Carol Fisher-Linn
St, Paul’s Church has a 100-year-old history, but worship itself started earlier in community homes, as did so many in the frontier days of Ellicottville. St. Paul’s started in 1910 when The F.J. Ploetz family moved to Ellicottville and invited three other Lutheran families to gather for prayer in their homes. By 1923, membership grew to 24 and they needed their own house of worship. They formally organized and bought a property for $1,000 which had belonged to the Seventh Day Adventists on the corner of Elizabeth and Mechanic Streets. The new church was dedicated in September 1923. In 1946, they obtained their own resident pastor, Rev. Edgar J. Buerger, who needed a home for himself and his family. A thirteen-room house (with barn) on Jefferson Street was purchased for $5500. Fortunately, Rev. Buerger did not have to battle with backing his vehicle out of a snowy driveway in winters. The barn had a large metal turntable, the only one in the village, so he could drive the vehicle in, turn it around and be ready to drive out. Is that where the phrase, “taking it for a spin” came from?
In 1958 the growing congregation had accepted 24 members from the newly closed St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Plato. They now needed a new church, with plenty of room for parking and church events. In 1959, they purchased the W.O. Nannen property and house on Rte.219 and by 1961 starting their fund raising with an annual chicken barbeque. Many chickens later, ground was broken in September 1964 with the cornerstone laid in November. At a cost of $75,000 the church was dedicated to the glory of God on May 23, 1965. As the years passed, more growth meant the need for more space if they wanted to keep their numbers rising. Expansion plans were drawn up and a Vision Committee was formed in 1998 to survey the membership and consider the logistics. They chose to add on. Additional land to the west and behind the church was donated giving them much needed additional space without incurring any more debt. In 2006 the church stretched a bit more, adding a new worship hall and narthex. The following years brought more growth and expansion, bringing them, 100 years later, to 2023 with cause to joyfully celebrate.
An interesting addition to the story is the acquisition of the Hinners Organ Opus 2650 which had originally been dedicated in 1923 at the Plato church. When they closed their doors, Harold Olmstead of Springville purchased it and stored it at his farm in Sardinia. In 1980, it was given to Larry Ploetz for the church, in hundreds of pieces dotted with rodent and insect residue and water damage. Ploetz must like puzzles because with patience and time, he rebuilt the organ exactly as it was in 1923. Be sure to check out this magnificent vintage musical instrument the next time you visit or attend services at St. Paul’s. A bonus for Ploetz is that it created a new vocation for him. He is now an organ repairer and restorer, taking his skills all over Western New York. Looks like a God-wink to me.
Now that we are back into 2023, a conversation with Pastor Dan Buringrud provided the following about events that have already taken place and those in the future for the 100-year celebration. Members and visitors enjoyed a presentation about the history of the church, and several weeks ago, Cathy Osborne and Jeff Skurka gave a presentation and showed photos from their trip to Turin, Italy where they were privileged to view the Shroud of Turin. The Shroud of Turin, also known as the Holy Shroud, is a length of linen cloth bearing the negative image of a man. Some describe the image as depicting Jesus of Nazareth and believe the fabric is the burial shroud in which he was wrapped after crucifixion. (Wikipedia)
A church homecoming picnic is coming in July during the Homecoming Week held annually in the village. Pastor Dan was very excited to report that the festivities will take place in a 40’ by 30’ covered Gazebo behind the church. Construction will begin in May and is scheduled to be completed by mid-June, weather permitting. They have been diligently fundraising for this project and are about 80% there. If you would like to donate, go to Go Fund Me on St. Paul’s Facebook page. Or send a check in the mail to P.O. Box 656, 6362 Route 242 East, Ellicottville NY 14731. Questions? (716) 699-2265 or stpaulseville@gmail.com
Sincere thanks go out to Mary Fox who provided the historical material for this story.