The Tyrone Area Historical Society is currently showcasing items from the First Presbyterian Church in Tyrone.
The display will be available for public viewing through early December.
Richard Merryman put a lot of time and effort into gathering the church items and organizing them for the showcase.
The display is organized into four categories including, church ministry, church mission, church music and church message.
The establishment of a Presbyterian Church in Tyrone was first introduced in October 1856, when Rev. John Elliott made his first missionary report to Presbytery, petitioning the body to permit him to organize such a church in Tyrone.
In April 1857, with help from the Huntingdon Presbytery and the Spruce Creek Church, a log church building was built at the corner of Logan Avenue and 13th street at a cost of $3,500.
By 1882, Supply Pastors, Missionaries and Lay Preachers had motivated 323 people to become members of the new church.
In March of that same year, a new red brick building was constructed for $18,000 by contractor W. F. Henderson. In 1891, the building was enlarged at a cost of $13,000.
According to information provided by Merryman, “From 1899 to 1948, Presbyterians operated a Sunday School Mission in what is now Grace Baptist Church on Columbia Avenue. Tyrone Presbyterians pioneered a Sunday School Mission for immigrants in Pemberton beyond Grier School after WWI. In 1920, they began a three-week summer Bible School and supported World Mission through the Rev. John R. Davies Mission Band.
“In 1927, 1,200 Tyrone Presbyterians expanded their presence in the town by constructing a graystone gothic building where inspiring church music would echo for years to come. Built by Martin Orr Contractors of Columbus, Ohio, at a cost of $200,000, this early gothic building contained Bedford limestone and antique European stained glass. It also boasted a Cathedral Sanctuary and balcony, Sunday school assembly room with sky lights, a parlor with fireplace, a fellowship hall with spacious kitchen, scout rooms, a walk in office safe and a $17,000 Moller Piper Organ of three manuals and 1500 pipes. Since 1947, Schulmerich Tower Bells have pealed gospel music across town.
“In 1969, Presbyterians replaced their Pipe Organ with a Baldwin Electronic Organ. In 1998, they replaced the Baldwin with a $65,000 Allen Organ.”
Merryman also included information on the various organs that the church has used over their long history.
Another interesting fact concerning the establishment of the First Presbyterian Church in Tyrone is the names of two of the charter members of the church. Sarah Crowther is mentioned as one of the first members, along with her daughter, Emily.
Sarah was the wife of Colonel James E. Crowther, who is the subject of a book by Bob Hileman, Jr. titled The Crowther Letters: Family, Companions, and Rebels.
Items from the First Presbyterian Church in Tyrone will be on display at the Tyrone History Museum through early December, after which another local church will be highlighted.
