Chapter XI

HISTORY OF CHURCHES BY CHARGES

ALTOONA FIRST CHURCH

The United Brethren Church began operating in the vicinity of Altoona as early as 1848, but no permanent organization was formed until 1851. For a time this class worshiped in a schoolhouse but soon transferred to the old Union Church and used it jointly with the Methodist Episcopal people. Altoona was part of a large circuit but at the conference of 1856 was made a mission station under the pas-

ALTOONA FIRST CHURCH

toral care of Rev. D. Speck. He began at once to lay plans for a new church and the present lot was secured for $100, it being at that time quite outside the village. M. T. Dill, D. S. McGlathery, M. Calvert, James Elway, S. Cleaver, J. Wagner, T. A. James, and J. W. Hooper were made trustees and they had erected a frame building 50x36 feet.

This building stood for forty-two years during which time the church prospered and grew in membership and influence under the leadership of such ministers as E. B. Kephart, M. Spangler, T. P. Orner, A. L. Funk, and J. I. L. Ressler. The church became inadequate to meet the needs of the congregation and in 1898 a contract was let for a new church which was completed under the supervision of Rev. W. W. Williamson, pastor, and a strong board of trustees. It was dedicated in February, 1899, at a cost of $50,000, and was paid for in six years. The property is now worth $125,000. In addition to this modern and complete church building the congregation has a fine parsonage which is modern and up-to-date in every way. From this church came the Second Church and from it the Third Church and there are now in Altoona nine United Brethren congregations.

The church has licensed and sent out the following persons as ministers: Charles Keller, William Richey, Gaynell Ardell, B. Z. Campbell, Gladys Kauffman, Gerald Stover, William Bennett, and Albert McLaughlin. Dr. B. F. Bungard is the present enterprising and successful pastor. The pastors of this charge were: Revs. William Beighel, S. H. Keys, L. T. Keesey, G. W. M. Rigor, D. Speck, E. B. Kephart, W. B. Dick, D. Sheerer, T. F. Halliwell, M. P. Doyle, William Wragg, J. Walker, M. Spangler, J. Medsger, M. O. Lane, T. P. Orner, J. N. Munden, W. J. Buck, J. I. L. Ressler, A. L. Funk, W. W. Williamson, G. L. Graham, W. G. Stiverson, A. A. Long, T. C. Harper, A. R. Hendrickson, C. S. Parker, R. E. Penick, and B. F. Bungard.

ALTOONA SECOND CHURCH

In March, 1887, the Altoona First Church decided to plant a mission and appointed Rev. T. P. Orner, John Geesey, and Henry Schum to secure a site. They purchased a lot on Fifth Avenue for $800. The contract for a two-story brick church was let and the lecture room and two class rooms finished at a cost of $8000. It was dedicated by Bishop J. Weaver, and H. A. Buffington became its first pastor.

In 1895, Rev. S. S. Hough became pastor, and, owing to the financial condition of the church, the conference was opened for solicitation. The results were splendid and the condition soon relieved. Meantime the church had entered into the practice of Christian stewardship and temporal and spiritual blessing followed. The membership of the class was doubled in two and a half years. In 1897, the church was completed at a cost of $3,500, and dedicated by Bishop E. B. Kephart. Here the congregation continued to worship and prosper until their relocation and the building of their present church.

This church is one of the best in the denomination and cost over $200,000. It has an auditorium, Sunday-school rooms, a parlor, kitchen, dining room, gymnasium, and office; is modern in every way, and thoroughly organized. The parsonage is located a square from the church and is a brick structure, commodious and modern in every way. This church supported a home missionary and now has a foreign parish. The cornerstone was laid by Dr. S. S. Hough and the church was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk. It was built under the pastorate of Dr. George R. Strayer, and Rev. E. G. Sawyer is now the pastor. These pastors have served this charge: Revs. T. P. Orner, H. A. Buffington, I. P. Truxal, B. L. Seneff, S. S. Hough, W. N. Deller,

ALTOONA SECOND CHURCH

S. R. Seese, W. D. Stratton, W. S. Wilson, C. W. Winey, E. B. Learish, John Watson, George R. Strayer, and E. G. Sawyer.

ALTOONA THIRD CHURCH

Altoona Third Church is the child of Altoona Second Church and was started under the leadership of Dr. S. S. Hough. It had its beginning in 1895, when Miss Wave Mason and Miss Ettie Speer canvassed the community in the interest of a Sunday school. The school was organized and C. E. Houpt was the first superintendent. Its sessions were held in the schoolhouse and the school was called "Ray of Hope." Meantime steps were taken to build a church and the cornerstone was

ALTOONA THIRD CHURCH

laid in 1905. The formal opening of the church took place in 1906, but it was not dedicated until August 19, 1907, when the last dollar of debt had been paid. Dr. S. S. Hough then solemnly set the church apart to the worship of Jehovah.

