1898
Olive Trees, February 1898
A union evangelistic meeting was held in the First Church on Sabbath afternoon, January 2, the audience completely filling the auditorium. The Psalms were impressively rendered by a large choir leading the congregation in praise. Attorney W. S. Morrison, of Beaver, Rev. Dr. Miller, of Beaver Falls, and Rev. G. W. Cleland, of Pittsburg, spoke, respectively, on “The Responsibilies of Law,” “Parental and Christian Duties,” and “How to Help the Children.” This was one of a series of monthly meetings held in behalf of young people and public morals.
The annual Sabbath School entertainments of this congregation, together with the presentation of prizes and a treat, were held as follows: The congregational school on the evening of Dec. 24; in the Patterson Heights Chapel on Christmas afternoon, and the morning mission school on New Year’s afternoon. All of these gatherings were most interesting, and evinced advancement in scriptural knowlege and Christian life amont the various schools of this congregation.
The pastor preaches three times each Sabbath, and teaches a class in the Sabbath School. The evening service is usually alternated between Patterson Heights Chapel and College Hill Church.
Olive Trees, March 1898
Dr. H. H. George, assisted by Mrs. George, has just finished delivering a course of four illustrated lectures in the Beaver Falls Church. The first evening was taken up with an illustrated definition or analysis of the Kingdom of Christ, and the following three evenings were devoted to reforms radiating from this central idea. Temperance, marriage and divorce, and the Sabbath reforms all had their place. If there is a young people’s society in the Church that wishes to do a good thing in an easy way, let it arrange for a course of these stereopticon lectures. We do not know of any way in which these reformed can be popularized better than by these picture lectures. Some of the illustrations are very vivid and tell more to children in a minute than they could get from a whole sermon of words. While the lectures are not, in any sense, denominational, they give a theory and explanation of the kingdom, the logic of which leads every thinker squarely and inevitably to the position of the Covenanter Church on the subject of the Kingship of Christ. The audiences increased until the house was full the last evening. -Com.
Olive Trees, November 1898
The congregation of which Rev. W. M. Glasgow is pastor had an encouraging accession at the Fall Communion–all from the world–two adults being baptized. The assistant was Rev. S. G. Connor, of Venice, Pa.
1899
Olive Trees, January 1899
A Union Thanksgiving Service was held in the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Thursday, Nov. 24, 1898. The Daily Tribune reports a large congregation of devout worshipers…
Olive Trees, February 1899
A large number of the members of the First Congregation have been sick with the prevailing disease la grippe, among this number being the pastor. The angel of death visited on family connection thrice within two months, transferring to the church triumphant three of our valued members–a brother and two sisters. Mr. J. Davis Cook died November 27, 1898, of typhoid fever, aged thirty-nine years. He leaves a sorrowful widow. Mrs. G. S. Vorhauer died of pneumonia January 7, 1899, aged forty-one years, leaving a husband and three children to deeply mourn her departure. Mrs. S. R. Dunlap died of pneumonia January 19, 1899, aged forty-gour years, leaving a husband and two children in great loneliness. These were among our most devoted and active members. “They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divited.” These were all buried from one home on earth, but are now dwelling in one home in heaven. These transfers in rapid succession have made a lasting impression on many lives. May the desolate homes and the family circle experience the sustaining power of the Saviour’s grace and the comforting influence of the Holy Spirit. Mrs. Rev. P. J. McDonald, of Seattle, a sister of the deceased, arrived in time for the last two funerals.
On several occasions recently we have enjoyed the preaching of Messrs. M. M. Pearce, C. A. Dodds, R. J. McKnight, R. H. Martin and J. C. Slater, licentiates, and Mr. J. T. Mitchell, student of theology. Most of these services were cheerfully rendered during affliction in the pastor’s home, and are gratefully acknowledged, as they were highly appreciated in times of need…
Our former congregational missionary, Miss Elizabeth A. Reid, is visiting in Iowa. We hope for her early return.
Mrs. Glasgow and children are now visiting in Baltimore. She is gradually gaining in strength.
