First Presbyterian Church - 175th Anniversary

     Carnegie responds quickly, assisting in the purchase of a new pipe organ by donating $750 of the $2,000 needed.

     A Men's Fellowship is established in 1910, consisting of 18 members. (By 1929, membership grows to 210 men of all races and creeds.)

     Boy Scout Troop comes into being in 1912, organized under the sponsorship of the church. The Young Women's Society of the Presbyterian Church is established in 1914. Time passes and, in 1952, the church is extensively renovated. Ministry is also extended to the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, scholarships are established and missions receive the church's support.

     During the pastorate of the Rev. Harris T. Lang in 1956, electronic carillons (25 miniature bell tone generators of bronze bell metal) are installed. The stained-glass "Rose Window" is also illuminated in this year, a memorial tribute by the family of the late Robert S. Toal.

     In 1958, the property and house at 35 Orchard Place are purchased from Mrs. Thomas Mills for use as the manse.

     The Rev. Gideon von Galambos begins his 32-year stint as pastor in 1959, the same year that the front entrance of the church is rebuilt and a parking lot is installed after the purchase and razing of two buildings.

     Ground is broken on Oct. 8, 1967 for the Christian Education Building, and the cornerstone is laid on May 12, 1968. Cost of the project is $100,000.

     Classes begin in November 1968 and the new building is dedicated the following May.

     On Feb. 17, 1974, Mrs. Ivory M. Lincoln, escorted by her daughter, Ruth Lincoln Bury, is elected and ordained as ruling elder for life, the 75th anniversary of her confirmation.

     Substantial work is completed in the sanctuary in 1976 and, on July 10, 1977, the church celebrates its 150th anniversary.

(Photo courtesy of First Presbyterian Church, Gowanda)