HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FIRST 100 YEARS
December 3, 1894
North Warren Presbyterian Church was organized with a membership of 13 people.
March 11, 1895
13 adults were baptized. It is not clear if these were the chartered members or new members.
May 1904 Property for a new church building was donated by Mr. E. D. Wetmore and the cornerstone was laid.
February 12, 1905
The new church building was dedicated. On the day of the dedication service, the church was entirely debt free, due in large part to substantial contributions to the building fund from Mrs.L. D. Wetmore. Total cost of the building was $10,536.65.
April 1907
A pipe organ costing $1,250 was purchased. Through the help of Mr. E. D. Wetmore, a grant of $625, half the purchase price, was received from Mr. Andrew Carnegie of Pittsburgh. Pa.. Mr. Wetmore also raised $300 through friends in Warren toward the purchase price.
April 27, 1907
Mrs. Wetmore made a very generous offer to the church. She agreed to pay half the cost of building a manse, not more than $2,250. She also agreed to furnish plans and specifications at no cost to the church. Her son, Mr. E. D. Wetmore, also agreed to give a lot on the south side of the church building, valued at $700. In November 1907, the congregation borrowed $2,250 to build the manse.
1912
The church was electrically wired and a water system installed.
1926
"The Willing Workers" electrically wired the manse at no cost to the church.
1929 to the end of the Great Depression
"The various church governing boards sometimes found their treasuries alarmingly low, but with the help of God we were able to weather the storm; and with the advent of better times, it was our proud boast that our church was still debt free."
1941 thru 1945
During the war years, all draftees and volunteers entering the United States armed services were kept on the active list until after their return to the community. Those who served were:
dward Amann Donald Huck
Leland Amann Norman Huck
Gertrude Bloss William Lanning
Paul Burke George Lauffenberger
Kenneth Christensen Edgar Lawson
Lyle Christie Howard Lincoln
Paul Christie Alan Loper
George Cowden Marvin Loper
Frank Cruicshank Merle Minich
Lois Dey Irwin Nicholson
Robert Dietsch John Nicholson
Fred Ebel Ellis Porter
Richard Ebel Lewis Sadler
Richard Eck Clair Ward
Donald Ecklund Ann Washburg
James Glans Robert Washburg
March 1960
Workers were sent out to make calls on members of the congregation and neighbors seeking pledges for a new addition to the church. To the amazement of all, $54,000 was pledged. On June 18, 1961 eight new Sunday School rooms, the Pastor's study and Fel- lowship Hall were dedicated.
1966 to 1967
The sanctuary was completely renovated, including the addition of a new Allen electronic organ. The sanctuary was rededicated on June 11, 1967.
1977
The property committee arranged for major renovations and repairs to the sanctuary roof and chime tower.
1980's
A very active decade for the congregation; Boy Scout Troop 13 was reorganized and meeting in the church again, as were Cub Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Scout groups. Interest in music, missions, and community service flourished. Outdoor worship services were held on the front lawn under tents in celebration of Pentecost. The property committee remained active during this time with many maintenance and building improvement projects. After forty five years of operation by the North Warren Community House Corporation, the land and building were returned to the church.
1990's
A ramp and elevator to provide handicapped access to all floors of the building and a second story addition to the educational wing and other major improvements have been added in recent years. However, that shall remain a starting point for the history of the second 100 years at the corner of South State and Church Streets.
A much more colorful and more detailed account of the activities at North Warren Presbyterian Church during the first 100 years, compiled by Rev. Dr. Douglas Reinard, provided the background for this brief outline.
Mr. E. D. Wetmore and his mother, Mrs. L. D. Wetmore, were the driving force behind construction of The North Warren Presbyterian Church and manse.
