struthers presbyterian church

struthers presbyterian church

Through the years

Struthers Presbyterian Church is observing the 100th year of the place of worship at 110 Poland Ave., Struthers. The church, organized in 1804, is in its fourth building. The church celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2004.

Celebrations: After a service at 10 a.m. Nov. 13, the congregation and guests will mark the 100th anniversary of the church with a birthday cake. A free concert, open to the community, featuring Bob Noble and Rochelle Joy performing a variety of music, is planned at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20.

Early history: In 1804, the Rev. James Duncan, who was licensed by the Associate Church, formed a congregation at the log cabin home of Richard McConnell on what is now Route 224 in Poland Center. The Rev. Mr. Duncan joined the Presbyterian Church in 1815. A second church building was constructed in 1824 on Struthers Road in Poland, behind the cemetery there. A third church was built in 1848 across the road from the cemetery and it was moved in 1884 to land donated by Thomas Struthers in Struthers. (The deed of the church states that if Struthers Presbyterian Church ever fails to be used as a church or meeting house, the land must be returned to the Thomas Struthers family estate.) The church was relocated on the east side of the property at the corner of Poland Avenue and Bridge Street, where the current church is. Success with services in Struthers prompted the congregation to decide to move there. The relocated church was used briefly by the congregation and then as a station for Struthers Fire Department for 50 years. In 1901, the basement for a fourth church building was dug out, west of the relocated church. In 1902, the parsonage was built; and in 1910, the construction of Struthers Presbyterian Church, built from Indiana red sandstone, was begun. The new church was dedicated Nov. 11, 1911, and had cost $31,000.

1920s: An organ was installed in 1924; previously, no instrumental music was allowed. Adult and youth choirs and a Sabbath School Orchestra are added.

1940s and ‘50s: The church sponsors Bonds for Building dinners. The mortgage is burned May 17, 1953. In 1954, the church marked its 150th anniversary and a year later ground was broken for an education wing.

1970s and ‘80s: The 175th anniversary observed in 1979. In 1981, a new library is assembled, and in 1983, a live nativity presented.

1990s: A foundation stone is placed on corner of the north parking lot to commemorate the reconstruction of the third church building. A capital improvement fund is created with money earmarked for building and equipment. New heating, cooling and electrical systems are installed. In 1993,the church begins a praise service and holds Festivals of Faith in 1995 and 1997.

2000s: The church helps form Midlothian Ministerium. In 2004, the church marks its 200th anniversary. In 2005, the church dedicates a new grand piano. In 2008, a new multi-media program and contemporary service begin. In 2011, the Rev. Thomas Fennell is interim pastor of the independent Presbyterian church; youth mission team visits Harrisburg, Pa.; and blended service combines contemporary and traditional with Bob Schmid, worship leader and Ron Miller, music director.

Source: Church history records