On behalf of an appreciative congregation, Sharon Elder, board member, left, and Dolores Kuehner begin shredding the mortgage for the $1.85M Ben Salem United Church of Christ complex, Church Hill Road, Lehighton. Hugh Vrablic, student pastor, is seen in the background. Hard work by the congregation resulted in a debt-free complex in just eight years. The achievement was celebrated during Sunday servies, along with a farewell luncheon salute to the Rev. Jim Knappenberger. On Monday, Ben Salem UCC will welcome a new pastor, the Rev. Michael McGowan.