Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

July – 100 years ago

     Groundbreaking for York’s new Second United Brethren Church at 401 South Queen Street was held July 12, 1925.  The congregation began in 1873 when Rev. William B. Raber, pastor of York First Church, acting on his own, purchased the plot of ground at the southeast corner of Duke and South Streets.  Before the end of the year, the quarterly conference of First church elected trustees for the property, 26 members of First Church became the charter members of Second Church, and a frame church building had been erected at the site.

     In 1892 a brick structure replaced the original chapel, and in 1906 an addition doubled the size of the building.  In 1926 the congregation relocated to its new building a few blocks east to the southeast corner of Queen and South Streets.  Following the 1968 union to create the United Methodist Church, the congregation was renamed Faith, and in 1969 they joined with Wesley Memorial [the former Duke Street Methodist Episcopal Church which had relocated to Tyler Run Road in 1964] to form Aldersgate UMC.  The building at 401 South Queen now houses the Small Memorial AME Zion Church, and the York Aldersgate congregation disaffiliated from the UMC in 2023.

August – 50 years ago

     The Central Pennsylvania Conference’s annual Schools of Christian Mission took place at Lycoming College in August 1975, with the week-end school August 1-3 and the week-day school August 4-8.  Fees for registration, rooms, board and insurance were $24 for the week-end portion and $42 for the week-day event.  Presentation on the theme “One World Under God” featured conference pastors, conference UMW leaders, missionaries and General Church staff members.  In addition to the presenters and organizers, a total of 97 persons registered for the schools.

     On August 18, 1975, Rev. John Dromazas of the five-point Whitneyville Parish in Tioga County helped bring Christian Missions to life in the Wellsboro area when he and other pastors and lay persons worked together to provide the eleven-member Dong Nhieu immigrant family from Vietnam with clothing, jobs, English lessons and a nine-room house completely furnished “from light bulbs to beds.”  Within six weeks the family was self-sufficient.

Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

May – 100 years ago 

     The new social room at the Mont Alto United Brethren United Brethren Church was dedicated May 31, 1925.  The congregation had grown out of prayer meetings held in private homes 1843-44.  They erected their first building in 1847 on “Back Street” – a one-room brick structure that was enlarged and improved in 1881.  In 1874 a number of members withdrew to organize a Methodist Episcopal congregation.  The existing sanctuary at the present site, to which the social hall was added, was erected in 1905.  

     In 1971 the Otterbein UMC (formerly United Brethren) and Wesley UMC (formerly Methodist Episcopal) congregations became a two-point charge and in 2009 they united to form the present Mont Alto United Methodist Church, worshiping in the former Methodist building.

June – 50 years ago 

     The trustees of the Central Pennsylvania Conference met June 4, 1925, at the Lewisburg United Methodist Home in a meeting dominated by discussions of closed churches.  “Because of lack of value to the Conference” insurance was dropped for two buildings: Colley (Sullivan County) and Egg Hill (Centre County).  The former was sold to the Cemetery Association in 1982 and has since been razed.  The latter was transferred to a Conservancy Association in 1980 and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

     Approval was given to sell two buildings: Needmore (Fulton County) and Fairview (Perry County).  The former was sold to the Needmore Bible Church, which subsequently relocated and sold the building to the Southern Fulton School District.  The latter was sold to the Historical Society of Perry County.

    Report was made that two previously approved sales had now been completed: St. John’s [Sheeps] (Montour County) and Akersville (Fulton County).  The former was sold to St. John’s Bible Church.  The latter was sale involved only a schoolhouse on the property, and the remainder of the property was sold to the Cemetery Association in 1992. 

Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

March – 100 years ago

     The 1925 annual session of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church was held March 5-9 at First Church in Milton, Northumberland County.  Among the resolutions passed was the following: “Whereas, Governor Pinchot has taken such a fearless stand in favor of law enforcement and proposed legislation to make the 18th Amendment effective; Resolved, That we instruct the Secretary of Conference to write to Governor Pinchot commending him for his fearless attitude.”  The 18th Amendment prohibited the production, sale or transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States.  It was passed in 1919 and repealed in 1933.

     The 1897 building in which the 1925 annual session was held was sold in 1929 when the congregation erected its present sanctuary on Lower Market Street and Garfield Avenue.  The gymnasium and social hall were added in 1991.

