The Beginning
The decisive victory of General Wayne over
the Indians in the region west of Wayne Township, in
1794, led to a treaty of peace. Thus in the late 1700s,
the
area of Western central Pennsylvania was considered free of attack by hostile Indians and safe for new settlers to move in. These settlers came mostly from further south and from across the mountains to the east. A group of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians settled in South Western Lawrence County, which was then known as Chew District, and in Beaver County.
These settlers brought with them training in Bible and Catechism and desired the privileges of the “Preached Word”. Needing a place to hold their gatherings, they met in Allen’s Grist Mill and sometimes in Allen’s home. This spot was on the Slippery Rock Creek between what is now the Second and Third bridges from Ellwood City. At this time there were no bridges between the Ohio River and Erie. This added much to the difficulties of daily living.
In 1799 Elisha McCurdy and Joseph Stocton, previously known to some of these people, made their first preaching tour through these settlements and were in fact the first Presbyterian Ministers to travel these hills and valleys.
In 1800 the Reverends McCurdy, McPhersin and Marquis visited and preached the Gospel and held Worship services anywhere they could get groups of people together. The traveled north as far as Erie under great difficulty as there were no roads, only paths, no accommodations and often having to sleep under the trees.
We know that the name of the Church had always been “Slippery Rock” named, of course, for the stream on whose banks the first worship services were held.
On June 26, 1799, at a meeting of Ohio Presbytery held in North Buffalo, Rev. Samuel Connell was appointed to supply at Slippery Rock the second Sabbath of the following August. This date has been set as the first official record of the Slippery Rock Congregation.
On April 13, 1802, at a meeting of the Erie Presbytery held at Mt. Pleasant (Darlington) the Slippery Rock congregation petitioned for supplies and that the Lord's Supper might be administered.
Early Members
There is no complete list of the first members but a partial list is as follows: Jesse Bell, William Cairns and his wife Nancy, Joseph Hennon and Margaret, William Cunningham and Mary, Jonathan Peppard and Elizabeth, Jacob VanGorder and Margaret, Andrew Aleut and Lucy, Isaac Cole and Jane and Thomas and William Henry. These two latter names were evidently not married and it is noted that William Henry was the first Sheriff of Beaver County having been appointed by the Governor.
In the records of the Presbytery we find 14 communicants in 1804, thirty-three in 1805 and forty-five in 1806.
At a meeting of Erie Presbytery held on Sept. 30, 1802, the congregations of Slippery Rock and Lower Neshannock (New Castle), felt that they were able to support jointly, a full time minister and asked that they be permitted to present a call to the Ohio Presbytery for Mr. Alexander Cook, the a licentiate. On April 12, 1803, Mr. Cook accepted the call and was taken under the care of the Erie Presbytery. June 22nd of the same year, Erie Presbytery met at Slippery Rock and Mr. Cook was ordained to the Gospel Ministry and was installed the first pastor of this and New Castle congregations. On this occasion Mr. John Boyd preached the sermon and Mr. Thomas Hughes presided and gave the charge. Slippery Rock was the stronger congregation at this time and so the pastor resided in the area of this congregation.
First Full-time Minister - Rev. Cook
At a meeting of Erie Presbytery held on Sept. 30, 1802, the congregations of Slippery Rock and Lower Neshannock (New Castle), felt that they were able to support jointly, a full time minister and asked that they be permitted to present a call to the Ohio Presbytery for Mr. Alexander Cook, then a licentiate. On April 12, 1803, Mr. Cook accepted the call and was taken under the care of the Erie Presbytery. June 22nd of the same year, Erie Presbytery met at Slippery Rock and Mr. Cook was ordained to the Gospel Ministry and was installed the first pastor of this and New Castle congregations. On this occasion Mr. John Boyd preached the sermon and Mr. Thomas Hughes presided and gave the charge. Slippery Rock was the stronger congregation at this time and so the pastor resided in the area of this congregation.
