In this continuing series, I am in Darktown, Hokendauqua, Whitehall Township, speaking to Mr. Michael Bednar whose grandfather migrated to the hamlet in 1900 to work for the Thomas Iron Company in Hokendauqua. The company was founded by the Thomas family, skilled iron makers who brought the art of iron making to Catasauqua and Hokendauqua. The company donated funds for a school and church.

"During the early years, a number of arrivals from Wales resided in a large company-owned tavern in Darktown," Mike says. "Many were members of the First Presbyterian Church."

I called the Rev. Joyce Smothers, pastor of the historic church, and asked for information on the church's origin. I visited the church, sat in a pew and returned to the early formation of the church.

The First Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua dates its origin to 1854.

At the time the Thomas Iron Company was started, seven members of The First Presbyterian Church of Catasauqua came to reside in Hokendauqua. Many future church members gained employment at the Thomas Iron Company. The Catasauqua church had been constructed in 1839 by David Thomas in Catasauqua.

In Hokendauqua, a Sabbath school was formed to care for children and the threshing floor of a large barn owned by the Thomas Iron Company was used for the church and Sabbath school services. The pulpit and pews of an old house of worship in Catasauqua were placed in the barn for worship services. This barn was later destroyed by fire.

On application to the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County, a charter was obtained on November 8, 1855.

A new church was needed, but the dream was hindered as the new church organizers had been members of the Catasauqua church and this had created some unpleasant feelings. The small group of devout church members approached Samuel Thomas for assistance.

The company believed the village of Hokendauqua would grow rapidly. The ironworks had resolved not to sell lots to outside parties, hoping to exclude drinking saloons and other haunts of vice from the neighborhood of their works.

Owing to this policy, the growth of the village and the church was retarded for a long period of time. The church suffered for years for the want of a suitable place of worship. Forced to meet in unattractive and inconvenient rooms, church members realized a building was required if the church was to prosper and preach God's word.

In 1866, a committee was formed to solicit donations. The first subscription raised $2,300. An appeal was made to the Thomas Iron Company and they generously gave three lots of ground together measuring 150' x 150' and $3,500 in cash. They asked Samuel Thomas, president of the Thomas Iron Company, to serve on the building committee. He declined because of the pressure of his official duties. He did, however, consent to act as adviser until the building was completed, and was the real head and front of the committee.

The cornerstone was laid on Aug. 11, 1867, with appropriate ceremonies and a large audience. The main church building was dedicated on Sept. 26, 1869. The Rev. James A. Little was elected pastor at a salary of $1,000 per year.

The Sunday school was known as the "Snow Bird" Sabbath School, so called because the children coming to Sunday school often had to shake off the snow from their clothes. In 1872 there were 26 teachers and 333 enrolled members in the Sunday school.

The original pipe organ was a generous gift from Mrs. John Thomas. A magnificent portrait of the Savior adorned the wall to the rear of the pulpit, painted by Titus Case of Catasauqua.

Over the years improvements and renovations and dedicated members have nurtured the church to continue its mission of faith.

Their beautiful 150th anniversary book, printed in 2005, is filled with cherished photographs and news articles, not only of church history but also of memories of the Thomas Iron Works, Old Hokendauqua, 1904 Whitehall High School and Whitehall Township today.

The members of the Presbyterian church continue to be a loving and caring congregation.

I enjoyed my visit to the church and thank Rev. Smothers for her kindness and cooperation. The First Presbyterian Church of Hokendauqua has a rich cultural heritage and has been an integral part of Whitehall Township for over 150 years.

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In two weeks Hokendauqua and Darktown fall victim to the 1918-19 influenza epidemic.