The First Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at The First Presbyterian Church, 600 4th Avenue, Freedom, PA 15042, 724.775.7833, Rev. William Banks.


Bob’s thoughts:

Some churches are so welcoming that you feel like family when you visit there. First Presbyterian of Freedom is one of those churches. To be so welcomed without pressure is an art. The congregation was about 30 people, and I believe we talked to most of them.

The Chancel is paneled in darker wood with a large central curtain. In front of the curtain is a very tall cross, creating a very impressive focal point. The stained glass is rather unusual, and I found one large window in the rear particularly impressive. The interior works very well together, and feels welcoming, personal, like family.

The church could use signage. We were early and had time to look around, and I found the basement restrooms by chance. I had hoped to pray with and for the pastor before the service, but did not have the opportunity.

I was pleased that the offering was taken in response to the Word.

The sermon was on the subject of Revelation 3:14-22, referred to as the “Letters of Christ,” the chastisement of the Church at Laodicea for being on the fence akin to the Mugwump Party of the late 1800s. Christ calls for the Church to be on fire, but for most we sit lamenting the loss of how it was. A church, like a heart, that is not on fire for Christ is the Devil’s best friend. Find a way to relight the spark or last one alive turn the light out as you leave. There was a father in church with his young daughter – that’s something to build on.

Jan’s thoughts:

The front door was open when we arrived, so we entered and took our usual self-guided tour. Surprisingly, no one appeared till we’d been there for about 20 minutes and had seen the downstairs and the Sanctuary.

It’s a small but well-maintained church, and even before anyone arrived I could sense the family-type atmosphere. Interesting architecture in the Sanctuary and Chancel. The rear of the Chancel wall features a floor-to-ceiling drapery with lighting (looked like windows) behind it. In front of the drapery was a wooden cross nearly as tall. It was somewhat stylized, flaring at the four ends, and matched the organ thingies that stuck out from the sides toward the top of the Chancel. It gave it all an integrated feel.

Most of the members present today were retirement age or older, but there was a dad with his very cute little girl of about 3 who flirted outrageously with my husband. (He, of course, hates when this happens… J.) The people were quite friendly and talkative, warm and welcoming, and many invited us to return. My sense is that this is a

The bulletin contained an order of worship, some announcements, and prayer requests in good-sized, very bold type – obviously age-appropriate. In addition to requesting prayers for families and friends of the congregation, each week they ask members to pray for two churches within the Presbytery, listing them by name along with the name of their pastors.

When it comes to the order of worship, it’s usually Bob who comments; however, this time I have an observation also. I was impressed that the Prayer for Illumination came before the Scripture readings. Most churches that still include such a prayer will place it after the Scripture and before the Sermon. I was glad to see someone with them in what I believe to be the correct order.

The sermon was based on Revelation 3:14-22 and entitled “The Church at Laodicea.” Apparently the pastor is preaching a series on the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. This is the church that Christ says is neither hot nor cold and which He will spit from His mouth; the sermon warned against “fence-sitting” and stressed the importance of taking a stand for Christ.