St John's Reformed Church, Milton Pa

Arch St, South From Walnut St, Milton Pa

Located on Arch Street "Above Broadway" - 30 Arch Street, Milton Pa.

Current brick building (crumbling in 2026)

"Whilst Rev. F. C. Yost was pastor the building was projected, the corner stone laid on September 4, 1888, and the basement prepared for service by May 20 [1888], The church remained in this unfinished condition till after Rev.  D. W, Ebbert was called to the pastorate from Dayton, Ohio, February 1, 1890.   Formal dedication services for the new building were held in 1895.

St. John’s Reformed Church 30 Arch Street

"The building is a handsome structure pressed brick laid in red  mortar trimmed with brown stone and surmounted with a graceful spire inside of which is suspended a deep toned bell."  1895 Dedication

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TIMELINE

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1866, May 17th - cornerstone for new brick church

     "The materials of the old church were largely utilized, and the new building, two stories high and constructed of brick, occupied the same site as the present place of worship on the west side of Arch street above Broadway. "

1866, November - Dedication

1880 - Fire destroyed the church built in 1866

1881, July 24 - corner-stone of a new church was laid. "This edifice was completed in due time, but owing to defective construction it was removed in 1887. "

1887, September 4th - Cornerstone for new building laid. "This is a handsome brick structure with a seating capacity of eight hundred, and cost seventeen thousand dollars. "

1895 - October "Dedicatory Services" -

"JOHN'S REFORMED CHURCH. 

The dedicatory services of St. Reformed Church were begun at 10:30 m. Sunday morning last, with a by Rev. F. 

C. Yost, of York, Penna. a former occupant of its pulpit.

 His theme was "The Building up the Church" and was listened to close attention by an audience, crowded its new and handsomely furnished auditorium to the doors. At end the financial statement was showing among other things that the balance of some $4,000 on the building already been subscribed and would liquidated in short payments, after followed the beautiful and formal exercises of dedication.

One of the delightful features of occasion was the excellent music rendered by the choir under the direction of well known chorister of the church, Leyi Truckenmiller and a solo by Hattie Lamm-remarkable for its execution. 

The afternoon exercises at 3 o'clock consisted of a platform meeting, at Rev. D. W. Ebbert, after a few brief happy remarks, introduced

 Rev, J. Reimensnyder, who spoke upon General Unity of the Church,"

 Rev. M. Baldwin on "After the Dedication,"

 Rey, M. F. Fosselman on Church Success"

 and Rev. Albert Houtz, who was member of the Sunday school and church some years ago gaev a very effective pleasing review of the local history the church and some of its substantial workers at an earlier day, when structure stood on a small rise on Mahoning street.

 The meeting of the Christian Endeavor Society at 6:30 was followed by the evening services which were opened at and at which F. F. Bahner, a former pastor, but now living at Waynesboro, delivered a forcible and practical sermon his subject being "The Power of Godliness and its Formation,"

 Beginning Monday evening every evening, except Saturday, week, up to night (Friday) interesting and appropriate sermons for the special services thus set apart were delivered the following ministers, respectively

 Monday evening, Rev. A. Houtz, Orangeyille;

 Tuesday, Rev. C. B. Alspach, Danyille ; 

 Wednesday, Rev. Bergey, West Milton; 

 Thursday, Rey, S. S Whitmore, Mifflinburg ;

 Friday, (tonight) Rev. G. S. Sorber, Watsontown.

The meetings will, also, continue each evening next week, except Saturday, 

Rev. M. L. Firor, Williamsport, will preach on Monday, Rev. C. H. Brandt, Bloomsburg, on Tuesday,

Rev. D. Schoedler  on Wednesday.

 The exercises will close on Sunday Oct. 10th, with the celebration of the Holy Communion. 

Whilst Rev. F. C. Yost was pastor the building was projected, the corner stone laid on September 4, 1888, and the basement prepared for service by May 20, The church remained in this unfinished condition till after Rev.  D. W, Ebbert was called to the pastorate from Dayton, Ohio, February 1, 1890. 

The building is a handsome structure pressed brick laid in red  mortar trimmed with brown stone and surmounted with a graceful spire inside of which is suspended a deep toned bell. the first floor of the building are the lecture, Sunday school and class rooms, infant department, library and pastor's study.

 Substantial winding stairways with heavy polished banisters and intercepted broad landings at either of the Arch entrances, conduct you from one to the other.

The auditorium, which has just recently been completed is a thing of beauty on interior. High gothic arches whose surfaces are polished oak panels are supply four heavy pillars. The walls of plain color. From the center of ceiling a beautiful chandelier of brass with many burners hangs in graceful suspension. 

The windows are of stained glass with jewelings and have been donated, either by individual members, family and Sunday school classes, as memorials.

