Groundbreaking ceremonies were held yesterday for the new church to be built for St. Matthew’s Lutheran Congregation, North Weissport. The church, which will replace the old white-framed church destroyed by fire on May 12, 1962, is estimated to cost $85,000.

The new church will be erected on a 3-acre plot of ground located directly behind the old site and along Franklin Township Route 401. In addition to the church proper, the site will eventually hold Sunday school rooms, a fellowship hall, office work space and a kitchen.

Thomas Walck Sr., vice president of the church council, and the Rev. Edward L. Druckenmiller turned over the first ground.