Difference between revisions of "Allentown Mennonite Church (Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA)"

From GAMEO
Jump to navigation Jump to search
[unchecked revision][checked revision]
(CSV import - 20130820)
(added links)
 
(2 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 5: Line 5:
 
An important ministry of the congregation from 1949 to 1964 was a large annual two-week [[Summer Bible School|summer Bible school]], later expanding into two separate two-week sessions. Teachers came from many other congregations. Well-behaved children who had perfect attendance and memorized scripture were rewarded with a week’s camping experience at [[Men-O-Lan, Camp (Quakertown, Pennsylvania, USA)|Camp Men-O-Lan]], [[Quakertown (Pennsylvania, USA)|Quakertown]], Pennsylvania. Throughout the year many of these children and youth were involved in crafts activities and Sunday school. Decades later many people in the Allentown area testify to the Christian teaching they received through the church’s ministries during this era.
 
An important ministry of the congregation from 1949 to 1964 was a large annual two-week [[Summer Bible School|summer Bible school]], later expanding into two separate two-week sessions. Teachers came from many other congregations. Well-behaved children who had perfect attendance and memorized scripture were rewarded with a week’s camping experience at [[Men-O-Lan, Camp (Quakertown, Pennsylvania, USA)|Camp Men-O-Lan]], [[Quakertown (Pennsylvania, USA)|Quakertown]], Pennsylvania. Throughout the year many of these children and youth were involved in crafts activities and Sunday school. Decades later many people in the Allentown area testify to the Christian teaching they received through the church’s ministries during this era.
  
−
[[File:Allentown-Mennonite-Church-1974.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Allentown Mennonite Church in 1974 (top) and after it closed in 2001
+
[[File:Allentown-Mennonite-Church-1974.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Allentown Mennonite Church in 1974.<br />Photo courtesy of Mennonite Heritage Center, Harleysville, Pennsylvania.'']]   
−
 
+
[[File:Allentown-Mennonite-Church-2001.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Allentown Mennonite Church after it closed in 2001.<br />Photo courtesy of Mennonite Heritage Center, Harleysville,
−
(bottom). Photos courtesy of Mennonite Heritage Center, Harleysville,  
+
Pennsylvania. '']]     
−
 
+
In 1951, when the federal government required [[Conscientious Objection|conscientious objectors]] to perform [[Civilian Public Service|civilian service]] in lieu of military service, many young men found employment at the [[Allentown State Hospital (Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA)|Allentown State Hospital]], Allentown General Hospital, and the Good Shepherd Home. Alvin Detweiler and Walter Hackman served as counselors to these men. A few of these men stayed in the area and became active in the church. Having residents of Good Shepherd involved in congregational life introduced everyone to the special needs and gifts of persons with disabilities.  
−
Pennsylvania.  
 
−
 
 
−
'']]  [[File:Allentown-Mennonite-Church-2001.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Allentown Mennonite Church in 1974 (top) and after it closed in 2001  
 
−
 
 
−
(bottom). Photos courtesy of Mennonite Heritage Center, Harleysville,  
 
−
 
 
−
Pennsylvania.  
 
−
 
 
−
'']]    In 1951, when the federal government required [[Conscientious Objection|conscientious objectors]] to perform [[Civilian Public Service|civilian service]] in lieu of military service, many young men found employment at the [[Allentown State Hospital (Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA)|Allentown State Hospital]], Allentown General Hospital, and the Good Shepherd Home. Alvin Detweiler and Walter Hackman served as counselors to these men. A few of these men stayed in the area and became active in the church. Having residents of Good Shepherd involved in congregational life introduced everyone to the special needs and gifts of persons with disabilities.  
 
  
 
In 1961 the congregation purchased seven acres bordered by woodland along Brunner Road near Vera Cruz, Pennsylvania for a cemetery. However, this “Mountain View” property was used primarily as a summer day camp, and congregational worship and recreational activities were held here.  Around 1980 a pavilion was erected. In 1992 the property was sold and the five graves removed.  
 
In 1961 the congregation purchased seven acres bordered by woodland along Brunner Road near Vera Cruz, Pennsylvania for a cemetery. However, this “Mountain View” property was used primarily as a summer day camp, and congregational worship and recreational activities were held here.  Around 1980 a pavilion was erected. In 1992 the property was sold and the five graves removed.  
Line 25: Line 16:
 
With dwindling membership, the congregation disbanded with Martin Sauder preaching the last sermon on 2 January 2000. Other church and ministry groups rented the building for a time. The [[Vietnamese Gospel Mennonite Church (Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA)|Vietnamese Gospel Mennonite Church]] began meeting here in April 2004 after Franconia Mennonite Conference deeded the property to the church.
 
