pleasant grove presbyterian church | Through the years

Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church, 3919 Southern Blvd., Youngstown, is closing. The final service is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday with the Rev. Carolyn Griffeth, interim pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown, with a reception following. The church building was sold to Victory Christian Schools. The congregation voted to transfer membership to Canfield Presbyterian Church.

Early years: Union Sunday School was organized in 1913 and bought a lot on what was Main Street, now Southern Boulevard. A service took place March 14, 1915. In 1920, the Board of Church Extension of the United Presbyterian Church asked the Rev. A. H. Griffeth to confer with Union. His effort resulted in the organization of Pleasant Grove United Presbyterian Church on Oct. 17, 1920, with a charter membership of 150. The Rev. Mr. Griffeth was installed as pastor in May 1921. In 1925, the present building was constructed. The congregation continued steady growth; the sanctuary and chapel were completed; building dedicated April 21, 1929.

1950-70s: The educational unit was added in 1951. The new chancel, renovation of the sanctuary, chapel and the purchase of additional property for parking occurred in 1958. The Rev. William George became assistant minister in 1956, and under his leadership, the youth group thrived. Sabbath School for adults began in 1969. In January 1979, the congregation remodeled the social hall, fellowship hall and kitchen and rebuilt a small chapel. In 1969 there was a reorganization of church boards.

1980s-90s: The Session was divided into departments to operate the church. The board of deacons cared for congregational special needs. Women’s Rainbow Auxiliary was disbanded in favor of one large Women’s Organization and a senior citizens’ group, Pleasantimers, formed. The Rev. William Betteridge was installed as fourth pastor Sept. 30, 1984, until 1999. In August 1995, Pleasant Grove Presbyterian and Foster Memorial Presbyterian Church, 566 W. Indianola Ave., Youngstown, consolidated.

2000s: The church was served by Dr. John H. Krier, interim, 2000-2002; the Rev. Nicolas J. Cammarata, 2003-2009; the Rev. Bruce Ballantine, interim; and the Rev. Peter R. Del Nagro, 2011-15. On March 29, 2009, the church had a recital to make the renovation of the Shantz pipe organ. Sons in the ministry are Lloyd A. Dalbey, Benjamin D. Davis, Roberty A. Garwig, Richard Griffeth, Richard Hershberger, Arthur C. Joachim, John S. McCall, Warren McCready, Robert Palisin, William Smith Harry P. Sweitzer and Robert A. Maharry.

Music ministry: The music program began in 1920 with pianist, Mrs. Sid Taylor, who began the first adult choir. In 1923, David Scott was hired as choir director, and served until 1948. In 1927, two Shantz organs were installed, and Gertrude Eckstrom was organist until 1967. A Young People’s Choir was organized in 1939. In 1948, Frances Sharp, youth choir director, organized the Carollers Choir with 40 children. In 1960, the Cherubs Choir for 4- to 8-year-olds began. In 1967, A. Prentice Van Iderstine became organist and continued to his retirement in 1991. Velma Jagnow Balint directed the Carollers Choir 1965-73 followed by Margie Jardine Burnett, who was hired as music director in 1994 after the retirement of Doug Everett, who began his service in 1978. Handbell choirs for children and adults and Men’s and Women’s Chorus were formed. On Dec. 14, 2014, the church celebrated the 67th annual Candlelight Christmas Vespers Service, a tradition in the community.

Source: Church records