St. Peter's Through The Years
St. Peter's Lutheran Church has been a part of the community of North York and its surrounding areas since 1891. The church began in a barn and has moved to three other locations since then. St. Peter's has been served by 14 pastors since being founded: Monroe J. Alleman, Theodore Bahn Thomas, Joseph Baer Baker, David C. Burnite, Charles L. Ritter, Edward C. Ruby, James H. Goss, Ralph Gresh, Howard O. Walker, David J. Hoh, Paul Engelhart, Brenda P. Ritterpusch, Larry R. Bergh, and Beth A. Schlegel. The church has been blessed with two long-serving pastors -- Reverend David Hoh, who pastored the church for 20 years, and Reverend Howard Walker, who pastored the church for an amazing 31 years. The Reverend Beth A. Schlegel has been serving the congregation since January 2009.
Past events divided into 25 years each can be found via the tabs to the right. Go from the church's humble beginnings all the way to recent events.
Past events divided into 25 years each can be found via the tabs to the right. Go from the church's humble beginnings all the way to recent events.
In 1890, our church started meeting in North York (then known as Mayersville) in a biblical setting of a stable located on Court and 6th Avenue by a number of families looking for a place to practice their faith in their own community and to avoid a long trek into York.
On February 28, 1891, an organizational meeting of St. Peter's Lutheran Church was held in the schoolhouse at our new meeting place which stood on the corner of Court and 7th Avenue (at that time called Ocean Avenue). The next month Reverend Monroe J. Alleman was installed as our Pastor #1. Also, our first council of four (4) deacons were elected and installed. Our first Holy Communion was celebrated with thirteen (13) communicants.
On August 7, 1892, Reverend Theodore Bahn Thomas was installed as our Pastor #2. Later that month, on August 27, groundbreaking for our first church building on the corner of George Street and W. 8th Avenue occurred. The first cornerstone then was laid on October 30.
Our first building was completed nearly a year later. Dedication Day occurred on July 9, 1893. It was celebrated with a march from the schoolhouse to the new building on George Street and W. 8th Avenue. One week later, on July 16, the first communion was celebrated with 52 communicants.
Over the next several years, a couple of pastors came and went. Pastor Thomas left by 1904, with Reverend Joseph Baer Baker installed as our Pastor #3 in May 1904. Just two years later, Reverend David Clark Burnite was installed as our Pastor #4 on September 23, 1906. His tenure lasted for several years before Reverend Charles Lewis Ritter was installed as our Pastor #5 on December 1, 1912.
On January 18, 1913, the Lichtenberger family gave their land for our parsonage on the corner of George Street and Dewey Avenue. Pastor Ritter and his family first occupied the parsonage on October 1.
On February 28, 1891, an organizational meeting of St. Peter's Lutheran Church was held in the schoolhouse at our new meeting place which stood on the corner of Court and 7th Avenue (at that time called Ocean Avenue). The next month Reverend Monroe J. Alleman was installed as our Pastor #1. Also, our first council of four (4) deacons were elected and installed. Our first Holy Communion was celebrated with thirteen (13) communicants.
On August 7, 1892, Reverend Theodore Bahn Thomas was installed as our Pastor #2. Later that month, on August 27, groundbreaking for our first church building on the corner of George Street and W. 8th Avenue occurred. The first cornerstone then was laid on October 30.
Our first building was completed nearly a year later. Dedication Day occurred on July 9, 1893. It was celebrated with a march from the schoolhouse to the new building on George Street and W. 8th Avenue. One week later, on July 16, the first communion was celebrated with 52 communicants.
Over the next several years, a couple of pastors came and went. Pastor Thomas left by 1904, with Reverend Joseph Baer Baker installed as our Pastor #3 in May 1904. Just two years later, Reverend David Clark Burnite was installed as our Pastor #4 on September 23, 1906. His tenure lasted for several years before Reverend Charles Lewis Ritter was installed as our Pastor #5 on December 1, 1912.
