A church named after its location on East Main Street will be celebrating 100 years at its current home in Grove City – although its roots go back 130 years.
It all began in 1879, when the population of Pine Grove – the town's old name – was 300 people and the First United Presbyterian Church organized for services on the second floor of the old Pine Grove School House.
The early days were difficult, and members used dilapidated buildings for services. Sitting at the site of the old school is now the town's only McDonald's on East Main at South Center Street.
Inching their way east, however, members moved into a wood–frame church on the corner of East Main and South Broad Street to a piece of property now owned by Grove City College.
Although disaster struck and the church burned to the ground, membership continued to grow. A red brick church built to replace the wood church soon became too small to house members.
In 1908, $50,398 was raised to buy property and build a church across the street at 120 E. Main, which is where members have spent the last 100 years. The congregation is now known as East Main Presbyterian Church.
The church has seen many sizable additions since 1909; has at least 25 in–house programs that reach people in Grove City and surrounding communities; and supports more than 30 national and worldwide endeavors in missions.
To commemorate the date of its first service on July 11, 1909 at its current site, East Main is inviting people to a free ice–cream social on the front lawn of the church from 1 to 3 p.m. July 11.
The afternoon will include face painting and balloon animals for children, as well as tours of the church, a pictorial church history video and displays of church memorabilia.
At 10 a.m. July 12, a service of celebration for East Main's 100 years will be held that Sunday.
For more information about East Main Presbyterian Church's 100–year celebration, call 724–458–8270. Historical information submitted by member Allen Lambert. Pick up a copy of this article at Allied News, 201A Erie St., Grove City. Published July 4, 2009.
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
East Main Church to celebrate 100 years
- Local News
-
-
Viva Voce! benefits pantry
Viva Voce!, a vocal ensemble that features music from various eras and genres, will perform a benefit concert for the Grove City Community Food Pantry at 2 p.m. Sunday at Tower Presbyterian Church on South Broad Street, Grove City.
-
Tough times, tight space
There's more need than ever for places like the Northern Butler County Feed My Sheep Food Cupboard, which is planning yet another expansion to accommodate a growing number of clients.
-
Rape charges against 2 held for court
The cases against two New Castle men accused of raping a woman in September in Slippery Rock are proceeding to the Butler County Court of Common Pleas.
-
GCMC Baby New Year
Easton L. Culmer was the first Grove City area baby born in 2012 at Grove City Medical Center in Pine Township.
-
Outage goes as planned - this time
The third time was the charm as a scheduled power outage in Grove City went as planned Sunday.
-
Dr. Williams named SRU interim president
Dr. William F. Williams has been named interim president of Slippery Rock University, effective Feb. 11 after President Dr. Robert M. Smith retires.
-
First baby of the new year
Abigail Noel Jeffery was the first Grove City area baby born in 2012.
-
GC power outage planned for Sunday
Borough manager Vance Oakes says that an anticipated power outage will be happening for certain this weekend in Grove City.
-
Yeatts takes oath early to get paid
Robert G. Yeatts was walking around in his new black robe a little early.
-
It's snow good, and just in time
There should be more than enough snow on the ground this weekend for two winter-themed events being held outdoors.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Viva Voce! benefits pantry
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial
Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants
Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3%
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
First Person: Will Peyton Manning Stay in Indy?
