CHURCHES

Settlers came gradually into Lackawannock Township. By the turn of the century they were anxiously anticipating building area places of worship. There was no lack of the "Spirit and the Truth." The custom was to gather in the homes or under the shade trees during the summer. Two Presbyterian Churches had been built in Northern Mercer County, namely, Fairfield in 1799 and Coolspring in 1800.

[Photo of Unity Church, not copied]

Unity

In the first decade of 1800, Lackawannock settlers asked for permission to move toward the organization of another Presbyterian Church. In 1823 they erected a small 30'X30' building rudely from logs on land owned by the father of James Blackstone. (Location was on the south side of Route 318 several hundred feet across from the present Twp. Municipal Building.) This proved to be a suitable location, due to a well nearby, for several years. Soon the building became much too small.

In January of 1832 a second petition was issued to the Presbytery of Hartford. On August 27, 1832 the petition was approved and Unity Presbyterian Church was born. Now it was placed in Shenango Presbytery. Rev. James Satterfield continued to be the Circuit Pastor and thus, conducted the Congregational Meeting.

A much more spacious church was needed. In 1837 a few acres were purchased from John Wilson across the road from the present church. The building never was completed.

Therefore, in 1853, the congregation decided to build a new house of worship, 41'X56' with 58 pews. It was erected across the road where the present church stands.

The first resident pastor was Rev. D.C. Reed, installed Sept. 25, 1849. (However, Rev. Henry Webber, served as pastor for a few years previous. He lived in Pulaski. Thus, he resigned due to the traveling distance.) Rev. Reed served as pastor until 1882. He passed away in 1892 and was laid to rest in Unity Cemetery.

Rev. T.D. Stewart was installed as pastor on Jan. 14, 1884. (The Hedrick residence on Bethel Hill was used by the Stewarts.) His pastorate covered twenty-two years, until 1906. (He served as chairman of the present church Building Committee in 1900.) Rev. Stewart passed away in 1910 and was laid to rest in Clarksville Cemetery. Several of his extended family live in Mercer County.

In January of 1900 at the Annual Congregational Meeting it was decided to build a new church. Growth both spiritually and materially was being experienced. The old building was sold to Stewart and Son in Charleston to be used as a blacksmith shop.

The new edifice was a beautiful and comfortable place of worship. The first service was held on April 6, 1900. Three outstanding features enjoyed through the years: the slanting floor, tall steeple and beautiful stained-glass windows. Unity could boast of the most modern facility in the area. 60 shelters were built to the south of the church to accommodate the teams and carriages.

During the next two years, 1906-08, Rev. George Noetling served as pastor. In 1907 the first manse was purchased from Dr. Tom Elliott in Greenfield. It is now the home of Mrs. Mary Harhager.

In 1910 Rev. James S. Pittinger was installed. He served the congregation diligently, covering the area by horse and carriage, until his health ailed him. He sought restoration in Florida, but passed away on Easter Sunday 1917. His body rests in Unity Cemetery.

In December of 1917 Rev. H.O. McDonald was installed as pastor. He could be found helping his parishioners in the field, the barn, the orchard, etc. For 3� years he served, especially setting the Sunday School in order. After 3� years he answered a call to Enon Valley, then to Chester. W. Va. He is buried in Portersville Cemetery.

Rev. W.C. Ferver was installed on April 5, 1922. With his guidance, Unity celebrated its "Century of Growth" in August of 1932. His pastorate took us safely through the Great Depression, making many sacrifices. His interest in Christian Education was keen; and he served many years as Pastor Counselor of Mercer County C.E. Union. He retired in 1944. He died in December, 1949 and laid to rest in Unity Cemetery.

Rev. Gerald Palmer was installed in Oct. 1944. He served the congregation for two years by walking many miles to call on the members. He left in Oct. 1946 to accept a charge in Corsica, Pa.

The Unity pulpit was vacant for two years. Rev. Thomas Russell was installed in August, 1948. The family moved into the new bungalow Manse soon after it was completed. The lot was a gift of Francis Bartholomew. Rev. Russell is remembered especially for his singing and chalk-drawings. He left Unity in Jan. 1951. He died in 1964.

Rev. Robert G. Freytag arrived at Unity on Oct. 31, 1951 in a snow storm. They enjoyed the new manse. Being a florist in New Jersey prior to coming, he had the house surrounded by a variety of flowers which were enjoyed by all. Although nearing retirement age he had a great vitality and endurance. He resigned on Feb. 1, 1959, moving to Illinois.

In June of 1959 Rev. James E. Wigley a young man was called to Unity from Meadville. His wife passed away in 1975 after a long illness. He later married Jeanne Barlett. He resigned in 1982 after chairing the 160th Anniversary of the Church.

1982 - Rev. Donald Ludwig, Interim pastor.
1983-1987 - Rev. Larry Lees, pastor

For several years the pulpit was filled by Grove City College Bible Professors Dr. James Bibza and Dr. Gary Smith as Interim Pastors.

In 1988 Rev. Lanny Mellinger accepted a call to Unity. During his pastorate a new manse was completed on the east edge of Greenfield. He also was responsible for the organization of three fine projects within the church: Habitat for Humanity. Christmas International House and Presbyterian Men. He moved on to Illinois in 1995.

Again the church was served by Rev. Harold Tongen as interim until Ma 31, 1998. He accepted a call to Wheaton, Minnesota.

While the Pulpit Nominating Committee worked diligently, Dr. James Bibza served as Interim Pastor.

The new century brought to the church Rev. Robert E. Dunkelberger on Jan. 1, 2000.

He is finding the community quite interesting, having been raised on a farm in central Pa.

Many additions and changes have taken place during the last century: a large Fellowship Hall, stainless steel kitchen, several Sunday School classrooms, one-level chancel, convenient bathrooms, a fine sound system, a new pulpit and pew Bibles and most recently a "Porch Lift" - 7 feet from the Fellowship Hall to the Sanctuary. Air conditioning has been installed during the summer of 2000.

The 1985 tornado created minimal damage on May 31. Several months were required to restore the building.

Since 1850 Unity Church has actively participated in the Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society. The Maude Ferver Auxiliary was organized. In 1988 Southern Presbyterian women joined with Presbyterian ladies. Several changes were necessary, but a stronger mission effort has been the result. Shenango Presbyterian's Presbyterian Women is an active organization.

In 1882, Dr. Watson Hayes and wife, Margaret, left on their wedding day to spend their lives as missionaries to China. They served until 1947. A memorial stone stands in Unity Cemetery.

Christian Endeavor has been a very active Youth organization since 1895. Several members have served as county, state and international officers.

An active Sunday School operates the year round. Many qualified men and women serve as teachers for all ages. The Vacation Bible School is supported by the Sunday School.

The Music of the church is very well organized by the Worship and Congregational Life Committee. Jane Bartholomew serves as organist and Choir Director. Jane Burns is pianist. A new Roland Digital piano with full keyboard adds much to the instrumental music of piano and organ. An active choir consists of all ages.

Marsha Parrish of Unity was commissioned as Lay Pastor by Shenango Presbytery on June 20, 2000.