FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Our Ministry is Served by:
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Vicar Intern: Christy Harford
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Learning Ministry Associate: Barbara J. Pingatore, R.N.
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Minister of Music: Kim Rauch
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Choir Director: Howard Bennett
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Office Manager: Jancie Stanley
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Meet Vicar Intern Christy Harford
Christy Harford was a Medical Secretary/Assistant at WindberCare Physicians for approximately 7 years. She recently resigned her position to pursue her full-time call to ministry.
She is the only child of David and Rose Harford, but she does have a large extended family. She enjoys family picnics, hanging out with her friends, going to movies, both attending and watching hockey games and traveling (her favorite place is Walt Disney World).
Christy graduated from Westmont Hilltop High School in 1987 and went on to attend college at Hagerstown Business College. She graduated with an Associates in Arts Degree in Medical Assisting in 1989. She earned her Certification in Medical Assisting and keeps current with that certification every 5 years.
She moved to Baltimore, Maryland upon graduation to begin her career. She did a variety of different jobs while there. She worked in a pediatrician's office, a hospital as an IV Therapist/Pharmacy Technician and finally a Medical Assistant. She attended church and was a member of the Bell Choir and played the organ on occasion.
She returned home to Johnstown after approximately 5 years and began working at the American Red Cross and she has held several other jobs over the years until she found her "home" at Windber.
Christy began her journey as an Authorized Lay Worship Leader through the Allegheny Synod in 2016. She has served many different churches within the Allegheny Synod and has enjoyed spending her time with the people of the Synod.
Christy began Seminary at United Lutheran Seminary and is looking forward to continuing her journey toward her call to ordained ministry. She is looking forward to continuing classes at United Lutheran Seminary (ULS). She is enrolled in the TEEM (ELCA Theological Education for Emerging Ministry) process. Christy is excited to continue to learn through classes at ULS and through Continuing Education Courses.
Christy is looking forward to getting to know the members of First Lutheran Church-Johnstown.
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Our History
First Lutheran Church was organized in 1832. The first building was dedicated on
Ascension Day in 1834. The present edifice was erected in 1922 after a disastrous
fire destroyed the previous building. The present structure sustained damage in
the floods of 1936 and 1977.
An elevator and other facilities for the physically challenged were added, making
the church barrier-free. Renovation continues as necessary to preserve the
building and provide resources for ministry. A chapel was razed in 2013-14 because
of deterioration and high maintenance costs. Members contributed toward the
creation of a serenity garden in its place. The majestic Skinner 3,000-pipe organ was
rededicated in 2013 after extensive renovation.
The commitment to maintaining these facilities reveals the solid faith, dedication
and stewardship of our members. This stewardship extends beyond our own walls.
First Lutheran played major roles in the creation of Camp Sequanota in 1947 and
the Allegheny Lutheran Home in 1949.
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3.3 million members in more than 8,900 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