April – 50 years ago

     Friday evening April 4, 1975, was a special day for the men and boys of the Central Pennsylvania Conference.  In Lewistown, at First UMC, at the annual rally of the Conference United Methodist Men, guest speaker Jimmy Carter – the young, reform-minded Governor of Georgia who pledged that no Georgian should “ever again be deprived of the opportunity for a job, an education, or simple justice because he is poor, rural, black, or not influential” – challenged those in attendance to Christian statesmanship.

     On that same evening in Altoona, at Otterbein UMC, the Sixth Annual Pennsylvania United Methodist Church Basketball Tournament began its 22-team, two-weekend event.  These highly competitive games, hosted this year by the Central Pennsylvania Conference, began as the State EUB Tournament and continued as such for 17 years before becoming an annual UMC event following the denominational merger. 

Remembering Our Heritage

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.

Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

September – 100 years ago. 

As reported in the 1924 Christian Advocate: “The Rev. Clarence R. Hickock, Dorranceton, reports an average attendance of 160 at prayer meetings. No spectacular methods are used. A committee is canvasing the parish for money to purchase ground for a new church on Wyoming Avenue.” The original 1897 building stood at West Dorrance Street and Schuyler Avenue. Properties were bought and sold, and building plans were drawn and redrawn, but it wasn’t until April 1963 that ground was broken at the present site on Wyoming Avenue. Dorranceton was once a separate borough. In 1921 it merged into Kingston, and in 1922 Dorranceton High School graduated its last class of 27 seniors.

October – 50 years ago

The Wyoming Conference United Methodist publication highlighted two very different October 1974 accomplishments. 

October 3, 1974, marked the conclusion of a five day celebration at the Ashley UMC building, which had been destroyed by fire in February, 1972, and was now rebuilt, equipped with new stained glass windows and other memorials, and rededicated by Bishop James Ault. In the face of declining membership in a changing neighborhood, the church closed December 31, 2018, and was sold to Mision Cristiana Juan 3:16. 

On October 7, 1974, Rev. Robert Harris, later the long-time conference historian, was a returning 3-day champion on the TV show Jeopardy — only to be defeated when he missed the final jeopardy question. In those days the host was Art Fleming and the highest dollar values were $100 and $200 in the single and double portions of the show.

Remembering Our Heritage

July – 100 years ago

The July 24-31, 1924, program at Central Oak Heights in West Milton, Union County, included an impressive array of presenters. This was in the pre-children/youth camp era, when the facilities were used by the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church for adult/family conventions and Bible Conferences.  Noted blind composer Dr. Adam Geibel (1855-1933) directed the music, gave workshops and led the children’s time.  Future EUB Bishops John S. Stamm (1878-1956) and Elmer W. Praetorius (1882-1966) gave multiple presentations, as did college presidents Aaron E. Gobble (1856-1929) formerly of Union Seminary in New Berlin and Clellan A. Bowman (1861-1937) of Albright College then in Myerstown.  Two of the rules were “Groceries and provisions will not be sold on the Lord’s day” and “Horses shall not be hitched to trees.”  In 1990, Central Oak Heights ceased being a Conference camp, was sold to an Association of cottages holders, and maintains a program of summer events.

August – 50 years ago

The Central Oak Heights Singers enthusiastically shared the folk musical LIFE by Otis Skillings as they presented four concerts during the week of Music Camp, August 4-10, 1974.  Concerts were given at the Lewisburg Benevolent Home [now RiverWoods], St. Andrews Church in Milton, and in the tabernacle at C.O.H.  The 50+ campers had memorized all 96 pages of the musical between Monday and Thursday.  Miss Beth Coughenour of Huntingdon served as the choral director, and Rev. Guy Bear of the conference program staff served as the camp director.

Central Oak Heights was not yet finished for the summer.  The week of Music Camp was followed August 11-17 by a junior high camp and August 18-24 by an elementary camp – the fourth one of the summer at that location.

Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

May – 100 years ago 

On May 4, 1924, the Wyoming Conference dedicated the Scranton’s new West Park Methodist Episcopal Church at Oram Street and Bromley Avenue. This was a relocation of the Tripp Park congregation on Elizabeth Street, which sold their building in 1914 and worshiped in a temporary tabernacle at the site until the new building was finally ready. In 1976 the congregation became a two-point charge with Simpson, and in 1982 the congregations merged to become Simpson-West Park UMC worshiping in the Simpson building on North Main Avenue. In 2003, that congregation merged into Court Street. The Tripp Park Elizabeth Street building was purchased by the Polish National Church, and the West Park Oram Street building was sold to the Salvation Apostolic Temple – which later outgrew the facility and purchased the Simpson North Main Street building. The building that was dedicated May 4, 1924, was later razed and a modern house facing Bromley Avenue has been erected on the site.

June – 50 years ago 

The 1974 sessions of the Wyoming Annual Conference met June 4-7 at the University of Scranton. At least two of the reports indicate the Conference was still dealing with issues from the Hurricane Agnes flood of 1972.

Archives and History: “Plans are progressing to provide a suitable memorial in Forty Fort for those pastors whose bodies were washed away in the Agnes Flood of 1972.” [Included in that group were four former presidents of Wyoming Seminary whose remains were never recovered.]

Flood Relief Committee: “Our Committee has been providing financial help to people in the black community since the summer of 1972. Now, through cooperation with our Commission on Religion and Race, we are providing a parish worker. This is the first time Wyoming Conference has had a major program in a black community within the Conference boundaries.”

Wellsboro United Methodist Church Embraces History of Resilience and Commitment to Community

By Liz Lennox, Director of Communications

Nestled on a corner in one of the most picturesque towns in Pennsylvania, The United Methodist Church of Wellsboro stands not just as a place of worship, but as a hub of community activity. This congregation is deeply proud of their history, while exemplifying what it means to be United Methodist in their commitment to community outreach.

Embracing a History of Resilience

The church has its roots in the tradition of circuit riding preachers in the Genesee Conference, which was organized in 1810. Incorporated in 1834 as The Methodist Episcopal Church in Wellsborough, the church’s long history reflects an ingrained spirit of faith and resilience. The first church building, described as a modest structure, was dedicated May 21, 1842, but burned to the ground in 1867. A second building was dedicated in 1869 but faced structural issues, leading to construction of the current building in 1905.

The church has developed a small but rich history center with artifacts from over the years. Some of the items include written narratives, photographs, directories, small bibles carried by soldiers, books, and so much more.

During a tour of the history center, Lay Leader Lori Albin brought attention to an emblem of the church’s historical resilience unearthed during the recent COVID-19 pandemic—a quilt from the 1918 influenza pandemic adorned with the signatures of congregation members of that era. This discovery inspired the creation of a companion signature quilt with signatures of the current members, demonstrating an abiding faith that has endured despite contemporary challenges. These quilts now hang on opposite walls of the church’s rotunda, and the symbolic nature bridges the past and present while serving as powerful testaments to the congregation’s lasting resilience and unity.

This quilt was created after the 1918 influenza pandemic featuring signatures of the church members.

This quilt was created after the recent COVID 19 pandemic featuring signatures of the church members.

A Commitment to the Community

The United Methodist Church of Wellsboro’s commitment to the community is evident in its long list of outreach programs. It houses the Wellsboro Area Food Pantry and hosts significant community groups like Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous, the Girl Scouts, and groups supporting those who are survivors of suicide or domestic violence. These programs underscore the church’s role as a crucial support system in Tioga County and acts as a place where people can feel safe to share their innermost vulnerabilities. 

It also provides space for community-oriented events and workshops, ranging from Bible studies to Tai Chi classes open to the public.

One of the church’s unique outreach initiatives provides love and support to people in the community. They do this by regularly placing teddy bears around town, adorned with tags printed by the congregation, that offer a word of hope and comfort. Other individuals hand-knit shawls for those who have suffered a loss or are battling an illness. These comfort items are blessed and prayed over before they are given out, and while those involved in these ministries don’t often see the impact of their labor because of the anonymous nature, they have on occasion received heartfelt gratitude from recipients across the community.

During important events in the community, such as the annual “Dickens of a Christmas” celebration, Wellsboro UMC throws open its doors and welcomes hundreds of visitors for musical performances and hospitality. 

When jokingly asked how the congregation has the time and energy for their vast outreach efforts, a small group of laity laughed but emphasized that it takes a lot of people working together. 