The heavy oak seats are of a peculiar and shape and for beauty, real comfort and rest cannot be surpassed anywhere. Their arrangement is semi circular in  form while the floor place is of a gradual grade. The doors wainscot are, also, of oak highly polished. The choir gallery just at the of the pulpit is also surrounded by oak panellings, while the pulpit furniture is  of a correspondingly handsome style and adds to the general appearance the whole. The carpet 18 a heavy vrussels of terra cotta color and is of a pattern.

The building of the church and interior of  the auditorium was done in a large measure by M. L. Keagle and assistants. W. Robison making the doors, while oiling, painting, etc., was the work Thomas Weidenhamer and corps.

The congregation is certainly to be congratulated on their handsome new home." - Miltonian, October 4 1895

1897  - Held service for 10th anniversary of Y.M.C.A.  "all other houses of worship being closed on that account."

1907 - Applied for Charter

1921 - Order for Remains to be removed from St. John's Reformed burial grounds to Harmony Cemetery.

1923 - Electric Light Taken To China (Bly Brothers)

In May of 1923, Bly Brothers Electrical and The St John's Reformed Church Sunday School class were sending to the orient "the first electric light generating apparatus", to light a school building in China. I've been fascinated by the Bly Brothers ever since I came across a listing for their sign, a few years back. Then, I read The Front Porch, by A. Frank Krause (An incredible book about growing up in Milton/stories of Milton History) and it describes the Bly Brothers Delco Light Plants contract, and Krauses plan to help them stay in business (it's a really interesting story)... Then today, while looking at some of the St John's Reformed Church History (recent Bell Tower collapse) I came across this article in the Miltonian - WILL GIVE FIRST LIGHT TO 6,000,000 Through the efforts of the Sunday School of the St. John's Reformed Church, of this place, Clarence Heffelfinger, a teacher in China, and the Bly Brothers Electrical Contractors. Mr. Heffelfinger will carry to the Orient the first electric light generating apparatus, which will eventually result in electric light being introduced to some 6,000,000 people. When Mr. Heffelfinger returns to his duties at the school at Schenchowful, a city of 45,000 people, in the province of Hunan he will take with him a 3 k. w. Delco light and power plant and sufficient electrical fixtures to wire and light the entire school building. The plant, which was purchased at a cost of $1,400 is the gift of the Sunday School of St. John's Reformed Church. For more of the history of the Bly Brothers, and the story in Krauses book, see the page on my blog here: https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2021/02/bly-brothers-electrologists-milton-pa.html

1928 - Pipe Organ Installed

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THE BELL TOWER COLLAPSE

2026

• North Arch Street, between Broadway and Walnut Street in Milton has been closed since the bricks have fallen.
• May 9th 2026 - portion of the bell tower collapsed
• Neighboring Building - Milton Developmental Services - MDS (Formerly Fonda House)
• Originally all 36 residents MDS had to be relocated, per facility protocol. They were taken to the Lutheran church and served a meal there.
• 12 residents were unable to return, as that part of the MDS building is connected to the St John's Church. Those 12 were housed at the Lewisburg Inn for 4 nights, along with two staff members. These residents were then moved to other locations temporarily, until the damage at St John's could be inspected.

Fonda House, today Milton Developmental Services

  See more about it here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1RMCCi6s78/

(Church can be seen in the background)

Owner Refused Access To The Building 

• Owned by New Life Evangelistic Church of New Jersey, and Bishop William Jackson
•  The Building is not insured. Jackson refused to give permission for anyone to enter the building to examine the extent of the damage/danger 
• "Jackson said he plans to start a Go Fund Me campaign to help save the building.” - Milton Standard
•  Friday May 22nd - A search warrant was issued, a structural engineer was then brought in to examine the building Milton Developmental Services notified that it was safe for residents to return.
• The borough will need to wait for a full report from the structural engineer before further plans can be made

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OTHER BUILDINGS

Buildings Owned By Bishop Jackson/ New Life Evangelistic church

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See post here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EHuUHdEKv/

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READ MORE

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Pastors:

The Rev. Justus Henry Fries continued to serve this church as pastor until 1823.

He was followed by Samuel Gutelius, 1824-27;

Henry Wagner, 1827-35;

Daniel Gring, 1835-46;

Ephraim Kieffer, English colleague to Mr. Gring, 1840- 44,

followed by Henry Harbaugh, 1844-46, when he succeeded to the pastorate entirely and remained until 1849;

Edwin M. Long, 1840-52;

Albert G. Dole, 1853-65;

Samuel H. Reid, 1866-73;

F. F. Bahner, 1873-77;

S. B. Schafer, 1878-82;

F. C. Yost, 1883-89;

D. W. Ebbert, 1890, present pastor."

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Bell's History Of Northumberland County

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"It has been stated that the first religious services in the immediate vicinity of Milton of which there is any record were held by a Reformed minister. This denomination was early represented among the German element, and although there is no record of the organization it was doubtless among the first religious bodies that secured regular pastoral services. The school house on Lower Market street was the first place of worship. In 1807, uniting with the Lutherans, a small one-story log house on the south side of Mahoning street was purchased for school and church purposes, and here the Rev. Justus Henry Fries and other early Reformed preachers conducted worship and administered the Sacraments agreeably to the usages of their church.