Olive Trees, April 1899
The following is taken from the Beaver Falls Daily Tribune of February 25:
”The fifth annual convention of the Sabbath schools of the Pittsburg Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church was held in the First Reformed Presbyterian Church in this place yesterday, 105 delegates being in attendance, together with good audiences.” …
The Evening Review (East Liverpool, Ohio), August 19, 1899
Reverend Glasgow, of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, spent yesterday in East End the guest of Rev. J. R. Green.
1901
RP Standard, January 1, 1901
Robert Clark, of the Seminary, filled the pupit of the 1st Beaver Falls congregation on Dec. 23 and preached for Rev. Kidd, of the U.P. church in the evening.
On the evening of Jan. 1, the Rev. J. S. Thompson is to be installed pastor of the 1st Beaver Falls congregation. Dr. Johnston is to preach the sermon, Rev. H. G. Foster to address the pastor, and Rev. R. H. Martin to address the people.
RP Standard, May 15, 1901
Donald C. Allen, a member of the Beaver Falls congregation, died of pneumonia at his home in Beaver Falls early on Monday morning, April 29. He had only been sick for a few days and it was thought he would recover until within a few hours of his death. He leaves a wife and one child, who have the sympathy of the entire community. Mr. Allen was in the prime of life. He was one of the prominent business men of Beaver Falls, an earnest and consistent Christian and a prominent member in the Beaver Falls congregation. He will be greatly missed both in this congregation and the community.
RP Standard, June 1, 1901
On the evening of May 13 the First Beaver Falls congregation held a meeting for the purpose of adding to their eldership and board of deacons. The following persons were elected: Elders, D. P. White, J. E. Dodds, Robert Pearce and Dr. Reed McBurney; deacons: J. B. Lytle, Samuel Dodds, Harry George, John Mitchell, and David Guthridge.
RP Standard, June 15, 1901
Revs. G. A. Edgar and G. M. Robb preached in the First Beaver Falls Church Synod Sabbath. Rev. M. M. Pearce preached in the evening in the Patterson Heights Mission building.
1903
RP Standard, April 15, 1903
The C.E. Society of the First RP church, Beaver Falls, Pa., planned and successfully carried out a genuine surprise for their pastor, Rev. J. S. Thompson and his wife, on Friday evening, April 3. It was their fourteenth wedding anniversary, and a merry company of over eighty persons, members of the congregation and a few friends, spent the evening very pleasantly with them in their home. During the evening a program was rendered, consisting of toasts and responsive addresses. Choice and yet abundant refreshments were served by the young people. Music enlivened and delighted the company throughout the entire evening. They left as a token of their esteem an elegant Morris chair, which was presented to the pastor and his wife by Miss Lulu McKinney and was graciously received by them. The whole occasion gave unmistakable evidence of a generous, kind people endeavoring to honor their pastor and his estimable wife whom they greatly love and esteem for tru and faithful service. Such expressions make a pastor’s heart glad and cannot fail to prove an impetus to bothe pastor and people for future work and servic. -N.R.A.
RP Standard, June 15, 1903
There was an accession of two each at the recent communions in the Wilkinsburg and First Beaver Falls congregations.
RP Standard, September 1, 1903
Rev. J. S. Thompson and wife, of the First Beaver Falls congregation, are spending a few weeks in Canada. Mr. Thompson is assisting his brother, W. T. K Thompson and the Rev. Thos. McFall in communion services.
At the communion in the First Beaver Falls congregation the third Sabbath of August there was an accession of three–two Armeniansand one by certificate from the Presbyterian church. The preaching of the assistant, Rev. M. M. Pearce, was instructive and helpful. “The days were perfect and we enjoyed a season of refreshing,” writes a communicant.
RP Standard, October 1, 1903
The annual Y.P.S.C.E. convention of the Pittsburg presbytery meetins in the First RP Church, Beaver Falls, Pa., Oct. 29 and 30. The Convention sermon will be preached by Dr. D. McAllister. Revs. T. H. Acheson of our church and W. H. McCullough of the U.P. church are the principal speakers at the evening sessions. The program will appear in our next issue. Meantime the various young people’s societies of the presbytery should appoint delegates to the convention.