Pastor Elizabeth Jackson prays over new members.

A Diverse and Growing Family

The congregation prides itself on its congregational makeup, representing people of all ages, life experiences, and socioeconomic backgrounds; doctors and farmers, young families and long-time members, those confident in their faith and those still exploring. The congregation continues to see growth and regularly welcomes new members into their faith family. 

“What makes your church special?” the group was asked. They gave nearly identical responses to this question: their identity as a welcoming community is what makes them special. 

The United Methodist Church of Wellsboro represents more than just a place of worship; it is an active center for hope, unity, and outreach.  This church is not just a building; it’s a thriving, living community dedicated to serving and inspiring. The doors remain open, welcoming anyone seeking solace, support, or a chance to give back.

Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

March – 100 years ago 

On March 2, 1924, the Otterbein United Brethren Church in Harrisburg dedicated its new parsonage on 220 Harris Street. The first floor of the old parsonage adjoining the Reily Street sanctuary was converted into a room for the men’s Bible class, and the second and third floors were made into apartments. This was part of the congregation’s long-range relocation plan. In 1928 they erected a new facility at Third and Peffer Streets. Designed as a Sunday School unit, the building proved so adequate for worship, education and fellowship that the once envisioned sanctuary was never added. The congregation’s membership and attendance peaked at 1164 in 1959, and the church was closed in 2003. The Reily Street building is now the United House of Prayer for All People church, and the Peffer Street building is now the New Day International Kingdom Ministries church.

April – 50 years ago

On April 7, 1974, the youth of Uriah UMC in Cumberland County turned a bike hike into a money-raising project for the Conference’s benevolent homes. Accompanied by their advisors and pastor Rev. Mel Bole, the teens rode 15 miles from the church to Laurel Lake and back. The 2½ hour journey netted over $500. The top money raiser with $86.25 was Kathy Bream, while her 13-year-old cousin Sid Bream netted $45.50. Sid Bream went on the play major league baseball 1983-94 and is best known for his bottom of the 9th inning 1992 slide in game 7 of the NLCS that won the game for the Atlanta Braves and sent them to the World Series. Two of the girls, Lynn Weigle and Jessie Waggoner accomplished the ride on a bicycle-built-for-two. While everyone got a little saddle sore, the youth agreed that “it was a small sacrifice for the elderly folks in our Homes compared to the sacrifice that Jesus made.”

The Archives of the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church are located at Lycoming College, Williamsport. For more information and to arrange a visit to the archives, visit https://umarch.lycoming.edu/, email loyer@lycoming.edu or call 717-766-0977.

Remembering Our Heritage

Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

January – 100 years ago 

United Brethren pastor Rev. Zephaniah Colestock died January 19, 1924, just 2 months shy of his 100th birthday. Born in Littlestown PA in 1824, he served the Church for 66 years (including 4 terms as district superintendent) before retiring in 1912. He is most remembered for giving his house in Mechanicsburg to the Pennsylvania Conference in 1893 to become the Colestock Old People’s Home – the first such benevolent institution in the entire United Brethren denomination. Now a private residence, that Marble Street building, immediately east of the town cemetery, is an official historic site of the Conference and the United Methodist Church. It was used until 1915 when the guests (including Colestock himself) were transferred to the newly acquired facilities at Quincy. Colestock is remembered today as the namesake of the Colestock Health Center at Quincy Village and by a stained glass window in the sanctuary at First UMC in Mechanicsburg. His grave in the Mechanicsburg cemetery is marked by a tall obelisk within sight of his former home.

February – 50 years ago

The February 1974 edition of THE LINK announced a new technological breakthrough for the Central Pennsylvania Conference: “Due to the installation of a telephone-answering machine, you are able to call the Conference Program Office at any time and get your message through. Regular office hours Monday through Friday are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you desire to call at any other time, no matter what the hour of the night – or weekend – please do so. Leave any message you wish and your request will be heard and answered at the beginning of the next working day. Please do not hesitate to use this newly added convenience. It is with you in mind that this service has been created and made possible.”

That same issue encouraged participation in the Harrisburg Audio-Visual Institute featuring such state-of-the-art sessions as “How to use projected audio-visuals with Youth.”

Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

November – 100 years ago

The November 24, 1923, issue of The Evangelical Messenger, weekly newspaper of the Evangelical Church, reported on two revivals within our present conference. 

