Our History

February 24, 1918 – Five people met in the storeroom of Figley’s Market on Steffin Hill for Sunday School.

1919 – The property on the corner of Steffin Hill and Darlington Road was purchased as the new location to erect a permanent Church.

1919 – A temporary structure known as the “Tabernacle” was erected at the rear of the present church building to accommodate worship after the groundbreaking and building of the church.

1920 – The Church was completed.

November 28, 1920 – The completed church building and its furnishings were dedicated. The cost of the building and its furnishings was $19,918. The Monies for the church were raised by the membership, which consisted of 33 church members and 67 Sunday School participants.

April 25, 1923 – The Beaver Valley Presbytery organized the congregation, and the Reverend John Meloy was installed as the church’s first pastor. 

June 22, 1923 – Under the direction of Reverend Meloy, the first session of the Steffin Hill United Presbyterian Church in North America was ordained and installed.

1923 - 1956 – During the next 33 years Steffin Hill grew in numbers and served the community of families who lived on “The Top of the Hill." Many family activities besides Sunday School and Church Services took place at the Church, such as Apple Butter making, Strawberry Festivals, Quilting Circles, and men’s Baseball team, just to name a few.

1956 – Under the direction of the Reverend Orland Richie, a building program was undertaken to renovate the building and add much-needed church space. The present stone front and education rooms were completed.

1961 – A small house on Darlington Road beside the church was purchased and the Board of Deacons was formed. The work of the Deacons was to visit the sick, send cards, and prepare the Sanctuary for worship.

1967 – Steffin Hill’s Communicant membership was 371, and the first pictorial directory was planned.

June of 1973 – The charter of the church was changed to allow a budget to exceed $30,000.00. The Booth Property on Steffin Hill Road was purchased

1983 – The Booth property was serving as the manse and enlarged. Also, in 1983, the Session, Trustee, and Deacons joined to form a unicameral church leadership board.

1984 – A neighbor Women’s Bible study was formed. The Women’s Bible study still exists and continues to meet weekly. The Bible study is now an interdenominational study consisting of women from local communities and churches.

1990 – the ramp was added to the church.

1990 through current day – the church has had many updates and revisions, such as a suspended ceiling in the sanctuary, coverings to protect the stained-glass windows, carpeting, air conditioning, and other needed upkeep.

1990 and continuing through the present day – the congregation has developed a strong commitment to missions supporting and developing missional connections locally, nationally, and internationally. 

2020 – During the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, Steffin Hill began Zoom Church and our parking lot ministries.  The Drive-thru Community Dinner and Soup Sale, and the drive-through Communion and Ashes during the Lent and Easter season.

2025 – Steffin Hill supports God’s missional connections locally, nationally, and internationally. We love and welcome our neighbors and community into our fellowship through Sunday services, Zoom Services, and continued outreach.