Linda and I returned to PA to celebrate Easter with our family. We worshiped at our home church in Plainfield for the Maundy Thursday ordinance service, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. Pastor Don Snyder, who’s serving as interim, led us in three very meaningful services. In the sanctuary the church set up a panoramic painting of Jerusalem in 30 A.D. as seen from the Mount of Olives.

This backdrop added greatly to the meaningfulness of worship, especially the Lord’s Supper which we observed at a long table set up as if it were overlooking the city. On Easter Sunday the glorified cross stood over the city declaring Christ’s victory. Pastor Tom Weil spoke at the sunrise service held at the Plainfield cemetery.

At the end of his meditation he invited everyone to come nail to the cross a paper with their greatest burden or besetting sin written upon it. It was a very meaningful and moving conclusion.

The week after Easter we took some time off in PA to catch up on yard and house work there, visit family and make some contacts in the Eastern Region. Last Saturday I traveled to Somerset, PA in the Allegheny Region (ARC) to meet with Pastor Jim and Melanie Monticue of our Kingwood Church. They are very special people and dear friends. He and I have worked together a number of times over the years (like the WTS board which he now chairs) and share a common interest in things historical. In fact, for speaking at the church the next day he presented me with a replicated throwing “hawk”—not the peace pipe type. WOW, was I ever thrilled!

The Kingwood Church formed in February 1876 after a series of “gospel meetings” held by Elder Shadrach Woods and built their first bethel that summer. The church progressed slowly, but after a great revival in 1917, under Pastor F. O. Eakin the church decided to expand their facilities which they accomplished in 1920. Unfortunately, a fire devastated the frame building in December 1933. Undaunted, the congregation rebuilt the bethel the next year in brick. In 1981 the church left its circuit and became a station. In 1984 they completed an educational building addition.

The 1934 Kingwood bethel (left) with the 1984 addition (right)

The Kingwood sanctuary

The story of this congregation since the 1917 revival has been one of steady and solid growth. To a large part this is due to dedicated church leaders and faithful pastors like Earl & June Show (1953-1965), Stan & JoAnn Darrah (1965-1970), Paul & Rosanna Tobias (1970-1981), Steve & Carol Show (1982-1988) and the Monticues (1988 to present). Currently the church averages about 225 for Sunday morning worship in two services. I’m convinced that long-term positive pastoral leadership lies at the core of successful ministry and church health.

After the morning services I shared in another wonderful church carry-in dinner. CGGC folks sure do know how to put out a spread. Jim told me that they do this whenever there’s a fifth Sunday in a month. I thought that was a most excellent fellowship idea! In the afternoon, Jim drove me around to acquaint me with the other CGGC churches in the area. We met up with Pastor Dean (wife-Crystal) Hay and Elder Jeff Conn of the United Community Church of God in Ursina, PA. This congregation built a new bethel in 2004 when the former Ursina (organized 1869) and Fort Hill (organized 1897) churches united. A significant donor helped with the cost of the building and the combined congregation now worships around 100.

United Community Church of God

The United Community Sanctuary

Pastor Dean Hay of United Community Church of God

Our next stop was the Fair Oak (begun 1933) bethel located just a few miles away.

The "Fair Oak" (felled due to deteriorating condition) for which the Fair Oak Church of God was named. (L to R) Dean Hay, Jim Monticue and Jeff Conn

Our last stop before I headed west to Findlay was the New Centerville church (organized 1883) facility (built 1951) where Tim and Rita Show pastor.

Although the building was empty when I visited, the appearance is of a vibrant congregation. Jim and I parted about 6 p.m. and I began the trip west to Findlay and home. It had been a great weekend in the Allegheny hills and I look forward to a return visit. Thanks, Jim.

Pastor Ed