1904
RP Standard, January 15, 1904
Elder R. J. Bole, of the First Beaver Falls congregation, was home from his work in the South for the holidays and remained for the communion, January 3
The First Beaver Falls congregation held communion, Sabbath, January 3. One young lady, Miss Wallace, united with the church, receiving the sacrament of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
RP Standard, September 1, 1904
A four course six o’clock dinner was given by Mrs. R. M. Pearce, at her beautiful home on Fourth Ave., to the LMS of Beaver Falls. It was in honor of one of our members who is leaving for a new home today. As a token of the esteem in which she was held by them, she was presented with an elegant Bible. Our genial hostess proved herself, as usual, a royal entertainer and we lingered to hear her say “Come again.”
The LMS of Beaver Falls are sending in an order for a new sewing machine for our Southern Mission sewing school. One of our members (Mrs. Guthridge) donated a second hand sewing maching for the same purpose.
RP Standard, December 1, 1904
An informal reception was given in honor of Mrs. Dr. Balph by LMS of the RP Church of Beaver Falls, Pa., Monday evening, Nov. 28, at the home of Mrs. R. M. Pearce. Having so recently returned from our Syrian mission field, she gave a charming description of the customs and home life of the people among whom they labor. Great interest was manifested by those who were present and queries were rapidly propounded and promptly answered, and some illustrated to advantage. Dainty refreshments were served and a very pleasant and profitable social evening spent together. Our young ladies’ mission circle was invited to be present and enjoy the evening with the others present.
Sabbath, Nov. 27, was observed by our congregation as a day of special prayer for our Syrian mission. Dr. and Mrs. Balph spoke at the afternoon service. Their addresses were very interesting. A large audience was present.
1905
RP Standard, March 1, 1905
On Thursday morning, Feb. 23, a very disastrous fire occured in one of the main business blocks of Beaver Falls, Pa., destroying half the buildings in the block and entailing a loss of $125,000. A room in one of these buildings had just been rented and fitted up by Miss Eva Allen, daughter of Rev. T. J. Allen. Miss Allen is a teacher of painting and had planned to have an opening the day after the fire. Her models, drawings, chinaware, everything relating to her work were entirely destroyed. Miss Allen will have the sympathy of her many friends in her loss.
RP Standard, April 1, 1905
For the past month the First Beaver Falls church has been undergoing extensive repairs. The whole interior is being renovated. The main audience room is being refrescoed, recarpeted, the seats are being recusioned and the walls repainted. While the repairs are being made the congregation worships in the basement. They expect to occupy the main audience room the first Sabbath of April.
RP Standard, August 15, 1905
The Ladies’ Missionary Society of Beaver Falls RP Church are busily engaged sewing for the Southern Mission.
RP Standard, October 1, 1905
Rev. J. L. Thompson of the 1st Beaver Falls congregation was assisted in communion services by Rev. E. L. McKnight, of Youngstown congregation.
1908
The Semi-Weekly New Era (Lancaster, PA), February 5, 1908, “Drowned in Each Other’s Arms: Young Couple, Soon to be Wedded, Break Through Ice and Drown, at Beaver Falls”
Miss Zella, aged nineteen, daughter of the Rev. R. C. Wylie, pastor of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, at Beaver Falls, and moderator of the Synod of North America, was drowned, Friday afteroon, in the arms of her intended husband, R. C. Patterson of Greensburg. Both were students of Geneva College, and had intended being married after graduation.
They met death while skating on the Beaver River, falling through an airhole in the stream, which had been frozen over with thin ice on what is known as the seven-mile level. The water is twenty feet deep. The couple were skating, holding hands, as both went under.
The girl sank first and caught hold of Patterson’s trousers. In reaching for her Patterson was drawn under the ice by the current.
Patterson was the star athlete of the college. He played right-end on the football team, and was a member of the basketball team.
Last summer, while Patterson and his intended bride were rowing on the Beaver River, the boat upset at practically the same spot where they were drowned today. At that time both were swept over the fourteen-foot dam, but although unconscious both recovered. Rev. Wylie, father of the dead girl, is on of the most prominent ministers in the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
1930
The Covenanter Witness, May 14, 1930
On March 18, the First Beaver Falls CYPU held a St. Patrick’s social in the church basement. The room was prettily decorated in green, and many of the people were in Irish attire. The evening was spent in playing Irish games. Refreshments of potato salad, sandwiches, and lemonade were served. The young people from the Geneva and College Hill Churches were invited, but as it was very rainy, only a few boys came. We appreciated the evening with them and have hopes for more union meetings.
