About Thiel > Thiel History

Oil Money Leads Thiel to Monaca

Thiel presented Passavant with $4,000; funds he had received through the sale of stock in the new oil industry in Titusville. Dr. Passavant chose Phillipsburg (now Monaca) in Beaver County, because of its accessibility to western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

Thirty students were enrolled by the end of the first year of operation. Dr. Passavant advertised in the 1867 issue of "The Lutheran and Missionary" that Thiel Hall was a church and a classical school that prepared students for business or college. German, French and vocal music were taught without extra charge and in keeping with the traditions of the founders.

Thiel Hall functioned as a church, school and a family away from home. And, as it has done throughout its history, it has been the spawning ground for ministers in the Church

Thiel Moves to Greenville...