In 1916, the present parsonage, a seven-room brick house with all modern improvements, was erected under the leadership of Rev. J. H. Bridigum. It was dedicated January 2, 1916, and cost $3,147.45.

In 1924, a finished basement was added to the church, under the leadership of Rev. H. A. Buffington. It was dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, April 24, 1924. The church was extensively remodeled and repaired in 1925, under the pastorate of Rev. E. E. Ormston, at a cost of $2,350. In 1930, under the leadership of Rev. J. T. Farnsworth, the sectional chapel was moved from Johnstown Overbrook, and attached to the rear of the church. It was arranged so as to provide

eight separate Sunday-school rooms and thus meet the needs of the school.

The following pastors have served this congregation: Revs. S. S. Hough, D. Jay Good, R. J. Head, T. P. Orner, J. H. Bridigum, I. W. Groh, H. A. Buffington, E. E. Ormston, and the present efficient and faithful pastor, Rev. J. T. Farnsworth.

ALTOONA GARDEN HEIGHTS CHURCH

Garden Heights Mission is located in one of the fine residential sections of Altoona. After a thorough investigation the Church Extension and Missionary Society purchased the property at 501 Mosser Street, for $4,700. The house was improved and modernized and is now the comfortable and commodious manse of the pastor. In 1927, Rev. J. S. Showers was appointed pastor and under his super-

ALTOONA GARDEN HEIGHTS CHURCH

vision, with Dr. L. W. Stahl and Rev. John Watson of the Church Extension Society, there was erected a chapel on the rear of the lot 28x40 feet. The chapel has a cement block basement and auditorium. The first service in the new chapel was held December 18, 1927. A union Sunday school had been conducted for some time in a fire house hall and the United Brethren school was organized January 8, 1928, with J. W. Neal as superintendent. The new chapel was dedicated by Dr. W. S. Wilson, January 29, 1928, and fifty members were received into the church. This mission church is going forward and now has a membership of one hundred twenty-nine; a Sunday school with an average attendance of one hundred forty; a senior, intermediate and junior Y. P. S. C. E., and a fine Ladies' Aid Society. It is growing in number and influence under its first and only pastor.

ALTOONA OTTERBEIN CHURCH

Under the leadership of C. W. Olewine, of the Altoona Second Church, a meeting was held in the home of J. G. Reffner, in Juniata, and a Sunday school was organized February 20, 1910, with J. G.

ALTOONA OTTERBEIN CHURCH

Reffner as superintendent. This school continued to meet and in 1911, Juniata was attached to Greenwood as an appointment. Rev. C. C. Bingham was the first pastor.

In 1912, lots were secured, one hundred ten by one hundred fifteen feet, but the mission was discontinued until 1923. In 1924, a sectional chapel was placed by the Church Extension Society of the conference and, on April 6, was formally dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton. Here the mission church grew and prospered until in 1925 with the assistance of the Home Mission and Church Extension Society the property of the Methodist people, consisting of a fine brick church, a parsonage, and a two-car garage, was purchased for the sum of $27,500. The church was repaired and dedicated November 6, 1927, and named Otterbein United Brethren Church.

The trustees are: J. G. Reffner, E. J. Davis, J. S. Musser, J. A. Black, A. H. Kuhn, J. L. Detwiler and A. R. Fink. M. S. Bitner now leads the forces of this church. The following pastors have served this mission: Revs. C. C. Bingham, G. E. Smith, A. B. Sprague, C. G. White, and M. S. Bitner.

ALTOONA SCHUM MEMORIAL CHURCH

The Altoona United Brethren Ministerium, in looking over the city for locations for new mission sites, viewed with favor the Broad Avenue Extension. The conference superintendent and the conference missionary met with the Altoona ministers and A. W. Funk and decided to secure the two-room frame church with finished basement

ALTOONA SCHUM MEMORIAL CHURCH

from the Lutheran denomination and to repair and improve it. The work was financed by the Conference Church Extension and was accomplished at a cost of $7,125. The church was named the Schum Memorial in honor of Henry Schum of the Altoona First Church and it was dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, assisted by Dr. L. W. Stahl, June 7, 1926. The trustees were: J. H. Riling, M. L. Stackhouse, H. G. McGlathery, C. O. Pennington, and C. S. Warfel.

The Sunday school was organized June 13, with W. A. McGlathery as superintendent. Revs. William and Rose K. Snyder were appointed to have charge of the new mission and they began their work on dedication day. The class was formally organized July 25, 1926, with seventy charter members.

During the pastorate of Rev. C. H. Rhodes, a splendid eight-room, brick-cased parsonage was built at a cost of $8,000. A good two-car garage has been built and the pastor of this charge now has a fine modern well-equipped home. The membership is growing and is thoroughly organized for its work.

