History of our showroom,
2653 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. PA. 17601
This building at 2653 Lititz Pike was built in 1905 to be the future home of St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The land was bought on September 10 1905 from Jacob Swarr at a cost of $25 per year for a period of 20years.
On October 15th 1905 the first stone was laid. The church officially opened July 15th 1906 with a congregation of 271 members.
The building committee consisted of; A.B. Haverstick, Jacob Hess, and Isaac Weaver.
The architect was J.A.Dempwolf.
Jacob Herr was the carpenter and he was paid between 12 & 20c per hour for his labor.
14 ladies were appointed as a soliciting committee for fund raising for the church.
Brick for the building was bought at a price of $6.75.
Manheim Township used the building in 1928 as classrooms because a fire burnt down the school room..
The pipe organ for the church was donated by Mrs. Julia A Ilyus on June 18th and the addition of organ chimes were donated by Dr and Mrs. Witmer and added in 1931.
In 1925 Earl Landis was the organist and choir director. Harry Baughey took over this position in 1927.
1928 saw some church renovations and the church had a re-dedication service.
The remodel of the church included basement work and a new boiler.
Former pastors of the church were, Rev George Clarke, Rev Jacob Mauer, Rev Abdel Wentz and Dr C. Howard.
Former organists included, Ada Wechter. Mrs. Clay Rice, Harry Taylor, Harry Baughey, Earl Landis, Robert Witmer and Mrs. Nitrauer. From 1919-1943 the organists donated their service.
1941 saw another remodel of the basement. The walls were replastered by John Grube at a cost of $143.00.
60 men of the church participated in Pearl Harbor.
By 1950 the monthly salary’s were, Pastor Rice $175. Custodian $20. Two organists $50 each and Choir director $35.
1945 brought a new oil burner and indoor lavatories at a cost of $4,096.14.
1957 brought another new boiler at a cost of $1,224.67.
The building was sold in 1958 at a price of $30,000.
