From staff reports
Throughout the year, Second Presbyterian Church of Oil City has marked its 150-year anniversary with a variety of special events and activities.
A catered dinner and historical program is planned for Saturday, Oct. 15, at the church.
Judy Etzel and Kay Dawson will present a program titled “The Window People,” which will highlight the individual families who provided the stained glass windows that are featured throughout the church.
On Sunday, Oct. 16, a special worship service will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary with previous pastors, members of the Lake Erie Presbytery and local government officials and members of the local ministerium attending.
Also, 50-plus-year members of the congregation will be recognized during this service.
All the events are open to the public.
A bus trip to the Steelers-Bengals Nov. 20 football game has also been planned. The bus will leave the church parking lot at 5 p.m.
Anyone interested in this trip may call the church office for additional information and tickets.
Looking back
The current building was erected in 1913.
The lot was secured in 1870, and the first church was dedicated in January 1873, when the church had 56 members.
By 1883, due to the growth of the congregation, construction of the second church building was begun at a cost of $28,000.
The original pipe organ was built in 1875 and won first prize at the Philadelphia Centennial. The organ was rebuilt in 1964 and is still in use today.
Norma Kelley was the organist for 50 years, and Brian Thomas was the choir director for more than 50 years until his death in 2021.
The church has been served by 16 pastors in its 150 years.
Pastors from the last 50 years include the Revs. Harold Kelley, Roger Wagner, Michael Jones, Eric Powell, Howard Gaston, Johannes Swart, Greg Gillispie, Sue Montgomery and Tim Harmon.
The church currently hosts a number of weekly Bible studies, an annual Vacation Bible School program, Sunday school and a weekly prayer breakfast for area men.
The church also manages the Open Door Cafe on East Second Street.
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