History
The first worship service at Ascension was held July 2, 1916. The first congregational meeting was held one month later on August 2, 1916. The church was named "The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension". A draft of by-laws was presented, but not passed until August 6, 1916. At a congregational meeting, on August 17, 1916, officers and council members were elected. The officers and council were installed on September 24, 1916. On July 16, 1917, the incorporation was completed with 23 charter members.
On May 20, 1920, The Rev. Ulla Edwin Bauers was installed as pastor. The Ladies Aid, Luther League, Harmony Social Sunshine Club and Boys Club were started. Pastor Bauer resigned in February 1928.
The next pastor called to Ascension was The Rev. Bernard W. Krapf. The Women’s Missionary Society, the Brotherhood, and choir were started during his pastorate. The outside of the building was brick veneered and colonial style was adapted for the interior. Pastor Krapf resigned August 1940. Then The Rev. Floyd A. Paules became pastor and served until 1945.
On November 1, 1945, The Rev. Eugene B. Umberger was called as pastor. The Youth Fellowship, Helping Hands, and Altar Guild were organized during his pastorate. A two-year confirmation program was started, and the church constitution was updated. A new organ was installed, as well as oil heat in the parsonage. In October 1952, Pastor Umberger accepted a call to Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
On January 25, 1953, The Rev. William Laird accepted a call to Ascension and began on June 1, 1953. Pastor Laird remained at Ascension until his untimely death on September 22, 1978. During his tenure a two-story Sunday School building was erected, and the interior of the church was renovated and re-oriented. Also, stained glass windows were installed and The Women of the Church, Men’s Brotherhood, and Annual Ascension Day Awards were begun.
In 1979, The Rev. Richard Bergman was called to Ascension. During Pastor Bergman’s tenure, a clerical pool was started, as well as a Men’s Wednesday Morning Breakfast, and a Youth Group. The church was renovated with a new altar, pews and carpeting. Pastor Bergman retired in June 1988, and moved to California.
In May 1989, The Rev. Jack Slotterback was called to serve at Ascension. During Pastor Slotterback’s time at Ascension, a new handicap lift was installed (1993). We have also added two Bible Study groups, a secretary, and have had a number of seminarians and two interns from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia serve our congregation. We have also added a new Thursday night contemporary worship service and three new prayer groups, and we have incorporated prayer into almost everything we do at Ascension. In addition, we also now share a number of worship services and other events with five neighboring Lutheran churches, called SMI.