USA > Pennsylvania > Lebanon County > Lebanon > A history of Lebanon : prepared on the occasion of its two hundredth anniversary > Part 4
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The old Sexton's house was removed following the completion of the new building with storage space for cemetery equipment under the back portion of the sanctuary section. The house, most recently occupied by William Lancaster, had stood empty for several years.
New buildings were springing up all around Lebanon Church. Borland Elementary School in the Skyview plan in 1965 and New England Elementary School in 1966 were required to handle the educational needs of the children coming in large numbers to their doors.
A new District Parish of the Pittsburgh Roman Catholic Diocese was established
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in West Mifflin in 1963 with services held in a hangar at the Old Allegheny County Airport under the leadership of the Reverend Thomas J. Horner. The building on Old Elizabeth Road designed to serve the Holy Spirit congregation was dedicated in July 1966. In December of that same year a Holiday Inn opened at the corner of Camp Hollow Road and Lebanon Church Road. Before long it was joined on the opposite corner by the Sears store for which the Old Manse property had been sold six years previously. Not only had a rural community given way to a suburban community, with the growing changes required to accommodate new industry, the topography of the land was changed as well.
The years since 1966 have brought a variety of programs, emphasizing needs and services as the congregation seeks to serve Christ and be His Church in this place. With the large number of children and young people during the decade of the 1960's, the Christian Education program expanded to meet the need. Mrs. Karl Christofel (Betty Jean) was named Assistant in Christian Education in November 1961 following the resignation earlier that year of Mrs. Ward Holder. Training sessions to equip teachers for the Faith and Life curriculum were held each year. Junior High and Senior High Youth Fellowship groups met regularly. Vacation Church School provided two weeks of special programming during the summer. A variety of Cub, Boy Scout, Brownie and Girl Scout Troops were sponsored by organizations within the church and community and met at the church.
Beginning in 1966 the Youth Club met during the months October through March for weekly sessions after school. Meals were prepared and served by women of the church. The Reverend A. Vanlier Hunter worked with the Youth Club and taught an adult group in a special weekly evening class.
Lebanon sent 48 young people to the various Presbytery-sponsored Camp and Conference programs during the summer of 1965. For several years Family Camp was held during a summer weekend at a Presbytery Camp site. Senior Young People and their leaders took week-long trips during these years for the purpose of seeing the Church at work. In the fall of 1967 Ginny Eber was added to the staff as church secretary with Betty Jean Christofel concentrating all her time in Christian Education.
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In June 1969 the Reverend Thomas R. Stout joined the staff as Assistant Minister. Mrs. Christofel resigned her position in 1970 after years of faithful service and continues as an active member of the congregation. Reverend Stout left to serve the Presbyterian Church in Chester, Pennsylvania in July 1971. In October of that year, Miss Virginia G. Canning came to serve as Assistant in Christian Education. She spent four years at Lebanon, resigning in 1975 to return to college and work toward her bachelor's degree.
For most of the years through the decade of 1960 a unit of United Presbyterian Men met at Lebanon. Part of their regular summer program was a "Hammer and Saw" weekend spent at Camp Crestview near Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania maintaining a cottage which was their special responsibility.
What is the picture of Lebanon Church and the community it serves as we celebrate our 200 years? The Community College of Allegheny County, South Campus which occupied our older building 1967 to 1973 is firmly established on the hillside across New England Hollow from the church. A new hospital, the South Hills Health System, is under construction in Jefferson Borough, bringing this kind of facility within three miles of our church and the majority of our members. Planning has begun for a 1,000,000 square-feet mall in the former "Brown's Dump," the slag dump so well known to area resi- dents. It is a time of great activity in the surrounding area. The continued growth of the community is reflected in the present membership of our congregation of 950 with over 800 new members in the last thirteen years. The relocation of individuals and families is also noted when one considers the membership in 1962 was 630.
September 1976 finds the Reverend William Provost joining the staff as Assistant Minister, part-time. Mrs. Albert Eber continues as Church Secretary. A new church sexton, Wayne Mansfield, came to work following Roy Fredell's retirement in August. William B. Schneider, Jr. continues as Organist and Choir Director, a position he assumed in 1971.
