Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist
November – 100 years ago
On November 23, 1924, the Robertsdale Methodist Episcopal Church, in Huntingdon County, dedicated a two-story addition to its 1890 structure, making it a modern building of 11 rooms in addition to the sanctuary. The two-point Robertsdale charge then included Robertsdale (87 members) and Woodvale (147). Faced with declining membership and attendance, the congregation held its final service October 17, 2004, and the property reverted to the East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company. For several years the building then served as home to the expanded museum of the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Historical Society. In 2021 the building moved full circle. The museum returned to the town’s movie theater, which it had been renting to the Reality Church of God, and that congregation now owns and occupies the former Methodist building at Robertsdale.
December – 50 years ago
December 1, 1974, found 1500 youth from across the conference catching their collective breaths following a most successful all-day Youth Rally at Susquehanna University that included worship led by Bishop John B. Warman, two concerts by the 36-voice youth choir “New Voices” (one in formal attire and one in casual dress) of Harrisburg, witness by voice and instrument of noted blind pianist Duncan Holmes of Dallas, TX (who is still giving concerts and gospel programs), and a showing of the movie “A Thief in the Night” followed by a panel discussion. The event was organized by Rev. Guy Baer, conference coordinator of youth ministries, and included participation from pastors Paul Stambach, Louis Barth, Bruce Fisher, and Russell Hart. Also involved were Mrs. Geraldine Heilman of the Woman’s Board of Global Ministries, Conference CCYM president Michelle Kane, and youth representative on the Commission on Enlistment Beth North. The emphasis of the event was to encourage believers to commit themselves to experiencing and sharing the love of Jesus – whether as lay persons or in the ordained ministry.
