Beaver United Methodist Church

Enter to Worship
Depart to Serve

345 College Avenue
Beaver, PA 15009

724-775-2893 Phone
724-775-6123 Fax

Prayers in the Night
724-775-2890

Pastor Ralph Cotten

Almost every week we lift our voices in the proclamation that "God is good, all the time!" That has been good news to cheer us and remind us of the truth of the scriptures. As the pastor of the Beaver United Methodist Church I am so grateful for the work of the Spirit of God in our life together. We believe that the Lord is with us and has called us to a specific task in our time and in our community. It is simple. We have one major focus, one goal... to introduce people to Jesus Christ. That is our purpose. In worship, in classes for learning, in fellowship, in every event... our hearts make this plea "Come, Lord Jesus."

I have been serving God as a pastor for twenty years. I began preaching at the age of 19 as a small membership church in Parker, Pennsylvania. Since that simple beginning, the Lord has led us to churches in Kansas and Ohio, but Pennsylvania has always been home. My ministry at the Beaver UM Church began on July 1, 1999. What have I seen? This congregation cares. This congregation knows how to love. This congregation understands people. Here, you can come as you are and be accepted. But the love that God has placed here, in our hearts for one another, is a love that won't leave us alone. We are accepted, but also challenged. The Spirit moves among us to call us into a new life and new relationship with Jesus Christ. St. Paul writes to the Corinthian church "If anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation. Old things have passed away, behold, all things are new!" (2 Cor. 5:17). That's what happens in and through the Beaver United Methodist Church.

You are invited to share in this great journey of faith. It will be my joy and blessing to great you this Sunday!

Pastor Ralph Cotten

The mission of the church is to provide the means for all members, young and old, to worship and learn about God as revealed to us through the saving grace of Jesus Christ, to fill members' needs, spoken and unspoken, to help develop a close relationship with all members, and to serve as a base for reaching out to others in the community and throughout the world. May God bless and guide all who enter here.

"Jesus, united by thy grace, And each to each endeared, With confidence we see thy face, And know our prayer is heard."

The words of this familiar hymn written by Charles Wesley in another century and another land also serve as a touchstone for the life of the Beaver United Methodist Church today.

Methodism began in the hearts of the Wesley brothers in England and eventually spread to America. The Beaver United Methodist Church had its beginnings about 1820 when a little company of Methodists organized a class, meeting in a house known as Coulter's Tavern on Second Street near College Avenue. Eventually this class, a class in Bridgewater, and one in Sharon (the upper end of Bridgewater) met for worship in a church in Sharon in the vicinity of Route 51 and the P&LE railroad tracks.

In 1829 a church building was begun on the southeast section of the central park in Beaver (now known as Irvine Square) and was completed in 1830. At the close of the Civil War, that building was torn down and a new church was erected on the site. During the interim services were held in the Court House. On June 19, 1870, the completed part of the church was dedicated. A collection of $2400 was taken.

In the 1890's a lot was purchased at the corner of College Avenue and Turnpike Street. Ground for the present building was broken on April 4, 1904 and the cornerstone was laid July 17, 1904.

An educational building was added and consecrated in 1961. The chancel was remodeled and dedicated March 3, 1968, and the church kitchen was renovated in 1970. New pews were installed in 1975, and a new heating system was completed in 1987.

Beaver Church features one of the finest church libraries in the country. It also houses a preschool weekday program and ministers to many through the Prayers-in-the-Night telephone devotionals.

From that original group of Methodists has grown a congregation with many activities for all ages, including active women's, men's and youth groups. There are also many opportunities for prayer, Bible study, music and fellowship.

The United Methodist denomination and our local congregation live in the tradition of the assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ and the heartwarming experience of the Holy Spirit, based on the Bible and strengthened by reason and experience. Although it has been over 260 years since John Wesley had his heartwarming experience which led to the founding of the Methodist Church, the Spirit still works among us today.

"Help us to help each other, Lord, Each other's cross to bear; Let each his friendly aid afford, And feel his brother's care."

• William Leefe   Chairman
• Calvin Williams   Vice Chairman & Lay Leader
• Rev. Ralph P. Cotten   Pastor
• Rev. Lori Holstein   Pastor to Children and Youth
• Elsie Standley   Chairman Of Finance Committee/U.M.W. President
• Jeff Hamilton   Chairman of Board of Trustees
• Eileen Reed   Organist
• Amy Dawson   Handbell Choir Director
• Boots Ewing   Music Assistant
• Rev. Lori Holstein   Director of Youth Ministries
• Melinda Roberts   Nursery Attendant
• Cheryl Cotten   Librarian
• Laurie Sproull   Sunday School Superintendent
• Bea Schultz   Church Treasurer
• Sandy Dauer   Church Accountant
• Marje Herter   Missions Coordinator
• Patty Kissick   Chairperson of Endowment Allocations
• Dawna Victoria   Church Secretary
• Jeannie Bischoff   Secretary of Council
• Dorothy Axtell   Representative to C.A.S.T.
• Deanna Romeo   Representative to C.A.S.T.
• Carmen Romeo   Head Usher
• Gary Hilton   Custodian
• Paul Gates   Lock-up Custodian