New Salem Presbyterian Church

Today we worshiped at New Salem Presbyterian Church, 348 Salem Church Road, Midland, PA 15059, 724.495.6880, Rev. Jeff Marquis, Pastor.


Bob’s thoughts:

I didn’t think I would ever say that a church would not benefit from additional signage, but signage would probably be of minimal value. From what we saw, the Sanctuary is the first floor and everything else is downstairs.

The Sanctuary is attractively decorated: great wood work, pressed tin ceiling, and harmonious colors. There is a large wooden cross in front, and interesting windows – the lower portions have replacement windows, the upper (original?) include a single colored panel at the top and a stained glass panel suspended over the sash. Each window sill had a crafted cross with purple cloth and lilies. Very pleasant overall.

We were warmly welcomed, first by a young man in the fellowship hall and then by many others. We were barely in the door before a bulletin was handed to us…I would suggest letting people get their coats off first. The usher later also offered us a newsletter and other information.

When I was checking the bulletin boards to learn about mission involvement I found a note from someone who had been to Malawi. We learned later this was one of the minister’s daughters. We were led to be at this church, and she was divinely directed also.

We were treated to delightful chimes and a great string trio with piano.

The sermon was a synopsis of Genesis 25-35 relating to God’s promises and how easily we forget.

We have often observed the longevity of pastors in Beaver-Butler Presbytery. We have met a number who have served 20 years at their church, but this pastor’s ancestral grandfather was one of the first supply pastors at this church. The pastor’s family seems to be very involved in this ministry also.

On top of a fulfilling worship experience, we partook of a pot luck lunch after the service and had a chance to speak further with some of the members.

Jan’s thoughts:

I’m always afraid that perhaps I had too much say in determining where we should worship and that I didn’t spend enough time listening to God’s direction. When will I ever get it through my thick head that God can work things out without my fretting?

This was another wonderfully rural little church, very family-oriented, with plenty of young ones. Even with all the snow we could see a nice pavilion and lots of space (probably grassy, if we ever see grass again…).

In the course of the little bit of touring we did we found a bulletin board bearing photos and letters of thanks from the missions supported by this church. One of the letters was from a young woman who turned out to be the pastor’s daughter, and was written during a visit to Malawi.

The people were friendly from the moment we entered, and many who sat near us greeted us as they entered the pew. The bulletin was nice-looking and user-friendly.

The Sanctuary was just beautiful. The comfortably padded pews were well-coordinated with the walls and carpet. The windows were arched with plain glass and one pane of stained glass at the top of the arch. In each window was hung an intricate stained glass panel; it all looked quite lovely.

The music was blended, with both “Rock of Ages” and “Awesome God.” It was a treat to hear the New Salem Chimers and the music was led by Timber Ridge, a band consisting of an acoustic guitar, a piano, a banjo, and a fiddle.

The sermon was entitled “Conflicts and God” and was based on Psalm 46:1 and Genesis 25-35. Apparently the pastor is preaching through Genesis a portion at a time, and today preached on ten chapters. Although it seemed like a lot to bite off for one message, it was an interesting portion of the story.

After worship I approached the young woman who had visited Malawi. We had an excellent conversation (during which she mentioned she had made other plans for this morning but ended up joining her family at worship instead). It was a divinely orchestrated connection that I hope will remain. I love it when God is in control.