The War is over! America
won! The GIs came home and Levittown homes sprung up
like dandelions. Shortly thereafter, the "Baby
Boom" generation was born! This period is considered
one of the "happiest times" in American history.
"Man
lives not only in the present, but also with a sense of what has
happened in the past, with a lively hope for the future; and
with a feeling that we belong to something that did not begin with
us and will not end with us. This is the Church fellowship
of believers that has nurtured and sustained us."
~ Reverend C. Frederick Billmyer
- 1971 ~
On December 12, 1948, Reverend C. Frederick Billmyer began a pastorate which
exceeded Reverend Shepley's in length by ten years.
In January, 1950, the basement below the auditorium was excavated by hand with wheelbarrows by the men of the
Church, in preparation to equip a Recreation Room. The room
was declared a memorial to the late Rev. James R. Shepley.
On October 14, 1951, the "Social Room" was formally dedicated in memory of Rev. James R.
Shepley.
On October 26, 1952, the Sanctuary was re-dedicated. New carpet and improved lighting were installed at a cost of $15,000.00.
On September 1, 1955, Robert L. Swartz began service as organist. He
served as the organist at St. Paul's until his death in 2005.
1957 - The Evangelical & Reformed Denomination merged with the
Congregational Christian Church to give us a new name, St. Paul's United
Church of Christ.
By now the "Baby Boomers" were ready to attend St.
Paul's Sunday School and as with the case of many educational
facilities during this time, a larger facility was needed to hold
them all! On May 7, 1959, The Architectural firm of Wolf and
Hahn, Allentown, were commissioned to prepare preliminary drawings
and specifications for renovations and facilities for the Sunday
School, Kitchen, etc. On August 16, 1959, at a
Congregational Meeting, the Building Program was approved by a
standing vote at $215,000.00. On June 25, 1961, a service of dedication was held for the Christian Education
addition
.
On October 4,
1970, the congregation voted to purchase a Custom Rodgers Organ at a cost of $27,140 to replace the pipe organ which had been
rebuilt 24 years earlier and had been in service for 66 years!
The One Hundredth Anniversary Services were held
on Sunday and Tuesday during the week of March 28, 1971.
December 26, 1982 was Rev. Billmyer's last Sunday as pastor upon his
retirement.
On New Year's Day,
1984, Reverend George H. Schmidt began his twenty two year
pastorate. A few months later on May 27th, the Office and Pastor's Study were dedicated.
1997 - Furnace meltdown
1999 - Bell Tower reconstructed after it was struck by lightning.
2000 - Jim Frantz Dedication Award established
2003 - Installation and dedication of new organ
2004 - God Is Still Speaking initiative undertaken
December 31,
2006, was Reverend George H. Schmidt's last Sunday as pastor upon his
retirement.
On New Year's Day, 2007, Reverend Patti Thomas began
her pastorate. "Pastor Patti" is the first woman pastor at St. Paul's
Further Reading
For more details about the history of St. Paul's, download
the we are family album
For more information about the history of
Sellersville, visit the Sellersville Museum
