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During 1981 several important improvements were made to the space at Prince of Peace. A new roof was installed on the educational unit. A wall was built in the nursery area to make room for a secretary's office. Upper and lower cupboards were installed to contain all the essential office equipment and supplies. Storage cupboards were also built into the educational unit for additional supplies. Andrew "Mack" Kells served as chief architect, carpenter and advisor of all operations when the new, full-equipped kitchen became a reality during 1981. The total cost was $11,330.00. Many men and women of the congregation gave freely of their time and talents to raise the needed funds, and to assist "Mack" in this endeavor. Also in 1981 new robes for the choir and organist were purchased and dedicated on September 14.
The year 1982 saw many preparations undertaken to clean up the church for the Twentieth Anniversary celebration. One of the most beautiful additions to the sanctuary during this year was the dedication of the leaded glass windows that were designed and constructed by Jeanne Washnock Vesco, and installed in the front of the sanctuary. The symbols depict various aspects in Jesus' earthly ministry, various symbols of the Godhead, and Luther's Seal.
From 1982 through 1987, quite a number of changes transpired in the
congregation. The Property Committee was busy (the parking lot was paved and sealed; ceiling fans were purchased for the sanctuary and the fellowship hall to enhance the worship experience, new windows were purchased for the parsonage and several additions to the kitchen were made). For the office, a new copy machine was purchased to replace the old mimeograph machine. The beautiful sounds of an electronic carillon were sent throughout the community with the addition of a Maas-Rowe bell carillon system. In order to enhance our youth program, a family of "P.O.P People" (hand puppets) was added. During the years 1995 - 1997, an extensive roof project was undertaken, giving the church the appearance it still has today.
On January 1, 1987, membership stood at 401 baptized, and 326 confirmed members. The number of Confirmed/Communed/Contributing members was 275, and average weekly worship attendance was 125. That year the 20th Anniversary of Prince of Peace was celebrated on November 15 with a special worship service and dinner. Also that year a pamphlet was published by the Evangelism Committee entitled "Who We Are and What We Do", the annual Chicken Barbeque was begun and Lutheran Church Women (L.C.W.) officially became Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (W.E.L.C.A.).
In 1994 Prince of Peace celebrated freedom from debt by holding a mortgage burning service and reception. Estella Forsha, our first financial secretary, and Pastor Ordelt ceremonially burned the mortgage during the morning worship service. It was a great feat for a church which began at the Roller Garden as a mission church, and just twenty years later had a brand new, debt-free facility.
In November 2001, Reverend Ordelt accepted a call to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Retired pastor Reverend Robert Smith ably served as interim pastor. Reverend James E. Person was called to Prince of Peace on July 6, 2002, began his ministry at P.O.P. on September 1 and was installed as our pastor on Sunday October 20, 2002.
On Sunday, September 22, 2002 Prince of Peace celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special worship service followed by a catered luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. The guest pastor was the Reverend Jeffrey Schock from Trinity Lutheran Church in Latrobe. The luncheon was catered by Joe's Store and Deli, with a special anniversary cake made by the Colaianne's at Dainty Pastry.
In June 2007, Reverend Person accepted a call to serve as Senior Pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, PA. Rev. Bob Marks served as the interim during the vacancy. On April 13, 2008, the congregation called the Rev. William A. Schaefer to serve as pastor. Pastor Bill began service at Prince of Peace on June 22, 2008. He was installed as our pastor on September 17, 2008.
History of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church part II
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