ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH
(aka St. James' Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eberton)
25 North Adams Street
West York Borough
York, Pennsylvania 17404

St. James' Lutheran Congregation began with the origination of a petition signed by about 50 persons as of August 25, 1899 requesting that Rev. Edwin Lenhart preach for them in the school building situated on the corner of North Adams and Stanton Streets.

On Tuesday evening, August 29, 1899, nearly one hundred people of Eberton gathered in the school house to organize a new congregation. They named it "St. James Evangelical Church of Eberton." A song service was held by the choir and congregation. Rev. Lenhart conducted the exercises. Rev. Dr. Enders read the 2nd chapter of the Acts. Rev. Samuel E. Herring offered prayer.

Rev. Dr. Enders was elected chairman and Rev. Herring secretary of the meeting. After an ad­dress by Dr. Enders, a constitution recommended by the General Synod was adopted.

Four young men were confirmed and a large number of men and women were received by letters from various churches in the town and country. Two elders and deacons were elected and Rev. Lenhart in­stalled them in their respective offices. The congregation then by unanimous rising vote elected Rev. Lenhart as the pastor of the new church. He accepted the call and Dr. Enders immediately installed him as pas­tor of St. James Lutheran Church of Eberton.

Congratulatory addresses were made by Revs. Herring, M. Grossman, P. Livingston, and Mr. Lu­ther Enders. Rev. Dr. Enders asked all to kneel and he offered prayer for the new church and its pastor. After a closing hymn Pastor Lenhart pronounced the benediction and St. James' Lutheran church was launched.

Pastor Lenhart announced services at the usual hour the next Sunday evening.

The charter members of the congregation were: Monroe Berkheimer, George Boyd, H.L. Brenneman, Rebecca Brenneman, James H. Bortner, H.L. Bortner, Robert Crist, Annie Crist, Henry Heilman, Amelia Heilman, Edna Heilman, Jacob Herman, Ida M. Nickey, E.E. Plymyers, Lillie Plymyers, Jacob Royer, Amanda Royer, Hiram Spahr, Sarah Spahr, Benjamin Stayman, Elizabeth Stayman, George D. Smith, Annie C. Smith, John Short, and Charles Short.

The congregation was received into the Western Pennsylvania Synod at Hanover on October 13, 1899.

In 1900, a lot measuring fifty feet on the West Market Street side and 230 feet along North Adams Street was purchased for $1,300 as the site for a house of worship. One half of this cost was donated by the Ebert estate. Pastor Lenhart purchased an adjoining lot on the east 32 feet by 230 feet as the location for a future parsonage.

The cornerstone for the church was laid Sunday, May 27, 1900, at 2 p.m. Rev. Lenhart, together which his congregation and their friends, numbering about 500, gathered at the foundation of the church. The church, 47 feet by 32 feet, and the annex 24 feet by 16 feet. A large choir led by Mrs. Lenhart, the pastor's wife, occupied the platform. Mrs. Lenhart presided at the organ. Seats were temporarily placed about the foundation. The pastor, Rev. Lenhart, placed the stone in the name of the holy trinity in keeping with the liturgy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The following articles were placed in the cornerstone: a copy of the Holy Bible; Luther's Small Catechism as adopted by the genera! synod; a book of worship of the Lutheran church; a brief history of St. James' Lutheran Church of Eberton; and three Lutheran papers, Observer, Evangelist, World; the four daily papers of York, the Gazette, Daily, Press, and Dispatch.

Rev. C.E. Walters, D.D., pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, York, gave the sermon. Rev. G.W. Enders, D.D., pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, York, assisted in the services. A large platform choir was conducted by Mrs. Lenhart who also presided at the organ. The services consisted of a scriptural reading from 1 Peter 11, a sermon by Rev. Walter and an address by Rev. Enders. Rev. Lenhart laid the cornerstone, Arthur King of Middletown and formerly of York, offered prayer, and the service was closed with the benediction by Rev. Lenhart.