How does a church celebrate its life in one specific location? The Church has lived since Jesus Christ. Lebanon lives in this place because others lived here before us
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and in two hundred years and in thousands of ways we celebrate that life. We mark special occasions with special events as we do this Bicentennial year of 1976.
Special events for the year are as follows:
January 18 Community Wide Worship Service Lebanon Presbyterian Church 7:30 p.m.
Speaker: Father Vincent Donovan
February 19
Abe Lincoln/George Washington Dinner Lebanon Presbyterian Church 4-7 p.m. Open to public.
March 9 - April 6 (Tuesday evenings)
Lebanon Church Weekly Lenten Study Early Church in America
April 15 Maundy Thursday Communion Dinner
May 31 Memorial Day Parade
June 24 Pittsburgh Presbytery Meeting at Lebanon
July 4 Sunday with special unified worship emphasis in all of the West Mifflin Churches
July 17 Old Fashion Church Picnic Clairton Gun Club
August 29 Outdoor Worship Service Lebanon and Bethel Churches Oliver Miller Home (Old Stone Manse) South Park
September 26 Lebanon Day Reverend Charles Blaker will preach
October 3 World-Wide Communion
November 7
Founders Day Reverend Arthur Kaufman will preach
When Arnold Toynbee, noted English historian died recently, an editorial in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette stated, "Mr. Toynbee saw history as the Kingdom of God, defining history as 'God revealing Himself. '" If we can accept this premise at all
then we can see ourselves as active participants in the Kingdom as God reveals Himself in our time. It is our privilege to be in this place at this time.
Following, as indicated in the history, is the history of the Christian Servitors Class and the Geneva Married Couples Class as well as a brief background of the cemetery.
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THE CHRISTIAN SERVITORS CLASS OF LEBANON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Through the inspiration and leadership of Mrs. John Watkins (Mildred) a group of teenage girls organized in June 1945 to become the Christian Servitors Church School Class of Lebanon Presbyterian Church. Although charter members were not designated, minutes of the first year reveal that the following girls made up the class: Betty Ackman, Joann Christy, Alberta Gordon, Fern Hallas, Fern Hamill, Margaret Hartzell, Mary Hertzog, Lois Kegler, Helen Matthews, Marian Mowry, Virginia King, Ethel Smith, Betty Jean Wise, Jean Witherspoon, Jerry Witherspoon, Lillian Woodlock and Mildred Woodlock. The class chose as its song "I Am Determined, " the colors, blue and gold, its flower the yellow tea rose, and as its motto, "For to me to live is Christ," from Philippians 1:21.
When poor health forced Mrs. Watkins to resign in 1948, the class was most fortunate in having as her successor Mrs. Edward Kuckuck (Grace). Mrs. Kuckuck not only taught the class but is remembered as a personal friend and counselor to the members. During the 1950s, as the community was changing from farms to suburban homes, the class membership grew to 110. In 1957 the Kuckuck family moved to Apollo, Pennsylvania and several of the members of the class shared teaching responsibilities. For the last several years that the class met on Sunday mornings Mrs. William Hindman (Celestine) taught the class. With the current Christian Education program on Sunday mornings, the class does not meet for study as a group but is involved as individuals in the adult classes and as teachers in the church school.
As suggested by the name, the class has attempted to be a Christian servant through such activities as the following: April 1947 -- visited and planned an evening of fun for children at the Renziehausen Home for Children in Large, Pennsylvania; filled Easter baskets for children of a needy family; Easter 1948 -- began the practice of sending flowers to shutins of the church; sponsored a Halloween Party for the entire church school in 1949 and 1950; supported Mrs. Z. M. Reasoner, missionary in South Carolina, beginning with a donation of used clothing in 1949 and gradually increasing until in
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1958 it is noted $10 was sent monthly plus Christmas gifts, etc .; published a news- paper "The Lebanon Messenger" during the years 1951 and 1952 (sold for 5¢ a copy if picked up at the church each month, or $1.00 for a year's subscription ... profit over two years was $25); in 1954 at the request of the new minister, the Rev. Harold Keen, the class sponsored and volunteered services for a nursery each Sunday during the Morning Worship services, etc. etc.