First Church Building
Mr. Cook had not been here for long before the log church was built. This building was constructed on land donated by Martha Cunningham and was located near the present church building. A marker marks this spot which is within the perimeter of the old part of the present cemetery.
This log building was not very large and was said to be built in one day. Logs, from the trees in the surrounding forests were felled and used for the building. The logs were sealed together with mud. There was no floor, no seats, no stove and very little light. A fireplace of sorts was built by placing two logs across the room at the eaves and upon this was built a chimney of clay, split sticks and straw, supposedly to draw the smoke upward from the fire on the dirt floor. It did not work very well but was used until much later when stoves were installed.
Rather than standing for the lengthy services, some people made benches of split logs with sticks driven into them for legs. It is noted that the owners of these first seats were criticized for being “uppity”, but soon everyone had these crude seats. Although this first church building was very crude it involved much sacrifice to construct. Most families were very poor and worked long hours to even exist, so they had very little to give to their place of worship. In recognition of how great the sacrifices of these pioneer families were it is told of one man who split rails for one week and earned one silver dollar, which went to the missionary who came along soon afterward to pay for the Sabbath service. Jonathan Peppard was said to be unable to support the church AND buy shoes for his children. Every fall however he fattened a beef, sold it and gave the money for the support of The Gospel in this community, while his children went barefoot.Not only did the settlers sacrifice to support the preaching of The Gospel but many hardships were endured that they might have the privilege of attending Church Services. Many would walk four or five miles and were glad of the opportunity. Sometimes the mother would ride and if there was water to cross, since there were no bridges, she would ferry each family member across.
Great care was taken of possessions so even the female members would often walk barefoot and pause before reaching the Church and put on their shoes.
Mr. Cook was a Scotsman born near Glasgow in 1760. A silversmith by trade, he came to America in 1785 and was near forty years of age when he decided to become a minister. He died in 1828. Mr. Cook’s pastorate continued until 1810, when at a meeting of the Presbytery held at Plaingrove he was dismissed to the Presbytery of Hartford. His pastorate at Slippery Rock was better than six years in length and after his departure the church was without a pastor for a little over a year. During this year a Mr. Hughes of Mt. Pleasant Church (Darlington), came to hold a communion service and what was described as an interesting incident occurred. The service was ready to start when Mr. Hughes felt the need for more “strength and light” and retreated a little distance from the church and prayed to the Lord for help. Shortly he returned to the church and delivered what was considered one of the greatest sermons in the history of the congregation.
Rev. Sample
On the 10th of April 1811, the Rev. Robert Sample was ordained to the Christian Ministry and installed as second pastor o the churches of Slippery Rock and New Castle. Mr. Sample was born in N. Carolina in 1775 and was a large and finely proportioned man with very respectable talents, genial and pleasant socially but firm when the occasion demanded. He serviced this church for twenty-four years, making his home during the time in New Castle. The salary received from the two churches was three hundred dollars a year, each church paying half. Even this was not always in cash, the larger part being in oats, wheat, corn, linen and wool.
In the days of Mr. Sample, it was customary to have but one service with two sermons. Between sermons there was an interval of one hour. During this time the parishioners would eat lunch, discuss the sermon or any other topic of the day and perhaps take a smoke.
New Church Building - 1825
A very important event in the pastorate of Mr. Sample was the construction of a new church building. In 1825 a new frame building was erected. It stood several feet north of the present building. A marker also denotes the spot where it stood, at the northwest corner of the present parking lot.
This Church building was frame and very similar in appearance to the present building only smaller. It stood until 1863 when the present building was erected.
Mr. Sample remained with the congregation until 1835 when the church at New Castle felt able to support a full-time minister. Mr. Sample remained only three years after leaving Slippery Rock.