Note: The Gazette newspaper reported that the sermon was presented by Rev. Fastnacht of Union Lutheran Church.

The Sunday School picnicked at Nashville, Saturday, July 21, 1900. The 9 o'clock Western Mary­land Railroad train stopped at Martin's Carriage Works. The Eberton siding where the picnickers boarded. Tickets were sold at Ketterman and Lease's store, Eberton.

Gazette, York, Wednesday, October 27, 1900: "Eberton Lutheran Church - The new St. James Lu­theran Church of Eberton will soon be ready for occupancy. All summer its members and friends worked faithfully on the building in the evening after shop time and on days off until it is now receiving its final touches by the plasterer. These faithful builders will again resume their work and finish the interior by can­dlelight. The leaded windows of beautiful design and color are manufactured by C.D. Rudy of Harrisburg, are ready to put in place. The chairs, 240, and lights are all ready. The pulpit and altar stand are under con­struction by friends who have cheerfully offered these gifts to their enterprising little band of workers. Many anxious hearts will rejoice when the services now so well attended in the schoolhouse can be held in the long looked for and beautiful house of worship."

Rev. and Mrs. Lenhart, pastor and organist, were completely surprised at the close of the Christ­mas exercise on Christmas evening, by the presentation of envelopes filled with greenbacks and silver by the Sunday school.

A fire originated in a defective furnace flue occurred in the furnace room of the unfinished church Sunday afternoon, December 30, 1900. It caused great excitement and concern because there was scant water supply. The fire was located in the wall a few inches above the pulpit and had eaten its way along the floor and up between the plastering and weatherboarding and spread very rapidly. Articles, including the stained glass windows, were removed from the church. A telephone call was made to the Vigilant Fire Company which responded with the Vigilant Chemical engine at 3:45 p.m. The firemen tore up part of the floor and applied the chemical. The fire was soon under control and the loss did not exceed $75. The church was insured by the Southern Mutual Insurance Co.

The church building was erected on the north end of a lot facing 50 feet on West Market Street and extended along North Adams Street 230 feet. The building was 47 by 32 feet with a 21 feet by 16 feet annex. The foundation was constructed of white York county limestone and had a wood superstructure. The modified Gothic architecture building was one story in height. Entrance into the main auditorium and lecture room was through a tower on the southwest corner. The building was painted a light pearl color with trimmings of iron grey and black.

The interior of the church was divided into vestibule, auditorium, and lecture room and finished in yellow pine of a light shade. The seats were comfortable light wood chairs. The ceiling was finely papered in paneling of a creamy olive tint with etched figure of darker shade, edged with a grey buffed stile. This was separated from the walls by an 18 inch frieze of flower work, deepening into a deep pink terra cotta shade. The walls were of a yellow pinky terra cotta, with base of darker shade separated by a band in ma­roon with gold scroll work. The lecture room and vestibule, ceilings and walls were embellished in like manner.

The pulpit, altar and organ loft were arranged on the north side of the auditorium. In the rear of the pulpit there was a painted arch, within which on a blue ground there was a finely executed cross and crown, surrounded by a cluster of leaf work. The pulpit and communion table were of antique oak, while the altar furniture was in a rich old cherry and covered with a deep red plush, contrasted very finely with the lighter woods. The pulpit, organ loft and altar floors were covered with a neat figured red carpet. On either side of the pulpit was a memorial window. One was in memory of John Lenhart and wife and the other simply to mother and father.

