted the call signifying his intention to take full charge of the parish September 1st, 1951.
At a meeting held in May 1951, the trustees were authorized to make such repairs as are necessary to the parsonage. The work done included painting the exterior of the parsonage, remodeling and modernizing the kitchen, some painting and papering in the interior and new linoleum was laid. The cost of these repairs was $2,400.
Sunday, September 16th, 1951, was set apart for the installation of Pastor Lenhardt. The Rev. George Whetstone, Assistant to the President of Synod preached the sermon and performed the act of installation.
At the October meeting of the Church Council, George Brennar and Lester Waltz were appointed as a committee to have the ceiling of the main auditorium insulated. The cost was $676.
At the annual congregational meeting on January 22nd, 1952, the treasurer of the church reported that a balance of $26,500 was still owed on the Property Fund.
At the regular monthly (July) meeting of the Council, the following committee was appointed at Memorial windows: Paul Bruch, W. R. Gilbert, Newton Hanner. Action resulted in having frames repaired, broken glass replaced, the windows weather-stripped on the inside and metal put on frames and sills.
At the meeting in July, the Church Council took action to express thanks to Philip Wall, William Gilbert and Allen Ertel for an altar which they constructed as a part of their work in scouting and to be used by the Young People's Department in the basement. At their request, it was to be presented to the church in honor of their former Pastor, O. E. Sunday. This service of presentation was on August 17th, 1952, at which the Rev. John D. Ickes, a ministerial son of the congregation preached the sermon and Pastor Sunday spoke words of commendation and appreciation.
August 6th, 1952, a committee consisting of W. R. Gilbert, Lester Waltz, Lester Ertel, Carl Wentzler, Harry Schuck and Newton Hanner were appointed to arrange for the annual Harvest Home Service to be held October 19th, at which a special effort would be initiated to liquidate the entire indebtedness of the church, or $25,000 by October 1953. This goal was to be achieved by a canvass of the congregation for cash and pledge subscriptions, payable at regular intervals through the one-year period. The canvass was eminently successful and over $26,000 was promised through generous subscriptions in cash and pledges by the congregation and organizations.
On December 3rd, 1952, the possibility of securing a Student Deaconess was discussed.
On January 7th, 1953, action was taken by the Council to engage the services of Mrs. Lee Artley of Muncy as organist and Choir Director.
At the annual congregational meeting on January 18th, 1953, the action of the Council in securing the services of Mrs. Lee Artley as Minister of Music was approved by the congregation, with the understanding that her service to the church begin February 15th. At the same service the congregation voted in favor of securing the services of a student Deaconess for one year if one were available. In response to the request of the congregation for the service of a Student Deaconess, Sister Doris Engel was assigned to this parish and reported for duty September 1st to remain for a period of one year. Her time was devoted to the work of the Sunday School, Luther League, Vacation Bible School and some parish visitation.
On May 6th, a "Golden-Agers" Club was formed from persons 60 or more years of age. This organization includes not only members of Bethany but is open to all people in the community of that age group. Meetings, once a month, are held in the basement quarters.
In August 1953 the interior of the auditorium, front stairways and entire basement were painted at a cost of $779.
On October 25th, 1953, at the Annual Harvest Home Service, a Note-Burning act was dramatized, making the church free-of-debt for the first time in several years. This achievement represented persistent determination and untiring effort but with it all the joy of victory.
At the same service the title of Pastor Emeritus of Bethany Lutheran Church was bestowed on Pastor Sunday by the congregation in recognition of years of service to the church.
During the season of 1953 through the cooperation of several members of the congregation, the basement of the parsonage was made into a Recreational Room. The improvements included a new ceiling, new flooring, building a fireplace, installation of a radiator, and the entire room painted. This room was to be made available for organizational meetings and for a Sunday School Classroom whenever needed.
April 17th, 1954, action was taken by Council to present a Television Set to Pastor and Mrs. Sunday. The cost of the set, service line and installation were paid by individuals and classes of the Sunday School.
As there was a steady, yet substantial increase in the population of the town, and as the church membership and Sunday School attendance was growing proportionately, the Council appointed W. R. Gilbert, chairman of a Planning Committee, to investigate the possibility of expanding the accommodations of the Sunday School. The Chairman was given authority to appoint other members of his committee which he did in the persons of: C. H. McConnel, Floyd Hanner, Roy Stiger, Mrs. Forrest Rush and Mrs. Kenneth Webb.
In February of 1954 at the suggestion of the chairman of the committee, it was decided to have a representative from the Bureau of Church Architecture of the United Lutheran Church of America come to advise on Sunday School expansion needs.
During the Christmas season, a Nativity Scene consisting of 15 life-size figures, chip-proof rubber-composition, was erected between the church and parsonage. The set was financed by the church and Sunday School classes. Mr. Adolph Strittmatter made and painted the enclosure. The Scene attracted wide attention and received most favorable comments.
As the month of May marks the 125th Anniversary of Bethany Church, it was decided to observe the event and a committee was appointed to plan the celebration. The committee consisted of the following: Carl Wentzler, Chairman, Jack Huber, Charles Haas, LaRue Artley and Floyd Gilbert.
It is the policy of the present Pastor to make Evangelism a definite part of the yearly program, though periodically it receives specific emphasis and practice. At stated times members are asked to volunteer for this joyful ministry to the unsaved and unchurched. Through this method of personal contact, frequently groups of persons, having been instructed in the faith and practices of the Christian religion are brought into active fellowship of the church.
Bethany Church joined with other Lutheran Churches in a Conference-wide Preaching Mission during the week of February 13th. The purpose of which was to share with others the indispensable Christ; to deepen the faith and devotion of all members and train them in evangelism; to bring those outside the church into contact with Christ and in abiding fellowship with the church; and to impress surrounding communities with the dynamic power of the Lutheran faith.
A large group of trained workers visited the homes of lapsed and prospective members during the week. The Rev. Arthur L. Ruths, Lutheran Student Pastor at Pennsylvania State University, was the guest preacher at services held in the local church Sunday morning and evening and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
One blessed outcome of this movement is that the Church attendance this year during Lent exceeded that of any previous year and has necessitated the holding of duplicate worship services Sunday mornings during and following the Easter Season.
Because Bethany Church continues to grow in size, and because the work of the parish has become increasingly exacting, the Church Council voted at its March meeting to secure the services of Pastor Sunday to serve as parish helper during the year 1955. An agreement defining the activities of the parish helper has been drawn up and has received the approval of the Council, Pastor loci and the parish helper.
Under the leadership of the present Pastor, the congregation has taken on new life and its potential resources of strength and vitality have reached a high degree of development. There has been a marked increase in the giving of self and substance. Finance is no longer a retarding problem and voluntary giving has become the recognized standard in all enterprises. No actual need is considered as an unsurmountable obstacle. When a project is undertaken there is no halting until it is finished. Not only are appeals for local needs oversubscribed, but the benevolent objectives of the Church-at-large are fully met and often with a surplus. The people have learned that "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
There is only one explanation: It is a vital faith translated into practical service; the spirit of the self-giving Christ reflected in his devoted and consecrated followers. It is gratifying to see Pastor and people, in their labors, practicing team-work in the truest sense, neither working for self-glory; but each realizing that the one cannot serve the best interests of the Kingdom without the help of the other: It is a happy relationship, and the like of which any church might well covet; and one which God has and will continue to bless.