First Church in Monaca Celebrates 140 Years

Posted September 23, 2025

First Church in Monaca is looking back on their history as they celebrate 140 years of ministry. 

In 1865, Phillipsburg was a small German village when Presbyterian minister, William Taylor, came to town to found the Soldiers Orphan School. In a mainly Lutheran town, he helped the three Presbyterian families begin a church of their own.

By 1886, the congregation had 23 members when their first minister was The Reverend H.F. Earseman. In 1897, The Reverend Matthew Rutherford was installed as pastor and the congregation grew to 80 members.

Although Phillipsburg changed its name to Monaca in 1892, the church remained The First Presbyterian Church of Phillipsburg until 1925. During the following years, a Board of Deacons was elected, a manse was built, and in 1932, a new church was erected.

Between 1945 and 1968, The Reverend Raymond Walter was the minister. During his tenure, every detail of the new church was completed and the debt paid.

The years between 1970 and 2000 saw many improvement projects, such as installing a chair lift, air conditioning in Guild Hall, restoring the stain glass windows, purchasing a new organ, and selling the manse.

In 2004, the session approved The Reverend Beth Wierman as a part-time minister. Under her leadership of 17 years, the weekly Bible studies grew in membership, the congregation began supporting a soup kitchen, and more community outreach programs were started.

Pastor Bob Saul served from 2022 until 2024. Currently, as the congregation searches for a new minister, they continue to faithfully serve God and their community.

In July, First Monaca celebrated their 140 years with worship and a picnic. On Sunday, September 21 they celebrated with a homecoming worship and reception.

We congratulate First Monaca on this milestone and pray God’s blessing upon them for many years to come.