On Sabbath evening, April 6, the young people had charge of the evening service at First Beaver Falls in the absence of their pastor. Betty Martin, the president, took charge of the meeting. The choir was composed entirely of young people, Miss Isabel Martin leading. The text was 2 Tim. 2:15, “Co-laborers with God.” Paul Wissner read the Scripture from 1 Cor. 3. During the meeting, the young people read stories of those who had worked with God and who had accomplished great things for and through him.
1931
The Brockway Record, August 14, 1931
Rev. Donald Bruce Martin, pastor of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church at Beaver Falls, who has been assisting with the work in Punxsutawney for a short time, is visiting the home of his sister, Mrs. J. L. Bond, of Main street. Rev. Martin has made many friends while here on previous visits with his sister, who are glad to welcome him.
The Covenanter Witness, October 14, 1931, “An Honorable Record
“Covenanter News,” the monthly published by First Beaver Falls Reformed Presbyterian Church, contains the following remarkable record, under the heading, “Congregational History.” Such history is made by but few congregations.
Amont the ministers who were adherents in the early days of this congregation were: Dr. H. H. George, Dr. David McAllister, Dr. George Kennedy, Dr. W. P. Johnston, Dr. J. L. McCartney, Dr. W. J. Coleman and Dr. J. M. Coleman. All have finished their course in this life except Dr. J. M. and W. J. Coleman. These two men are still able to do a great work in the church.
There are men and women in the Church work who were baptized in this congregation but before they came to years of uniting with the church, their parents moved into the bounds of other congregations.
Among these were the four sons of Dr. W. J. Coleman, three of these now holding responsible positions in the denomination, the fourth one gave his life in the last war.
The four sons of Dr. J. L. McCartney, all ministers, are in the Church’s work, but are working in other denominations than our own. They, too, are doing a great work.
The young men who were classed as our very own, going out into the Church work from the Beaver Falls congregation were as follows: Dr. M. M. Pearce, Dr. J. C. Slater, Rev. W. McLeod George, whose father was Dr. R. J. George who was pasotr in this congregation for many years, Dr. A. A. Johnston, Robert Graham and Thomas Graham, Dr. W. J. McKnight. Two ministers, G. A. Edgar and J. T. Mitchell came into the congregation from other congregations but went in the Church’s work from the Beaver Falls congregation. The former spent two summers doing mission work for the congregation while attending the Reformed Presbyterian Seminary in Allegheny. Five of these men, namely, Dr. H. H. George, Dr. W. P. Johnston, Dr. A. A. Johnston, Dr. W. Henry George, Dr. M. M. Pearce, have been president of Geneva College, two of the five being sons of former presidents, A. A. Johnston and W. Henry George.
A son of the congregation who has given himself to mission work is Joseph Maxwell, a son of one of the first deacons, who is serving as Medical Missionary in Egypt under the United Presbyterian Board.
Three women gave their lives to service in the foreign field: Dr. Maude George, Miss Isabel Edgar (now Mrs. A. J. McFarland), and Miss Penelope Allen, who became Mrs. J. M. Balph. Mrs. McFarland is the only one surviving. These were all closely connected with the work of the congregation in earlier days.
The Misses Mary and Margaret McCartney both served in the home work, the former among the Mountain Whites and the Mormons, and the latter in our Southern Mission where George A. Edgar and Miss Margaret Fleming also spent some years, and where Miss Isabel Martin has spent the past year.
Miss E. A. Reed took an active part in the mission work in our congregation and also did much work in the WCTU both in local and county unions.
Miss Ella Pearce was prominent in the WCTU work, being president of the Beaver County union for some years.
A number of the young women who were members of the congregation are filling places as minister’s wives. Among these were W. W. Carithers, of our Indian Mission, now gone to her reward, Mrs. R. J. Dodds, who served many years in our Syrian Mission, Mrs. J. C. Slater, Mrs. P. J. McDonald, Mrs. J. G. McElhinney, Mrs. M. M. Pearce, Mrs. A. A. Wylie, Mrs. Walter McCarroll, now in New York who went to Cyprus and served in that place as missionary teacher for some years, and Mrs. Frank Agnew, a daughter of H. H. George, who taught in our Southern Mission for three years.