The pastors who have served this mission have been Revs. William and Rose K. Snyder, Charles Rhodes, and G. R. Alban, who is the present pastor and leader.

EAST PITTSBURGH CHURCH

In November, 1893, Rev. J. M. Lesher, pastor at Wilmerding, organized the East Pittsburgh class with four members to which five more were added early in December. Permission was obtained to hold services in the Oak Hill schoolhouse and here the new class worshiped for a year. Trustees for Brinton, as the class was then called, were Rev. T. P. Orner, Presiding Elder; Dr. Norris Cameron, of Pitcairn; E. M. Gross, of Greensburg; Rev. J. M. Lesher, and Elmer Miller. With the aid of the Conference Church Extension Society the present site was secured August 15, 1894, and a chapel, twenty-four by thirty-six feet, erected and opened for service December 9, 1894. Steps were taken May 14, and the First United Brethren Church of East Pittsburgh was incorporated April 18, 1896, with Dr. A. E. Roose, N. H. Meyers, G. W. Mackey, G. W. Grubbs, and Rev. J. M. Lesher as trustees.

In 1897, Rev. A. L. Funk became pastor and in four days began the building of the present parsonage of six rooms. In 1898, the chapel was greatly improved and a tower added. John A. Giant pre-

sented a bell which was later exchanged for a larger one. On March 8, 1901, the interest bearing debt was paid in full.

In 1900, East Pittsburgh was separated from Wilmerding and made a station. A Sunday-school room was built and dedicated December 1, 1901, by Dr. S. W. Keister, Presiding Elder. The next year the auditorium was completed and the whole church was formally dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, October 18, 1903. It cost $15,000. It has been improved from time to time and is now in splendid condition. Rev. J. T. Farnsworth and D. M. Spangler entered the ministry from this class. The present membership numbers one hundred sixty-five.

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It is well organized and aggressive. Roose, Kuhn, Webb, Davis, Myers, and Painter are familiar names in the history of this class. The following ministers in the order of their appointment have served the congregation: Revs. J. M. Lesher, A. L. Funk, J. E. B. Rice, J. E. Comer, U. B. Brubaker, W. G. Fulton, C. C. Kratzer, W. H. Spangler, M. Elizabeth Spangler, and since 1930, the present efficient incumbent, J. N. Boyer.

HOLLSOPPLE CIRCUIT

The Hollsopple United Brethren Church, known as "Bethel" was organized by Rev. Daniel Shank, of Shanksville, probably in the early fifties. No trustees were elected until the fall of 1873, when William Beechley became pastor and arrangements were made for a building to be erected. Philip Meyers, David Lehman and Josiah Custer were then elected trustees. The present location was secured and the first church was erected in 1874. It was dedicated by Rev. Beechley. This church was washed away in the flood of 1887.

The second and present church was built in 1887, and dedicated by Bishop J. Weaver. The trustees were David Lehman, Philip Meyers,

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and Henry Meyers. The church was extensively remodeled and a Sunday-school room built in 1914, under pastorate of Rev. A. Davidson. It was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton, November 19, 1914. The present board of trustees are: Conley Blough, Mrs. O. A. Burkett, Samuel Meyers, Clarence Baker, and James Stephenson, Jr. The membership is two hundred forty-nine.

The charter members of this class were David Livingston, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Meyers, John Blough, Mr. and Mrs. David Lehman, Barbara and John Livingston. The first class leader was Jacob Livingston.

The Livingston class was organized in 1902, and the church was built in 1903. The trustees were Samuel Meyers, David Livingston, and Joseph Trevarrow. The church cost about $1400, and was dedicated by Dr. J. I. L. Ressler, June 19, 1904. The cornerstone was laid under the pastorate of Rev. L. B. Fasick, but Rev. B. F. Cunningham was the pastor when the church was dedicated. The present membership is sixty-eight and the trustees are: Jacob Livingston, Albert Foust, H. Dwight Foust, Ernest Livingston, and William Walter.

The parsonage is located at Hollsopple and is a splendid seven-room frame building with all the modern improvements. The present minister and leader of this charge is Rev. G. E. Smith. These pastors have served since the charge was constituted: O. T. Stewart, C. E. Shannon, A. Davidson, J. W. Oakes, J. D. Good, G. J. Colledge, L. C. Rose, F. B. Hackett, E. A. Schultz, G. R. Alban, and G. E. Smith.

HUNTINGDON CHURCH

In 1833, Jacob Ritter was sent to Huntingdon Circuit which embraced six counties and was three hundred miles in circumference. There was only one small church of thirteen members and that was Bellefonte. During the years that followed, United Brethren ministers came into the territory and preached in the homes of the people. The Huntingdon class was formed in 1870, by Rev. J. Medsger, and, in 1871, a small frame structure was erected on the site of the present church, and attached to Tyrone. In 1872, it was made a mission with Rev. L. W. Stahl as its pastor. In 1876, Huntingdon was made a part of the Mapleton Circuit, and remained so until 1883, when it became a station.

