On Sunday, January 22, the Church of the Good Shepherd, United Methodist, located at 1650 Clay Avenue in Tyrone, celebrated another milestone in its long history.
During a combined morning worship service, a ceremony to burn the mortgage on the church was held. This mortgage was acquired by the church in March of 1997 when ground was broken for an addition consisting of a new kitchen, social hall/gymnasium, elevator, youth area, four restrooms, storage and work areas.
Among the honored guests were Reverend David Norris, Superintendent of the Altoona District of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, who gave the sermon and presided over the ceremony. Also attending were Mrs. Carol Harrison, wife of the late Reverend LeRoy J. Harrison, as well as her daughters Sherry and Joy. Mrs. Harrison spoke during the service, recalling the vital part her late husband played in the history of the church.
It was during Reverend Harrison\’s 11 years of service in Tyrone that the Columbia Avenue Methodist church sustained a devastating fire on February 26, 1963. His vision of a new, larger building to house a growing congregation was realized when ground was broken here on May 23, 1971. A year later, on May 28, 1972 the first worship service was held in the sanctuary.
After Reverend Harrison\’s exchange of pulpits with the Reverend Eugene R. Steiner of the State Street Church in Harrisburg, the church continued to grow, necessitating the addition. The social hall has become a vital part of church and community life, serving a variety of outreach missions.
Also participating in the worship service were the current pastor, the Reverend Andrew T. Bradley, Sr., Lay Leader Richard Behrens, and Council Chairperson Sharon Kimberling. Letters were read from Bishop Jane Middleton of the Central Pennsylvania Conference, former Pastor Kraig Faust and wife Sue, and Mrs. Janet Boytim, wife of the late Robert Boytim. Remarks were also made by Faye Steele and John Dearing.
Following the sermon and thanks to all who made possible the early retirement of the indebtedness of the church, an Act of Dedication was pledged by all attending. Dedicated anew were not only the building, but the congregation itself, to the worship and service of almighty God.
A luncheon was served to the congregation and guests in the social hall following the worship service.