In the east gable there were three windows, one a large dual window, placed by Class 35, Bee Hive S.S., flanked on either side by a smaller window, to Dr. J.H. Sieling and S.H. Forry, Esq., respectively. In the west gable were three windows, the dual one being a memorial to Henry and Susan Ebert, and the smaller one is memoriam of Rev. John H. Menges and Chas. C. Lanius, respectively. In the east end of the south wall there was a window to J.H. and J.W. Shearer. Between this window and the tower entrance there were two doors and three removable paneled glass slides, filled with crystallized opalescent glass of a very pleasant effect. These doors and slides opened into the lecture room in the south elevation. Here also were three windows, the dual to Revs. C.E. Walter and H.H. Weber, and one of the smaller ones to Rev. D. Sell and the other the gift of a friend. In the east wall was a window to H.J. Spahr and wife, and one by the Union Sunday school of Eberton in the west wall. Over each doorway of the vestibule was a glass transom in keeping with the other windows, with the inscription St. James Ev. Lutheran Church. The windows were all of gothic form and set with small leaded diamond shaped panes of opalescent stained glass, in soft neutral tints of green, pink, blue and yellow in pretty designs, admitting a mellow and gentle light into the interior.

The church accommodated about 3OO persons. It was lighted by means of four arch oil lamps which were intended to be supplanted by gas or electricity in the near future after completion of the building. It was heated by hot air from a Bermuda-Rochester, N.Y., furnace in the basement, placed by the Baum Brothers.

The plan of the building was the joint work of Rev. Lenhart, and the building committee, Monroe Berkheimer, George Boyd and Hiram Shafer, and partly from drawings furnished by Contractor Dise of Glen Rock. The stone work was done by George Spangler. The first coat of paint was a donation by Mr. Gentzler of East Berlin, and the finishing of the outside painting was done by John Fahs. The interior varnishing, etc. was done by S.C. Ilgenfritz, donating one-half of the labor. The memorial windows were secured by the pastor; also the money for erection of the building, assisted by members of the church. The building was mainly erected by the male membership after their day's work was done.

A large number of members and other persons interested in the church contributed money for its erection. Material contributions included: J. Livingston and Jesse Deardorf, sand; A. H. Baughman, corner stone; H. R. Stauffer, J. Trosle and Wm. Eyster, sand; Z. Lauck, stone; Geo. and Burt Swartz, pulpit; Harry King, carpet; Harry S. Ebert, altar chairs; Wm. Blaebaum, altar table; Wm. S. Bond, chapel organ; Chas. Gross, iron work, etc.

Labor was contributed by W. Stough, G. Spangler, P. Redman, Geo. Beck, S.M. Baker, J.F. Senft, N. Maul, H.S. Brenneman, Albert Maul, Monroe Berkheimer, Geo. Boyd, H. Spahr, Monroe Zinn, Burt Swartz, A. K. Bupp, O. Bowzer, Jesse Deardorff, Mr. Gensler and Mr. Slaybaugh of Eberton.

A fine auditorium clock was purchased with funds from Virgie Maul and Sadie Brenneman.

The entire $3,254.70 cost of the building was provided for in cash and subscriptions by the time of dedication.

A York City directory for the year 19O2 stated that church services were held at 1O:3O A.M. and 7 P.M. Sunday School was held at 1:3O in the afternoon.

After serving the congregation for about two years, the Rev. Lenhart severed his relation with the congregation as pastor of St. James on June 1, 1902. Rev. C.F. Weist, of Milroy, Mifflin County, preached a trial ser­mon in the morning of July 15. Rev. Lenhart delivered his farewell sermon to a large congregation on Sunday evening, July 15. all of whom were closely connected with him in his work and fields as to deeply regret his departure. At the evening at the close of that service a congregational meeting was held and Rev. Weist was unanimously elected to succeed Rev. Lenhart.

On Sunday, August 24, 1902, the church elected a new pastor other that Rev. Wiest. A call was extended to Rev. C.F. Jacobs, of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steelton, PA, who had created so good an impression on the congregation that he was elected pastor.

Rev. Jacobs assumed charge on September 1, 1902. A reception was held Friday evening, Sep­tember 5 to welcome the new pastor and his wife. The gathering was attended by a large number of per­sons and was presided over by Daniel Rossman, a member of the church council. Rev. A.G. Fastnacht, D.D. of Union Lutheran church welcomed Rev. Jacobs and his wife on behalf of the congregation and fel­low ministers of York. Music was furnished by the church choir and congregational singing. Refresh­ments were served at the close of the exercises.