On January 18, 1913, the Lichtenberger family gave their land for our parsonage on the corner of George Street and Dewey Avenue. Pastor Ritter and his family first occupied the parsonage on October 1.
On August 1, 1916, Reverend Edward Clayton Ruby was installed as our Pastor #6.
On May 25, 1921, the lot across from the parsonage was purchased for our current church location. It took nearly eight (8) years until groundbreaking occurred on May 19, 1929. On July 29, the new and old cornerstones were then laid, with dedication of our present building happening on February 23, 1930. The following week, on March 2, the congregation marched from the old church to our present location, and the first Sunday School classes were held along with the first baptism.
In between the purchase and the groundbreaking, Pastor Ruby had left the position as our pastor. Reverend Henry H. Weber became our supply minister on November 1, 1927, keeping the position until Reverend James H. Goss became our Pastor #7 on June 1, 1928. He held this position for over four years. Reverend Ralph Gresh then was installed as our Pastor #8 on February 15, 1933.
On May 25, 1921, the lot across from the parsonage was purchased for our current church location. It took nearly eight (8) years until groundbreaking occurred on May 19, 1929. On July 29, the new and old cornerstones were then laid, with dedication of our present building happening on February 23, 1930. The following week, on March 2, the congregation marched from the old church to our present location, and the first Sunday School classes were held along with the first baptism.
In between the purchase and the groundbreaking, Pastor Ruby had left the position as our pastor. Reverend Henry H. Weber became our supply minister on November 1, 1927, keeping the position until Reverend James H. Goss became our Pastor #7 on June 1, 1928. He held this position for over four years. Reverend Ralph Gresh then was installed as our Pastor #8 on February 15, 1933.
On April 27, 1941, Reverend Howard O. Walker was installed as our Pastor #9. He would become our longest serving pastor, staying at St. Peter's Lutheran Church until 1972.
In 1943, our first White Gift Service was held. Our first Christmas Eve Candlelight service was celebrated the following year, in 1944, and a long history of tradition was started.
The first in a few rounds of renovations was done a few years later. On October 24, 1948, a Rededication Service was held in the wake of extreme renovations.
In 1952, the Second Milers was organized. This group is now known as Friendly Neighbors. It only meets a couple times of year with a few people from Messiah United Methodist Church currently.
In 1959, our United Lutheran Church Women organized. This group is now defunct. Also, the second round of major renovations were done to the building. A Rededication Service was held on October 25.
In 1962, our Nawakwa Camperships were established. Youth still attend camp there over the summer to this date. St. Peter's has sent children there for many years, but there has been little interest in recent years.
The following year, in 1963, the Memorial Fund was established and is still in use to this date.
The first edition of our Parish Visitor was published in 1964. This year also marked the last homes razed for the acquisition of our north parking lot. Plus, our first annual Advent Family Day occurred.
In 1943, our first White Gift Service was held. Our first Christmas Eve Candlelight service was celebrated the following year, in 1944, and a long history of tradition was started.
The first in a few rounds of renovations was done a few years later. On October 24, 1948, a Rededication Service was held in the wake of extreme renovations.
In 1952, the Second Milers was organized. This group is now known as Friendly Neighbors. It only meets a couple times of year with a few people from Messiah United Methodist Church currently.
In 1959, our United Lutheran Church Women organized. This group is now defunct. Also, the second round of major renovations were done to the building. A Rededication Service was held on October 25.
In 1962, our Nawakwa Camperships were established. Youth still attend camp there over the summer to this date. St. Peter's has sent children there for many years, but there has been little interest in recent years.
The following year, in 1963, the Memorial Fund was established and is still in use to this date.
The first edition of our Parish Visitor was published in 1964. This year also marked the last homes razed for the acquisition of our north parking lot. Plus, our first annual Advent Family Day occurred.
Reverend Howard O. Walker left the position as our pastor after nearly 31 years, ending his tenure as our longest serving pastor. Reverend George D. Melhorn become our supply minister in 1972. On January 1, 1973, Reverend David J. Hoh was installed as our Pastor #10.
