History

It is difficult in a space this size to record the total history of a congregation so old. Hopefully some highlights can be given.

It is believed that German settlers began arriving in the Nockamixon area in the 1740’s. With them they brought Lutheranism to this area. It is believed that visiting clergy brought the Word and Sacrament to these settlers on occasion. The congregation unofficially organized worship starting in 1752.The official organization of a congregation took place in 1763. The congregation called their first pastor, The Rev. John Michael Enderlein on August 6, 1766.The first church building is believed to have been a log cabin located near the old school house on Lake Warren Road. Pastors serving the congregation at this location were The Reverends Jacob Frederick Miller (1773-1774), Frederick William DeSanno 1788-1789), Peter Ahl (1789-1791), Anthony Hecht (1792-1794), Augustus Herman Schmidt (1798), John Paul Ferdinand Kramer (1801-1802).

In 1803 the Kintnersville Parish consisting of Springfield, Keller’s, Tinicum, Durham, and Nockamixon, called the Reverend John Nicholas Mensch. The following year the Lutheran congregation requested the Reform congregation, worshipping on our present site, for use of their building for worship. Both congregations agreed to a union and the Nockamixon Union Church was formed in 1804. On April 19, 1813 a cornerstone for a New Union Building was laid with it’s completion in 1814. Mensch served as pastor until 1823. Others serving as pastor at this location were The Reverends Henry S. Miller (1823-1838), Charles Frederick Weldon, DD (1838-1843), Charles Peter Miller (1843-1865).

The congregation extended a call to The Rev. William S. Emory in 1865. Under pastor Emory’s leadership, a congregation in Springtown was organized in 1874. On July 3, 1875 the cornerstone of our present building was layed with the building dedicated on May 20, 1877. Pastor Emory served until 1880. The congregation has been served by The Reverends Oliver H. Melchior (1880-1892), Samuel S. Diehl (1892-1924), John I. Cole (1925), Charles L. Mogel (l926-1936), Roland M. Banes (1936-1951), Paul H. Scheffer (1951-1956), Lester B. Lutz (1956-1973), Ray W. Foy (1973-1979). Under Pastor Foy’s leadership the Union Church Partnership was dissolved in 1976.

Pastors called since 1979 are: Rev. Steven Moyer (1980-1988), Rev. Kurt Danga-Storm (1989-1994), Interim Rev. Howard Bailey (1994-1995), Rev. David and Donna Diehl (1995-1999), Interim Rev. Susan Lang (1999-2002) and Rev. William Rex (2002-present).

The organ is a tracker organ made by hand in 1892 by Bolar. It has been maintained in its original condition with the only modification being an electric blower motor added early in the 20th century. The bellows which were hand pumped are restored to original condition and used from time to time. Mr. Raymond Stover, the last known volunteer to regularly pump the organ died in 2003 at the age of 96 he ceremoniously pumped the organ by hand in 1992 at the 100 anniversary of the organ. Since then others have tried their hand at the task with surprising results. The paint on the pipes is original to the building of the organ and has never needed restoration.

Behind this history is God’s Holy Spirit, guiding, and directing, through word and Sacrament this congregation and God’s people in this community. Thanks be to God for the dedicated men, women, boys and girls who have faithfully witnessed to their faith throughout the generations.