On August 17, 1941 the Council took action to discontinue church services until a law was lifted by the Department of Health due to a wide outbreak of Infantile Paralysis that was sweeping the country. The ban apparently lasted only several weeks with services resuming September 14, but the attendance was sparse during the month. A new heating plant was approved for the Parsonage on December 15, 1942 at a cost of $760.85 by FF Kling ($20.00 was allowed for the old furnace).
Under Reverend Hassler church music played a very important role in the life of the congregation. A sizable choir participated in the worship services and annually presented special seasonal music. Rev. Hassler was an enthusiastic musician and was particular about the choir music selected for the church. He played the cello and was a charter member of the York Symphony Orchestra. Each year during his pastorate there were Father & Son and Mother & Daughter Banquets preceding Lent.
On June 23, 1920 Church Council discussed buying a property for the Parsonage from Mr. Jacob Diehl. They acquired an option on a vacant 50 foot lot adjacent to the church. The Parsonage lot was purchased in October 1920 with the Ladies Aid Society buying an addition 15 feet of property from Charles Decker for the sum of $215. The lot from Mr. Diehl was also purchased for $215. On April 13, 1921 the Church asked for ground fill for the site as the lot was really a deep ravine that required considerable fill to bring it up to code. In September 1923 William Hoover laid pavements about the Parsonage for $208.64. School taxes were $10.80 and were paid by J.B. Aughenbaugh. The Parsonage Dedication occurred on November 18, 1923.
In 1917, possibly because of World War I and people moving into the borough, Church membership steadily grew consistently each month. St. John’s contribution to the Pastor’s salary was $20.84/month. One of the problems facing the congregation was the need of a fireman for the church. As membership grew so did the number of meetings and hence the need to “make fire”. Timing was critical to make certain the space was warm and the steam was at the proper pressure. In October 1919 the Church purchased 10 tons of coal from George A. Wolf and Sons for $122.50. It would be enough for most of the winter. George Fauth agreed to be the fireman for one season at $50.00 pay. Also in that year the Council expressed annoyance that Charles Humers’ horse was destroying the Church lawn.
|
AuthorEach week we are putting a fun fact about the history of St. John in the bulletin. Archives
December 2014
Categories |