Dr. James S. Stewart, while in the seminary, came down and had charge of this mission work in our congregation. At the close of his seminary course, he married a Miss Love, a member of the First Beaver Falls congregation, and they went immediately to the mission field in Syria where they served nearly fifty years. The Doctor was not a member of our congregation but an adherent and worked in the work here for most of two years.
The Covenanter Witness, November 11, 1931
Rev. Owen F. Thompson assisted in the communion services at First Beaver Falls on October 11. One hundred and three persons sat at the Lord’s table. Four persons were added to the membership of the congregation. The membership of the church now stands at 133.
The Covenanter Witness, December 16, 1931
Our October 14 issue contained something of the honorable record made by First Beaver Falls congregation. The Covenanter News, from whose columns we received our information, now adds the names of Dr. John K. Robb and Rev. C. A. Dodds to the list of ministers who were in various ways connected to our congregation.
1933
The Covenanter Witness, February 15 1933
On New Year’s Day, Kenneth M. Kerr and William McCormick were ordained to the office of ruling elder and installed in the Beaver Falls congregation. The pastor preached the ordination sermon and led in the ordination prayer. J. Boyd Tweed addressed the newly ordained elders, and Elder C. E. Belles addressed the people. It is always an encouragement to a congregation when it has capable men to take up the mantle of those who are transferred to higher service in the upper sanctuary.
Miss Betty Martin, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. D. Bruce Martin, is attending medical college in Philadelphia. Miss Martin has the mission field in view.
The pastor of the Beaver Falls congregation is on the committee which takes care of the Relief Work in Patterson Township. Some seventy families are taken care of from week to week.
Mrs. M. C. Dodds who makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. J. Boyd Tweed, fell and fractured her hip about ten weeks ago. She is getting along as well as could be expected, considering the fact that she has passed her eightieth milestone.
The Beaver Falls congregation is well represented in the teaching profession. Dr. Grace Cornelius teaches in the Allegheny High School, Miss Agnes Lytle in the Claireton High School, Miss Ethel Lytle in the New Brighton High School, Miss Annetta Dodds and Miss Lois Kerr in the New Castle Junior High School, and Miss Isabel Martin in the Patterson Township Schools. As a rule, our teachers are able to worship in the home congregation on the Sabbath.
The two adult Bible classes have taken up the study of Dr. W. J. McKnight’s Course in the Gospel of Matthew and find it interesting and helpful. The Course contains many comments and explanations not found in the average commentary. The great amount of effort which Dr. McKnight has expended in the preparation of these lessons should meet with a wide response throughout the Church.
The Covenanter Witness, April 12, 1933
The Ladies’ and Men’s Bible Classes of the First Beaver Falls congregation celebrated the 26th Anniversary of their organization on Tuesday evening, Mar. 14. After a dinner, class histories were read, greetings from absent members, including a letter from the former pastor, the Rev. J. S. Thompson, came in, a memorial service for those who had passed away, and addresses were made by Mrs. H. J. George, teacher of the Ladies’ Class, Rev. D. B. Martin, the pastor, and by the Rev. Thomas Graham, who had been superintendent when the classes were organized.
The Covenanter Witness, May 10, 1933:
The First Beaver Falls congregation observed the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, Sabbath, April 9 preceded with four evenings of special preperatory services. Dr. J.C. Slater, pastor of the Geneva congregation, and our pastor, D. B. Martin, exchanged pulpits on Thursday evening. On Friday evening following the service, the session met and received six persons into the membership. Prof. J.B. Tweed adressed the second table at the communion. One hundred one persons sat at the Lord’s Table. Seven persons were received into the church since the last communion, all by profession of faith, and all from the membership of the Sabbath School.
1935
The Covenanter Witness, February 6, 1935
A Bible reading contest conducted in the Sabbath School between the men and boys and women and girls ended with the year. During the contest 48,363 chapters were reported read, the ladies winning by 3,450 chapters. Perhaps some other school would like to try this plan.