Rev. B.L. Moore reported from Mt. Rock, Cumberland County: “We have just closed a two and a half week’s evangelistic campaign. Rev. H.R. Wilkes of Baltimore was with us and rendered valuable service. As a real evangelist he has few peers. There was a revival in the church and the conversion of seven souls – five of these are heads of families. We now have our second meeting in progress at McAllister’s appointment [now Good Shepherd Community UMC].”

Rev. A.E. Miller reported from Wiconisco Calvary, Dauphin County: “We held a three weeks’ evangelistic campaign. An effort was made in the Sunday School the last Sunday of the campaign and twenty-four scholars bowed at the mercy seat for pardon. All told, there were twenty-six conversions, and two were reclaimed.”

December – 50 years ago 

December 2, 1973, marked the end of a week-long celebration for the dedication of the new Woodycrest church building. The congregation had been organized in the growing greater State College area by the Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren Church in 1936 with 18 charter members. The new building also marked the end of worshiping in a recycled building with many recycled items.

Their first building had been an abandoned Presbyterian structure from the Warrior’s Mark area that was dismantled and rebuilt in Woodycrest. The bell and gas lamps came from the Paradise United Brethren Church, near Waddle, which had been vacated in 1933. The hymnals came from the Methodist Church in State College. Even in the new building, however, the pews were recycled (and carefully refinished) from the old Methodist Church in Lemont that had recently located to their facility on Branch Road. Woodycrest UMC reported a membership last year of 71. 

Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

September – 100 years ago

At the annual session of the Central New York Conference beginning September 26, 1923, the superintendent of the Elmira District, which included much of Tioga and Bradford Counties, discussed the dire situation of Pennsylvania’s rural churches by saying his district “extends into a state in which 300,000 acres of land lie idle” with “9000 vacant farms.” He added that “Rutland asks to be united with Mainesburg and Elk Run” and “what is left of the Terrytown charge asks to become a part of New Albany and Overton.”

In addition to sometime appointments in school houses and halls, the Rutland charge (Tioga County) included 4 church buildings [Austinville, Lawrence Corners, Roseville, South Rutland] and a parsonage, while the Terrytown charge (Bradford County) included 3 church buildings [Hollenback, New Era, Terrytown] and a parsonage. Details about each of these appointments, whether discontinued or still active, is available at the conference archives and on archives portion of the conference website.

October – 50 years ago

Sunday, October 28, 1973, was the date for two unique music-oriented celebrations in the southern part of the conference.

The Sunday morning service at York Aldersgate was an Interaction Worship Service planned and presented by the youth of the church. A capacity congregation actively involved themselves in the gathering that featured the Aldersgate Youth Singers and the Lycoming College Concert Band. The service began with the youth of the church and the band participating in the opening processional “The March for Peace”. The youth shared various messages and the vocal and instrumental selections were “distinctly musical messages of depth and feeling.”

Sunday evening almost 1,000 persons attended a 90 minute program of singing and celebration at Faust Junior High School in Chambersburg. The event was organized by five area United Methodist pastors and featured several local groups: “The Joyful Noise” and “The Faith and Hope Singers” of Chambersburg, “The New Life Singers” from Walnut Bottom, and a group of ministers’ wives known as “Peace, Love and Joy Singers.” Inspiration for the event came from an evening of musical celebration at that year’s annual conference featuring some of those groups.

Remembering Our Heritage

By Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

July – 100 years ago

The cornerstone for the present West Decatur Calvary UMC was laid July 23, 1923. This congregation’s first church was called Otterbein and erected in 1858 about 1.5 miles southeast of the present location in the Decaturville – Mock Hill area. A Sunday School was established in 1877. In 1904 that church building was moved to the present West Decatur site and in 1905 a parsonage was built. Being the site of the parsonage, West Decatur became the home for a five-church United Brethren circuit that once included West Decatur, Sandy Ridge, New Castle, Ohio and Sanborn.

In 1920, both the church and the parsonage were destroyed by fire. A new parsonage was purchased, and the present concrete block building was erected in 1923. New Castle was discontinued in 2001, and Sanborn in 2022. West Decatur Calvary UMC now has about 150 members.