Rev. Critchlow
After the Rev. Mr. Robert Sample left Slippery Rock, this congregation remained without a pastor for about three years. Several attempts were made to find a pastor but with no success. The people were discouraged. Finally a call was placed for the Rev. B. C. Critchlow, a young man just out of seminary, and in 1838 he was installed as pastor. For one year he served Slippery Rock alone then he serviced New Brighton also, moving to New Brighton and living there. The Pastorate lasted seven years and was a pleasant one.
During the pastorate of Mr. Critchlow, after much discussion and time consumption, there was passed in 1841 strong Temperance Resolutions. In 1845 Mr. Critchlow was released from the care of this congregation, giving all of his time to the New Brighton Church, where he remained for thirty years.
Rev. Henderson
The Rev. James S. Henderson came and was installed in the fall of that same year. Shortly after his coming a spiritual awakening was experienced in this church and community at which time some fifty or sixty confessed Christ and united with the church. Mr. Henderson was a very energetic man and lived on the edge of the community near North Sewickley. There he founded a prosperous Academy and in 1846 organized the North Sewickley Church. Mr. Henderson supplied to church in Zelienople for a time and was reported to have greatly inspired that congregation. Mr. Henderson was described as a rather impulsive man, not caring about long pastorates but capable of doing a great amount of work when he came into a congregation. When he came to Slippery Rock this church had 130 members. Although two other churches had been organized in the community, North Sewickley and Newport, when he was released in 1850, Slippery Rock had a membership of 184. All three churches were revived and quickened and greatly inspired by the man himself.In 1854, after an interval of three years, the Rev. Amos S. Billingsly was installed as the fifth pastor of Slippery Rock Church, having supplied the Congregation for some months previously. Hs stay was pleasant and peaceful but his pastorate was brief and uneventful, being released in 1856.
Rev. Webber - The Civil War Years
After Mr. Billingsly left, the church was without a regular pastor for six years. During this time the Rev. Henry Webber had charge of the church as supply for three or four years before becoming the regularly installed pastor in 1862. Mr. Webber was here during the Civil War, during those awful days of suffering and suspense. Many men and boys of the Church Family were sent home wounded in body and spirit or to be buried having died of wounds and disease. Slippery Rock Church has always been loyal to her God and to Her Country. In 1812, the patriotism of this church and community prompted them to raise a company of volunteers for the nation, then so young. Headed by William Morton as captain, this company went to Lake Erie and offered themselves for service but were never called into battle. Call after call was sent out by our President, Abraham Lincoln, and this church always filled their quota. This same spirit was manifested in the war with Spain as in World War I, World War II, The Korean war, The Vietnam War, and most recently Desert Storm.
The Present Church Building is Raised
The principal event in Mr. Webber’s pastorate was the erection of the present church building. It was a good time to build since farm products were selling for high prices. For instance, wool was selling for one dollar a pound. Mr. Webber led his congregation to accomplish things rather than try to drive them. In this event he led them by giving one hundred and fifty dollars toward the new building. The difficulty in building at this time was the lack of labor. It is said that this church building was erected by old men and young boys, the others being away serving their country during the Civil War. Sometimes they were helped by the women. As in all war, women helped wherever needed.
Rev. Morton
Mr. Webber was released from this church in 1865. One year later the Rev. Robert S. Morton was installed as pastor, having already been on the field for some months. Slippery Rock and Newport were united in one pastorate during this ministry. Mr. Morton was a son of this church, his father being Wm. Morton, elder and captain of the company that offered itself for the defense of the nation in 1812. Rev. Morton was a strong man and was spoken as one of the very best pastors Slippery Rock ever had. The Holy Spirit set its seal to Mr. Morton’s work in April 1867, when thirty-two were added to the church by profession of faith.
Rev. Aughey - The Pasonage Built
Mr. Morton was released from the pastorate in 1869. The church had no pastor for a year and a half. The Rev. John Aughey was installed pastor in 1870, during which time the churches of Newport and North Sewickley were united with Slippery Rock. During this time the parsonage was built. The property for this parsonage was purchased in April 1872 for the sum of $175.00. The deed reads from Levi Ward & Wife to trustees of Slippery Rock Church, recorded May 28, 1879.
