News
In Memoriam—Elder Raymond Why
1929-2026
Posted February 10, 2026
Raymond Why of Chippewa Township, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at Heritage Valley Health System, Beaver Campus.
Ray was a self-employed engineer for his professional life and was working until just two weeks prior to his passing. He was a lifelong, dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, where he served in many capacities, as well as in the larger church.
The Gift of Clean Water
Posted February 3, 2026
Carmen Shullo, the Commissioned Pastor of Trinity Church in Butler, is also a hospice chaplain led by who he considers to be two extraordinary people. He feels that Rich and Lori have a heart for people. About two years ago Lori sent Pastor Carmen a video featuring the ministry of a friend of their’s, Dr. Steve Greene. Dr. Greene, a Pittsburgh pediatrician, had a vision born from a life-changing medical mission trip to Ghana.
In the video Carmen saw adults and children traveling a road to access water as far as five miles. The water, gathered from whatever puddle or pit they could find, was grey, at best, but it was water. That it was shared with animals made no difference and the scene was heartbreaking. “I couldn’t unsee it,” Carmen says.
In Memoriam—Rev. Dr. William North Jackson
June 10, 1934–January 14, 2026
Posted January 27, 2026
Rev. Dr. William North Jackson, a member of Beaver-Butler Presbytery, died on Wednesday morning, January 14 in the comfort of his home with family by his side.
Bill was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Plum High School, Westminster College, and Pittsburgh and Princeton Theological Seminaries. He served as an assistant minister at Abington Presbyterian Church in Abington, PA, interim college chaplain at Westminster College, senior minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Boardman, Ohio, Christ United Presbyterian Church in Canton, Ohio and First Presbyterian Church in Flint, Michigan.
Six Churches Unite for Service
By Mark Keck, Member of Clinton Church, Saxonburg
Posted January 27, 2026
Collaboration. It is a simple enough idea in concept. “Work together to achieve a common goal”. While the concept is straightforward, oftentimes the action of doing it, is very difficult. As we all remember from group assignments in school, sometimes collaboration with one other person is hard; and more than one, downright challenging. Now imagine, instead of two people collaborating with each other, there are six. More so, imagine that each person is now an entire congregation, so there are six congregations collaborating. Sounds impossible accomplish anything, right?
In Memoriam—Rev. Dr. William A. Jamieson
October 2, 1935–January 6, 2026
Posted January 13, 2026
With heavy hearts but in sure hope of the resurrection, we share the news of the Rev. Dr. William A. Jamieson’s passing to glory on Tuesday afternoon, January 6.
Rev. Jamieson served Westminster Church in Evans City for 28 years and was an active member of our Presbytery. His many contributions included serving as Presbytery Moderator, Coordinating Team Chair, and as a member of the Finance Committee.
Changes to Special Offerings
Posted January 6, 2026
The 226th General Assembly (2024) approved changes to the church wide Special Offerings to take effect January 1, 2026. These changes were recommended by the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board through the Special Offerings Review Task Force.
The biggest change is there are three offerings—One Great Hour of Sharing, World Communion, and Christmas Joy.
Retirees Honored with Christmas Party
Posted December 16, 2025
Decorated with an abundance of snowmen—a joyful holiday icon—the Presbytery Center took on a festive atmosphere for our annual Retiree Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 3. Upon arriving in their festive garb, guests greeted old and new friends.
Out of This World Fun
Presbytery Youth Corn Hole Golf
By Diana Spencer, Youth Leadership Connection Coordinator
Posted November 18, 2025
What an out-of-this-world day it was! The Beaver-Butler Presbytery Youth “Mars Bethel Corn Hole Golf” event was super fun, and it wouldn’t have been possible without all of you who showed up, played, laughed, and made it such a memorable experience.
From the first toss to the final putt, the energy was electric. Teams of all ages brought their best game (and their best smiles!) to the course, combining friendly competition with the joy of fellowship. Whether you sank a perfect shot or just came for the fun, every moment was filled with laughter, encouragement, and fellowship.
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.
Century Old Organ Being Restored
By H.T. Fink, Member of First Church, Midland Music Committee
Posted September 16, 2025
The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Midland, PA is rehabilitating their pipe organ. The organ was built and installed by the George Kilgen Organ Company of St. Louis, Missouri in 1927 (Opus 3936). The organ consists of the following six ranks: 16′ Pedal Bourdon, 8′ Open Diapson, 16′ Stopped Flute, 8′ Salicional, 8′ Duliciana, 8′ Oboe Gamba and Tubular Bells.
Introducing The Reverend Kerry Dowdy
Posted July 22, 2025
The Reverend Kerry Michelle Dowdy began a covenant contract with Friendship Presbyterian Church in Slippery Rock on July 1 to be their covenant pastor. She was ordained there on Sunday, July 6.
This is Kerry’s first call after graduating with a Master of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in May of 2023 and receiving a graduate certificate in Missional Leadership in May of 2024.
Introducing Commissioned Pastor Tammy Hall
Posted June 17, 2025
Tamara Hall, who goes by Tammy, was commissioned at the May 25 Presbytery Meeting to begin serving First Church in Darlington and The Galilean Church in New Galilee.
Hymnals Available…
The Hymnbook (red) — Presbyterian Denominations, 1955
If you are interested in them, contact ChrisAnn Goossen at the office at 724-452-7515, X112.
