Pioneer settlers formed church

June 13, 2009 08:09 am

— Architectural splendor is abundant throughout the Susquehanna Valley landscape in the many houses of worship. Each week in this space, The Daily Item will feature a grandiose structure with information about its origin. Additional photos and historical information will be published about each structure featured as well as many others located in Northumberland, Snyder, Union and Montour counties. The full collection of beautiful treasures in the Valley will be published in a book titled “Domes & Spires.” Look for it in September.

NEW BERLIN — Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church has roots in faith and in the borough that run deep.
In 1793, George Long had barely finished conceptual plans for Longstown — the community that would later be known as New Berlin — when plots of land began to sell on the banks of Penns Creek.
In that same year, the town’s Lutheran Society joined ranks with the Reformed Society, and for five shillings, acquired land for a church located where the United Church of Christ stands today.
The pioneer settlers who had left Germany for religious freedom wasted no time in planning a church in their own community.
By 1800, a simple log church had been built on this site, which served both Lutheran and Reformed societies. By 1825, a brick church had been completed at this site, adorned with New Berlin’s famous Gabriel weather vane. In 1868, the Lutherans moved a few doors westward on Market Street.
The interior of the historic worship space underwent a major renovation and improvement at the turn of this century.
Members of the congregation of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church continue today to worship in this same location under the large white wooden steeple.
Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 308 Market St., has about 350 members.

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