September – 100 years ago.
The Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Districts of the Wyoming Conference were severely hampered when the area coal miners began a strike on September 1, 1925, that lasted for six months. As reported in the conference journal: “The strike, the longest in the history of the coal industry, brought its usual animosities, bickering and divisions. Every branch of trade was affected. Stores put clerks on reduced time. Hotels closed their dining rooms. Farmers had little market for their produce. It was inevitable that this paralysis of business should affect our churches. Services were grouped, and in some instances auditoriums were closed. One preacher reported that 30 per cent of his men were idle.”
October – 50 years ago
In 1975, the Wyoming Conference dissolved the four-point Alderson charge near Harvey’s Lake. Alderson became a station appointment, and Kunkle became a part-time appointment to be supplied. The October 1975 Wyoming United Methodist announced the pulpit would be filled by Michael Bealla, a student at the Lehman campus of PSU. “Mr. Bealla, who has served as a guest preacher in the area and has now received his preaching license, and his new bride of one month, Miss Bonnie Shillabeer, will begin serving immediately.”
Noxen and Ruggles became a two-point charge and constructed a new parsonage next to the Noxen church, which was dedicated October 5, 1975, by district superintendent Rev. Edgar F. Singer for use of Rev. Edward F. Sebring.