The original members were John Etter and wife; Aaron Duns-worth, wife and daughter, Ada; John Claybaugh and wife; "Daddy"

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Hazzard and wife; C. J. Cavender and wife; Harry Noel and wife; W. H. Cavender and wife; David Waite and wife; and Sallie Mazlen.

The first church was used until 1902, when the auditorium of the present church was built, during the pastorate of Rev. W. W. Rymer, and dedicated July 20, 1902, by Bishop W. M. Weekley. The old frame church was used very largely as a frame for the present parsonage which was built during the term of Rev. J. N. Hanes.

Under Rev. H. A. Buffington, the basement under the church was finished. Under the leadership of Rev. G. R. Alban the Sunday school and social rooms were completed. This addition is forty-eight by ninety-four feet and the whole church, painted to harmonize with the new part, was dedicated November 26, 1927, by Dr. J. S. Fulton. The cost of this improvement was $23,000. It was further improved under the present pastor, Rev. A. C. VanSaun, at a cost of $2,000. The church is aggressive, well located, and has earned the slogan, "The Church in the Heart of the Homes."

These pastors served this charge: Revs. M. O. Lane, J. A. Clemm,

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W. Cramer, A. W. Maxwell, T. Dick, B. J. Hummel, U. B. Brubaker, J. N. Hanes, W. W. Rymer, B. C. Shaw, R. S. Woodward, G. W. Sherrick, W. A. Sites, H. A. Buffington, N. W. Burtner, C. G. White, W. H. Spangler, E. P. Kratzer, G. J. Colledge, G. E. Smith, G. R. Alban, and A. C. VanSaun.

JOHNSTOWN FIRST CHURCH

The history of the United Brethren Church in Johnstown dates back to 1838, in which year the class was organized by Rev. William Beighel, with a charter membership of twenty-four. A small frame chapel was built on Main Street, in 1844. In 1857, the first Sunday school was organized by the pastor, Rev. George Wagoner, with an enrollment of seventy-five. The present location was secured in 1866, under the pastorate of W. B. Dick. On this site was erected a stone church costing $15,000. It was dedicated on May 16, 1869, by Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner, assisted by Bishops Weaver, Edwards, Markwood, and Shauck, all of whom were on their way to General Conference at Lebanon. This building withstood the great flood of 1889 and was in a fine state of preservation when it was torn down to make way for the present structure. A brick parsonage was built in 1890, to take the place of the one carried away by the great flood of 1889.

In 1910, under the pastorate of Rev. G. Mahlon Miller, the present splendid edifice was built. It is of brown sandstone and the parsonage is cased with the same material. This cost more than $140,000. The dedication took place November 24, 1912, and was in charge of Dr. W. R. Funk. Jubilee Day was observed in 1920, when, under the pastorate of Dr. E. C. Weaver, the last dollar of debt was paid. Dr. C. C. Gohn has led this aggressive congregation for the last seven years.

The building as it now stands tells a story of loyalty, sacrifice and service and of an influence that is felt locally, in the conference, and in the denomination. The Building Committee was composed of John Thomas, Sr., chairman; G. Mahlon Miller, secretary; William R. Thomas, treasurer; W. W. Dempsey; Samuel Lenhart; John Thomas, Jr.; B. B. Hamilton; James P. Thomas; and Joseph Ankeny. Thoroughly equipped and organized, it is hoped that her future may be even more glorious than her past.

These pastors served here: Revs. J. Ritter, J. Holmes, J. R. Sitman, George Wagoner, D. Sheerer, Cyrus Jeffries, W. B. McKee,

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J. L. Baker, L. L. Keesey, D. Speck, E. B. Kephart, Martin Spangler, A. J. Hartsock, W. B. Dick, M. P. Doyle, Thomas Kohr, William Wragg, W. A. Jackson, J. I. L. Ressler, J. Medsger, A. L. DeLong, W. H. Mingle, L. F. John, N. W. Burtner, W. W. Williamson, G. Mahlon Miller, S. L. Postlethwait, Earl C. Weaver, and Clay C. Gohn.

JOHNSTOWN HOMESTEAD AVENUE CHURCH

The Johnstown Ministerium, in looking over the city, thought that the Walnut Grove section ought to have church services. Reverends Stahl, Fulton, Cook, John, Mingle, Pershing, and Miller preached in the schoolhouse which had been secured for that purpose. Mrs. N. R. Griffith donated a plot of ground and the pastor, G. C. Cook, with his trustees, N. R. Griffith, Dr. L. W. Stahl, and John Thomas, had erected a building twenty-eight by forty feet at a cost of $3,500. It was dedicated by Bishop E. B. Kephart, January 3, 1892. This was followed by a gracious revival in which over a hundred souls were saved. A class was organized of over a hundred members and the church was self sustaining from the beginning.