In 1976, our first annual Parish Retreat weekend occurred at Camp Nawakwa. One occurred every year through 2005, when lack of interest put it on hiatus. One was tried again in 2010.
A third round of renovations occurred in 1977. On February 5, 1978, there was a Rededication Service for the Project Renewal.
In 1983, the church acquired a set of hand bells, and the Hand Bell Choir was formed.
In January 1987, our Endowment Fund was established. A few months later, on April 30, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was established.
In 1976, our first annual Parish Retreat weekend occurred at Camp Nawakwa. One occurred every year through 2005, when lack of interest put it on hiatus. One was tried again in 2010.
A third round of renovations occurred in 1977. On February 5, 1978, there was a Rededication Service for the Project Renewal.
In 1983, the church acquired a set of hand bells, and the Hand Bell Choir was formed.
In January 1987, our Endowment Fund was established. A few months later, on April 30, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was established.
A milestone occasion occurred in 1991 as St. Peter's Lutheran Church celebrated its 100th Anniversary. Special events occurred each month in celebration. Reverend Paul Engelhart also became Assistant Minister to Pastor Hoh that year. In April 1993, he was installed as our Pastor #11 as Pastor Hoh ended his 20-year tenure as our pastor.
In June 1996, Reverend Carol P. Murtorff became our supply pastor after the untimely and unexpected death of Pastor Engelhart from a medical issue. She remained in the position until shortly before Reverend Brenda P. Ritterpusch was installed as our Pastor #12 in November 1997.
In December 1999, our Live Nativity entitled Led By a Star began. It was held on the first or second Sunday in December through 2013, when our aging congregation and lack of volunteers led to the inability to continue the tradition. It was only cancelled twice due to wintry weather -- the first only a year after starting the event, in 2000, and unfortunately in 2013 in what ultimately ended up being the final year. On two other occasions, the event was moved indoors due to rain.
In September 2001, Reverend Richard A. Starr began as our interim pastor. Beginning in May 2002, his duties were split between himself, Reverend Dr. E. Gordon Ross and Reverend Dr. Charles E. Snyder. Their duties ended in September 2003 when Reverend Larry R. Bergh began as our pastor. He was installed on January 11, 2004, as our Pastor #13.
On October 8, 2006, Reverend Dr. Amy C. Schifrin began as our interim pastor. She remained in this position until November 2, 2008. A supply pastor was brought in until Pastor Schlegel began as our pastor on January 18, 2009. She was installed as our Pastor #14 on March 1, 2009.
In 2010, discussion began on the need for an elevator and handicapped accessible restrooms. After months of discussion, the Accessibility and Renewal Project was approved by a special congregational meeting on August 21, 2011. Construction of an addition on the north side of the building began in June 2012 and took about six months to complete. Occupancy was granted on November 20, 2012. An open house was held for the community in April 2013 ahead of a special dedication service.
In June 2010, a clothing ministry was started upon finding a need for the mission after doing one for victims of a fire that destroyed two row homes across the street from the church.
The following year, the church marked their 120th Anniversary with a few special events.
In March 2013, a free community meal on the second Sundays of each month was started. It has been a success, seeing between 50 to 75 people in attendance.
In July 2013, seminarian Del Akech Del began a two-year internship at the church. He would assist Pastor Schlegel two Sundays a month (three on a five-Sunday month). The other two Sunday he supplied at Grace Lutheran Church. His internship then ended in June 2015.
In June 1996, Reverend Carol P. Murtorff became our supply pastor after the untimely and unexpected death of Pastor Engelhart from a medical issue. She remained in the position until shortly before Reverend Brenda P. Ritterpusch was installed as our Pastor #12 in November 1997.
In December 1999, our Live Nativity entitled Led By a Star began. It was held on the first or second Sunday in December through 2013, when our aging congregation and lack of volunteers led to the inability to continue the tradition. It was only cancelled twice due to wintry weather -- the first only a year after starting the event, in 2000, and unfortunately in 2013 in what ultimately ended up being the final year. On two other occasions, the event was moved indoors due to rain.
