By Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist
November – 100 years ago
Park Avenue UMC in Chambersburg was dedicated November 29, 1925. Looking to establish a second congregation in the northern part of city, the United Brethren denomination purchased the old dormitory and gymnasium of the Penn Hall school. The dormitory was initially used as rental apartments, with rooms reserved for the parsonage family, while the gymnasium was remodeled for worship – with the basement swimming pool filled in but never actually removed.
In November 1975 Park Avenue opened their 1925 cornerstone assisted by Kenneth Gabler, who was present as a 13-year-old when the building was dedicated. Items were added and the cornerstone resealed with the assistance of 12-year-old Leslie MeGehee, anticipating she would be present for a second opening of the cornerstone at the 2025 centennial celebration.
December – 50 years ago
The December 1975 Wyoming United Methodist reported on the week-long celebration of the centennial of the Hemlock Grove Church in Greentown, Pike County. A mission festival highlighted former pastor Rev. David Flude, then with UMCOR under the General Board of Global Missions and later with the American Leprosy Mission in South Africa. The Sunday preacher was Bishop James M. Ault, which service included opening of the 1875 cornerstone and was followed by an informal dinner. The evening program featured a concert by “God’s Children” of the Gouldsboro UMC.
In 1913 the 1875 structure was jacked up in order to add a basement and fellowship hall, and in 1987 a two-story 36x96 addition completed the present building. One of only three Pike County churches within our Conference, Hemlock Grove was for many years part of the multi-point Sterling charge and is presently a station appointment with 200+ members.