Rev. Rice
In 1874, Rev. George S. Rice became the ninth pastor of this church. Mr. Rice remained for 15 years. This was the second longest pastorate of this church up to this time. Mr. Rice had charge of the Newport church also and supplied at North Sewickley. Mr. Rice did a grand work for the church. Though his health was poor, he served the church well. Some indebtedness still on the parsonage was paid off and the Christian Endeavor Society and the Women’s Missionary Society were organized. Mr. Rice was described as an accurate scholar, prudent and cautions and not afraid to preach the truth. During his stay there was a notable revival of religion and on one occasion, fifty were received into membership of the church. 
There were some problems, too, for which Mr. Rice was not responsible. One was the storm that arose when the Newport Church moved to Wampum. But his pastorate was very fruitful.
Rev. Reagle
On May 26, 1891, Rev. W. G. Reagle became the 10th pastor of the church. His time here was brief but good work was done. In less than two years, over fifty were added to the membership. During Mr. Reagle’s pastorate, the First Church of Ellwood City was organized making the fourth Presbyterian church located in the field that originally belonged to Slippery Rock.
These churches were not organized from Slippery Rock, but certainly were aided and influenced by the Mother Church. Mr. Regale’s assistance and encouragement was much appreciated by the members of the young organization of Ellwood City First, we are told. Mr. Reagle was released in April 1893 and later moved to Lakeland, Fl.
Rev. Barber
The Rev. Samuel Barber was called to Slippery Rock and installed the eleventh pastor in January 1894. During this time, the church building was repaired and a new slate roof put on and other improvements made. Over eight persons united with the church during the four years of his pastorate. In 1898 he was released to serve the Princeton and Mt. Herman Churches.
Rev. Bell
The pulpit was vacant for a year until the Rev. Charles Bell came to the field in May of 1899. He was not installed until September. The church celebrated its one hundred year anniversary soon after Rev. Bell was installed. His untiring efforts and research had much to do with making that event a success. Rev. Bell’s long to be remembered pastorate lasted until October 1914. Mr. Bell remained active in the area with his presence in Ellwood City and his connection with Bell Memorial Church and for several years in the Welfare Department of the National Tube Co. So his presence in the community was felt even after his death in October 1949.Many advances and improvements were made during his time here at Slippery Rock. Charters of incorporation for the Church and the Cemetery Association, a metal ceiling and electric lights were installed and the beautiful addition of stained glass windows for the church building. The greatest achievement of his ministry was the founding of a mission in the Fourth Ward of Ellwood City and was organized as a church in 1914. When Rev. Bell resigned this church, he did so to become the pastor of the Bell Memorial Church.
Rev. West
The thirteenth pastor of Slippery Rock Church was the Rev. Gusty P. West. He was ordained and installed in 1915. Mr. West came directly from Seminary and brought with him a high type of enthusiasm that carried the church along at a high level during his successful pastorate of five years. During this time, plans were made to raise the church building and construct a basement underneath. This work was not done immediately but a considerable sum of money was raised and held in a fund to be used subsequently. Mr. West left in February 1920 to take up work in Thomas, PA at the Pittsburgh Presbytery. Later he served as secretary of the Presbyterian Home at Hollidaysburg, PA.
Rev. Elliott - Church Renovations
In September 1920, after an interval of several months, the Reverend Paul Elliott was installed as the fourteenth pastor. During the period which followed his installation, the basement which was already partially provided for, was completed and entirely paid for. Later a new hardwood floor, new pulpit, new pulpit platform were installed. A short time later, new hardwood seats were purchased. The church continued to grow under Rev. Elliot’s guidance. Mrs. Elliott added much to the work of the church with her knowledge of music and her beautiful, trained soprano voice. His pastorate ended in January 1932. He then moved with his wife and three children to the Presbyterian Church at Cedarville, Ohio.
