Gilbert Carpenter, who built the Galena mill, was a minister and conducted religious services in the mill during the summer months, and in homes during the winter. In 1813, the Church was organized with fourteen members.
In 1825, it was decided to build a church building. The plans called for a building forty feet by sixty feet in size. The building was built in 1828-29, and is the present sanctuary. The church bell was added in 1853.
Galena was served by a circuit rider for many years and was the largest church of a twelve church circuit until 1868. At that time, East Delaware was added as the thirteenth church. Galena remained on this circuit until 1869, when the circuit was changed to a four church circuit consisting of Sunbury, Berkshire, Vans Valley, arid Galena. The parsonage was located at Galena.
In 1909, the first major repairs were made on the church building. These repairs and additions consisted of fixing the roof, supporting the floor, and adding two vestibules and entrance doors. At this time, a pulpit alcove and stained glass windows were added to the sanctuary.
In 1912 the membership was recorded as five hundred and sixteen. Just prior to the remodeling of the church, the parsonage was completed. That was 1904, and is the present parsonage.
In 1916, the circuit was divided again and Galena and Vans Valley shared as a single charge until 1960 when Galena became a student pastorate.
In the 1940’s, a second repair and remodeling of the church was accomplished. New classrooms and a basement were added to the front of the church at this time.
Again in the year 1969, remodeling and an addition were accomplished. This added more classrooms, extended the basement, made a new kitchen and facilitated the use of existing space as a fellowship hall and a learning center.
In 1976, the church reflected the dec1ine of the village's importance as a business and commercial center. The membership was one hundred and sixty-seven. Average attendance was under thirty-five percent for over a year. During fiscal year 1975, the church was unable to pay its Conference Apportionments for the first time in several years. Payments on the last addition were kept up and no other debts inhibit the church.
In 1999, the sanctuary underwent remodeling. The dropped ceiling was removed to expose the curved metal ceiling. The ceiling and walls were restored and painted. New lights fixtures were installed, the pews were refinished, and new carpet was installed. The parsonage was also given some attention. A $10,000 loan was taken out to install new shingles, hot water heater, repaint, and upgrade the wiring. Most of these improvements took place in 2000. Fiscal 1999 represented the first time in many years the church was able to pay all of its Conference Apportionments.
In 2000, membership was one hundred and forty-three and average attendance was fifty-two.
Source: Galena: Church and Community, 1976, by Rev. Max Powell
David Bender 1977 to present