History of Ellwood City Area Churches Presented at Historical Society Meeting

It was a busy evening during the first 2023 meeting of the Ellwood City Area Historical Society

The highlight of the evening was First Vice President Andy Kindle’s very informative presentation on the history of Ellwood City area churches at the Society’s monthly public meeting at the History Center on Monday, January 9th.

The information was compiled over the last six months by Andy and his committee and was well received by the 32 guests and members in attendance.

Outgoing president Everett Bleakney turned over the gavel after six successful years to new Society president Bob Morabito during the installation of Officers and Board members conducted by President Emeritus Al Kocher.

Also installed for 2023 were First Vice President, Andy Kindle, Second Vice President, Everett Bleakney, Treasurer, Dana Baker, Secretary, Lois Liebendorfer, and Board members Angela Hyde, Mary May, and Charles Brown. Not able to attend the meeting were Board members Chuck Means, Blanche Novak, and Alexis Estabrook who will be installed in a private ceremony.

Before stepping down, President Bleakney announced that the Pennsylvania State Historical and Museum Commission approved the placement of a marker along SR 65 recognizing Ellwood City native-born Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Lewis Robert “Hack” Wilson.

Everett noted that the Society will need to raise the $2,500.00 cost for the marker and that a public dedication ceremony will be held once the plaque is installed. After this announcement, an anonymous benefactor offered a one-to-one match for any funds donated to the Ellwood City Area Historical Society for this project. Donations may be marked “Hack” and sent to ECAHS, 310 Fifth Street Ellwood City, PA 16117.

At the close of the meeting, refreshments of cookies and a cake from Kimmel’s Bakery were served by Cindy Morabito, Jane Kocher, and Lois Liebendorfer.

The Society’s next meeting will be on Monday, February 13, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. when Mr. Tom Bickert will present the “History of the Red Barn Theatre.”

The presentation is open to the general public.