In September 2001, Reverend Richard A. Starr began as our interim pastor. Beginning in May 2002, his duties were split between himself, Reverend Dr. E. Gordon Ross and Reverend Dr. Charles E. Snyder. Their duties ended in September 2003 when Reverend Larry R. Bergh began as our pastor. He was installed on January 11, 2004, as our Pastor #13.
On October 8, 2006, Reverend Dr. Amy C. Schifrin began as our interim pastor. She remained in this position until November 2, 2008. A supply pastor was brought in until Pastor Schlegel began as our pastor on January 18, 2009. She was installed as our Pastor #14 on March 1, 2009.
In 2010, discussion began on the need for an elevator and handicapped accessible restrooms. After months of discussion, the Accessibility and Renewal Project was approved by a special congregational meeting on August 21, 2011. Construction of an addition on the north side of the building began in June 2012 and took about six months to complete. Occupancy was granted on November 20, 2012. An open house was held for the community in April 2013 ahead of a special dedication service.
In June 2010, a clothing ministry was started upon finding a need for the mission after doing one for victims of a fire that destroyed two row homes across the street from the church.
The following year, the church marked their 120th Anniversary with a few special events.
In March 2013, a free community meal on the second Sundays of each month was started. It has been a success, seeing between 50 to 75 people in attendance.
In July 2013, seminarian Del Akech Del began a two-year internship at the church. He would assist Pastor Schlegel two Sundays a month (three on a five-Sunday month). The other two Sunday he supplied at Grace Lutheran Church. His internship then ended in June 2015.
St. Peter's Lutheran Church marked its 125th Anniversary in 2016 with a celebration brunch in April. Pastor Ritterpusch returned for the occasion.
In 2017, masonry work was done on deteriorating brick and capstones around the roofline of the older portion of the church. Also, the first annual "Journey with Jesus" event was held in July. It was retooled in 2018 to focus more around the Easter story, and a new format was tried in 2019.
The synodical renewal process called R3: ReForm, ReNew, ReVision began as well in 2017. One of the projects borne out of this process as a way of connecting with the community was a community ice cream party that was done in August 2018. It was a great success as nearly 200 people in total between the community, entertainment and members of the church attended.
In September 2019, a Special Congregational meeting was held to discuss sharing Pastor Schlegel with Christ Lutheran Church in Manchester. It was passed unanimously by both congregations. Pastor Schlegel began her shared ministry then in October 2019. Our worship service time was altered slightly to accommodate this change.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to churches having to cancel in-person worship in March 2020, including St. Peter's. As a result, Pastor Schlegel was thrusted into a new endeavor of learning how to spread the Good News via various technology venues. Our YouTube Channel was created in June, and with the assistance of our Director of Music, Tim Lambert, doing video editing, a worship service was livestreamed each week. Meetings and Bible Study courses were done via Zoom.
In 2017, masonry work was done on deteriorating brick and capstones around the roofline of the older portion of the church. Also, the first annual "Journey with Jesus" event was held in July. It was retooled in 2018 to focus more around the Easter story, and a new format was tried in 2019.
The synodical renewal process called R3: ReForm, ReNew, ReVision began as well in 2017. One of the projects borne out of this process as a way of connecting with the community was a community ice cream party that was done in August 2018. It was a great success as nearly 200 people in total between the community, entertainment and members of the church attended.
In September 2019, a Special Congregational meeting was held to discuss sharing Pastor Schlegel with Christ Lutheran Church in Manchester. It was passed unanimously by both congregations. Pastor Schlegel began her shared ministry then in October 2019. Our worship service time was altered slightly to accommodate this change.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to churches having to cancel in-person worship in March 2020, including St. Peter's. As a result, Pastor Schlegel was thrusted into a new endeavor of learning how to spread the Good News via various technology venues. Our YouTube Channel was created in June, and with the assistance of our Director of Music, Tim Lambert, doing video editing, a worship service was livestreamed each week. Meetings and Bible Study courses were done via Zoom.
St. peter's lutheran church
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