August 2, 1920: Steeple of Good Shepherd Reformed Church Replaced by Town Clock

By Margaret Leidy Harner from her book One Day at a Time: A Social History of Boyertown, PA.

August 2, 1920: Fearing that any wind storm might bring the towering steeple of Good Shepherd Reformed Church tumbling down, it was wisely decided to remove it before that calamity occurred. The stately tower is now adorned with a town clock instead.

In the dedication ceremony, the clock was consecrated by Rev. George Greenawald and presented to Boyertown Burgess Newton Erb, who accepted responsibility for its maintenance on behalf of the borough. The Democrat expressed the pride that the people take in their new community improvement. It is a “boon to every householder” who now relies on its striking to determine the time, and it has become a famous town landmark.

The very latest model Seth Thomas clock was installed in the tower by a force of men from the company The project cost about $6000, and envelopes were distributed to every home in town for contributions to pay for it.

More News from Boyertown

• A Pictorial Tour Through the History of Boyertown: Main Street Businesses page 22 Main Street--page 22
• TRADITIONS While traditions are considered unchanging, life changes constantly and new traditions must be created; what lasts is the desire to give thanks for life, mutable as it is.