Rev. Berger
The fifteenth pastor was the Reverend Thomas G. Berger. He was called June 26, 1932, and remained the pastor until Sept. 30, 1948. He was very faithful and many united with the church.
Under Rev. Berger's guidance plans were made for an addition to be built onto the present building. It was during his pastorate that most of the building fund was raised, the cemetery improved and the cement road leading to the church and cemetery was completed. A hard road was also put through the cemetery. Rev. Berger was much interested not only in the work of the church but also in the work of the community. He was always on call for anyone who needed him. The caretaker’s house was being built at this time but was not completed before the manse was sold. There was nowhere for the Bergers to go, so for a short time they moved into the church building, the small room off the narthex becoming their bedroom. His health failing,, Rev. Berger found it necessary to give up his pastorate in 1948. At that time he and Mrs. Berger moved to Long Beach, California.
Rev. McConnell
After Rev. Berger’s resignation the Reverend W.F. Byers acted as supply minister until the calling of the Rev. Ralph I. McConnell on Oct. 1, 1949. He was the sixteenth pastor of Slippery Rock Church. During the next three years the biggest physical accomplishments were the erection of the manse and the Christian Education addition. Rev. McConnell compiled a file of all members of this church dating from its organization, This file has been of great help to following pastors as well as persons searching for information about relatives. During this time the Board of Christian Education was established and the 150 Year Celebration of the Churches foundation was observed. Rev. McConnell resigned on Nov. 31, 1955 to go to Bridgeport (Kirkwood Church).
Rev. Smith
In November 1956 the church called the Rev. Cyrus J. Smith to be the seventeenth pastor of the church. Rev. Smith came from Trinity Presbyterian Church in Butler where he was the organizing pastor of that church.
Physical Changes in the Church
Many physical changes were made and improvement items acquired during Rev. Smith’s pastorate:
The silver communion cup honoring Wm. G. Steele and presented by his family; partitions in the basement; sanctuary carpeting; enlarged the parking lot; and conversion of the balcony into a glassed in room to take care of children and babies with their parents during the Sunday Services. The service and music were piped in for all to hear.
Harvey Guy made and donated a set of wrought iron floor candelabra. Leonard Hazen made a corner display case for the antique communion service.
Visitors Registry and stand in the Narthex, holders for cards and envelopes for the backs of pews, and the John H. Memorial Library was established. New hymn books, some new pews, movie projector, carillon and uni-bell system were acquired.. The church also received a gift of the Celtic cross from Mary Ellen Bell, daughter of former pastor Charles Bell. Choir robes, water cooler and refurbishing the Pastor’s office were done. Most of these items were acquired through Memorial money or direct gifts to the church by individuals or families.
Some new organizations and positions were established during these years under the influence of Rev. Smith- first Church Secretary, candle light communion service on Christmas Eve, annual Church officers dinner. The Presbyterian Women Organization was initiated with Mabel Johns and Elma Cole providing leadership from training received at Wilson College .
Harvest Home Festival with donations made to Oakmont Home and family night dinners was started. Board of Deacons was organized and planning conference at Camp Crestview for church year planning. Junior Choir started with Mrs. Harry Zimmerman as director.
The Church supported the Moon Wha High School in Korea and also participated in the Capital Funds Campaign.
While serving the Slippery Rock Congregation, Rev. Smith also served as Moderator of Shenango Presbytery.
Rev. Smith worked tirelessly to increase the membership of the church and succeeded greatly. He also worked with the Young People's Group, accompanying them in various activities and retreats as well as leading them spiritually. His Leadership of the church, young and old, was much appreciated.
Rev. J. Cyrus Smith submitted his resignation to the Slippery Rock Congregation on Sunday, July 14, 1968 , a letter having been sent out to every member the previous week, to accept a call to Prospect Presbyterian Church in Ingram, a borough within the city limits of Pittsburgh , PA.