The class has fostered Christian fellowship for their own group and the congrega- tion. Certainly interests and abilities of the members have changed over the years. A Wallace Nutting painting and bridal shower was given to each member of the class when they married; about eleven were noted in minutes of the first five years of the class. In June 1948 they produced a play, "Act Your Age," with student minister Charles Blaker as director and fellow member of the cast. The "Top Hat Party" of 1950 brings memories of a chalk talk, a magician performing in Lebanon's sanctuary, and a women's hat skit by Laird Miller, then the student minister. Young children of the church starred in a Tom Thumb Wedding presented by the class in October 1951. Auctions were sponsored in 1952 and 1953. Completion of the basement under the old church was just in time for the Christian Servitors' Fashion Show in the spring of
1953. Many members of the congregation worked with members of the class in making items for a two-day bazaar to make possible the Carillon or church bells for the new sanctuary. Again in 1974 the congregation supported a bazaar for the purchase of new draperies for the church in preparation for the 200th anniversary in 1976.
During the years 1967-73 when South Campus of Allegheny County Community College was a growing institution and rented space in Lebanon Church, the class served occasional lunches and receptions for their faculty, etc. In recent years the class
has served numerous wedding receptions, scout dinners, etc. In cooperation with our minister, Rev. Hugh M. Crawford, they have selected projects not covered by budget and continue to be a vital serving organization of Lebanon Church.
Many changes have occurred in our world, our church, our class membership and activities in thirty years. Today the class meets monthly for fellowship and service.
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At the writing of this history, the officers are: President, Helen Peterson; Vice President, Naomi Livingston; Secretary, Pearl Baxendell; Treasurer, Alma Hovis.
THE GENEVA MARRIED COUPLES CLASS
A rapid growing new community, and an ever-increasing, vitally alive Church, provided the atmosphere for the organization of a young couples class during the year 1956.
The first planning meeting was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Al Rogers on Bost Drive. Dorothy and Al became the first teachers of the class.
The group was then formally organized with stated meetings on the third Monday of each month and regular Church School every Sunday morning. The purpose of the class was established as follows: "to promote the kingdom of God through Christian education and fellowship."
Program, Service, Spiritual Life, Visitation, and Publicity Committees were estab- lished; and, for several years this format was used. The Faith and Life Curriculum was used for Church School and in addition to the Rogerses, Mrs. Harold Keen and Mr. Eugene Hughes became regular teachers. At times several other members took turns at teaching on a rotating basis. The class met in the balcony of the old church, the living room of the manse, and in the church library, at various intervals.
During the early years many opportunities for service to the church were provided the entire membership. Dinners were cooked and served, flowers for Memorial Day were sold, and nylon net Christmas trees were made and sold to provide monies for projects undertaken by the group.
Projects included the purchase of a set of the Interpreter's Bible for the church library; a water cooler for the social room; an electric typewriter and folding machine for the church office. Hymnals were repaired, folding screens for Fellowship Hall were made, and on several occasions, money was contributed to the church school treasury to help defray expenses of Christian education materials.
The class "adopted" the late Miss Mary Orr, former church organist at Lebanon, and visited with her on many occasions, especially remembering her with a box of groceries at Christmastime each year. The fellows of the class repaired the roof of
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her house as a token of their friendship with her.
Social events throughout the years have highlighted the group's fellowship together. Seasonal parties such as those for Christmas and Halloween have been popular and novelty affairs such as Luaus, Hobo and Circus Parties were well received. Various types of dinner parties proved most interesting. These included Round the World Dinners, Sweet- heart Suppers, and the ever-popular Progressive Dinner which has become an annual event. Theater Parties and trips to Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium were enjoyed by all. The Basket Picnic, another annual event, has been held at Camp Soles, Oglebay Park, Shawnee, McBride and South Parks.