August – 50 years ago

August 19-26, 1973, Pastor Jack Landis led Salem Church along PA route 104 in Snyder County in celebrating its 100th anniversary in fine style with a week of guest speakers, special music, old-time preaching and enthusiastic signing – with many attendees and speakers dressing in period attire. Services were held in a tent seating over 300 people and equipped with two mourner’s benches. Unfortunately there will be no such 150th anniversary celebration, as the congregation voted to discontinue as of September 25, 2011.

The 1973 services were brought to a close on Sunday, August 26, with memorial and homecoming services. Bishop Hermann W. Kaebnick delivered the message at the 2 pm service, and THE LINK reported the following: “As Bishop Kaebnick stood at the old original pulpit, it was as though one traveled back in time. He spoke in Pennsylvania Dutch from time to time. His remarks on Albright’s view of sanctification made all present search their soul with deep conviction. As his hands pointed toward the old mourner’s bench, one was certain some soul [would] come and once again wet the old bench with tears of repentance.”

Remembering Our Heritage

May – 100 years ago 

The present sanctuary of Fairview UMC in Altoona was dedicated on Sunday, May 13, 1923. In 1890, members of the First and Chestnut Avenue Methodist Episcopal congregations living in the Fairview area organized and erected a 32 x 50 frame structure at 22nd Avenue and Fifth Street. In 1906, a 32 x 50 addition was built and the original building was refinished. By 1923 the congregation had outgrown its facilities and the present brick structure was erected a block away at 23rd Avenue and Fifth Street – despite warning that the property was unsuitable for building because it was over a spring. By 1951 the underlying water problems could no longer be ignored and, at great expense and commitment, the facility was completely renovated.

Fairview has seen two of its members become ordained ministers, each of whom served congregations in the Central Pennsylvania Conference and had extensive broader ministries: Charles C. Cole (1890-1984) who was instrumental in forming what is now the National Council of Churches, and Judith (DeStefano) Coleman (1942-2005) who was reportedly the second clergywoman in history to be guest chaplain of the United States Senate. 

June – 50 years ago 

On June 9, 1973, at its annual session meeting in Scranton, the Wyoming Conference officially closed the historic but barely viable Lanesboro church in Susquehanna County. When the Presbyterian congregation in nearby Susquehanna lost their building by fire, it was agreed to join the congregations – with all assets going to the Lanesboro Community Church as a United Presbyterian congregation, which continues to this day.

Lanesboro was once a major transportation hub – boasting one of the few area bridges across the Susquehanna, that stood from 1837 until it washed away in the flood of 1859. The Lanesboro class was formed in 1812, and the church building was complete and occupied in the latter part of 1837, the same year the bridge was erected. Pew rents were charged until 1880, when it was resolved that all seats in the church be free. Lanesboro became a separate charge in 1855 that for many years included Susquehanna County’s nearby Bethel Hill (abandoned in 1991) and Stevens Point (abandoned in 2008) appointments.

Remembering Our Heritage

Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

March – 100 years ago

On March 18, 1923, the Calvary Methodist Episcopal Church in Waymart, Wayne County, dedicated its enlarged facility. This society began at Canaan Four Corners and worshiped in a log school house until erecting a building in that community in 1834. When the population shifted to Waymart, the congregation arranged to share use of the Presbyterian building there – but a dispute with the Presbyterians led the Methodists to erect their own building in 1856, and a Sunday School room was added later to the rear of the building. In 1923 the Sunday School room was moved back thirty feet, and a new two-story building with a full basement was erected between the church and the old Sunday School room.

For many years a congregation in nearby Steene was part of the Waymart charge. That congregation worshiped in a school house for a number of years before purchasing the old church building at Canaan Four Corners and moving it to Steene in 1859. After the Steene appointment was discontinued, that building was sold in 1924 and is now a private home.

April – 50 years ago

In 1968 when the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) denomination joined to form the United Methodist Church, the congregations in the EUB’s New York Conference, which covered all New York state outside metropolitan NYC, were placed in the five corresponding Methodist Conferences: Central New York, Northern New York, Troy, Western New York and Wyoming. On April 12, 1973, the final meeting of the Joint Distributing Committee met to divide the assets of that conference five ways – prorated according to membership. The Wyoming Conference had inherited 117 former New York EUB members and was entitled to 1.70% of those assets. In 1986 the Northern New York and Central New York Conferences united to form the North Central New York Conference. 