In 1817, neither the Presbyterian, Reformed, or Lutheran congregations being strong enough numerically or financially to undertake the erection of a church edifice individually, they united in the construction of a union church building near the foot of the hill at the eastern end of Mahoning street. In this movement Daniel R. Bright was the leading spirit; associated with him as building trustees were Adam Follmer and Adam Gundekunst, and under their supervision the carpenter work was done by Conrad Henry, and the stone and brick work by James Shearer and John Snyder. The corner-stone was laid, October 5, 1817, by the Reverends Hood, Repass, and Fries, in the presence of Lutheran, Reformed, and Presbyterian people. The work did not progress very rapidly, however, and it was not until the 23d and 24th of May, (Sunday and Monday), 1819, that Harmony church was dedicated. At that time the Reformed congregation was fully organized with Christian Markle as elder and Joseph Rhoads as deacon, and Mr. Fries became its regularly installed pastor. As thus completed, Harmony church was a large two-story brick edifice, fronting toward the west, and surmounted by a cupola and bell. Spacious galleries extended around three sides of the church; the pulpit was at the east side, made of beautiful carved work, and elevated considerably. There were four entrances, two on the west and one each on the north and south. The completion of so expensive a work of architecture as this was considered at that day left the joint owners a debt of several thousand dollars, for the liquidation of which resort was had to a lottery. The tickets were sold at three dollars; but from various causes the necessary amount was not realized. This was in 1822, and in the month of June of that year, while the lottery scheme was being energetically pushed, a singular natural phenomenon occurred. On the afternoon of a clear day a small cloud was observed to rise in the west; it crossed above the town, and without any of the other accompaniments of a storm a single flash of lightning struck the steeple of Harmony church, tearing a crooked furrow in the plastering of the southeast side from the ceiling to the floor. This was regarded by many as an indication of divine displeasure at the discord then prevailing among the three churches, and disapproval of the methods resorted to in raising money. At all events, the lottery was abandoned; the Lutheran and Reformed churches paid the debt in 1827, and instituted civil proceedings to compel the Presbyterians to contribute their share, obtaining judgment in the sum of one thousand two hundred sixty-two dollars. On the 27th of January, 1831, the interest of the Presbyterians was sold at sheriff's sale and purchased by Adam Follmer for eight hundred dollars. The Reformed and Lutheran congregations thus secured exclusive possession, and for nearly a score of years were the joint occupants of the church, during which period the name was somewhat more appropriate than during its previous history. In 1850 the Lutherans withdrew, and from that date the Reformed congregation owned and occupied the church individually until 1866.

At a congregational meeting in January, 1866, the desire for the erection of a new church edifice was formally expressed by the appointment of a building committee composed of Levi Truckenmiller, William H. Frymire, J. M. Follmer, Charles Newhard, Aaron Reber, John Houtz, and Jacob Houtz. The consistory at that time consisted of William H. Frymire, Charles Newhard, Jacob M. Follmer, and Levi Balliet, elders; deacons: John J. Fansnaught, William D. Snyder, Simon Gheris, and Aaron Reber. The corner-stone was laid, May 17, 1866, and the dedication occurred on the 18th of November following. The materials of the old church were largely utilized, and the new building, two stories high and constructed of brick, occupied the same site as the present place of worship on the west side of Arch street above Broadway. It was destroyed in the fire of May 14, 1880. July 24, 1881, the corner-stone of a new church was laid; Charles Newhard, Israel Scott, Levi Balliet, John Houtz, Peter Rangier, and Rev. S. B. Schafer, the pastor, constituted the building committee. This edifice was completed in due time, but owing to defective construction it was removed in 1887. The corner-stone of the present church was laid on the 4th of September, 1887, and the basement was used for the first time on the first Sunday in May, 1888. This is a handsome brick structure with a seating capacity of eight hundred, and cost seventeen thousand dollars. The Rev. Justus Henry Fries continued to serve this church as pastor until 1823. He was followed by Samuel Gutelius, 1824-27; Henry Wagner, 1827-35; Daniel Gring, 1835-46; Ephraim Kieffer, English colleague to Mr. Gring, 1840- 44, followed by Henry Harbaugh, 1844-46, when he succeeded to the pastorate entirely and remained until 1849; Edwin M. Long, 1840-52; Albert G. Dole, 1853-65; Samuel H. Reid, 1866-73; F. F. Bahner, 1873-77; S. B. Schafer, 1878-82; F. C. Yost, 1883-89; D. W. Ebbert, 1890, present pastor."