By Pastor Barbara Servello
The 15th Street United Methodist church in Huntingdon, PA, recently celebrated their 150th birthday with a weekend of events.
Saturday, September 14, there was an outdoor music and picnic celebration along with children’s activities and fellowship. Musical groups performing were: The 15th Street UMC Choir, Beth Querry, Huntingdon Community Choir (Music, Music, Music), Neil Barben and The Servello Family.
The front lawn of the church was where the celebration took place. Two of the oldest members of the church were there and conversation was centered around Mary Gladfelter and Ed Mansberger. Gladfelter, who celebrated her 100th birthday July 4, 2024, remembered Ed Mansberger, 89, and his family walking to church on Sunday mornings and that was how she knew it was time to go to church as well.
Gladfelter began attending 15th Street UMC at the age of 10 becoming a member at 19 years of age. Mansberger was born into the church and joined at age 11. Mansberger said he has been attending there for “As long as I have been alive, except for two years of military service. I have so many wonderful memories.”
Sunday, September 15, began at nine o’clock with donuts and coffee on the lawn and a special worship service at 10:30am featuring former pastors giving remembrances of their time at the church.
The District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Lillian C. Smith, gave the sermon, speaking about being the light of Jesus Christ in our neighborhood and community.
There was a dedication to the church’s longest living members, Mary Gladfelter being a member for 81 years and Ed Mansberger a member for 78 years.
Following the service there was a spaghetti luncheon served by the men’s Sunday School class.
The Anniversary Committee members were: Pastor Barbara Servello, Jack Servello, Mike & Cindy Knott, Trudy McElwain (Church Historian), Renee Lucas, Pat Beck, Peggy Hoffman, Shirley Scott, Sue Stratton, Gretchen Booker, Sharon Hendricks, Sue Glenny, and Chris Querry.
