Local Churches History Slated As New Historical Society Project

Andrew Kindle, Historical Society First Vice President, was appointed by President Everett Bleakney to head up the latest society project – Local Churches History.

The project will collect information from churches that are in our collection zone of about a ten mile radius. This area will include surrounding townships and part of Beaver County.

“Our project started with about 20 churches in Ellwood City but now has grown from discovery to over 60 churches in the area,” says Kindle. “We have found that churches have been active then became inactive, some of the early names have been shortened or changed, some have rebuilt church homes, moved. The old church buildings did not sit idle for long but were occupied by groups that want to have proper church services.”

The Society is asking churches and individuals to help document the history of their churches by sharing any pictorials, directories, pictures and even newspaper articles. The Society is asking for volunteers each month to help with finding addresses and contacting churches.

Monthly workshops meetings are planned for the second and fourth Monday at 10:00 a.m. to noon.

The history of some churches in our area started in the late 1700s and early 1800s, well established before Ellwood City became a borough in 1892 according to Kindle.

The Providence Baptist Church in Franklin Township is the oldest church founded in 1801. The Slippery Rock Church started in 1803 and first met in a mill on the Slippery Rock creek. Older records and directories are very important as there have Ben big changes in church membership.

In the sixties most churches had memberships of 500 to 700 members say Kindle.

St. Agatha and Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Churches had at least 1000 membership each.

“The purpose of the Ellwood City Historical Society has always been, to collect, preserve and protect the artifacts and memorabilia of our home town and surrounding area. Collecting Church histories is just one of the projects of the group,” concludes Kindle.

To volunteer contact the Historical Society concerning the church program or call Andy Kindle 724-674-0299 or e-mail him at akindle@zoominternet.net. He will coordinate time to bring any material to the History Center at 310 Fifth Street.