A SHORT CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY OF
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH RIDGE VALLEY, PA

Recorded history of the Lutheran influence within our area dates back to the latter half of the 18th century. In March, 1774 the Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania chose the Rev. Conrad Roeller to serve the Tohickon and Indianfield congregations. On December 12, 1792, a tract of land in what is now known as West Rockhill Township was conveyed to certain persons in trust to and for use by the Lutheran and Reformed Calvinist societies. Research shows that a settlement had already been established here, as well as a graveyard. In the Hetrick cemetery, there is an epitaph that reads, “Matteis who died in 1789, son of Johannes Matteis and Susana.”

In the same year that President Jefferson proceeded to buy the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803, Henry Guittleman ordered a draft to be prepared to set aside one acre and 76 rods for a house of worship and burial ground. Thus, these dawning hours of the 19th century saw the beginning of the Lutheran and Reformed congregations, which now occupy these lands.

A log schoolhouse served the community as a place of worship until 1833 when a stone addition was added to accommodate the increasing number of worshipers. The burial of George Haring, a highly respected citizen of the community, took place during the pastorate of the Rev. Fred Waage. Because of the large crowd who attended, Rev. Wagge was obliged to hold the funeral service outdoors, using the large rock to the south of the building as his pulpit. By this time, three congregations, Lutheran, Reformed, and Mennonite all made use of the building. Together, they resolved to erect a new and larger church building; its cornerstone was laid on Ascension Day, May 25, 1854.

Our Lutheran congregation had been served up to this time by both the Rev. John George Roeller, son of Conrad Roeller, and the Rev. Fred Wagge. Pastor Wagge was succeeded by his son, the Rev. Oswin Wagge, who served until his death in 1873. A three-year pastorate was then served by the Rev. S.A. Ziegenfuss.

The Rev. James L. Becker then led the congregation for the next eleven years. It was in 1889 that the Rev. John H. Waidelich, D.D. began his pastorate in Ridge Valley. Under his leadership, the Lutheran congregation voted to build its own church building, the church we presently occupy. The church was to be fashioned of native gray stone, and at a cost not to exceed $8,000 dollars. The cornerstone was laid on June 10, 1899, and a year later the new church was consecrated.

On May 25, 1901, a 2,000 pound McShane bell, costing $632 dollars, was donated by the members of the Luther League. An original Haskell organ was installed at a cost of $1,700 dollars. It was dedicated on October 9, 1904.

Pastor Waidelich continued on until 1916, at which time he was succeeded by the Rev. Elmer S. Kidd. It was during his pastorate that St. John’s, Ridge Valley and Jerusalem, Almont became known as Ridge Parish. In 1920, these two congregations erected a parsonage on Lawn Avenue in Sellersville. In 1929, electric lights were installed in the church. The following year, Pastor Kidd submitted his resignation. He was succeeded by the Rev. Edwin S. Andrews, who remained until 1943 at which time he became chaplain in the United States armed services. The Rev. A. Ellsworth Grove, S.T.M., was called to Ridge Parish on June 1, 1943. Under his leadership, which lasted nearly twenty years, the sanctuary was renovated, the organ was rebuilt with a new console, and 192 new adult members were placed on the church rolls.
On January 21, 1963, the Ridge Parish was officially dissolved and St. John’s was now in a position to call its own pastor, independent of Jerusalem, Almont. On July 1, 1963, the Rev. Donald C. Smons began his ministry as a full-time pastor. Pastor Simmons remained at St. John’s until 1970, when he accepted a call to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fleetwood, PA. During these years, and under Pastor Simmons’ guidance, a new parsonage was built adjacent to the church. A still greater milestone was attained when a new two-story educational facility was built. It was dedicated on November 19,, 1967. Shortly after Pastor Simmons had gone to his new parish, St. John’s called the Rev. Eric P. Wogen. During his pastorate, the observance of our 75th anniversary took place. Pastor Wogen will be remembered for his efforts in leading the congregation in more active participation in special programs, especially in the area of social ministry. Throughout his time of service, St. John’s grew and prospered.
On many , the adult Sunday School classroom was used to accommodate the large number of worshipers. In 1975, Pastor Wogen was called to become a member of the staff of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod.

During that same year, a call was extended to the Rev. David S. Fritch, who remained until 1983. During his tenure, Pastor Fritch took an active part in promoting our youth programs and was instrumental in having the parking lot enlarged and resurfaced, as well as establishing the first church office. He also introduced the new Lutheran Book of Worship. Early in 1983, he resigned to accept a call to a congregation in Virginia.

Within a few months after Pastor Fritch concluded his ministry at St. John’s, the Rev. William A. Vanderslice, a new graduate of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, was called to St. John’s. Under his leadership, a major renovation of the church’s sanctuary was undertaken, as well as its pipe organ, and the youth programs flourished. Pastor Vanderslice served St. John’s until 1991.

In March 1992, the Rev. Nickolaus H. Bastian was called to serve St. John’s. Early in his tenure, Pastor Bastian initiated our congregation’s weekly sponsorship of Lutheran Vespers on WNPV radio. He sought to enliven worship life by introducing two new contemporary hymn books and their liturgies. Our congregation’s spiritual development, along with nurturing St. John’s young people, were hallmarks of his ministry.

As this page is still under construction, the history of St. John's (from 2001 to 2010) under the leader ship of Rev. Vicki Hall, Rev. Shirley Guider, and Rev. Donna Wright still needs to be included.

For a couple of pictures from work being done April of 2007 click here

As of February 2010 new history is being made as St. John's is under the leadership of Rev. Amy Bender

Do you have historical information or memories of years past at St. John’s? If you would like to submit any information or recollections, please send or email them to the church office, stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net