In 1893, an addition, forty by fifty-two feet, was added to the building and dedicated by Dr. L. W. Stahl. The first parsonage was built on Solomon Street, in 1894. The improved building was burned

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January 24, 1897, and the second church was built and dedicated by Bishop E. B. Kephart, July 5, 1897.

The present site was purchased in 1914, at a cost of $3,800. In 1915, the congregation voted to build a new church and parsonage. The old parsonage on Solomon Street was sold and a second one bought on Berg Street. This, too, was sold. The twenty-fourth anniversary was observed with Bishop W. M. Weekley and Dr. J. S. Fulton present, and $6,700 toward the new project was secured. Mrs. Maria Corl, eighty-seven years old; Mrs. Hannah Thomas, eighty-one years old; and Mrs. N. R. Griffith, seventy-six years old, removed the first ground. The cornerstone was laid by Dr. J. S. Fulton, June 11, 1916. The church was dedicated by Bishop Weekley and Dr. J. S. Fulton, April 8, 1917.

This church was built under the pastoral direction of Rev. J. J. Funk and the cost of church and parsonage was $34,416. Under the leadership of Dr. W. G. Fulton the last dollar of debt was paid and a new pipe organ was installed. The present membership is seven hundred four and the property value $100,000. These devoted people are now being led in further conquests by their efficient and capable pastor, Dr. E. B. Learish.

These pastors have served this charge: Revs. G. C. Cook, H. A. Buffington, O. M. Wilson, G. W. Sherrick, G. D. Fisher, J. W. Wilson, T. W. Burgess, J. J. Funk, W. G. Fulton, and E. B. Learish.

MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCH

Mount Pleasant occupies an important place in the United Brethren Church. It was the first permanent headquarters of the church west of the Allegheny Mountains. It had the first educational institution; it was here the first General Conference which gave the church its Confession of Faith and its first Discipline, was held; it was here that Christian Newcomer and Andrew Zeller were elected Bishops.

Andrew Draksel, born in Lebanon County, was the first United Brethren minister to cross the Alleghenies. He made several trips between 1790 and 1804, and in 1803 decided to make his home in Westmoreland County. He moved his family in 1804, and made his home near Mount Pleasant.

To the great revival in 1803, at the Bonnett schoolhouse, is attributed the origin of the Mount Pleasant Church of The United Brethren in Christ. No record of the membership or of the organization is available, but it is clear that among the charter members were

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Abraham Draksel and wife; John Draksel and wife; John Bennett and wife; William Cherry and wife; Conrad Keister and wife; and Jacob Funk and wife.

The class met in the homes of the people and in the Bonnett schoolhouse and the services were exclusively in German. No annual conferences were organized at this time but with the passing years they were brought into existence. The work in and about Mount Pleasant was so successful that the first two General Conferences were held in the Bonnett schoolhouse.

Allegheny Conference was organized in 1839, and held its first session here, at which time John L. Baker was received into the conference and in 1842 he, with Abraham Zumbro, was ordained. It was in 1847, at a conference held here, that the first school was authorized and Rev. J. Ritter was appointed solicitor. At the conference of 1855, a resolution concerning the removal of the school to a new location was passed and in 1858, Conference approved the removal of Mount Pleasant College to Westerville, Ohio.

In 1842, a Sunday school with one hundred scholars was organized with Uriah S. Johnson as president. This class, with United Presbyterians, worshiped in a log church until 1854, when they sold their interest in this building and erected their own church building. To this was added a tower in 1874. In 1890, the town clock was placed in the tower. The pastor was Rev. J. B. Ressler and the trustees were: George Barger, Christian Ebersole, David Keister, David S. Cherry, and Samuel Zuck.

In 1878, the parsonage was built and from time to time it has been improved and modernized, so that today it is commodious and comfortable.

The present church was built under the pastorate of Rev. S. L. Postlethwait and was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton, Rev. S. L. Postlethwait, Dr. L. Keister, and Rev. S. E. Cormany. It is a very fine plant and cost $52,000.

This church is facing its tasks in a fine way under the leadership of the aggressive pastor, Rev. J. H. Bridigum. The following shows the pastors who have served this charge: Revs. J. Ritter, J. Wallace, J. Rathfon, M. R. Lawson, William Beighel, George Miller, A. Harnden, Isaac Combs, J. R. Sitman, J. L. Baker, J. B. Ressler, S. Snyder, I. Potter, W. H. S. Keys, J. L. Holmes, W. B. Dick, T. L. Keesey, D. Speck, E. B. Kephart, A. J. Hartsock, William Wragg, D. Sheerer,

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A. Wilson, W. P. Shrum, C. Wortman, M. O. Lane, D. D. DeLong, F. Fisher, J. E. McClay, J. C. Sheerer, L. R. Jones, G. W. Sherrick, H. A. Schleichter, E. U. Hoenshell, S. W. Keister, Lawrence Keister, G. L. Graham, S. L. Postlethwait, T. C. Harper, C. W. Hendrickson, J. D. Good, S. R. Seese, J. H. Bridigum.

