About Plymouth Christian Church
November 12, A.D.1825,
Record of the first Christian Church in Kingston and Plymouth acknowledged this 12th day of November,1825, by us the following free ministers of Christ Jesus our Lord under the following covenant, to watch over each other in Love, to Pray with and for each other for each other's mutual benefits and up building, to take the Holy Scriptures and God's Holy Spirit for our rule of faith and practice, and Jesus Christ our only Head, the Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls, and to fellowship and commune will all God's people. Signed George W. Richmond, Pentecost Sweet, Joseph Marsh, Elders in the F.C.C
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In the early years, the congregation met along with many religious denominations in the Old Academy Building and followed the Christian Connection movement started by traveling preacher, Lorenzo Dow. During 1856,the congregation purchased the lot where the church still stands and first convened on September 14, 1857 where the charter was read and accepted by an unanimous vote. At this time, the congregation became a legal corporation, bearing the official name, "The Christian Church of Plymouth". It is generally, accepted that by 1859, the church ceased affiliation with the Connexion and became part of the Christian Churches(Disciples of Christ), in which it continues to this day.
During the early years, members were sent out regularly to organize new congregations, with a few still in existence today. In the 1880's, the church began a strong and thriving youth work through Christian Endeavor, one of the earliest ecumenical efforts among Protestants. At the church, the Luzerne County Christian Endeavor Society was born. At the turn of the 20th century, the church became a charter member of the old Plymouth Pastor's Association, the first such group in the valley, which continued until being replaced by the fully-ecumenical association in 1983. True to our historic plea for Christian unity, the church was among the earliest members of the Wyoming Valley Council of Churches, from its beginning during World War II.
The turn of the century, had the most ambitious program of remodeling and additions to the building. After major flooding in 1900 and 1902, the sanctuary was moved to the second floor and a pipe organ was presented to the church. The building was damaged after a lightning strike in 1934 caused the pulpit, organ and choir stalls to crash to the ground floor. When repaired, the sanctuary was turned 90 degrees and greatly beautified including the installation of a new baptistry. In 1936, another major flood hit causing considerable damage on the ground floor. In 1948, a new electronic organ replaced the pipe organ.
In the late 1950's, a number of church members were instrumental in the purchase and establishment of a camp to serve the eastern Pennsylvania Disciples churches, Nordmont Christian Camp in Sullivan County. Many members have served as directors, counselors and helpers over the years. Numerous children and youth from our congregation and others have been nurtured there until its closing in 2008.
In the early 1960's, the congregation voted to become open or inclusive membership, meaning that those who were baptized by another form no longer were required to be baptized by immersion before becoming members.
In 1972, the Agnes flood hit the valley, and the water on the first floor rose to about eight feet. Members worked hard to tear up and replace the fellowship hall floor, paint and pain staking cleanup the building. In the 1970's the church elected its first women elder. Also deaconesses served equally at the Lord's table with deacons. Later being called the "diaconate".
In the 1980's, the church began serving in more local mission efforts such as the Council of Churches, the annual CROP walk and the Plymouth Christian Service Center. Also a number of improvements were made to the building, such as an elevator, new dropped ceilings in rooms and a new sound system in the sanctuary.
As the 21st century started, the church continued to promote ecumenical relations through the Plymouth Ministerium and by participating in activities with many denominations in the valley through vacation bible schools and camps. The church also focused more on numerous charitable endeavors on the worldwide, national and local levels.
Through the years, there have been many "Timothy's" come from this church and go into Christian service. Also many church members have been prominent members of the community of Plymouth. Abijah Smith, who mined the first anthracite from the original "coal hole" in Plymouth was affiliated with the church. Of the 56 petitioners of Plymouth borough in 1866, 26 were members of the congregation. Many Plymouth streets bear the family names of church members.
In response to the 2020 pandemic, we started broadcasting services on Youtube and enabling members to virtually participate in worship services weekly. We also now project powerpoints during the services and are on Facebook. As we finished 2020 with a new pastor and new technology/media offerings, we eagerly look forward to what God has planned for us in the future.