Fifty-three years ago to the day, St. Luke’s UCC, as it stands now, held its original dedication ceremony to welcome the congregation home to their new building.

Their original church building was condemned following Hurricane Agnes, described as a “final blow to the structure that had housed St. Luke’s congregation for almost 100 years.”

When the hurricane hit Lock Haven on June 22, 1972, the riverbanks were filled at 21 feet of water. Their former church was located where Triangle Park now sits in downtown Lock Haven, and at that time the structure was requested to be razed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Once razed to the ground, that plot of land was given to the city to create Triangle Park.

After the church was demolished, St. Luke’s congregation was invited to worship with their neighbor church, Great Island Presbyterian.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Various pieces of stained glass art, some of which are from the old building and others of which are new are pictured.

Months later, action was taken to purchase and build a new building at their current location on West Fourth Street, in what was a newly-growing residential section of the city. According to records from St. Luke’s, a building committee made up of congregation members were appointed and set off to face the challenges that laid before them.

There were a few crises during the creation of the building. First, in March 1973, the architect, Wayne Franks, presented a cost estimate to the congregation in the amount of $450,000, but the low bid for the project was $100,000 more than the estimate. The members were canvassed and the additional funds were received, but this issue was not resolved in its entirety.

The contractor who had been the successful bidder could not get bonding for the project, forcing the committee to seek out alternative bids. An additional $50,000 was added to their cost estimate for a total of $600,000.

The committee had options at this point, and it was decided Mr. George Hendricks, who had been a member of the congregation in his youth, would work closely with the architect and building committee to plan the most economical design for the facility.

A contract was negotiated with J.B. Gibbons Construction firm in the amount of $402,000 and was approved by the congregation in April 1974.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS A plaque shows the names of the charter members of what was then known as St. Luke’s Reformed Church.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 16, 1974, with the building planning to be finished the following year.

Just as the former church had been, the current St. Luke’s UCC has been home to countless memories. From wedding ceremonies and funerals to baptisms and confirmations, the church has seen birthday parties, baby showers, anniversary parties, sorority meetings and so much more.

The church has been home to various organizations throughout the years with the fellowship hall being rented out for great events.

St. Lukes has also hosted blood drives, CPR classes, veterans benefit groups and many more community outreach programs — they collect snacks for the former Susqueview and host food drives for the Salvation Army.

They try to not only encourage the community to be active in the church, but also give back to those who helped them.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Various pieces of stained glass art, some of which are from the old building and others of which are new are pictured.

Ten percent of the profits from fundraising events such as their fall and spring fairs, soup sales and bake sales benefit something or someone in the community — whether it be an individual who needs assistance with medical expenses or a local nonprofit organization.

Though they don’t get as much foot traffic on the hill as they did downtown, they still welcome everyone with open arms.

They hope to get more congregation members in the coming years, including younger members to continue the traditions they hold dear. Regardless, they will rise to the challenge and keep continuing on like they have been for nearly 150 years.

The renovations that prompted this rededication include a new ceiling and roof — a new wooden ceiling that adds to the acoustics for the choir loft. Up in the loft, the choir is circled around a pipe organ that was once in their former church. The instrument is expertly played by Kathleen Malenke.

Pastor Dave Miller welcomes everyone who wishes to attend their regular Sunday service with communion tomorrow and experience this momentous rededication.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Various pieces of stained glass art, some of which are from the old building and others of which are new are pictured.

Malenke will perform with Sue Miller a song that Miller wrote specially for the dedication. After the song, the rededication ceremony will be followed by refreshments.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Various pieces of stained glass art, some of which are from the old building and others of which are new are pictured.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Various pieces of stained glass art, some of which are from the old building and others of which are new are pictured.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Various pieces of stained glass art, some of which are from the old building and others of which are new are pictured.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS A painting by Helen M. Day depicts St. Luke’s United Church of Christ when it was located in Lock Haven where Triangle Park sits today.