BACKGROUND
The disastrous Johnstown Flood of 1889 caused many citizens of Johnstown to look for higher ground on which to build their homes. The gently sloping fields of the Von Lunen and Rodgers farms attracted much attention. Mr. Tom Johnson laid out streets and lots in the area above the railway works and named it MOXHAM to honor his partner in business Mr. Arthur J. Moxham. Also attracted to this new settlement were persons from Bedford, Somerset and Westmoreland Counties seeking employment and a new place to establish homes for their families. In the next few years various denominations began to establish churches, however there was no place of worship for those of the Lutheran faith and this became a concern not only for the new residents of Moxham but also the pastors of Lutheran churches located within the confines of city boundaries at that time. Most of the Lutherans living in Moxham traveled "downtown" to attend the First Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran in the Hornerstown section of town. So steps were taken in 1893 to remedy the situation.
IN THE BEGINNING - A SUNDAY SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER 1893 - A committee composed Dr. James S. Koontz, George S. Paul, Martin L. Rhoads, Joseph W. Buchanan and Henry F. Leventry invited some Lutherans of the Moxham area to a meeting in Paul's Hall (located at the corner of Coleman Ave. and Village St.). As a result of their efforts a Sunday School was started in Moxham. S. H. Cauffiel was named Superintendent and Paul's Hall became the meeting place at a rental of $1.25 per session.
OCTOBER 15, 1893 - The new Sunday School convened for the first time with 80 persons present.
NOVEMBER, 1896 - A Ladies Aid Society was formed and on Sept. 13, 1897 this group purchased a lot and house at 637-639 Coleman Ave. The lot was later used as the site of a new chapel with the house moved to the rear of the lot and used as needed. This move was approved by the Council of First Lutheran on April 19. 1901 and on May 11, 1902 the new chapel was dedicated and became the center of activity for Lutherans living in the Moxham area.
AUGUST 17, 1902 - Dr. William A. Shipman, Pastor of First Lutheran and Pastor-in-Charge of the new Sunday School administered the first Communion in the new chapel. Approximately 125 people received the sacraments.
On-Our Own
MOXHAM LUTHERAN CHURCH
MAY 5, 1907 - With sentiment in favor of becoming independent of First Lutheran Church, a congregational meeting was held and the proposed separation discussed. The members voted in favor of this move and the first Council of Moxham Lutheran Church was elected. Records reveal that about 125 persons became charter members of this new congregation.
MAY 19, 1907 - The Reverend Henry S. Rhoads was elected as the first pastor of Moxham Lutheran Church. He accepted the call and began his services on July 15, 1907 and served until April 9, 1916. During his tenure the congregation, along with its organizations continued a rapid growth and a need for a larger building became evident.
JULY 10, 1914 - Plans for a new church to be built at the corner of Park Ave. and Ohio St. (Cost not to exceed $35,000) were submitted to the congregation and approved. Ground was broken on March 1, 1915 and one year later on March 12, 1916 a beautiful new house of worship was dedicated and is still in use today.
Information provided by Martha Hemminger