MILTON CHURCH

Saint Peters United Brethren Church was organized by one of the presiding elders of the East Pennsylvania Conference. The original class had thirteen members who came to us when the division occurred in the Evangelical Association. This new class worshiped in a hall and here a gracious revival of religion occurred which greatly strengthened the new church. A lot was secured on Hepburn Street and ground for a new church was broken in 1893, the same year in which the class was organized. It was dedicated in 1894.

From the first, the church received help from the conference and when the action of General Conference, in 1905, made it a part of

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our conference, this help was continued. The story of the church is one of continued struggle, but it has succeeded and is now self-supporting. During the term of service of Rev. W. A. Sites, a four-room house was purchased to serve as a parsonage and under the pastorate of Rev. A. B. Sprague, the house was improved and four more rooms added so that it is thoroughly modern, having all conveniences belonging to a first-class house. Great credit is due Rev. J. S. Colledge for his leadership in stabilizing the work of this congregation.

These pastors have served since the work became a part of Allegheny Conference: Reverends Allen Rhen, B. F. Shively, W. A. Sites, W. H. Mingle, J. S. Colledge, J. F. Kelley, D. Barshinger, A. J. Orlidge, A. B. Sprague, A. Tillotson, E. D. Rowe, S. M. Johnson, H. G. Reese, and J. W. Oakes. The membership is now one hundred thirty-seven, and the Sunday-school enrollment is two hundred one.

NEW PARIS CIRCUIT

The exact date or place of the first meeting of the New Paris Church could not be ascertained, but records show that John Shrader united with the class in 1841, while others think the class was not organized until 1857. The former is likely correct since the quarterly conference was held here in 1856.

The first trustees were: W. W. Cuppett, A. C. Richards, and George W. Blackburn, who secured the present site in 1876. Under the

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pastorate of Rev. J. E. McClay, the present building was erected at a cost of $2,000, and dedicated by Bishop D. Edwards. It is a frame building. The present membership is one hundred eighteen. Under the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Lilley the church observed its fiftieth anniversary with Dr. J. S. Fulton in charge. Mrs. Rebecca Miller, now a resident of Pleasantville, is the only surviving charter member.

The parsonage for the charge was purchased in 1897, and is located here. It is a good, seven-room, frame building.

Stone Church is located near Fishertown and is one of the oldest in the conference. In a sketch in the conference minutes the date of the organization of the class is given as 1833, but the deed for the ground is dated 1845. The church was made a center and a homecoming was held in 1928, and each year since that time. It was plastered in 1929, and in 1930 a belfry and organ were added to its assets. It is still in good condition and services are held every two weeks. The membership is eighteen.

Ryot or Oak Shade Church began its work in schoolhouses and later in the home of Harrison Blackburn. On January 21, 1870, land was secured by the trustees, Isaac Cuppett, Jacob Miller, and Isaiah Morris. Under the leadership of the pastor, Rev. W. A. Jackson, the present frame church was erected. It was completed and dedicated November 13, 1870, by Reverend Raver, of Baltimore, and cost $1200. It was extensively repaired under Rev. M. L. Wilt in 1903. There are twelve members.

Helixville, formerly called Millertown, is in Napier Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The class first met in a log schoolhouse known as the Miller schoolhouse and was organized in 1855, when they, with the Evangelical people, built a union church. This building was sold in 1909, and razed, to allow the erection of the new church. The class met in a schoolhouse until their second church was erected under Rev. J. M. Smith at a cost of $800. This church was razed and the present brick structure was erected. It was dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, August 21, 1927. It cost $8,000, and was erected under the pastorate of Rev. J. H. Lilley, and Rufus Miller, Jacob Findley, John H. Miller, D. S. Findley, and Ralph McCleary as the board of trustees. There is a membership of one hundred four and Mrs. Dillie Miller, Mrs. Harvey Custer, and Mrs. Josiah Mangus are the only living charter members.

The Pleasant Ridge Class was organized and met in a schoolhouse for a number of years. Reverends McClay, Felix, Smith, Ellis, and

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William Mingle served the class. The present church was built under the pastorate of Rev. U. S. Drake in 1889. It is a frame structure and cost $600. During the pastorate of Rev. John Winwood, the appointment was made a part of the New Paris Charge and so remains. It has a membership of fifty. Miss Gertrude Mitchell is the present enterprising and efficient pastor and leader of these loyal people, as well as of the other churches, treated under the head of the New Paris Charge.

