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Seeds of Faith |
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 Twelve
decades ago the leadership and members of First Presbyterian Church made
a monumental decision. They agreed to move one block from the corner of
Third and Market to the corner of Fourth and Market Streets, Bloomsburg.
They gave up a building that resembled many other mid-19th century
churches in the area, a two-story Greek Revival building, for a
Victorian Gothic revival structure. Why they made this decision is not
clear. Certainly the new site was not more convenient for members who
either walked or drove a buggy to church services. However, the contrast
in aesthetics between the two buildings offers hints of their
motivation.
The older building with its rectangular shape, clear glass windows, and flat ceiling reflected the plain-spoken faith of 17th and 18th Century American Calvinist Protestants. The new building suggested a desire to regain much of the ambience that had been lost in the iconoclastic Reformation. A soaring, arched-ceiling interior, symbolic stained glass, an organ, stone walls, and a landmark steeple suggest a thirst for a spiritually uplifting worship experience. Nevertheless, the new building was not a complete return to the past. The pulpit remained central, and the pews in their semicircular, raked design guaranteed good sight lines focused on the pulpit. Steam heat assured winter comfort. The fact that twenty years later they built an education wing with fellowship facilities suggests that practicality was not their first concern. In the 20th Century modifications in the sanctuary design occurred in chancel rearrangements and organ replacements. In addition, lighting and sound systems were installed and upgraded periodically. However, in the past 110 years few have questioned the decision to design and build this sanctuary. No one has suggested that we follow the pattern of many congregations in Bloomsburg and elsewhere to build worship centers located in outlying areas with larger parking facilities and better access to members' homes. Somehow, too much would be lost, too little gained. However, a 110-year-old building, like any treasured antique, needs regular loving maintenance. That's why Session authorized the Seeds of Faith campaign. In response to the recommendations of various experts, the Session has developed priorities to safeguard the physical integrity of the sanctuary. These include replacing the roof, re-grouting the masonry walls, re-leading the stained glass windows, and repainting the interior. The Session wants future generations to worship Sunday after Sunday in the warmth of the Emmaus window; to bask in the glow of the Christmas Eve candlelight service; to thrill to the music sung and played in worship, recitals, and concerts; to treasure the memories of weddings, and to find solace at funerals and memorial services. Already the Trustees have made arrangements to devote current available assets and to secure loans for the re-roofing project. In addition, they have submitted a grant proposal to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. However, the bulk of the required funds must come from the congregation and its friends if these crucial needs are to be addressed promptly. This requires a commitment from all who find this building "holy ground". Just as we in this day enjoy the benefits of our 19th Century predecessors, so we owe future generations the opportunity to worship God "in the beauty of holiness". First Presbyterian Church Bloomsburg welcomes the support of individuals and businesses in the community. If you would like to help "Seeds of Faith" grow to preserve this treasured place, stop by the church office, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and ask for campaign and pledge materials. Or, call the church during office hours at 784-2322. |
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