History
The first Lutheran church in the Muncy valley was Immanuel Lutheran Church, whose congregation was in existence perhaps as early as 1785. As the town of Muncy grew and the trend grew for the young people to work at and join other churches in the town, many felt the need for a Lutheran church closer to home. A Lutheran Sunday School was organized in April, 1847 and held in a schoolhouse at the upper end of Muncy.

On November 7, 1852, Rev. George Parsons and several others gathered at the home of Michael S. Rissell to organize the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Muncy. A few days later on November 23^rd, the constitution for governing the new church was adopted. A building site was located in the lower end of town on North Main Street where a number of houses were scheduled for erection. On October 19, 1853, Muncy’s Lutheran house of worship was dedicated to God completely debt-free.

For thirteen years, Rev. Parsons served the church in Muncy, as well as Trinity Evangelical Church of Hughesville and Immanuel parish. During his ministry, 148 members were added to the Muncy church rolls. The first infant baptisms were recorded February 5, 1854. Twenty new members were received for the first communion on April 16, 1854. Over the three-year ministry of his successor, Rev. E. A. Sharretts, 94 members joined; 37 members were added during the three years that Rev. Aughey served. Worshipers were sometimes turned away for lack of seating space.

The Penn Street window “Christ, the Good Shepherd” was given in memory of Catherine Ritter by her son Cloyd L. Ritter, a former local native who became a successful lumberman.

The original sanctuary was laid out with seating for 325, in similar style to the interior of another Muncy church. The altar was on the south side. The Sunday School was located on the west of the first floor area, separated by stained glass doors. The sanctuary walls were painted apple green and the ceiling had green, pink and gold designs. The kitchen, dining room and lavatories were located in the basement.

Music has always been a very important part of the worship service. The original organ was a small one used in the old church. A pipe organ was dedicated on December 20, 1914. The cost was $2,400, of which $875 was paid from funds provided by Andrew Carnegie.

When Rev. Steck retired from the ministry, he returned to Muncy to live out his remaining years. In 1945, the carillon bells were purchased and dedicated in honor of the twenty-three years of his service to the congregation.

The parsonage was built next to the church in 1921. Rev. Steck’s successor, B. F. Bieber, D.D., was the first occupant.

In 1956, the name of the church was changed to St. Andrew Evangelical Lutheran Church. Adjoining properties to the south were purchased from the years 1958 to 1965 to provide room for a parking lot.

In 1968, the interior of the building was remodeled to its present appearance. The design changes are typical of post-World War II Lutheran churches.

On December 20, 1974, a new pipe organ was installed. Music continues to be an important part of the worship service. A concert grand piano also often accompanies the worshipers.

During the pastorate of Rev. Philip S. Lambdin, Timothy Spring became the first son of the congregation to enter the ministry. Currently, four young members are considering Christian ministry.

The DeBrunner property was purchased in 1994 and razed for additional parking in 2001. The church became handicap-accessible in 1996 with the addition of a lift and handicap ramp.

A prayer garden was dedicated in 2003 and graces the area where the DeBrunner house once stood.

For 150 years, the Lutheran Church had existed within the boundaries of Muncy. St. Andrew Evangelical Lutheran Church has stood for 100 years. During those years, a number of pastors have served God by ministering to the congregations of the two churches.

God had greatly blessed our church. This is a time of celebration and remembrance of God’s faithfulness.