Return to Milestones Vol. 3, No. 4
After reviving Rehoboth Church, it was necessary for Doctor William A. Passavant, in journeying to and from Baden, to pass through Crows Run. Seeing people idling away their time in front of the general store and post-office, known as Parks Quarries, and being impressed by the spiritual needs of the community, Dr. Passavant asked one of the deacons of the Baden Church to accompany him and together they called upon a gentlemen who promised that a suitable place for preaching should be provided. An appointment was made, the day arrived and on a level spot by the side of the hill under the branches of a huge hemlock tree, services were held. Seats had been roughly constructed and a large stone served as a pulpit. Another appointment was made and at that second service under the open sky, Dr. Passavant preached from the text - Hebrews 12: 1-2.
The work thus begun slowly prospered and on the second Sunday in October 1879, the cornerstone of House of Mercy Church was laid with appropriate ceremonies. The minutes of Synod state the following: "On the second Sunday in October 1879 the corner-stone of a Mission Church was laid in the valley of Crows Run, Beaver County, by the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Passavant, assisted by Revs. Breckenridge and Lemcke, of Rochester, with the designation of the House of Mercy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The building is of frame, Gothic in style 32 x 50 feet in size and when finished will be a very neat and churchly edifice. Its erection supplies a great want in this long destitute locality."
The erection of the church was financed by a public subscription. Lumber was furnished by the Economite Society.
The service of dedication of the newly erected House of Mercy was held on Sunday August 28, 1881. The service was conducted by Dr. Passavant's son, the Rev. W. A. Passavant Jr., who on the same day organized a congregation of twenty-four members.