Rev. Jacobs was duly installed as pastor of the church on Sunday evening, December 14, 1902. The committee of installation, appointed by the president of West Pennsylvania Synod, consisted of Rev. E. Manges and Rev. A.G. Fastnacht. Rev. Manges, a former pastor for Rev. Jacobs, delivered the charge to the pastor. Rev. Fastnacht, a former pastor of Mrs. Jacobs, delivered the charge to the congregation. The visiting ministers performed the act of installation according to the impressive order provided by the Lutheran liturgy. As the act was consummated the officers of the church grasped the hand of the pastor in a hearty welcome. The new pastor upon the congregation and the community. The progress of the new congregation indicated a potential healthy growth.

Rev. Jacob's entrance upon the work in the parish was marked by many substantial improvements. A plot of ground 32 x 230 feet, located on the east side of the lot upon which the church was erected, was purchased from Rev. Edwin Lenhart by the congregation September 30, 1902 for the sum of $625. On this lot the erection of a parsonage was begun June 13, 1906 and was completed November 1, 1906 at a cost of approximately $3,000.

In nine short years from its beginning, the new St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church became fully self-supporting on September 1, 1908.

The congregation continued to grow and it again became necessary to enlarge the church building. On April 1, 1909, the congregation began remodeling and enlarging the church which was done at a cost of about $1,800. A service of dedication was held on September 12, 1909 at which time the total expense was met.

On November 15, 1912, work was begun on a building 28 x 60 feet, at the rear of the parsonage, to be used for social purposes. It also was the home of the Primary Department of the Sunday School. This building was completed in three months at a cost of $800 which was financed by the Ladies Aid Society.

The Rev. Jacobs presented his resignation as pastor on November 22, 1916 to become effective January 1, 1917. Rev. Hixon T. Bowersox came after him and took charge April 16, 1917. The congrega­tion continued to grow and the need for a larger church edifice became apparent. Thus at a congregational meeting held April 5, 1920, the following motion was unanimously passed, "That we build a new church, provided that the canvassing committee can show subscriptions of no less than $10,000.00." The canvass was made and sufficient funds were received. Ground for the new church was broken in May, 1921. The cornerstone was laid July 31, 1921. The new building was completed and dedicated March 26, 1923. The total cost of the church, including furnishings, was $54,268.89.

Following the resignation of Rev. Bowersox as of July 1, 1925, the congregation extended a call to the Rev. B. Clinton Ritz to become its pastor. He assumed charge of the parish September 16, 1925. During his pastorate, the membership of the Church and Sunday School increased. It became necessary to enlarge the church plant and a two-story addition was built at a cost of approximately $10,000. This new addition was dedicated January 15, 1928.

Rev. Ritz resigned as pastor and severed his relationship with the congregation December 15, 1928. Rev. H.H. Weber, D.D., of York, was the supply pastor until April 1, 1929.

On April 1, 1929, Rev. G.E. Miller, accepted the call extended to him by the congregation and came to St. James.

An echo organ with one set of liberty chimes and the vox humanna stop, was installed in the sanc­tuary in 1935. It was presented in memory of Jennie March and son, Neil Edward. The donors were Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gross and Luther March.

A harp, dedicated to the deceased members, was added to the organ in 1936.

The Luther League installed and equipped a room in the church basement in 1937 which became a place for meetings by committees and other groups. The front of the social room was improved by the League to provide a more worshipful atmosphere.

During the summer of 1939, the interior of the church was renovated. It was painted, new lights were installed in the church auditorium; and floors were refinished. The woodwork, pews, and seats in the auditorium were revarnished. New carpet was placed in the chancel and the aisles. Minor repairs and im­provements were made throughout the building. The entire project cost $2,594.83 for which all funds were available from cash and commitments at the time of dedication on Sunday, September 10, 1939.

A new heating plant was placed in the church during the year 1941.

