Untitled Document

The Reverend David Diehl became the full-time pastor of the Benton Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on Sunday, November 7, 2004

Rev. Diehl has now retired. A new minister has not yet been named.

The public was invited to share in the installation service and the informal social following the service. Rev. W. Darwin Collins, Regional Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Pennsylvania lead the installation service at the Church, Third and Church Streets.

Rev. Diehl was called to be the full-time pastor on August 15, after serving nearly two years as the interim pastor. He said that "we have felt as welcome here as anywhere we have ever been." Jeannette Hartman echoed those thoughts, saying, "He and Carolyn get our highest praise."

Rev. Diehl was born in the Bloomsburg Hospital but as the son of a minister he moved with his family through Western Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia during his "growing-up years." He lived in Virginia until the tenth grade of high school, then returned to Western Pennsylvania where he graduated from Emlenton High School.

Rev. Diehl traces many of his local roots to the responsibilities given to him at Diehl Fruit Stand on route 11, outside Bloomsburg, owned by his uncle, Walter. During the last two years of a Navy stint, he "felt called to the ministry."

He graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, a private, accredited teaching facility designed to meet the higher education needs of the Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Diehl has 16 years of experience as an ordained pastor in both city and rural locations, has acted as a Hospice Chaplain and Spiritual Counselor, and served for six years as the pastor of Hamline Church Fellowship Rev. Diehl met his wife, Carolyn, at the Diehl Camping Resort, Orangeville, a facility owned by his uncle Walter and later run by his father Harrison. Carolyn leads a popular weekly bible study at the church.

Elders John Ellis and John Sutton organized the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Benton on December 6, 1836. The church building at Third and Church Streets has been home to the congregation since the construction of the building from 1894 to 1896. Adjacent properties were added later.

Rev. Diehl indicates that the church is moving forward and is advertising for a youth pastor on a part-time basis. The church is actively looking for a choir director. Planning is underway for major changes to the fellowship hall. Money has been raised for a handicapped bathroom on the main level. In the coming weeks, discussions will begin on a video system for the church. The church had been escrowing funds to help with the moving of a new pastor to the area. Since Rev. Diehl is a resident of the community, these funds will not be used and instead will be used to help pay down the existing mortgage on the building.

The web site for the Benton Christian Church is www.bentonchristianchurch.com/ .

History of the Benton Christian Church

Elders John Ellis and John Sutton organized the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Benton on December 6, 1836. The first seven members to help organize the church were: Absalom McHenry, Charlotte Golder, Permelia McHenry, John Kile, Richard Kile, David Golder, and Sarah Steadman.

The original 32 members were loyal, faithful people who trusted the "Holy Scriptures only" for their rule of faith and how to live. Christian character was the basis for membership for all who believed they were in the family of God. The church was not to have a formal name or title but to be like the followers of Christ in the New Testament. Services were conducted by elders or visiting preachers from 1836 until 1856.

One itinerant preacher in 1841 who was strongly influential in inspiring the starting of the early churches in Cambra, Stillwater and Benton was Elder Samuel Montgomery.

Over its one hundred sixty-five year history, the Church has occupied three buildings:
• The early church gathered in a schoolhouse near the east end of the Route 487 bridge crossing Fishing Creek. Used from 1836 to 1856, the building stood about 60 feet from the creek bank facing east. It was about 40 feet long by 35 feet wide. The building contained an entrance hall and one classroom.
• The second building, used from 1856 to 1896, was built on a lot located on the west side of the Benton Cemetery. The building was about 40 feet deep by 50 feet wide seating over 100. The church was dedicated Sunday, December 14, 1856. This building was dismantled about 1897 and a residence, built in 1962, now occupies the lot. The building was at the intersection of Hill and Cemetery Streets.
• The third and present building at Third and Church Streets has served Benton for over a century. Reverend H. L. Maltman was credited for the architectural excellence and leadership necessary to guide the construction from 1894 to 1896. The church building was dedicated on June 21, 1896. There have been many renovations to the property from 1934 through 1985: A parsonage which was purchased in 1926 was connected to the main church in 1965 to be used for education and offices for secretary and pastor; In 1963, the Henry property was purchased on the north side of the church, used as the parsonage, and demolished in 1996 to make room for a parking lot; The sanctuary was renovated in 1984, a Narthex added, and completely redecorated in 1985 in time for the church's 150th celebration.

Reverend Vernon McDormand, Pastor Emeritus, ministered from 1985 to 2000. Reverend Mark Marsh was called to the Benton Christian Church July 1, 2000. Reverend Mark Marsh then pastored the approximately 320 members and Richard Martin lead the excellent music ministry. The Benton Christian Church is a friendly, committed congregation. Faith in the Lord and the Holy Bible, baptism, communion, the strong Sunday school program and active men's and woman's groups provide a strong foundation for our future church growth.
_____________________________________
Kay Kline condensed the Benton Christian Church History from History of Benton Christian Church 1965 Compiled by Susie Hess from the 1933 Year Book by M. G. William, Editor

Photo courtesy of Patty Peterson