Rev. Borter
John Peter Borter began his Pastorate in Slippery Rock Church in September 
1969 and was installed October 5, 1969 . He came to this Church from Hillcrest Church in Burgettstown.
Many physical changes have been made and traditions established over these years. Some are as follows, not in order of occurrence. Some of these are events: established Tenebrae Service, November Tree, decorated with hats, scarves, gloves, etc., distributed to needy children, Junior Board of Deacons, Hilltoppers Adult Social Group, Men's Breakfast, Coffee Hour after church, 175 year celebration, member of United Presbyterian Church in USA and Presbyterian Church in USA, Congregational choral response after service, Adopt-a-Child, and Local Outreach programs, Annual memorial service for members decreased in the past year, Passing of the Peace in the weekly worship service, adult retreats at Luther Lodge, Summer reading program, Salvation Army Bell Ringing at Christmas season, Support of Elias College in Ibillin, Israel, Anointing Service, Youth Director for Junior and Senior Highs hired, participation in local area Choir Festival, first women to serve as elders (Rhea Talboo and Elizabeth Wilson), use of the basement by the Alcoholics Anonymous for 25 years, participation in Relay for Life and Walk America, supported summer Vacation Bible School in Nicaragua, prison Bible study books, labor for Habitat for Humanity, Daffodil Days (ACS), supported Jennifer Gowett's trip to Zimbabwe, books for Sudan, First Church Directory, Shepherding Program initiated, participated in the Billy Graham Crusade, in 1992 changed to Unicameral Board, established the Annual Soup Supper, use of the church was granted to establish the OAKS program.
Physical additions that add to the beauty and usefulness of the building are partially listed here : front portico and steeple, courtesy of the Evans Family through Robert and Jan Evans Barensfeld; new public address system; paved parking lot; bereavement dinners offered; Church parlor redecorated (twice), aluminum siding and storm windows; two electronic organs and two spinet pianos; second and third floor unisex restrooms; several copying machines; book for prayer requests; ceiling and choir loft fans installed; pew hearing aids and large print hymnals made available; new Presbyterian hymnals; chair lift from parking lot to sanctuary level; paved ramp to basement; new furnace; remodeled kitchen; new commercial refrigerator; upright freezer; new candelabras (floor, wall and altar); new liquid candles; new choir and candle lighter's robes; picnic shelter with tables and benches; tool shed; outside entrance handrails; trophy case; floor clock and wall clock; wall banners; telephone answering machine; new roof on the building addition; choir loft remodeled; and the Pastor and wife bought their own home and the manse was sold. 
Rev. Borter was very interested in the Presbytery and local civic affairs. Among the many interests he had and positions held were Teacher at Synod School , General Assembly delegate, School Board member, active Rotary Club member, seat on the Almira Home Board, active in the Ellwood City Ministerium, member on the Board of OAKS. Rev. Borter made a pilgrimage to Israel and made a return trip as leader of a group of young people sponsored by the New Wilmington Missionary Conference.
Boy and Girl Scouts, AA and Alenon have used the Church basement over the years. Many dinners have been served for celebration, fellowship or profit. Bazaars have been held over the years with the making of apple butter over an open fire a big feature.
Rev. Borter who has also served as teacher for the Adult Sunday school Class for many years offered many programs of study and worship.
Much landscaping has been done including memorial trees, sundial, flowerbeds, shrubbery, and installation of mercury and sensor lights.
Most of the physical improvements have been accomplished through memorial funds and personal funds from church members and friends.
All children and young adults in the church have known no other pastor than John Borter. Thirty years is a lifetime for some people. Words cannot express the spiritual leadership he has provided. There has been no end to his generosity in giving time, sympathy, understanding and love whenever and wherever it has been needed, no miles too long to visit and comfort the sick with love and prayer. He has been a wonderful spiritual leader.
