The Little White Church hosts Ecumenical Advent service
MARY TOBIA/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Father William Campion, left, Pastor of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Jane Borbe, right, of the Palmerton Area Historical Society stand near the altar of the Little White Church. This Palmerton church was the site of the Fifth Annual Ecumenical Advent Services, which was organized by the historical society.
Advent at the Little White Church was the theme for the Fifth Annual Ecumenical Advent Service.
It took place recently at the Historical Little White Church located at Third and Columbia Avenues in Palmerton.
Over 100 people came to take part in the services which is sponsored by the Palmerton Area Historical Society.
Betsey Burnhauser secretary of the Society gave a small opening welcome to start off the services.
A reading by Bill Smelas entitled "The Advent Wreath" was given.
Megan Mummy and John Hutta gave Scripture readings and Anita Harry and Diane Danielson read a small advent reading as they lit each candle of the advent wreath.
The Gospel was read and a short reflection was given by the Rev. William Campion, Pastor of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palmerton.
"This church was built in 1844. That was 165 years ago. Over the years many prayers by people of various faiths have come to worship and we are here tonight to do the same," said Father Campion.
Those attending the services took part by singing four songs with organist Carol Thomas in accompaniment on the church's antique pump organ.
Jane Borbe, Vice President of the Palmerton Historical Society and chairman for the Little White Church functions organized the yearly service.
"We are very excited to have Father Campion with us tonight. He was so good in picking out all the scriptures and getting the readers. He really helped make this service special," said Borbe.
Other clergy that have presided over the past advent services at the Little White Church were Canon Doris Bray, the Reverend Anderson, pastor of Salem United Methodist Church, the Reverend Paul Schoffstal, pastor of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Pastor Nathan Fry of the Living Light House Church, all of Palmerton.
The Palmerton Historical Society set out to restore the Little White Church in 1993 after they became owners of the small rundown church.
Through volunteer man power and grant monies the church is standing strong and has again become a place to bring area people together during the Christmas season.