The Male Fashion Show and Calendar Party proved so successful, it was held on four different occasions from 1960 to 1966! This event defies description. One had to see it to believe it !!
At one time the class took dancing lessons. This too is hard to describe! Only those who were part of the group would understand!
It is safe to say, I'm sure, that down through the years, members have enjoyed a very fine fellowship together.
Those who have served the office of President from 1956 through 1969 are as follows :
1956 - Ted and Becky Guenther 1963 - Jack and Shirley Shiffler, and
1957 - Eugene and Ida Mae Hughes Bill and Ruth Smith
1958 - Ralph and Mary Jane Gault 1964 - John and Janet Federkeil
1959 - Ab and Vi Widock 1965 - Chuck and Joan Karel
1960 - Carl and Grace Dickison 1966 - Duane and Nancy Richey
1961 - Lou and Helen Briegel 1967 - Bob and Audrey Kerber
1962 - Mike and Betty Rasky 1968 - Don and Janet Mayton
1969 - Duane and Nancy Richey
In 1970 the class decided to become a purely fellowship group and appointed an Executive Committee to be in charge of the various activities of the class. Those appointed to serve in this capacity were: Bill and Judy Crawford, Eugene and Ida Mae Hughes, Ab and Vi Widock. During 1971, the following couples served on the Executive Committee: Bob and Audrey Kerber, Ed and Lola Ratter, Duane and Nancy Richey. In 1972 the G.M. C. Class joined forces with the Duads Class at a Fondue Dinner and a Steering Committee of the following couples was elected: Bob and Audrey Kerber, Ed and Lola Ratter, Dick and Sally Boyd, Don and Joyce Hervey.
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Then in 1973 this combined group chose Dick and Sally Boyd and Ab and Vi Widock as their Contact Persons and decided to meet informally from time to time throughout the year. In discussing the type of fellowship desired, it was noted that almost without exception the membership was comprised of Elders, Deacons, Church School Teachers and Officers, Women's Association Officers, and Committee Members. Since the members, as individuals, were serving the church in many ways, it was decided once again that the group would not function as a regular Church School Class but as a fellowship group. The Boyds and the Widocks have continued to serve as Contact Persons during 1974 to 1976.
In recent years Fondue Dinners, Sweetheart Suppers, Picnics, Square Dances, and Christmas Carolling to the shutin members of the church, have highlighted the activities of the class.
It is interesting to note that as our nation and our church celebrate their 200th Anniversary in 1976, the class will celebrate its 20th Anniversary.
LEBANON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CEMETERY
The history of Lebanon would not be complete without mention of the cemetery. The original portion, located nearest to the older church building, dating back to the late 1700's; the next section, where the headstones begin facing the opposite direction, was added in the late 1800's; and the Payne and Wilson tract which begins with the drive- way nearest the parking lot on the cemetery side of the road was opened in the 1930's.
Until 1863 this ground was probably used as a public burial ground, and it is believed the first grave was dug by William Wightman shortly after the first log church was erected, for the burial of a man from Six Mile Ferry, who died from the bite of a copperhead.
A marble headstone in the old part of the cemetery marks the grave of John McDermott who donated the first ground to Lebanon.
Tombstones mark the graves of 41 known men who fought in the Revolutionary War. A large bronze plaque on the exterior wall of the north side of the old church bears
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the names of the Revolutionary War soldiers. One of the many unusual stones is the gravesite of one of the early pioneers, Robert Brierly, shaped like the stump of a tree with a flintlock on one side and an ax on the other. In addition to the variety of grave markers is the rich array of beautiful trees and shrubs planted in previous generations.
The first cemetery lots were laid out in 1873, size 10' x 15', price $35. The first enlargement of the old cemetery was in 1884 when two acres were added.
To meet increased expenses of cemetery upkeep the Board of Trustees on October 6, 1902 established a fund to be known as "The Lebanon Presbyterian Church Fund. " By 1953 the permanent maintenance fund for the entire cemetery amounted to $25,000. This meant that additional funds had to be appropriated from regular church contribu- tions. Fortunately since that date the investments, through gifts from bequests to the cemetery and the careful oversight of the Cemetery Caretaker, the Trustees, and now the Unicameral Board, have grown to a present figure of $165,000. This income makes it possible for the cemetery to be self supporting.
John Smith, mentioned earlier in the overall history, lovingly cared for the cemetery from 1924 until his death in 1954. Edward Schneider faithfully carried this responsibility from 1954 to 1972. Willis Lancaster and Mr. Schneider shared responsi- bilities for cemetery and the church building during Bill's fifteen years of employment as custodian.
With continued care and additional bequests from interested people, this growing investment fund should protect the future of the cemetery. At the present time the cost of each grave is $200 with church members receiving a 15% discount. The care of the cemetery is in the hands of the Session under a sub-committee composed of three Session members, one Deacon and three members from the congregation-at-large.
Credits to Marilyn Crawford, Alma Koontz, Jessie McKee, Betty Jean Christofel, Vi Widock and LaVerne Reilly for compiling, writing and editing different portions of this history.
In the earlier section, where the material has been taken from previous histories, the sentence structure is strange by present standards.
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CHURCH OFFICERS UNICAMERAL BOARD (ELDER-TRUSTEES)
Class of 1976 Paul C. Allwes
Robert Barnes
R.James Carter, Sec. Corp. John Pratt
Duane Richey, Pres. Corp. Edward Stoebe Gail Trimbath Calvin Weissert
Class of 1976 Howard Ackland, Chairman Albert Harvey Betty Neel, V. Chairman Sam Sheranko
Class of 1977
Patricia Ayers G.Ted Barnett, Clerk of Session
Betty Jean Christofel
Jayne Clutter Joan Downey Ernest Harkless
Elmer Hohn Laurie Ratter
THE BOARD OF DEACONS Class of 1977
Sally Boyd James Houy, Sr. Lola Ratter, Secretary
Anna Mae Stein
Class of 1978 Calvert Allen Janet Baker Edward Cochran
Wilma Freudenrich Stephen Heys Charles Luther Robert Miller Vi Widock
Class of 1978 Margaret Casey David Ladley Linda Palko Ora Walker, Treasurer
CHURCH SCHOOL STAFF
PRE-SCHOOL:
Co-ordinator - Sally Boyd Nursery - Betty Neel 1 Charlene Phillips Lola Ratter Shari Richey, Jr. Aide
Kindergarten - Sally Boyd Jan Nylander Brenda Peterson
Second Hour - Ann Ballaban Louise Farren Barbara Meier Virginia Miller Dorothy Price
ELEMENTARY :
Co-ordinator - Alma Koontz Grades 1 & 2 - Elissa Coulson Theresa Stoebe Grades 3 & 4 - Joanne Frankwich
Vivian Hall Grades 5 & 6 - LaVerne Reilly Vi Widock
Music - Virginia Eber Jan Ratter
SECONDARY : Grades 7 & 8 - Cal Weissert Grades 9 - 10- Jere Harvey
ADULTS :
Uniform Lesson Series - R. William Smith
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WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION
Executive Council - Marilyn Crawford Ida Mae Hughes Vi Widock
World Service - Gladys Smith Sally Boyd Ruth Kimutis
Secretary
Pearl Baxendell
Treasurer
- Betty Rasky
Fellowship
- Dorothy Conrad
Local Service
- Marie Cuetara Margaret Casey
Nominating Comm. - Eldora Henderson Charlene Phillips
200TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
Janet Carter, Chairman
Mary Louise Brownlee
Jessie McKee Wray McKee
Fonda Lincoln
Alma Koontz
Eldora Henderson Eugene Hughes Joan Downey Nancy Large
CHURCH STAFF
Minister - Hugh M. Crawford
Ass't. Minister (part time)
- William J. Provost - William B. Schneider, Jr.
Director of Music
Secretary
- Virginia F. Eber
Custodian
- Wayne Mansfield
Housekeeper
- Eva Reid
Cemetery Caretaker
- Joseph DiChiera
Lebanon Presbyterian Church 1776 1976
Growth of the True of Christian Life
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