Solomon's United Church of Christ

"the church on a mission"

History

In 1841 German Protestant citizens of Millerstown and the surrounding areas felt a need to build a Union Church for members of the Reformed and Lutheran faiths. Following a donation of “120 perches of ground” by Solomon Wesco, a proclamation was drafted for a corner stone laying which took place on August 1. On December 11, 1841 Solomon’s Church of the German Lutheran and Reformed Congregations approved its first constitution.


1842

The Rev. Samuel Hess began his service as Solomon’s first minister.


1843

Solomon’s celebrated its first confirmation.


1847

The Sunday School was organized


1853

Solomon’s received its first organ.


1893

The Union Church dissolved. Building renovations added a new front to the church. In November the Court of Lehigh County granted a charter of incorporation to Solomon’s Reformed Congregation.


1902

The church erected a parsonage.


1910

The women of Solomon’s organized the Ladies’ Auxiliary.


1934

A merger of the Evangelical Synod of North America and the Reformed Church of the United States resulted in the adoption of a new name, Solomon’s Evangelical and Reformed Church.


1939

Extensive renovations changed the outside appearance of Solomon’s.


1941

A new organ was dedicated in September and Solomon’s celebrated its Centennial in October.


1950

On December 3 Solomon’s laid the corner stone for the new Christian Education Building.


1957

Following the merger of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches which formed the United Church of Christ, the church became known as Solomon’s United Church of Christ.


1968-1969

The congregation installed its first Junior Deacons. A Board of Christian Education became functional to govern the Sunday Church School and total Christian Education Program.


1970

The sanctuary received new chancel furniture.


1973

Solomon’s purchased the property at 72 S. Church Street and converted it into a new parsonage.


1977

Solomon’s established a Building Fund to facilitate the financing of a major renovation project as approved by the congregation. A new constitution was adopted.


1978

The chairlift at the rear stairs was installed in November as a gift in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Ellis Lichtenwalner by their children.

Major renovations were completed and the church rededicated.

Dr. & Mrs. William L. Bollman installed a stained glass window in memory of their daughter Patricia.


1979

The Fellowship Hall was renamed the Wieder Fellowship Hall, as a living memorial to Mr. and Mrs. John F. Wieder and their son Francis.


1981

An electronic steeple carillon was installed as a memorial to Wilbur L. Albright, Ronald B. Plarr and Mrs. Howard D. Raedler.


1984

The chancel painting was restored by Allentown artist Allen Hermansader.


1986 and 1987

Workcamp trips. Members journeyed to Honduras, Central America to work with people of the E & R Church of that country on construction projects.


1991

Solomon’s UCC celebrated its 150th anniversary.


1995

The constitution was revised.


1996

Renovations to the Church and Sunday School wing were completed. Bank loan of $55,000 was repaid in 9 months.


1997

The Sunday School celebrated its 150th anniversary.


1999

New choir gowns were purchased.


 

2002

A new Allen Organ for the sanctuary was purchased and installed.

 2009

Church Constitution was revised.

The Ascension