Five persons had a perfect attendance record for the year, while thirty-three were present forty-eight or more days. The average attendance in the school for the year was one hundred and twenty-two.
Our pastor, D. B. Martin, accompanied by McLeod Dodds, Paul George, Paul and Jay Wissner, recently gave a half hour devotional Broadcast over station NBO at Washington, Pa. Much favorable comment is being heard on the high quality of the address, and singing of the Psalms by our young men. They all enjoyed the trip and are anxious to again as soon as their turn comes.
1954
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 4, 1954, “Geneva Bible Expert Dies of Heart Attack: Dr. James B. Tweed Long Active As Presbyterian Pastor
BEAVER FALLS, Pa., March 3–Dr. James Boyd Tweed, professor of Bible and head of the Department of Biblical Literature and Religious Education at Geneva College since 1924, died this afternoon in Beaver Valley General Hospital. Dr. Tweed suffered a heart attack last Sunday.
The 67-year-old educator and Bible authority was born in Sparta, Ill. He received his baccalaureate degree from Geneva in 1909. He did graduate study at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh; the United Free Church College in Glasgow, Scotland, and the Universty of Pittsburgh. In 1937, Geneva conferred upon him the honorary degree of doctor of divinity.
From 1913 until 1926, Dr. Tweed served as pastor of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church, Beaver Falls. He returned to Scotland in 1937 where he filled the pulpit of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Glasgow.
In addition to numerous church activities, Dr. Tweed served as chairman of the Christian Amendment Movement, and was a member of the American School of Oriental Research.
Surviving are his widom, the former Susan Elizabeth Dodds; a duaghter, Mrs. Hugh J. Blainr, Ireland, and two sons, Robert Bruce and John Hugh, at home.
The Pittsburgh Press, October 31, 1954, “Minister Honored As ‘Dad of Year’
BEAVER FALLS, Pa., Oct. 30 (Special)–The Rev. D. Howard Elliott, pastor fo the First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, was named “Dad of the Year” at Geneva College today.
Rev. Elliott was honored during half-time ceremonies at the Geneva-Slippery Rock “Dad’s Day” football game.
A 1937 graduate of Geneva, he has been a member of the board of trustees since 1950 and is past president of the Beaver Falls Ministerial Assn.
1988
Covenanter Witness, April 1988
On Sept. 23, the First Beaver Falls congregation made a call to Charles Sterrett to be pastor. He accepted and assumed his duties on Nov. 1. The installation was Nov. 6 with Tim Russell, Robert Copeland, Harold Harrington, and John Tweed participating. Lester Kilpatrick presided.
On Dec. 6, the congregation had a Christmas dinner. There was a gift exchange, singing of carols, and sharing of talents.
At the December convocation, all the Beaver Valley RP churches joined us for a Psalm sing. Refreshments were served and there was a time for good fellowship.
Several years ago our hearts were gladdened when Charles and Alberta Sterrett joined our fellowship and made themselved dear to all of us. Early in September, we were saddened by Alberta’s death, after being sick for only a short time. Since then, we have experienced sorrow at the tragic death of Alberta’s sister, Anne McDonald Henning. Our pastor conducted her servic in Michigan.
On New Year’s Day, our pastor held an open house in his home. The weather was good and many people enjoyed this time of food and fellowship.
On Jan. 28, Lester Kilpatrick conducted a memorial service for his brother, Kyle, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Kyle died Oct. 23 following a lengthy illness.
At our annual congregational meeting, presided over by chairman, Elder Russell Ketterer, the followin officers were elected: co-chairman Marjorie Harsh and Betty Fenchel, secretary Joan Markey. The treasurer, Robert Fenchel was re-elected.
1989
Covenanter Witness, January 1989
In July the vacation Bible school was led by the pastor and assisted by Doug and Amy Comin and members of the congregation. At the close they held a joint picnic with our Sabbath school.
Doug and Amy Comin drove a van to Carleton International Conference with ten passengers. All of them expressed appreciation for a pleasant trip and for the joy of going to Carleton.
Drs. Lester and Betty Kilpatrick celebrated their 50th anniversary on Sept. 6. Their sons, David, John, and Paul, hosted a dinner and reception for them at Carleton. On Sept. 9 the congregation held an open house honoring them.
