Some interesting facts about our church:
(Excerpted from the church history in the church’s Policy Manual)
What does the German word, friedens, mean?
Peace
What was the former name of the village of Oley?
Friedensburg meaning ‘a bulwark or fortress of peace’.
When was the church (and schoolhouse) built?
The cornerstone was laid on May 23, 1830. The original building was 35 feet wide and 45 feet long.
What language did the preachers use for sermons?
The Revs. John Guildin and Charles (Carl) Herman used both German and English. The church was used for two denominations: Lutheran and Reformed on alternating Sundays.
What ministers have served at Friedens UCC?
Rev. Carl G. Herman, 1831 -1839
Rev. Augustus Herman, 1839 -1840
Rev. Issac.Miese, 1840 -1848
Rev. N.S. Straussberger, D.D., 1848 -1861
Rev. Issac Miese, 1861 -1862
Rev. P.P.A. Hoffman, 1862 -1879
Rev. Daniel E. Schoedler, D.D., 1879 -1884
Rev. Issac S. Stahr, 1884 -1928
Rev. Earl G. Wolford, 1928 -1968
Rev. Norman W. Shollenberger (Pastor Emeritus), 1968 -1979
Rev. Carl P. Mitchel Jr., 1980 -1983
Rev. Stephen Carnahan, 1984 -1991
Rev. G. Richard Ott (Interim), 1991 -1993
Rev. James L. Dunn, 1993 -2003
Rev. Philip K. Nace (Interim), March, 2003 – December, 2003
Rev. David C. Newhart (Interim), January, 2004 – October, 2004
Rev. Dr. Jon A. Fogle, 2004 – December, 2009
Rev. Dr. Gary A. Halstead (Interim), 2010 – October 2011
Rev. Elizabeth Byerly-Garrigan October, 2011 – May 2014
Rev. David C. Newhart (Interim), May, 2014 – June, 2015
Rev. Anne Hoffmann (Interim), June, 2015 – December, 2015
Rev. Thomas Adil (Interim), March 2016 – August 2016
Rev. Dr. Tyson L. Frey – August 2016 -June 2022
Rev. Corrine Dautrich (Bridge) – July 2022 to present