The pastors of this part of Jefferson Charge, then Schellsburg Charge, and now called the New Paris Charge, were: Revs. J. R. Sitman, William Beighel, A. Harnden, J. B. Ressler, J. Ritter, J. R. Evans, J. Rider, C. Crowell, H. Lovell, C. F. Bowers, J. W. Bonewell, J. L. Norton, David Speck, J. L. Baker, B. F. Noon, J. F. Tallhelm, W. T. Richey, Daniel Shank, M. P. Doyle, W. K. Shimp, W. A. Jackson, A. H. Spangler, J. E. McClay, D. R. Ellis, J. Felix, M. G. Potter, W. H. Mingle, W. H. Mattern, J. M. Smith, C. Wortman, U. S. Drake, J. Landis, W. H. Blackburn, J. I. L. Ressler, George Noden, W. R. Dillen, A. W. Maxwell, G. J. Roudabush, M. L. Wilt, James Dick, E. A. Sharp, M. L. Rudisill, J. E. Ott, D. R. Miller, S. J. Wilson, N. S. Bailey, W. H. Hayes, John Winwood, J. H. Lilley, E. D. Rowe, A. L. Barnett, and Gertrude Mitchell.

PORTAGE CHURCH

The Portage United Brethren Class grew out of a union Sunday school held first in the town hall and later in the Lutheran church. Rev. J. C. Erb was pastor of the Wilmore Charge and he organized the class and became the first appointed pastor, in 1895.

The charter members were: Mrs. and Mrs. Albert Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McMonigle, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Burkett, Mrs. Frank Hammers, Mrs. Emigh, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, and Mrs. Diamond.

The pastor, with his trustees, Albert Wilson, Joseph McMonigle, and Philip Burkett, built a one-room frame church on Main Street, and it was dedicated by Dr. L. W. Stahl, then presiding elder. This building cost $2,000, and served as a place of worship until 1913, when the present structure was erected during the pastorate of Rev. A. R. Hendrickson. The parsonage is attached to the church. Both are brick structures and have a valuation of $50,000. The present membership is three hundred eighty-five and the enrollment of the Sunday school is four hundred.

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This church was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton, September 14, 1913. The members of the board of trustees were: D. J. McMonigle, J. G. Patterson, John Hough, Edward Miles, and the pastor. Rev. C. E. Wille entered the ministry from this class.

Pastors who served this church are: Revs. J. C. Erb, A. Davidson, C. C. Bingham, B. C. Shaw, W. H. Spangler, A. R. Hendrickson, E. A. Sharp, I. J. Duke, J. H. Bridigum, B. F. Bungard, J. S. Showers, G. R. Alban, and the present pastor, Budd R. Smith.

ROCKWOOD CIRCUIT

The Rockwood United Brethren Class was organized in 1871, at Mineral Point, now Rockwood, with twenty-one members, of which class Mrs. D. J. Wolfersberger is the sole survivor. The services were held at first in the schoolhouse and then for a time in the church of the Evangelical Association. The class erected its first church building, a one-room frame structure, in 1873.

In 1912, under the leadership of Rev. I. J. Duke, the present fine brick church was built. It was dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, May 12, 1912. It is thoroughly modern and has a value of $25,000.

The charge has associated with it the Milford Class. They worship in a nice two-room frame building valued at $5,000. Both these

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appointments are thoroughly organized for the work of a modern church.

The first parsonage was a frame building but it was sold. The present seven-room, brick building, situated on the lot adjoining the church, was purchased. It is modern and has the usual equipment of an up-to-date house. The value is $5,000. Rev. C. G. White is the present pastor. Some of his predecessors were: Revs. J. Felix, B. F. Noon, J. N. Munden, J. H. Pershing, D. R. Ellis, J. E. McClay, J. L. Leichliter, G. A. Sparks, B. J. Hummel, I. J. Duke, J. B. Keirn, G. E. Buhan, J. W. Oakes, J. T. Farnsworth, and J. H. Weaver.

For a number of years this charge included the churches that now form the Casselman Charge.

RUNVILLE CIRCUIT

This charge is composed of four churches. As early as 1855, Rev. J. Sitman and others preached on both sides of the "Divide," as it is called.

Work was begun in Runville and a log church was built which served as a "meeting place" until the present church was built, in 1873. The church is a frame building. In 1925, it was remodeled and greatly improved and is now in splendid condition. The Lucases, Hancocks, Furls, Poormans, and Bennets are the leaders in the work.

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The parsonage of the charge is located here and is a good seven-room frame building and well suited for its purpose. The members of the original trustee board were: Jacob Walter, Alex Edmonson, and John Resides. The membership is forty-four and the value of the church and parsonage is $4400.