On Oct. 30, the congregation held an election, calling Doug Comin to be the associate pastor. He has accepted that call. Pray for everyone in their new responsibilities.
The congregation is happy to have Doug and Amy among them. Doug graduated from the RP Seminary in May, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of the Alleghenies on Oct. 15. They have been living in the parsonage and helping the pastor since early summer.
The members of the congregation help regularly in stuffing envelopes for the Reformation Translation Fellowship mailing and at the RP Home.
Covenanter Witness, July 1989
New congregational officers for the year are: Sandra Johns, chairman; Joan Markey, secretary; Robert Fenchel, treasurer.
Spring communion was held Apr. 9, conducted by Associate Pastor Doug Comin, assisted by Pastor Kelly Moore of Eastvale, Pa., RPC. Doug and Amy Comin have led a weekly youth fellowship with Bible study and recreation. Monthly congregational dinners have been held. In April the youth fellowship members were special guests.
VBS is planned for July. The Comins will conduct the school with help from the members of the congregation.
For spring thankoffering the congregation joined with Geneva RPC to hear David Lichius of Geneva College. He is involved with Tiger Pause, prison ministry and other community projects.
Our Sabbath school officers are: Sandra Johns, superintendent; Russell Ketterer, assistant superintendent; Robert Lash, secretary-treasurer.
The annual picnic will be held in conjunction with the closing of the VBS program. Pastor Charles Sterrett spent two weeks in Florida in February with his brother, Dean. In March, Rev. Sterrett conducted the monthly convocation of all the valley RP churches, held in Old Main at Geneva College.
On May 24, the congregation showed the Billy Graham film “Cry from the Mountain” as a community evangelistic effort. -G. E. Kilpatrick, correspondent
2006
Reformed Presbyterian Witness, November 2006
Merged Congregation Gets a “New” Name
On Oct. 11, the Geneva RP Church, consisting of the former Geneva RPC and First RPC of Beaver Falls, met to vote on a proposed name change. The change was recommended as a result of the Name Change Committee’s recommendation to the session.
The congregation voted to change its name to the First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls. As the name indicates, the congregation’s roots are in the first Reformed Presbyterian Church that was organized in downtown Beaver Falls on Nov. 10, 1874. That congregation moved to its present location at 209 Darlington Road in Patterson Township in 1895. The Geneva RPC was a daughter of First RPC and began meeting on the campus of Geneva College when the college moved to Pennsylvania. The Geneva congregation was organized in 1892 while worshiping in the chapel of Old Main.
On Nov. 10, 2004, each congregation voted in principle to merge, and the following month the congregations began worshiping together as one church (see February 2005 issue of the Witness).—Bruce Backensto, pastor
2007
Reformed Presbyterian Witness, May 2007
Continuing in its tradition of church planting, the session of the First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, Pa., unanimously passed a motion to commission Elder David Schaefer and his family to labor toward planting a church in Center Township. Lord’s Day services there with preaching provided by various elders who are licensed to preach will begin as the Lord leads.
The 5th Annual Beaver Valley Reformed Conference, which was co-sponsored by the College Hill (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RPC, was held at the church Mar.16-17. Dr. Hywel Jones from Westminster Seminary in California spoke on the “Crucifixion of Christ and the New Creation.” About 60 people from the greater Pittsburgh area attended the conference. CDs are available; inquire via the church’s web site at http://www.firstrpchurch.com.
The annual women’s Presbyterial of the Alleghenies was held at the church on Mar. 31. The emphasis was on missions, with several testimonies given of recent missions trips.—Heidi Filbert, correspondent
2008
Reformed Presbyterian Witness, March 2008
Farises Sent to RPCNA Sudan Mission The sanctuary of the First RPC of Beaver Falls was packed the evening of Mar. 9, as people from at least seven RP congregations gathered for a sending service for Daniel, Natalie, and Samuel Faris.
Pastor Bruce Backensto gave the sermon on Psalm 118:17-18, Live and Tell. Bill Weir was joined at the front by more than 25 RPCNA elders as he gave the prayer of commission. Elder Matt Filbert gave the charge. A reception was held after the service.