With dwindling membership, the congregation disbanded with Martin Sauder preaching the last sermon on 2 January 2000. Other church and ministry groups rented the building for a time. The [[Vietnamese Gospel Mennonite Church (Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA)|Vietnamese Gospel Mennonite Church]] began meeting here in April 2004 after Franconia Mennonite Conference deeded the property to the church.
  
−
There was a more recent Allentown Mennonite Church. Around 2007, the Hope Mennonite Fellowship, after several years of ministry in the Lehigh County Prison, rented a small unused church building at South Seventh and St. John Streets and established the Allentown Mennonite Mission. After purchasing and renovating the building, it was dedicated on 29 November 2009, taking the name Allentown Mennonite Church.
+
There was a more recent [[Allentown Mennonite Church (HMF)(Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA)|Allentown Mennonite Church]]. In 2007, the [[Hope Mennonite Fellowship]], after several years of ministry in the Lehigh County Prison, rented a small unused church building at South Seventh and St. John Streets and established the Allentown Mennonite Mission. After purchasing and renovating the building, it was dedicated on 29 November 2009, taking the name Allentown Mennonite Church.
 
= Bibliography =
 
= Bibliography =
 
Archives at [http://mhep.org/ Mennonite Heritage Center], Harleysville, Pennsylvania.
 
Archives at [http://mhep.org/ Mennonite Heritage Center], Harleysville, Pennsylvania.
 
= Additional Information =
 
= Additional Information =
−
<h3>Allentown Mennonite Church Pastors</h3> <div> <table class="vertical listing">  <tr> <th><strong>Name</strong></th> <th><strong>Years of
+
== Allentown Mennonite Church Pastors ==
−
 
+
{|  class="wikitable"  
−
Service</strong></th> </tr>  <tr> <td>Alvin F. Detweiler</td> <td>1949-1964</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Elmer S. Yoder </td> <td>1965-1967 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>James R. Armstrong </td> <td>1967-1970 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ray L. Landis </td> <td>1971-1975 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Roy Kapanka </td> <td>1976-1977 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Luke S. Martin </td> <td>1977-1988 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Robert G. Walters 
+
! Name !! Years<br />of Service
 +
|-
 +
| Alvin F. Detweiler || 1949-1964
 +
|-
 +
| Elmer S. Yoder  || 1965-1967 
 +
|-
 +
| James R. Armstrong  || 1967-1970 
 +
|-
 +
| Ray L. Landis  || 1971-1975 
 +
|-
 +
| Roy Kapanka  || 1976-1977 
 +
|-
 +
| Luke S. Martin  || 1977-1988 
 +
|-
 +
| Robert G. Walters<br />(Interim) || 1988-1989 
 +
|-
 +
| Keith Espenshade  || 1990-1995 
 +
|-
 +
| Martin Sauder  || 1995-2000 
 +
|}
 +
== Allentown Mennonite Church Membership ==
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right;"
 +
! Year !! Members
 +
|-
 +
| 1951  || 22 
 +
|-
 +
| 1955  || 33 
 +
|-
 +
| 1960  || 60 
 +
|-
 +
| 1965  || 81 
 +
|-
 +
| 1970  || 69 
 +
|-
 +
| 1975  || 54 
 +
|-
 +
| 1980  || 58 
 +
|-
 +
| 1985  || 63 
 +
|-
 +
| 1990  || 59 
 +
|-
 +
| 1995  || 26 
 +
|-
 +
| 2000  || 25 
 +
|}
 +
{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, p. 57|date=April 2012|a1_last=Martin|a1_first=Luke S.|a2_last=Leatherman|a2_first=Quintus }}
  
−
(Interim)</td> <td>1988-1989 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Keith Espenshade </td> <td>1990-1995 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Martin Sauder </td> <td>1995-2000 </td> </tr>  </table> </div> <h3>Allentown Mennonite Church Membership</h3> <div> <table class="vertical listing">  <tr> <th><strong>Year</strong></th> <th><strong>Members</strong></th> </tr>  <tr> <td>1951 </td> <td>22 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>1955 </td> <td>33 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>1960 </td> <td>60 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>1965 </td> <td>81 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>1970 </td> <td>69 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>1975 </td> <td>54 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>1980 </td> <td>58 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>1985 </td> <td>63 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>1990 </td> <td>59 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>1995 </td> <td>26 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>2000 </td> <td>25 </td> </tr>  </table> </div> <h3></h3>
+
[[Category:Churches]]
−
{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, p. 57|date=April 2012|a1_last=Martin|a1_first=Luke S.|a2_last=Leatherman|a2_first=Quintus }}
+
[[Category:Mennonite Church (MC) Congregations]]
 +
[[Category:Franconia Mennonite Conference Congregations]]
 +
[[Category:Extinct Congregations]]
 +
[[Category:Pennsylvania Congregations]]
 +
[[Category:United States Congregations]]