Yarnell grew out of the preaching of Reverend Sitman. At first he preached in the home of Adam Walker and later in the schoolhouse. In 1865 or 1866 the first church was built. It was a frame building and was dedicated by Rev. J. Walker. This church served the people until the present brick building was erected, under the pastorate of Rev. E. B. Somers. It cost $2500 and was dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, February 2, 1912. The leaders in the enterprise were: Mr. and Mrs. I. P. Confer, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Poorman, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Pownell, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Shank, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Malone, and Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Fetzer.

YARNELL CHURCH, RUNVILLE CHARGE

Pleasant Valley Class was organized by Rev. G. W. Emenhizer and grew out of a Sunday school conducted by him in 1869. The class worshiped in the schoolhouse until 1898 when the pastor, Rev. J. F. Kelly and his trustees, J. Woomer, J. T. Confer, and Jacob Heaton had the present frame building erected at a cost of $1000. In 1917, the church was remodeled at a cost of $1400, and rededicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton.

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Our people have a half interest in the Fairview Union Church. The Confers were the principal movers in this work. No other denomination has held any services in this building for the last quarter of a century or more. The church is a frame structure and meets fully the needs of the community in which it is located. The membership is small but aggressive and well organized. Rev. Clyde House is the present pastor.

The following pastors have served Runville Charge: Revs. Alex. Edmonson, J. A. Clemm, J. Reynolds, J. M. Smith, G. W. Emenhizer, L. W. Stahl, J. F. Tallhelm, B.J. Hummel, George Noden, C. C. Miller, W. R. Dillen, J. F. Kelly, G. A. Sparks, C. C. Bingham, O. T. Stewart, R. M. Hamilton, I. H. Dean, E. B. Somers, S. J. Wilson, A. J. Orlidge, J. C. Erb, E. D. Rowe, A. L. Barnett, E. R. Miller, C. F. Miller, and Clyde E. House.

McKEESPORT SHOEMAKER MEMORIAL CHURCH

Just when the United Brethren held their first service in McKeesport is not definitely known but it was sometime before 1879, when Rev. W. Wragg held a service. But regular services really began when Rev. B. J. Hummel held a great meeting, which resulted in the organization of the First Church from which this class originated. This class was organized by Rev. E. James, in 1897, with twelve members and a Sunday school of twenty-seven. The class worshiped in homes and store rooms until Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tate opened their home for service. Rev. T. W. Perks was the first resident pastor, being appointed in 1898, and the progress of the church dates from that time. Lots were secured and a small house sixteen by thirty-two feet was erected. This building served until 1900, when the second church, a brick structure, was dedicated. Rev. T. M. Sharp, then pastor, solicited Rev. Henry Shoemaker and secured a gift of $500. The name of the church was changed to "Shoemaker Memorial" and so incorporated, January 30, 1900.

The church was made a mission by the conference of 1899, and Reverend Sharp was made pastor. He found only thirteen active members, but under his leadership the church prospered and the new church was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, May 13, 1900. Mr. Carnegie later presented the church with a fine reed organ. The mortgage was burned August 24, 1904. Under the pastorate of Rev. J. J. Funk, the present structure was built, the basement finished, and

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services held May 9, 1926. Rev. J. F. Strayer led the church in an effort to finish the building. The work was completed and the church dedicated November 1, 1930.

This was a heroic task and the pastor deserves great credit. The church is now valued at $80,000, and is modern in every respect. The story of this congregation will include loyalty, devotion, sacrifice and victory. Well organized and thoroughly equipped for its work, the class faces the future with joy under the leadership of Rev. J. F. Strayer. The following pastors have served this work: Revs. E. James, J. M. Lesher, T. W. Perks, T. M. Sharp, J. P. Cowling, J. I. L. Ressler, S. R. Seese, E. A. Sharp, A. H. Sholty, E. M. Rhoad, J. J. Funk, and J. F. Strayer.

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WALL CHURCH

A union Sunday school held in a schoolhouse in Wall for a few years developed into a United Brethren Mission in Wilmerding, a mile away, in 1890. The class was organized by Rev. G. W. Sherrick, who was pastor of East Pittsburgh Church. A frame church was erected at a cost of $4000, and dedicated by Dr. L. W. Stahl, June 4, 1891. Later it was found that the town was not developing in that section and since most of the members lived in Wall, it was decided to relocate. Two lots were purchased and the company donated a third one. These lots are near the schoolhouse and also the center of Wall.

The church in Wilmerding was sold and a brick church was begun in Wall, in 1904, under the pastorate of Rev. I. P. Truxal. The membership was transferred to Wall and the basement of the new church finished so that the first service was held the first Sunday in January, 1905. Here the class worshiped until the church was completed. The dedication occurred the next summer. In 1909, while Rev. J. M. Feightner was pastor, a fine brick parsonage was built at a cost of $3500. This church has been served by the following pastors: Revs. I. P. