Church History: First Reformed Church, Ephrata, Lancaster County, PA

Copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/lancaster/
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History of the Classis of Lancaster of the Eastern Synod of the
Reformed Church in the United States, 1852-1940;

Part II, Histories of the Congregations of the Classis of Lancaster, Pg. 321-323

Printed by The New Holland Clarion, New Holland, PA;
Editors Rev. Daniel G. Glass, Rev. C. George Bachman, Rev. Harry E. Shepardson,
Rev. John F. Frantz, Rev. J. N. Le Van, D.D.
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FIRST REFORMED CHURCH, EPHRATA

Rev. David J. W. Noll, Pastor

During the month of June, 1886, certain members of Zion congregation and others 
of the Reformed church elsewhere, petitioned the Classis of Lancaster, asking 
permission to organize a congregation at Ephrata.  Permission was granted and a 
committee consisiting of Rev. Theodore Appel, Rev. J. M. Titzel and Elder J. Z. 
Gerhard was appointed to direct the undertaking.  The petitioners and others 
interested met the committee in the old Union Chapel, where Bethany church now 
stands.  After careful deliberation the committee unanimously instructed the 
Rev. Stephen Schweitzer to organize the new congregation in Ephrata, naming him 
as supply pastor until the next meeting of Classis.  On August 1, 1886, the 
organization was completed and the name "The First Reformed Church" chosen.  The 
following were elected to their respective offices:  Elder, Jacob Gorgas and 
Paul M. Weber; Deacon, William Diehl; Trustee, William Gehret; Treasurer, Oliver 
Strohl.

The first communion service of the new congregation was conducted by the Rev. 
Stephen Schweitzer in the old Union Chapel above mentioned.  The first child to 
be baptized was the daughter of Levi Heine and his wife, Sarah (nee Bechtel) and 
the first rite of confirmation was performed on May 7, 1887.  Thirty-four names 
appear on the original roll of membership.

The large lot at the corner of Washington Avenue and Locust Street was purchased 
as the site of the future church building.  On September 17, 1893, ground was 
broken and later on the corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies.  At 
the corner stone laying sermons were preached by the Rev. J. M. Titzel, of 
Lancaster; Rev. Alfred Dubbs, of Allentown, and Rev. George W. Willard, of 
Dayton, Ohio.  On January 7, 1894, the new structure was dedicated by the 
pastor, the Rev. Stephen Schweitzer, assisted by the Rev. T. J. Hacker, Rev. J. 
W. Meminger, and Rev. M. H. Brensinger.

The building committee consisted of Messrs. M. G. Groff, A. Ressler, W. J. 
Emmert, William Diehl and M. M. Gable.  A bell was donated in the spring of 1894 
by Mrs. Mary A. Weidman and Mrs. Susan Schweitzer.  On April 14, 1894, the first 
catechetical class was confirmed in the new church.  During 1906 the interior 
was renovated and a challenging fresco of "Christ in the Garden" became a 
constant inspiration to the worshippers.

On Palm Sunday, April 17, 1914, the organizer and father of "First", the Rev. 
Stephen Schweitzer, fell asleep in Jesus.  On February 28, 1918, the family of 
the departed pastor placed on the altar a beautiful altar cross, together with a 
cross and a crown in loving tribute.

The father's mantle fell upon the son, the Rev. Martin W. W. Schweitzer, Ph.D., 
who assumed the duties of pastor at once, continuing in the service of the 
sanctuary for almost twenty-four years until his death in October, 1937.

During the pastorate of this faithful son, pulpit and choir vestments were used 
and the liturgical service became a matter of regular order.  In the spring of 
1931, a fine educational plant was built and dedicated with impressive 
ceremonies.

From the beginning, First Congregation was a part of the Muddy Creek Charge.  In 
1938, the Muddy Creek Charge was reconstructed, First Church being grouped with 
Zion of Lincoln, and St. Paul of Adamstown, into what is now known as the 
Lincoln Charge.

The Rev. David J. W. Noll began his work as pastor of the new Charge on 
September 1, 1938, and was installed in office in Zion Church, Lincoln, on 
September 21.  On September 3, 1938, the congregation decided to renovate the 
interior of the building.  The service of rededication was held October 16, 
1938, the new pastor being assisted by the Revs. Scott Brendle, of Reamstown; 
Harvey M. Lyttle, of Ephrata, and Paul T. Henry, of Trinity Lutheran Church, 
Ephrata.

The officials of the congregation are as follows:  Elders, Levi Gerhart, Howard 
Lutz, Lewis Keller, and Osborne Stick; Deacons, Elmer Beam, Dwight Hornberger, 
Earl Royer and Samuel Schreiber.  The Trustees are Guy O. Repp, William B. 
Bixler, and Samuel Stark.  Mrs. Frank Gring is the financial secretary.  Miss 
Ruth Halderman serves as recording secretary.  Mrs. Carrie Smith serves in the 
capacity of organist.