Latest revision as of 14:49, 11 June 2016

Evangelistic ministries in Allentown, Pennsylvania, by preacher David L. Gehman and other interested persons from Franconia Mennonite Conference began as early as 1930. Evangelistic services by Elias W. Kulp were held at 810 St. John Street, a building rented by the Franconia Mennonite Board of Missions and Charities. The work was discontinued for a time, but was revived in 1945, led by Walter and Ruth Hackman, Mark and Sara Frederick, Henry Musselman and others. Community distribution of The Way and prison visitation were part of the evangelistic ministry. A three-story building was purchased for meeting space and parsonage at 811 South Sixth Street near the Good Shepherd Home in 1948-49. A new auditorium with basement classrooms was added in 1955, with dedication services on 11 March 1956. Alvin Detweiler was ordained by lot to serve as pastor in 1949; Kathryn Detweiler supported her husband in ministry and was known as a great hostess. Many who supported the development of the church commuted from the Souderton area. Attendance in the early 1960s exceeded 200 persons.        

An important ministry of the congregation from 1949 to 1964 was a large annual two-week summer Bible school, later expanding into two separate two-week sessions. Teachers came from many other congregations. Well-behaved children who had perfect attendance and memorized scripture were rewarded with a week’s camping experience at Camp Men-O-Lan, Quakertown, Pennsylvania. Throughout the year many of these children and youth were involved in crafts activities and Sunday school. Decades later many people in the Allentown area testify to the Christian teaching they received through the church’s ministries during this era.

Allentown Mennonite Church in 1974.
Photo courtesy of Mennonite Heritage Center, Harleysville, Pennsylvania.
Allentown Mennonite Church after it closed in 2001.
Photo courtesy of Mennonite Heritage Center, Harleysville, Pennsylvania. 

In 1951, when the federal government required conscientious objectors to perform civilian service in lieu of military service, many young men found employment at the Allentown State Hospital, Allentown General Hospital, and the Good Shepherd Home. Alvin Detweiler and Walter Hackman served as counselors to these men. A few of these men stayed in the area and became active in the church. Having residents of Good Shepherd involved in congregational life introduced everyone to the special needs and gifts of persons with disabilities.  

In 1961 the congregation purchased seven acres bordered by woodland along Brunner Road near Vera Cruz, Pennsylvania for a cemetery. However, this “Mountain View” property was used primarily as a summer day camp, and congregational worship and recreational activities were held here.  Around 1980 a pavilion was erected. In 1992 the property was sold and the five graves removed.  

Stanley Beidler, Winfield Ruth and Robert Walters served the congregation as Franconia Mennonite Conference overseers. Scores of former church members have gone on to other church ministries.  

With dwindling membership, the congregation disbanded with Martin Sauder preaching the last sermon on 2 January 2000. Other church and ministry groups rented the building for a time. The Vietnamese Gospel Mennonite Church began meeting here in April 2004 after Franconia Mennonite Conference deeded the property to the church.

There was a more recent Allentown Mennonite Church. In 2007, the Hope Mennonite Fellowship, after several years of ministry in the Lehigh County Prison, rented a small unused church building at South Seventh and St. John Streets and established the Allentown Mennonite Mission. After purchasing and renovating the building, it was dedicated on 29 November 2009, taking the name Allentown Mennonite Church.

Bibliography

Archives at Mennonite Heritage Center, Harleysville, Pennsylvania.

Additional Information

Allentown Mennonite Church Pastors

Name Years
of Service
Alvin F. Detweiler 1949-1964
Elmer S. Yoder  1965-1967 
James R. Armstrong  1967-1970 
Ray L. Landis  1971-1975 
Roy Kapanka  1976-1977 
Luke S. Martin  1977-1988 
Robert G. Walters
(Interim)		 1988-1989 
Keith Espenshade  1990-1995 
Martin Sauder  1995-2000 

Allentown Mennonite Church Membership

Year Members
1951  22 
1955  33 
1960  60 
1965  81 
1970  69 
1975  54 
1980  58 
1985  63 
1990  59 
1995  26 
2000  25 


Author(s) Luke S. Martin
Quintus Leatherman
Date Published April 2012

Cite This Article

MLA style

Martin, Luke S. and Quintus Leatherman. "Allentown Mennonite Church (Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. April 2012. Web. 18 Dec 2024. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Allentown_Mennonite_Church_(Allentown,_Pennsylvania,_USA)&oldid=134420.

APA style

Martin, Luke S. and Quintus Leatherman. (April 2012). Allentown Mennonite Church (Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 18 December 2024, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Allentown_Mennonite_Church_(Allentown,_Pennsylvania,_USA)&oldid=134420.



Hpbuttns.png

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 57. All rights reserved.


©1996-2024 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.

Retrieved from "https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Allentown_Mennonite_Church_(Allentown,_Pennsylvania,_USA)&oldid=134420"