In 2010 when the Wyoming Conference was dissolved, its assets were similarly prorated according to membership – 45% to the newly created Upper New York (merger of North Central New York, Western New York and the New York portions of Troy and Wyoming) Conference and 55% to the expanded Central Pennsylvania (renamed Susquehanna) Conference.

Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

January – 100 years ago

The January 1923 issue of The Evangel, monthly magazine of The Women’s Missionary Association of the United Brethren Church, included a lengthy article titled “The Missionary-Wife” by Mrs. Grace Ressler Shively. Mary Grace Ressler (1883-1974) was the daughter of Rev. John I.L. Ressler (1854-1934) and granddaughter of Rev. Jacob B. Ressler (1821-1891), United Brethren pastors and superintendents in the Allegheny Conference. She was the wife of Rev. B. Franklin Shively (1880-1956), a United Brethren pastor in the Pennsylvania Conference. Rev. Shively is a ministerial son of Otterbein Church in Fayetteville, Franklin County.

The Shivelys met while students at Otterbein University and served briefly in Milton, PA, before entering the mission field and serving in Japan from 1907 to 1941. Home on furlough when Pearl Harbor was bombed, they avoided internment in Japan but were never able to return to their mission field. They served Otterbein Church in Emigsville, York County, 1942-46 before working for the EUB Board of Missions in Dayton, OH, and retiring in 1949.

February – 50 years ago

On Sunday, February 11, 1973, the Quincy Home formally presented to the Quincy UM Church the parsonage/apartment building that the congregation had been using to house the pastor. As reported in THE LINK, “In addition to the parsonage dwelling, this building contains two apartments and is located on a piece of ground 190′ x 278′.” The building, still standing at 8625 Anthony Highway, was used as a parsonage until it was sold on April 1, 2003. The church office had been in the basement until 1998, then the District Superintendent said it could no longer be used since there was no access to the bathroom.

The Quincy Home started in Mechanicsburg in 1893 as the Colestock Old People’s Home and was the first benevolent home in the entire United Brethren denomination. The Quincy Orphanage started in 1903 and was the denomination’s second benevolent home. In 1915 the two institutions completed a merger to become the Quincy Orphanage and Home. The orphanage was discontinued in the 1960s. Ownership of the home was transferred in the 1990s and Quincy Village continues today as part of the Presbyterian Senior Living family of communities.

Remembering Our Heritage

November – 100 years ago

The November 1922 “Forward Campaign” of the Binghamton District of the Wyoming proved to be one of the most successful endeavors ever.  Two of the top three congregations involved in the Storehouse/Tithing stewardship program that was the climax of the campaign were Athens and Sayre, with 700 and 600 congregants participating respectively. 

During the month-long campaign, congregations had one intensive week of events which included guest speakers and two special programs that traveled around the district and attracted large audiences: the pageant “The Pariah” from India, and the play “Unshackling the Church” written and produced by two pastors of the Conference.  Speakers during the intensive week came from denominational ministries across the U.S. and various mission fields.

December – 50 years ago

A new two-story Christian Education building, 64x36 feet, was dedicated at First UMC in Marion, Franklin County, on December 10, 1972.  This congregation was originally United Brethren and has been a regular appointment since 1835.  The first building was erected by the cemetery in 1843 and replaced by a larger structure in 1886.  The sanctuary at the present location was dedicated in 1925, using much of the material from the structure at the old site.  

The congregation has continued to grow, and a large 2017 addition to the building included a covered drop-off entry, a spacious foyer, a new nursery, 100% handicap-friendly main-level bathrooms, a large multi-purpose room, and a commercial-grade kitchen.  Marion First UMC now has over 250 members.

Remembering Our Heritage

By Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

September – 100 years ago 

On September 24, 1922, the cornerstone was laid for the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church at 915 North 17th Street in Harrisburg. The congregation had begun with a nucleus of 13 members from Stevens Memorial who lived in the immediate area and was being served by Elvin C. Myers as the Trinity-Bressler appointment. In 1970, Trinity merged with Sixth Street (formerly United Brethren) and the old Paxton (formerly Methodist) congregations to form the present Paxton UMC on N. Progress Avenue. The property of 17th Street was sold to the Harris AMEZ congregation.

