Beulah An Extension of God's Love |
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History
of the Beulah Church
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The
Beulah Church had its beginning in the community of Nineveh. The people of
Nineveh traveled some six miles to the Lichty United Evangelical Church, located
close to Geiger, to worship. They went by horse and buggy, on foot or by horseback.
In 1885, a large revival service was held at the Lichty Church. Those attending
from the area of Nineveh became inspired and decided to build their own local
church. The framing for the one-room church began with great enthusiasm in
1886. The ground for the building was donated by Jacob Stern. The cost was
approximately $3,000 for the building and inside furnishings. Services were
held in the building before it was finished. In 1887, the Church was dedicated
as the Beulah Evangelical Church.
Through
the years the membership increased, and the wooden one-room church becme too
small for seven classes and all the members. In 1950 a building fund was started
for a new church building. In July 1957, a congregational meeting was held
for the purpose of hearing the plans for a new church and to appoint members
for a building committee.
The
Sunday School and Church attendance continued to increase, along with new
ideas to promote and maintain spiritual growth. Fund raising events, offerings
and contributions made the Building Fund treasury grow to a level where it
became feasible to enlarge the church. The Building Committee held a meeting
with the Western Pennsylvania Conference Committee on April 13, 1989. Plans
for an expansion for the church were approved. Church members also approved
the building and remodeling plans. On April 23, 1990, ground was broken for
the construction of a 37' x 50' addition. This new addition increased the
sanctuary size and added a new classroom. A room for the pastor's study was
also built. The enlargement of the basement included the construction of six
new classrooms and increased the size of the fellowship hall area. An outdoor
ramp was built and indoor facilities to accommodate the handicapped were installed.
The last worship service with holy communion was held in the original sanctuary
on July 8, 1990.
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