History

East Main’s Story

Our Beginnings: A Legacy Since 1879

  

East Main Historical Article

Our Beginnings In 1879, the village of Pine Grove, Pennsylvania had a population of about 300 with a grist mill, a post office, a few stores, a hotel, and a couple of churches. The nearest United Presbyterian churches were Harmony in Harrisville, Scotch Hill and Springfield congregations.

On a suggestion from the Springfield congregation, it was arranged that Rev. W.B. Barr, pastor of that church, hold an occasional service in Pine Grove provided that the local members guaranteed a payment of $100 per year.

The spirit of going over the top, for which the Grove City community has been noted in later years, was shown by those early adherents whose subscriptions totaled $154. But money and members were only two of the pioneer troubles. Roads, building, heating and lighting had to be considered. Rev. Barr rode a mule from Pardoe to hold the first meeting on April 6, 1879. A second story room in the Pine Grove School House, [situated where McDonald's Restaurant is now located,] had been secured for the service. Rev. Barr chose for his text, "God's love for His Saints," Isaiah 9:15.

East Main Church Exists to Honor God by Being and Making More Disciples of Jesus Christ

Our Mission

Meeting Place #2 - Old Presbyterian Meeting House

Meeting Place #2 - Old Presbyterian Meeting House

After being asked to find their second meeting place due to the floor sinking under the weight of the amount of people gathered at the local school building, the congregation rented their second temporary meeting place which had no floor or furnishings called the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. During warm weather, the congregation would meet outside. 

Meeting Place #3 - Pine Grove Academy/Recitation Hall,

Meeting Place #3 - Pine Grove Academy/Recitation Hall,

The congregation secured permission to use the chapel room for their worship services for three years. In May 1883, they moved into their own church, a $5,000 frame building on East Main Street but lost it to fire when a spark from a neighboring building fire caused it to burn. 

Meeting Place #5 - East Main Church / Ivy Chapel

Meeting Place #5 - East Main Church / Ivy Chapel

In October 1893, that group of about 150 people had a beautiful red brick church built on the site of the burned wood frame building within 17 months. The original bell from the first frame built church was saved and hung in the bell tower. Due to increased attendance, the leadership had to secure a new place to worship.

East Main Church Building Established

East Main Church Building Established

A building committee was appointed in May 1907 and three lots across the street were secured for the erection of a larger brownstone church, the present house of worship at 120 East Main Street. The original bell was moved and placed in the bell tower. Additions were added in 1930, for classrooms, and 1991 for a gathering space for adults and teens.