The year 1943 witnessed the liquidation of all indebtedness on the church, an achievement that was observed by a special service held Sunday, June 20, at which a note burning ceremony was held.

On January 14, 1945 a resolution was passed by the congregation that a committee be appointed to raise funds for a building program.

A building committee was authorized by the adoption of a resolution approved by the congrega­tion on September 8, 1948 to draw up tentative plans for a new building. The estimated cost at that time was $150,000. The amount in the building fund account was then $24,000.

In the year 1949, the congregation of St. James' celebrated their Golden Jubilee Anniversary. Ap­propriate services were held during October. As part of these services, a successful financial drive was conducted and the amount raised, $8,079, was placed in the building fund. There were 1121 baptized and 971 confirmed members in 1949. The number of communing members was 715.

In November, 1951, a ballot was mailed to each member asking them to note "Yes or No" for or against raising the proposed amount of money for building purposes. Several days later the returned bal­lots were counted and the result was in the affirmative. The building committee held a meeting on May 13, 1952. Plans were then made to conduct drive for funds and $22,633.61 was raised.

May 1, 1954 a resolution was passed by the Church Council instructing the building committee that they secure bids from several contractors for a new Sunday School addition and the results of the bid­ding be presented to the congregation. At the July 13, 1954 building committee meeting, Alfred Hamme, Registered Architect of York, presented and explained the building plans he submitted.

Following several months of study and plan revision, the building committee approved the plans at a special meeting December 19, 1954. The architect was instructed to advertise for bids, the bids to be opened at the July 19, 1955 meeting. Following this meeting the three lowest bidders were asked to resubmit bids. On July 28, 1955, it was voted by the committee award the general construction contract to Edwin C. Myers of Dover, Pa. at a base bid of $165,374. On Sunday morning, July 31, 1955, at a congre­gational meeting, the building committee was given permission to sign a contract and to commence build­ing.

Rev. Richard S. Shanebrook began serving the church as pastor in February, 1961. During
his first year of service he became ill while attending a class party in the church. He returned to his home and was admitted to the hospital when his condition worsened. He died at 8:35 a.m. the following morning at the age of 49 years.

In 1957, at a cost of $165,347, a new three story unit was added to the north end of the church.

At the end of 1969, the membership of the church was composed of 1,484 baptized members which included 407 children and 1,077 adults. The active membership was reported as 867 members and 805 had communed during the year.

[Editor’s note: The term of Rev. Robert K. Shaull, beginning in 1973 was overlooked]

[Editor’s note: In 1988, a building project to make the building handicap accessible was undertaken. The entrance at the northeastern corner of the building was renovated to include a drive-through overhang and a ramp. In addition, an elevette was installed near the middle of the north wall that served all 3 floors of the building. The total cost, which was raised prior to construction, was approximately $20,000.]

Rev. Robert E. Nale resigned as pastor in September, 1989 and Rev. Gordon Folkomer served as vice pastor until Rev. George W. Fitch, Jr. was elected and assumed the pastoral duties July 1, 1990. His installation services were held Sunday, September 23, 1990.

The youth group of the church held a carwash fund raising activity on Saturday, April 20, 1991. The event was conducted along the U.S. 30 by-pass around York. The $2 received per wash was to benefit a trip by the youth to attend the National Lutheran Youth Gathering in Dallas, Texas, during July.

The 1992 Vacation Bible School was conducted for 4 year olds to adults on Monday- Friday, June 22-26, 1992. Sessions were held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the theme was "Together in Jesus' Name."

The Sunday School program was suspended during the summer of 1992 and resumed at 9:30 a.m. on September 20.

LOVE Sunday was observed during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday School on February 14, 1993. Adults were honored with songs, skits and poems by the children.

Community Lenten breakfasts were served during on each Thursday beginning February 25 to April 8, 1993. Among the speakers were the pastor, Rev. George Fitch, and guest speakers Revs. John Wenzke, Henry Herbner, Richard Smith, and Charles Fitzgerald.