The Farises have joined the Cush4Christ team serving in South Sudan. Daniel will work in a diaconal capacity, teaching and guiding men into self-sustaining forms of micro-industry (well drilling, farming, etc.).
They join the Wards, Stringers, and Heather Huizing on this mission field.—Heidi Filbert, correspondent
2009
RP Witness, August 2009
A record number of children have attneded vacation Bible school at First RPC on July 6-10. Along with children from local RP churches, at least 20 children came from the neighborhood around the church. Fifty-one children registered the first night, and through the five nights a total of 64 students attended. In past years, 30 years was a good number.
Ten students from the Theological Foundations for Youth program, as well as Keith Backensto, were on hand to help teach, do skits, lead recreation, and help wherever needed. In the ten days preceding VBS, they handed out over 1,500 VBS flyers to the Patterson Heights, Patterson Township, and College Hill neighborhoods.
“Just when you think you know what to expect our God does exceedingly beyond what we think or can imagine. What a delight to see over 50 children enjoying Bible school each evening and to see our directors ‘handle it in stride,'” Pastor Bruce Backensto commented.
Thi is the second year the church has used Bible school curriculum from Answers in Genesis. This year’s theme was “Operation Space: A Close Encounter with God’s Word.” Melissa and Elaine Tweed headed up the program, and Emily Thompson was in charge of feeding everyone dinner and snacks.
During the week, an offering was taken to help purchase satellite radios for Sudan. The children raised enough to buy 23 radios.
The week concluded with an ice cream social on the front lawn as an opportunity for members of the church to get to know the families of the children who attended VBS.
The church is working on a plan to stay in contact with these families through some sort of youth program during the year.
Bob Fenchel and Willard “Tex” Harsh, along with their spouses and some family members, were honored by the elders, deacons, and their families at a dinner on June 20 for 53 years of service as deacons of the church. Both men were ordained and installed on Jan. 7, 1956 and retired Jan. 1, 2009. Bob Fenchel served as treasurer for the congregation for 36 years as well. The men were presented with plaques following the worship service on Apr. 12.
Ken and Virginia McBurney celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a party in June. In December, the congregation voted to issue a call for an associate pastor. Noah Bailey was called, but declined the call in May to accept the call as associate pastor in Stillwater, Okla., RPC as a church planter in Enid, Okla. Their family left at the end of May after worshiping with the congregation for seven years.-Heidi Filbert
2016
RP Witness, March 2016
The last few years have been years of change.
In Dec. 2013, Elders Matt Filbert and Tim McClain were installed as associate pastors. Both men preach quarterly at the church as well as perform many other duties. Pastor McClain preaches twice a month at the RP Home in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Pastor Filbert often preaches at the Franciscan Manor, a retirement home down the street from the church.
Following Pastor Bruce Backensto’s announcement that he would retire in May 2014, elections were held to call a new pastor. On June 1, Pastor Steven F. Miller was installed as the new pastor. Pastor Miller came from the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and has served the RP Seminary for 17 years as missions professor.
In Preparation for the Millers’ arrival, the manse, which was built in the 1890s and had been a home for various seminary students and other young people for the last 8 years, underwent a full renovation.
On June 14, 2014, a “passing of the torch” even was held at a local restaurant to celebrate Pastor Backensto’s 19 years of service to the Geneva RPC and First RPC congregations (which merged in 2005) and to welcome Pastor Miller to the congregation. The transition from pastor to pastor was seamless, and the Backenstos have continued to worship with and be active in the congregation.
In spring 2015, things changed again. Pastor Miller was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)–the same disease popularized by the “ice bucket challenge” on social media in 2014. The evidences of the disease had begun to show themselves in Pastor Miller’s legs. He was having a hard time walking and had to be fitted for braces. As it became obvious that accessibility would be an issue and that Pastor Miller wanted to preach as long as possible, plans were drawn up to add a first-floor bathroom and a framed addition.
The ALS has progressed slowly. Pastor Miller continues to teach a class at the seminary, to preach morning and evening, and to maintain weekly studies and meetings. This is a congregation full of pastors, retired and current, and members have learned a lot about how to pastor a pastor. Please pray as the congregation continues along this road. Please pray for Pastor Miller’s health and for the swift completion of the addition project. -Heidi Filbert