Mohnton
Pennsylvania
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Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church
About us:
Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church of Knauers, PA is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) , and of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
We, as members of Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church, believe in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, through whom we receive the gifts of the sacraments and eternal life. In response to these gifts, this congregation is here to worship God, educate in Christian faith, witness to others, and serve our changing community.
Allegheny Church was founded in 1767 to fill the need felt by the faithful in this area for a church. Prior to the organization of the Union Church, meetings for worship and instruction were held in private homes and in a schoolhouse. The church was first organized as a union church serving the three most common denominations in the area: Lutheran, Reformed, and Mennonite.
The Union Church was incorporated in 1845 as "The Independent German Associate Refomed" and "German Lutheran Allegheny Church of Brecknock Township" (the Mennonites having left the union prior to 1800).
The first church building was a log structure measuring 30 x 40 feet. The second building was erected in 1800 and constructed of local red sandstone. The Allegheny United Church of Christ congregation meets in the third union church building (erected in 1878) which also housed Allegheny Lutheran Church until March 9, 1994, when the Lutherans were incorporated as "Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church of Knauers, PA" and moved into their new building.
Over the years many lay leaders of the congregation as well as several pastors have laid the groundwork for the dissolution of the Union Church in order that the congreation might better server its members and the community. Pastors giving leadership over the years are: The Rev. Harry J. Goos (1964-1970), The Rev. George E. Hein, Jr. (1971-1980), The Rev. John E. Houck (1981-1987), The Rev. Charles J. Charles (1988-2001), The Rev. Richard W. Chaveas (2001-2008) and The Rev. George W. Grubb (2008-2010).
In June of 1989 the two Union congregations agreed upon an equity figure, and the Lutheran congregation immediately formed a Long Range Planning Commission. After meetings and study groups explored the options, the U.C.C. and Lutheran congregations voted to disolve the Union Church, and it was agreed that the Lutheran congregation would build their own church. This action was taken May 13, 1990.
After several setbacks, 3.3 acres of choice land was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Werner. This property is situated in the village of Knauers, across from the Governor Mifflin Brecknock Elementary School.
Funds for a building program were secured from members through the use of Kirby-Smith Asscociates. A construction loan from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) , was secured for the amount of $627,750. Wayne Batten, architect, and Harold Blacker, contractor, prepared plans for a complete facility.
On May 2, 1993, groundbreaking services were held on the site, and on March 6, 1994 the congregation moved into their new church. Dedication of the building took place on May 1, 1994.
Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church of Knauers, PA is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) , and of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
We, as members of Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church, believe in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, through whom we receive the gifts of the sacraments and eternal life. In response to these gifts, this congregation is here to worship God, educate in Christian faith, witness to others, and serve our changing community.
Allegheny Church was founded in 1767 to fill the need felt by the faithful in this area for a church. Prior to the organization of the Union Church, meetings for worship and instruction were held in private homes and in a schoolhouse. The church was first organized as a union church serving the three most common denominations in the area: Lutheran, Reformed, and Mennonite.
The Union Church was incorporated in 1845 as "The Independent German Associate Refomed" and "German Lutheran Allegheny Church of Brecknock Township" (the Mennonites having left the union prior to 1800).
The first church building was a log structure measuring 30 x 40 feet. The second building was erected in 1800 and constructed of local red sandstone. The Allegheny United Church of Christ congregation meets in the third union church building (erected in 1878) which also housed Allegheny Lutheran Church until March 9, 1994, when the Lutherans were incorporated as "Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church of Knauers, PA" and moved into their new building.
Over the years many lay leaders of the congregation as well as several pastors have laid the groundwork for the dissolution of the Union Church in order that the congreation might better server its members and the community. Pastors giving leadership over the years are: The Rev. Harry J. Goos (1964-1970), The Rev. George E. Hein, Jr. (1971-1980), The Rev. John E. Houck (1981-1987), The Rev. Charles J. Charles (1988-2001), The Rev. Richard W. Chaveas (2001-2008) and The Rev. George W. Grubb (2008-2010).
In June of 1989 the two Union congregations agreed upon an equity figure, and the Lutheran congregation immediately formed a Long Range Planning Commission. After meetings and study groups explored the options, the U.C.C. and Lutheran congregations voted to disolve the Union Church, and it was agreed that the Lutheran congregation would build their own church. This action was taken May 13, 1990.
After several setbacks, 3.3 acres of choice land was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Werner. This property is situated in the village of Knauers, across from the Governor Mifflin Brecknock Elementary School.
Funds for a building program were secured from members through the use of Kirby-Smith Asscociates. A construction loan from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) , was secured for the amount of $627,750. Wayne Batten, architect, and Harold Blacker, contractor, prepared plans for a complete facility.
On May 2, 1993, groundbreaking services were held on the site, and on March 6, 1994 the congregation moved into their new church. Dedication of the building took place on May 1, 1994.