A church named after its location on East Main Street will be celebrating 100 years at its current home in Grove City – although its roots go back 130 years.

It all began in 1879, when the population of Pine Grove – the town's old name – was 300 people and the First United Presbyterian Church organized for services on the second floor of the old Pine Grove School House.

The early days were difficult, and members used dilapidated buildings for services. Sitting at the site of the old school is now the town's only McDonald's on East Main at South Center Street.

Inching their way east, however, members moved into a wood–frame church on the corner of East Main and South Broad Street to a piece of property now owned by Grove City College.

Although disaster struck and the church burned to the ground, membership continued to grow. A red brick church built to replace the wood church soon became too small to house members.

In 1908, $50,398 was raised to buy property and build a church across the street at 120 E. Main, which is where members have spent the last 100 years. The congregation is now known as East Main Presbyterian Church.

The church has seen many sizable additions since 1909; has at least 25 in–house programs that reach people in Grove City and surrounding communities; and supports more than 30 national and worldwide endeavors in missions.

To commemorate the date of its first service on July 11, 1909 at its current site, East Main is inviting people to a free ice–cream social on the front lawn of the church from 1 to 3 p.m. July 11.

The afternoon will include face painting and balloon animals for children, as well as tours of the church, a pictorial church history video and displays of church memorabilia.

At 10 a.m. July 12, a service of celebration for East Main's 100 years will be held that Sunday.

For more information about East Main Presbyterian Church's 100–year celebration, call 724–458–8270. Historical information submitted by member Allen Lambert. Pick up a copy of this article at Allied News, 201A Erie St., Grove City. Published July 4, 2009.