History

In 1890 missionary-pastor William John Guest moved to Lebanon, having pastored in London, England, and Pennsylvania. He began meeting with a group of believers in the area. Lebanon was considered both an important and a difficult field. From the start, our pastors received financial support as missionary pastors for the Reading Association, an early branch of the Northern Baptist Convention. Pastor Guest reported a membership of eighteen.

In 1891 the Pennsylvania Baptist State Mission Society reported,

The church at Lebanon still maintains its existence, though it is passing through severe trials. No meeting house, no pastor, very few in numbers, worshipping in a hall, and having little or no recognition by the Christian community. It is the only Baptist church in the county and ought not to be left to struggle alone. Brethren, you must stand by this organization and give it your helping hand.

On June 17, 1892, under the leadership of Rev. William H. Eldredge, the group became an incorporated church. There were twelve charter members who signed as “subscribers.” They were:

Rev. William H. Eldredge	Mr. Watson Albright	Mr. William Albright
Mrs. Lizzie Miller	Mrs. Clara Pinkerton	Mrs. Emma S. Royer
Mrs. Sallie Cox	Mr. Benjamin H. Robb	Miss Sibyl Harpel
Mr. Harry Wolf	Mr. Harry Kistenbarder	Mrs. May Davis

During Pastor Eldredge’s tenure, the property on the northwest corner of Third and Walnut Streets was purchased and the first building was erected. The cornerstone was dated 1893.The church began to thrive. In 1898 its pastor, Rev. H. H. Mower, reported to the Reading Association that the membership had reached a high of 100.

In 1901 the Pennsylvania Baptist State Mission Society report stated,

The Lebanon Church, Geo. B. Renshaw, Missionary, is doing well. Their debt is gradually diminishing and their membership increasing. Bro. Renshaw has shown himself adapted to that important field.

Rev. James W. Hartpence followed in 1902 and Pastor F. D. D. Clark in 1904. Both served less than a year.

In 1905, under the ministry of Rev. U. Simpson Knox, the church joined the newly formed Harrisburg Association of churches.

Pastor A. H. Souilliard arrived in 1908. As Pastor Souilliard had been ordained in a Brethren church, a council of delegates was called from the Harrisburg Association to “install Brother Souilliard as a Baptist minister.” During his ministry after a Sunday morning service, the seventeen-year mortgage of the church was burned.

In 1911 Rev. Lester R. Norton took the helm and the first parsonage, 15 South Second Street, was purchased for $2800.

Rev. T. Clifton Harris, followed in 1913 and then Rev. C. M. Riley in 1917. Rev. D’Arcy became pastor in 1919 and the state association of churches informed the church it would no longer continue to help with the pastor’s support after his tenure expired. These seem to have been discouraging years. Membership declined. The parsonage was sold in 1921. Business meeting minutes read that a motion was made,

…that the church be disbanded and sold by the trustees and the money be given to the state board to keep so if ever there is a way opened to have another church there will be money for it.

With no hint as to the cause of their change in heart, the minutes continue,

…after a few well chosen words and a short prayer to guide us aright it was moved…that the church be reopened after the organization had disbanded and the church closed for two months…

They voted to seek a full-time pastor and Rev. John L. Sawyer filled the position. A time of slow rebuilding ensued.

Rev. Walter Carvin came to pastor in 1927. During his ministry, 1935 seems to have been a turning point. 96 active members were reported and business meeting minutes declared that they were totally independent of support from the state association.

Rev. Addison E. Pero served from 1936 to 1939. He was followed by Rev. John R. Reinert and Pastor A. Eugene Lloyd.

It is reported that in 1943, wishing to be totally independent, the church voted to withdraw from the Northern Baptist Convention. However, according to the American Baptist Historical Society, the church’s name remained on the rolls until 1958.

Pastor Bert C. Kreller began ministering here in 1952. As early as 1956 he sent a letter to the bank stating the church’s desire to purchase the property on the southeast corner of State Drive and Horst Avenue. That purchase was eventually transacted and a new building erected and dedicated in 1963.

Rev. Charles A. Ohman assumed the pastorate in 1963. Growth continued during the successive ministries of Pastor Peter Hougendam (interim), Pastor Donald A. Urey, and Pastor Gary G. Dull. In 1975, envisioning future growth, the property at Fonderwhite and Linden Roads was purchased. In 1976 the education wing was added to the building at State Drive and Horst Avenue. In 1983 an annex was purchased to provide more Sunday School space.

Pastor Steven K. Love commenced his ministry here in 1987. Once again a building committee was formed. Plans for a new edifice were completed and the Lord provided the means to make it a reality. The new facility was completed in 1993.

Pastor George Mackey began his ministry with us in 1997. God provided the funds to completely pay off the new edifice by 1999. We praise the Lord for His provision and we eagerly anticipate God’s blessing as we continue to present the gospel in Lebanon.