New Berlin in Union County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Church of the Evangelical Association
Early preaching services of the Evangelical Association were held in homes, schoolhouses, and public buildings. The first church building of the denomination was erected at this spot in New Berlin, Union County PA in 1816. The lot for the building was bought May 1, 1815, for the purchase price of $112.00.
The original meeting-house was a log structure, 24x38 feet, and had two entrances with double doors. The windows were small and few in number. For evening services the room was lighted by candles arranged along the walls. The "pews" were benches with open backs and fashioned from boards. The pulpit resembled a birds's nest and was built into the west wall half-way between the floor and the ceiling, with a narrow stairway for access. It was only large enough to hold one speaker at a time. There was no carpet on the floor, and the windows were without shades. No paint was used on any part of the interior. The building was heated by a large, wood-burning, ten-plate stove in the center aisle.
The structure was erected with funds gathered over the large territory in which the Evangelical Association operated and was formally dedicated on March 2, 1817, by Presiding Elder John Dreisbach - the highest ranking official of the Association. It was a day of rejoicing for the ministers and members of the denomination.
In later years the building was weather-boarded and painted white, a small steeple with a bell was placed on the roof, and the interior was remodeled. The structure was torn down in 1873, when a brick church building was erected two blocks to the north, and relics were made from the pulpit and pews.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1816.
Location. 40° 52.592′ N, 76° 59.109′ W. Marker is in New Berlin, Pennsylvania, in Union County. Marker is on Water Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Berlin PA 17855, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. United Methodist Sites in New Berlin (here, next to this marker); "Albright's People" (here, next to this marker); First Church Building and Printing House of the Evangelical Association (here, next to this marker); First Printing House of the Evangelical Association (a few steps from this marker); New Berlin Commons (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Original Union County Court House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Town Carillon (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Berlin.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2015, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 340 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 16, 2015, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.