A Special Thanks
The historical information on this page is thanks to the leadership of the late Al Kocher. Al founded and served as the chair of the Church History Committee in 2016. He, his wife Jane Kocher and the other members of the committee dedicated themselves to thoroughly researching the church's history and creating an archival exhibit displayed at our 125th anniversary celebration. This timeline was created using the documents drafted and preserved by the committee and an essay written by longtime member Nancy Wallace. We'd like to extend a special thanks to the Kochers, Wallace, and the other members of the Church History Committee and their families for their time and service for our church.
Al was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church for many years. His wife, Jane, son and daughter-in-law, David and Tammy Chapnell, and two grandchildren, Matthew Chapnell and Elaina Burnelis, are all also members of the church. We thank God for Al and his years of faithful service to the church.
1891 - First Presbyterian Church
Our church's history began in April 1891, when the Shenango Presbytery sent Rev. M. A. Calkins and Rev. C. H. Dunlap to organize a church in Ellwood City pa. The first members of First Presbyterian Church worshiped in the United Presbyterian Church, the Baptist Church and even sometimes the Opera House Hotel before establishing its own building.
1894 - Our First Building
That same year, the founder of Ellwood City Pennsylvania, Henry W. Hartman, donated the land where our church now resides. Our first church was built from bricks for just $3,700 and seated 300 people. The building housed its first service on January 13, 1895
1950 - The Fire
Almost 4 decades later, an electrical problem in the choir loft caused the sanctuary of the church to catch fire in April 1950. The choir loft and organ were destroyed. The event made the front page of the Ellwood City Ledger. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of congregational members, the church repaired the damage, and the sanctuary reopened a year later April 1951.
1894 - A Charter and a Pastor
Three years later, the church applied
for its charter and unanimously accepted
Rev J.C. Gourley as the 72-member
congregation's first full-time pastor.
1912 - Bigger Congregation, Bigger Building
The congregation continued to grow, reaching 212 members. The building needed to grow with the congregation, so in 1910 a committee was formed to build a new church. The stone building was dedicated November 3, 1912.
1958 - A New Name
After the Presbyterian Church merged with
the United Presbyterian Church, First Church
received a new name. In 1958, it became
Christ United Presbyterian Church.
1980 - Boars Head Begins
The church began a new chapter in 1980 when they signed an article of agreement with Cherry Hill Presbyterian and received the rights to the Boars Head Festival. The church's first production was performed in December 1980.
1988 - Accommodating Accessibility
In 1988, the church began plans to install an elevator lift in an effort to make the building more accessible.
2015 - Lift Installed
In 2015, the elevator lift
was finally complete. Right, longtime member Lynn Schry used the elevator when it first opened.
1983 - Christ Presbyterian Church is Born
In 1983, the church changed it's name to
Christ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), and
it stuck. The church still goes by this name
today.
1997 - Organ Dedication
In 1997, the church dedicated a new Petty-Madden Organ in its sanctuary. Thisorgan is still used in Sunday morning services.
2016 - Knox Join Membership
The next year, the church
merged with Knox Presbyterian Church. On January 17, 39 members from Knox transferred their membership to Christ Presbyterian Church and
another 4 new members
joined the church.
2016 - Church turns 125
That same year, the church officially turned 125! This is a photo of our congregation at our 125th anniversary celebration.
2020 - Third Thursday Dinners
In 2020, our current pastor, Todd Custer, founded the Third Thursday dinner program. The church began packing and distributing 200 hot meals from our parking lot to those in need on the third Thursday of every month. The program continues to serve our community today.
2019 - Renovated Kitchen
In 2019, the church renovated its kitchen to better accommodate its purposes.
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