Williamsport’s churches are the city’s architectural jewels continuing to draw awe from admirers. Through preservation efforts, and perhaps divine intervention, many from the last century still stand. St. John’s Reformed Church, located at 25 Ross Street in Williamsport, is one of those cherished churches but it almost perished after a fire destroyed it.

Now almost 150 years after construction, the church’s ownership has changed throughout the years but is now owned by the non-profit American Rescue Workers (ARW). They purchased St. John’s in 1977 but now it is up for sale.

“By selling this property, the proceeds will provide financial support for American Rescue Workers to continue our community outreach for hunger and homelessness prevention programs,” said Dawn Astin, who is now an ARW volunteer, after retiring from 46 years of service there.

The church was organized in 1882 by 41 members but they had yet to build a place to worship. On November 5, 1882, land was purchased for $1,200 at the corner of Ross and Packer streets. By June 7, 1885, St. John’s Reformed Church opened its doors for worship. Including the cost of the lot, building materials and furniture, the church cost a total of $10,818.

The Gothic style church still retains much of its original charm. Ornate stained glass windows, arched ceilings and a stunning sanctuary provide a glimpse into the 1800’s workmanship. Because of its beauty, St. John’s was featured on the 2022 Victorian Christmas Tour.

“There are a lot of stained glass windows and they create an ecclesiastical feel. When I am in the sanctuary, there is a spirit of awe,” remarked Astin.

A 2007 fire in the sanctuary proved to be a curse and a blessing. A malfunctioning wall-mounted heater sparked a devastating fire that destroyed the drop ceiling. Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes, the ornate ceiling was once again on full view. The ceiling was completely restored to its Gothic splendor. Made of plaster, the vaulted ceiling has rosettes that are actually air vents. Originally, the vents were opened with a long crank to provide air flow to the sanctuary on hot days.

The fire also damaged the mural adorning the pulpit. Originally painted in 1929 by Sadie Mercer Leinbach, the mural was restored by an unnamed local artist.

St. John’s stately exterior is a light colored brick structure studded with numerous keystones atop its pointed arches. Its tower still bears the words “St. John’s Reformed Church.”

The 5,850 square foot behemoth houses an office/classroom space, a conference room and a full kitchen.

Astin recounted how the church has served as a place of worship and a community resource.

ARW is a Methodist based non-profit that operates nationally and was established in Williamsport in 1934. According to Astin, the organization provides homelessness and hunger prevention services to the area.

“We had 15 – 20 (homeless) men in this building in 1977,” said Astin.

It was then later used to house women and children.

“The Women’s and Children Center was a program for homeless women that suffered from substance abuse or any other barrier that contributed to their homelessness situation,” said Astin.

Some notable building tenants were ARW’s national staff. After being headquartered in Philadelphia for over a hundred years, the Williamsport church was chosen in 1998 to relocate ARW’s national base.

St. John’s last church service under ARW will be Sunday, March 1 at 11:00 a.m.

As Astin prepares for the final gathering in the sanctuary, she said, “We’ve been able to guide so many men, women and children on their inspirational path to self-sufficiency! This has been one of my greatest joys.”