The York Chapter, American Guild of Organists, held an organist/clergy dinner at the church on Tuesday, September 21,1993, at 6 p.m.

A joint Eve of Epiphany service was held at 7 p.m., January 5, 1994, was held with St. Stephen's UCC, a neighboring church, in St. Stephen's building. The sermon was delivered by Rev. George Fitch of St. James. The liturgist was Rev. Scofield of St. Stephen’s.

A breakfast and message were presented on Thursday mornings from 7 to 7:45 a.m. during the 1994 Lenten period. Lenten services were also held at 7 p.m. each Wednesday. The breakfast services continued until they were ended in 2006 due to lack of attendance.

An ice cream social and talent showcase was hosted by the youth group on Saturday, April 9, 1994 from 7-9 p.m. A $2 admission was charged.

"Emanuel," a musical program was presented at 4 p.m., Sunday, December 4, 1994. The cantata was performed by two choirs of the church and friends of choir members. The program was followed by high tea.

On August 29, 1994 the congregation approved an expenditure of $15,887 to replace the roof over Sunday School rooms. The new roof was to have a 20 years material/10 years labor warranty.

SonTown was the theme for Vacation Bible School, held July 31 to August 4, 1995, with 45 children pre-registered. Offerings were donated to The Lehman Center.

On April 7, 1996 the Executive Committee accepted the resignation of the sexton, Bev Ensor. She would be replaced by Mr. Wib Shiding.

April 28, 1996 was the first service where the new With One Voice hymnals were used. These hymnals offer some newer songs to the traditional Lutheran Book of Worship hymnals and will be used alongside the older hymnals.

For many years the Youth Group has sponsored an Annual Ham Supper that is open to the public. Youth advisors make the food and the youth members serve the guest and clean up afterwards. This fundraiser typically most of the money used by the Youth during the year. On February 1, 1997 the dinner was attended by 252 people.

Technology of the 1990’s changed very rapidly and 1997 saw the purchase of a new computer system for the church. About 7 or 8 years later, new computers for the secretary and pastor were purchased again.

At a March 29, 1998 Special Congregational Meeting it was voted to eliminate one of the regular Sunday services. Prior to the meeting, services were held at 8:15 and 10:45, with Sunday School held in between. Due to dwindling attendance, the two services were combined into a 9:00 service with 10:30 Sunday School.

A 100th Anniversary Kickoff event was held August 23, 1998 with over 200 people attending; an Old Fashioned Church Service & Picnic which was held outdoors on Adams Street. Our first (portrayed by actors) and current pastors rode in on a horse and mule (a sight to behold!).

A group of members traveled to a Native American Indian Reservation in 2005 to perform mission work. The volunteers spent 1 week building beds, cleaning up cemeteries, and other basic duties on the reservation. The trip, which occurred during the very hot summer months, was organized through Re-Member. Members held fund raisers and donated blankets and bedding supplies. All said, the congregation paid for less than half the cost of the trip. The group had such a good time they immediately began planning for a return trip in 2007.

The Rev. George Fitch, Jr. resigned in May of 2004 so that he could retire. The Rev. Lisa A. Hair (the first woman pastor to serve St. James) served as Interim Pastor.

Ministerial sons of the congregation have included: Walter F. Forker, Ordained 1945; John F. Lehr, Ordained 1972.


Among the pastors of the church have been:

• Edwin Lenhart, 1899-1902
• Charles F. Jacobs, 1902-17
• Hixon T. Bowersox, 1917-25
• B. Clinton Ritz, 1925-28
• Guy E. Miller, 1929-61
• Richard S. Shanebrook, 1961
• Claude R. Baublitz, 1962-1972
• Robert K. Shaull, 1973- 1982
• Robert E. Nale, 1982-1989
• Gordon E. Folkemer, vice-pastor, 1989-90
• George W. Fitch, Jr., 1990-2003
• Lisa A. Hair, Interim Pastor, 2003-2005
• Sandra Mackey, Interim Pastor, 2005-2007