Indiana Township's United Presbyterian Church marks 100 years

Easter sunrise service at United Presbyterian Church in Indiana Township was a big deal in Sue Haley’s house.

“My grandma used to get dressed the night before and sleep in her clothes so she could get up and go,” said Haley, a member of the church along Route 910 for five decades.

As the church celebrates its 100th anniversary, Haley said the congregation has dwindled but the people who remain are dedicated to its survival.

A small group gathered recently for a proclamation from state Sen. Lindsey Williams. They reminisced about the early days of the church, when families “practically lived at the building,” pitching in for cleaning, picnic prep and Sunday dinners.

“We would all be here, cutting grass and helping out,” said Tammy Watychowicz, whose family is in its fourth generation at the church.

“I remember my dad would sit up on the hill when we were done, and he would listen to the creek and watch the squirrels. It was beautiful.”

Williams applauded the parishioners for their faithfulness and devotion, saying the support paved the way for the church to provide spiritual strength and compassion to residents.

“Its glorious history is due to members whose faithfulness and devotion to God have made it an inspiring presence in the community,” Williams said.

In 1923, the yellow brick United Presbyterian was built across from the Indianola Post Office near the township’s original elementary school.

It was largely for miners who worked at Inland Collieries, which operated across the road where Bayer now sits.

The mining village of Indianola bustled with small company houses and three churches, which drew large memberships throughout most of the century.

The two other churches, St. Timothy and Indianola Jerusalem Church of Christ, both closed in the past decade or so.

The company hospital and United Presbyterian Church are the lone relics from the mining heyday.

Lifelong parishioner Hartley Kennedy, 57, said he can remember a time when the pews spilled over for Sunday services. Now, membership hovers at about a dozen.

“We have very few members, but we do everything we can to keep it clean, safe and open,” Kennedy said.

The church’s interior shows signs of age, but members such as Lynne Skinner and Denise Donahey work to keep it vibrant. The pair reupholstered the cushioned pews with a geometric fabric. Others volunteer during the week to freshen the altar flowers or erect holiday decorations. Elder Keith Vincent donates time as the church treasurer.

Kennedy has remained devoted to the parish despite moving to Allegheny Township, some 20 miles away. He can be found behind the mower from spring to fall, making sure the landscape is pristine.

“There are so many memories here and strong family ties,” Kennedy said. “It’s important to us to keep it going.”