Franklin, Pennsylvania

History — the Rocky Grove Pilgrim Holiness church began as a mission on Thirteenth Street in Franklin, PA in 1945. It was called “The Pilgrim Mission” and was started by Rev. James Carder of Ohio. In 1947 it was organized as a Pilgrim Holiness church under the leadership of Rev. L. W. Drury of the Pittsburgh District. In 1948, two lots were purchased at our present location on Rocky Grove Avenue. A parsonage was then built and in 1949 the Carder family moved in. For almost two years church services were held in the basement of the parsonage.

A Methodist church at East Brady, PA was then purchased in 1950. The pastor, along with men
from the church, tore down the Methodist church and used the lumber to build a church next door
to the parsonage. In July 1952 the church was completed and District Superintendent Rev. L. W.
Drury dedicated the building.

Rev. Carder resigned shortly after the dedication and Rev. George Brown became pastor, serving
for two years. In 1954, Rev. Charles Ferringer became pastor and served until December 8, 1957
when he became suddenly ill and was called to his heavenly home. Then in March of 1958, Rev. and
Mrs. Andrew Slozat came to pastor, serving the church faithfully for 44½ years.

On April 19, 1967, the church unanimously agreed to leave the mother church and become part of the Pilgrim Holiness Church of New York. The meeting for joining the New York Conference was held on April 21, 1967 in the home of William Baker. Rev. and Mrs. Paul Baker became the present pastor in September 2002. The church has become incorporated as the Rocky Grove Pilgrim Holiness Church, Inc.

Honored Member — Marge Bickel, treasurer of the church, board member, Sunday School secretary, song leader, etc., is the only charter member left. She not only takes good care of all these jobs, but when there is physical work to do, she “rolls up her sleeves” and works right along with all the others. Marge turned 80 years old in March(2005)! Praise God for people who have given their lives in service to God and the church.

Current Events — In 2003, we needed to replace a block wall of our church basement. Phil Myers and Don Harry, who are block layers, gave freely of their time to lay the blocks. During this time a terrible tragedy took place. A piece of cement from the front steps weighing approximately one ton broke loose from the steps and rolled over into the ditch where Jack O’Neil was working, pinning him under it. Jack died five days later at a hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a great man and he gave his life working for the church.

Outstanding Attendees — Recently, all of those having perfect attendance for the year received a “Perfect Attendance Certificate” and a gift. It was a wonderful time when 17 people stepped forward! This is the most with perfect attendance that we can remember! Bro. Paul Harry uses a walker to come to church because he cannot walk, but that did not stop him from getting perfect attendance. May God bless you, Bro. Harry.

Rev. Slozat is in a “Personal Care Home.” He is excited about the ministry God has given him there among the residents. He said, “I can’t believe there are people here in their nineties who have not heard they can be saved!” Bro. Slozat turned 84 years old this July, and he still gets out to both services at his home church on Sundays!

Church Happenings — We are having more children coming to Sunday School since we changed the format on Sunday mornings. Feeling a need to change, the board and our pastor decided to bring all the children to the basement as soon as they arrived. They sing, pray, and have Bible lessons, all geared for their ages and abilities. God has blessed in this endeavor. The children are learning and may I say that God has been working in the hearts of our adults as well. Praise the Lord!

—History section compiled by Rev. Paul F. Baker;

Marge Bickel,remaining sections compiled by Sr. Mary Myers

Pilgrim News September 2005