Merged Congregation Gets a “New” Name

On Oct. 11, the Geneva RP Church, consisting of the former Geneva RPC and First RPC of Beaver Falls, met to vote on a proposed name change. The change was recommended as a result of the Name Change Committee’s recommendation to the session.

The congregation voted to change its name to the First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls. As the name indicates, the congregation’s roots are in the first Reformed Presbyterian Church that was organized in downtown Beaver Falls on Nov. 10, 1874. That congregation moved to its present location at 209 Darlington Road in Patterson Township in 1895. The Geneva RPC was a daughter of First RPC and began meeting on the campus of Geneva College when the college moved to Pennsylvania. The Geneva congregation was organized in 1892 while worshiping in the chapel of Old Main.

On Nov. 10, 2004, each congregation voted in principle to merge, and the following month the congregations began worshiping together as one church (see February 2005 issue of the Witness).

—Bruce Backensto, pastor

Lisbon, N.Y., RPC

Steve Rockhill, pastor

An elder workshop was held at the church building along with the local OPC, URC, and CRC congregations. The St. Lawrence and Atlantic Presbyterials met at the church May 4– 6.

An open house was held at the home of Don and Gwen Smith on June 27 for the 90th birthday of her father, Paul Faris.

Vacation Bible school was held with the OPC July 31– Aug. 4.

—Shirley Smith, correspondent

Rose Point (New Castle, Pa.) RPC

Rose Point hosted both the Presbytery of the Alleghenies and the Presbyterial of the Alleghenies this year.

The Women’s Missionary Fellowship sponsored two thankoffering services. The speakers were Krista Besselman, who served in Papua, New Guinea, with Wycliffe Bible Translators, and Titus Martin, who told of his trip to various mission stations around the world.

The church enjoyed fellowship at several social events including a New Year’s party, a game night, and a church picnic at the home of John Mitchell. Bibles were presented to six high school graduates: Matt Bessell, Lynn Campbell, Risa Hanninen, Lucas Park, Saundra Schmidtberger, and Kelly Youngman. Five of these young people have enrolled in college, and Matt is serving in the U.S. Air Force.

Sarah Schmidtberger served with the short-term mission team in Uganda this summer Several young people attended presbytery youth camps, and Mary Donaldson and Risa Hanninen enjoyed the Laurelville Presbytery Conference.

The church continues to minister to Grove City College students. A Bible study is held at the college, and 12-15 students are currently worshiping at the church each week and attending Sabbath school.

The congregation enjoys two monthly publications. Rose Point Reports, Praises, and Requests, edited by Dawn McKelvy, keeps the church updated on the activities and needs of the members. The Point, which is “a tool for helping the saints to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ,” is edited by Rev. Ralph Joseph. Copies of this may be received by sending an email to Pastor Ralph at slipperyrockrprev@zoominternet. net.

Rose Point continues its radio ministry each Sabbath morning. More information about the church can be found at www.christalone.us. Many members were able to help Floyd Stevenson celebrate his 90th birthday at a dinner hosted by his children.

Several members have serious health problems and are unable to worship with the church regularly. They are missed.

The congregation was saddened by the death of one faithful member, Mabel McElwain.

The congregation appreciates the guidance received from Revs. Ralph Joseph and Ken G. Smith. The congregation asks for your prayers during this time without a pastor and as they seek the Lord’s will in making a call.

—Lillian S. Kennedy, correspondent