A historic church in Jim Thorpe is getting a face lift this summer.

Ebenezer EC Church in the 400 block of Center Avenue has contracted with Speedwell Construction of Lancaster County to repair its bell tower and chimney, and replace its slate roof, which is original to the 1895 building.

“To us, as a church, these are important repairs for our ministry and our community,” the Rev. Nathan Kennedy said of the pending work. “We want to continue to be a presence here for quite some time. We have been growing as a church and getting more and more younger people involved. There have been generations of families coming here. They have a trust in us, and we believe there is more work to do here. It’s an important place for worship.”

The project is estimated to cost $300,000, and fundraising is well underway. To date, the church has raised over $90,000.

“We just received a donation from Colorado, and it was from people who had friends that go to the church,” Kennedy said. “A lot of people are getting word, and we’re so appreciative of the support we have received and will continue to receive.”

Kennedy said the repairs are critical to the future of the church. Its reach, he added, extends well beyond Sunday services and includes a food pantry that serves 80 families.

“It’s one of the more important things we do here at the church,” Kennedy said. “There is such a need in Carbon County for this. To not have a place for these people to come would be tragic. We’re helping to fulfill a need.”

People come from other churches and neighboring communities to volunteer at the pantry. The church also partners with the school district.

“The district has a canned food drive, and the church serves as a drop off point,” Kennedy said. “Jim Thorpe’s football team has helped serve at the food pantry. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have also lent a helping hand. It’s a great team effort.”

As part of the fundraising campaign, the congregation has been selling candy, baked goods, soups, crafts and Christmas cards during events in downtown Jim Thorpe. There will also be an auction for a painting of Race Street from a local artist. The painting is a 24-inch x 48-inch acrylic on premium cotton duck canvas in a custom built floating frame. The beginning bid will be $850. The painting will be available for viewing at Ebenezer Church.

For an appointment to view the painting, please contact Dan Smith at (570) 413-3734.

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 15 to 19. Following that, the church expects Speedwell to begin work.

“We’re hopeful for a start around the last week of June,” Kennedy said. “It is expected the work will take three months to complete. By that point, we’ll know if we have to go out for a loan to close out financing and how much that would be for.”

The church is still accepting donations toward the project. All donations are tax deductible and will go toward our property needs. Please make checks payable to “Ebenezer EC Church” and put “Bell Tower Project” in the memo line and send to: Ebenezer EC Church, 441 Center Avenue, Jim Thorpe, PA, 18229.

“So many people love the bell tower and for good reason,” Kennedy said. “This project will bring us up to date and allow us to continue providing the spiritual and physical needs of the people of Jim Thorpe and beyond.”

Church history

Though the current building was constructed in 1895, the church’s roots in Mauch Chunk dates back to 1855, when services were held in the home of believers. The first known Circuit Rider to serve this congregation was Christian Meir, from 1855-56. In 1870, the congregation became part of the Mauch Chunk Circuit, allowing the preacher more frequent contact with his people.

The Rev. C.E. Hess was pastor and there were 123 members when the current building was constructed. According to historical notes, many men of the congregation assisted in the construction, which cost just over $12,000.

“Bricks were hauled to the building site from Central Station without any transport costs because everyone who had a horse or wagon contributed their own labor,” according to historical notes. “Men worked 10-hour days at their own jobs and still came to work at the church at night, without pay. They laid the floor, set frames by the light of coal oil lanterns, and sometimes worked on the roof only by the moon’s illumination.”

In 1908, the parsonage was added at a cost of $6,000.

Electrical wiring was updated in 1952 and new fixtures were put in the sanctuary. Four years later, changes included the addition of an electric heater for the nursery, amplification system and fencing and shrubbery.

The 1970s brought new Sunday School room carpeting, new sidewalks, landscaping, a bulletin board, a new ladies restroom, downstairs carpeting at the parsonage and property purchased for a parking lot.

The church bell famously pealed 444 times in early 1981, celebrating the release of 444 Americans previously held hostage in Iran.

In 1996, the church celebrated its 100th anniversary with many events including a banquet, piano and organ recital, worship services and a rally.