While District Superintendent Edgar Heckman officiated at the 1922 ceremony, the address was given by former missionary to China, Dr. Isaac T. Headland, who was well-known across Central Pennsylvania in many denominations as a speaker and author.

October – 50 years ago

A formal reception for our new newly-elected bishop and his wife, John B. and Annie O. Warman, was held Friday evening, October 13, 1972, at the Zembo mosque in Harrisburg. All members of all the conference churches were invited to attend the dinner and special proceedings. Tickets were $4.00. The Warmans were temporarily living in the former EUB Mission House in Camp Hill until the recently-purchased (for $45,000) episcopal residence at 1 Frances Drive in Harrisburg could be vacated and renovated. Bishop Warman (1915-1993) came from the Methodist Protestant tradition and served the Harrisburg Episcopal Area from 1972 until his retirement in 1984.

Also elected bishop at the 1972 Jurisdictional Conference was ministerial son of Central Pennsylvania, Joseph H. Yeakel. Bishop Yeakel (1928-2021) came from the United Brethren tradition and served the New York West Area 1972-84 and the Baltimore-Washington Area from 1984 until his retirement in 1996.

Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

July – 100 years ago. 

On Sunday, July 2, 1922, the parishioners of Harrisburg’s Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church marched from the large temporary wooden tabernacle at 20th and Derry Streets in which they had been meeting to their new stone church building.  The congregation had begun in 1890 when 88 persons met in the East End School House on 21st Street to organize a Sunday School.  A church building was dedicated at 21st and Derry in 1891, and added to in 1899 and 1902.  The original frame building was razed to make way for the new stone sanctuary on the same site.  Formally dedicated in September by Bishop McDowell, the structure was modeled after First Church, Altoona, home church of the then current pastor Homer C. Knox.

Epworth’s membership peaked at 891 in 1963.  In 1986 Epworth and Derry Street (formerly United Brethren) formed a two-point charge in the Allison Hill area, and in 2005 the church was closed.  The building was sold and now houses the Bethany AME congregation.

August – 50 years ago

The Mt. Pleasant Church in Rosecrans, on the three-point Sugar Valley charge, was formally sold to the Mt. Pleasant Community Church in August 1972.  The building had been erected by the Evangelical Association in 1893, and the pastor and congregation left the denomination in 1968 – although it would be almost four years before all the arrangements were completed.  The congregation continues today as the Mt. Pleasant Bible Church.

Located in southern Clinton County, Sugar Valley became an Evangelical stronghold in the 1830’s and contained seven Evangelical Association church buildings in at the time of the 1894 denominational split – after which the United Evangelical dissenters erected six church buildings of their own.  The two groups re-united in 1922 and combined congregations until the 1968 Sugar Valley charge consisted of three churches.  Mt. Pleasant was the only surviving Evangelical Association congregation, as the two remaining United Methodist congregations at Greenburr and Loganton had originally been United Evangelical.

Remembering our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

May – 100 years ago 

The Scranton District got its first district parsonage 100 years ago this month when incoming superintendent Edward Martin “spent two or three days hunting for a suitable place of shelter, but without success.” The district stewards met at Elm Park May 2, 1922, and “after a free and frank discussion” decided a district parsonage was “not only desirable but a necessity.” Just four days later they met again at Elm Park and voted unanimously to purchase 919 Sunset Street for such purposes for $14,600. That remained the district parsonage for 59 years, until 132 Edgewood Drive in Clarks Summit was purchased during the superintendency of James Wert in 1981.

June – 50 years ago 

Among the items approved June 3, 1972, by the Wyoming Conference meeting at Elm Park UMC in Scranton was the directive that each minister under appointment submit in writing to the annual charge conference and to the Board of Ministry statements of: 

1. “his long-term and short-term educational goals.”
2. “his plans for a four-week period of intensive continuing education within the quadrennium.”
3. “his plans for a week of resident study for continuing course work to be taken in the year ahead.”

The gender-specific language in the Board of Ministry report continued in the details about approved course offerings and available scholarship monies with the statement that “retired men are also eligible for the $50 per-year scholarship for continuing education.” That language was used even though the Conference had at least one female elder, Ruth L. Underwood – who had retired in 1971 after serving 28 years, 16 as a local pastor and 12 as a full member of conference.