Rev. John Peter Borter retired in October 1999. At this time, we also celebrated the 200-year birthday of the Slippery Rock Church . On October 10, 1999, by action of the congregation, Rev. Borter became Pastor Emeritus of Slippery Rock.
For the first time in 30 years, a Pastor Nominating Committee was formed to find a new minister for the church. Rev. Bruce Milligan was installed as the first interim pastor. A second interim pastor, Rev. Pam Maloney was installed in January 2000. Rev. Maloney helped lead the Church through a time of self-reflection and transformation. The congregation, in turn, provided a strong support for Rev. Maloney during the illness and death of her husband, the Rev. Bill Maloney.
Rev. Kendall
In the fall of 2002 the congregation confirmed the call of their first female, full time minister, Rev. Teresa Kendall, a recent seminary graduate. She is a product of a recent phenomenon of second career pastors. Her installation in February 2003, included members of our sister church, Love Hope Baptist, as a lovely beginning to her ministry.
After a long search, the Reverend Theresa Kendall began her ministry at Slippery Rock in January 2003 and was installed on a snowy weekend in February 2003. As this was the first ordination in over 30 years at the church, it was decided to make the service an uplifting and lively service. Members from the Love Hope Baptist Church served as the choir for this service, which included Elders from the area churches.
Old Session Minutes
Looking back over the very old session minutes some unusual and interesting items are recorded. Most of the Session minutes consisted of information concerning trials held to determine guilt or innocence and punishment or penance of erring church members. In 1817, a man was denied a certificate of membership because he was accused of adultery until such time when he would confess sorrow to the satisfaction of the Session. One man was denied communion because of scandalous behavior, dancing and improper amusements. Other reasons for trial were intoxication by spirituous liquor, reneging on verbal agreement for exchange of land, instigating fighting and threatening bodily harm, and vending liquor. These were only a few.
In 1849, the pews were rented. Once the church raised the rent of pews to help meet their financial obligations. Janitor's salary was at this time $12.00 a year. When the present church building was erected in 1863, the church had a serious financial problem and was hard pressed to pay the contractors, janitor's salary and the fuel bills. In 1897 the Pastor's salary was $800 per year. These are only a few of the facts but it seems 100 years later the same problems exist.
SOME REMARKS ABOUT THE SOCIAL LIFE
In the early years the Slippery Rock Church was the hub of social life for the congregation, next to entertaining in the home. Young people especially gathered here to worship and socialize. This remained true through the time of the Great Depression and World War II. The first worshippers brought their Sunday dinners to church and ate between the two sermons that were delivered. Later when transportation and roads became a little better, more occasions were celebrated at the church. Sunday school picnics were a big thing with many attending and lasting all day, with games and races for the children. Memorial Day (Decoration Day) was a time for a program, ceremonies and a picnic. There was always a semi-patriotic program with music and recitations. A high light of the day was a race by the children to decorate the veterans' graves with prearranged sprays of wild flowers.
Soldiers from all American Wars are buried in Slippery Rock Church cemetery. In 1990, bronze markers were placed on the graves of Phillip Houk and Alexander Frew, honoring them as veterans of the American Revolutionary War.
In more recent years, there have still been lots of fun and social times. The Hilltoppers brought the adults together socially. The Circles and the Presbyterian Women's Organization have offered opportunities for women to get together for worship, study and good times.
As far back as the 1890's, young people's groups have gathered at Slippery Rock Church for worship and social times. They are still doing these four generations later.
Over the years, the organized women's groups have served many dinners and held bazaars to raise money to aid their work for the church and Home and Foreign Missions. Starting in 1989, the adult Sunday school class has hosted an annual Soup Supper using the proceeds to provide for improvements in the church such as new pew cushions and the new picnic shelter. The work of the Board of Deacons has been outstanding. They add to the Worship service and promote events to encourage fellowship among church members and other services to the church and the community.