Although 1927 is the date set as the beginning of the Westernport Church of the Brethren, it
really began to form in 1924 when the Keyser congregation was formed from the territory of the
New Creek congregation, later known as Sunnyside.

At the time, the town of Piedmont was assigned to Keyser’s territory. Rev. Russell West, pastor
at Keyser realized there were numerous Brethren families in Piedmont.

Piedmont, one of the Tri-Towns was supported principally by the railroads, mining and the paper
mill industries which had attracted many Brethren families to the area over the years.
By 1925 S. K. Fike of Piedmont visualized the dream of a church in this community and began
holding prayer meetings in his home. By October 1926, Rev. West held a revival meeting in the
Odd Fellows Hall in Westernport, and the results were very encouraging.

                   During the spring of 1927 the group decided to organize a Sunday School. The first Sunday
                   School was held on April 3, 1927 in the Odd Fellow’s Hall, with an attendance of twenty-                           three. By the first Sunday of May, sixty three worshippers were attending.

The organizational meeting was held July 18, 1927 in the Odd Fellows Hall in Westernport .
On September 13, 1927, additional action was taken to change the name from Broadwater
Chapel to the Westernport Church of the Brethren. Sixty-two members were present; it was
agreed this entire group should be known as Charter Members. Rev. Russell West is credited
as the founder and Arthur Scrogum as organizer.

Enthusiasm remained high and by 1928 the membership increased to ninety-two. During 1929
a Youth group and Ladies’ Aid were formed. The membership increased to one hundred twenty
six. The first pastor was Rev. A.J. Beeghley who also served George’s Creek. Trustees were
elected that year with plans to purchase land for a church.

                 January 12, 1930 two lots on Main Street, Westernport consisting of a store and a double                         house were purchased for $7,500. Renovations were done on the store building. The double                  house was converted into a parsonage for the pastor and family and the other half for the                        custodian and family.

By the end of 1932 the total membership was 182.Russell DeVore was named music director.
This was the beginning of a strong music program in the congregation over the years.
The purchase of new pews in 1940 enabled the church to donate fifty of its old “theatre seats” to
the George’s Creek congregation.

In 1942 Rev. Foster Bittinger was called as pastor. The following year the church purchased
the St. John’s parsonage at 119 Jamesson Street. By 1944 all debts were paid and a “New
Building Fund” was established.

                    During 1948 it was decided to move both buildings on Main Street to the rear of the lot                          and when sufficient money was available, a new church was to be built on the front portion                      of the lot. Total cost of moving the building was $6,137.36.

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In 1950, the group decided to emphasize the building fund four times a year and wait until a
total of $25,000 was raised before beginning a new church.
During 1953, the membership under the pastorate of Byron M. Flory began seriously to consider
a new church home. After much consideration, the plot of ground on Main Street did not seem
adequate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property known as the Oak View Playground became available at the reasonable price of
$5,000. On July 3, 1955, a ground breaking ceremony was held for the new church. The
excavation was done by the Baughman Construction Company. In April 1956 cash on hand
was $30,000 and the contract went to Hamilton Lumber Company. The price was $82,500,
which meant a loan of approximately $55,000.

On September 7, 1957 the new church became a reality. The cost of the church, including
equipment was $111,050.68. It was dedicated on September 29, 1957.

October 30, 1960 a decision was made to sell the old church property on Main Street for
$12,000 . Also, on November 6 that year the church organ, free of debt was dedicated.
In May 1962 a lot was purchased on the corner of Green Street and Philos Avenue for S4,000.
with the idea of later building a parsonage.

June 15, 1965 ground was broken for a new parsonage. It was ready for occupancy by
September 1, 1965, at a cost of $28,200. Once more, the faithful members worked together to
meet the needs, also financially, of the community and strove to establish a stronger faithful
congregation.

Pastors who have served the congregation were: A.J. Beeghly, Newton D. Cosner, Foster
Bittinger, J. Emmert Dettra, Byron Flory, Levi Ziegler ,Robert Whitlatch, Robert Strickler, Leon
Swigart, Lorrel & Nelda Eikenberry, John Groth, Ervin Huston, Diane May and currently Allie
Crowe. Also, Galen Fike and William Shimer, Sr. served as interim pastors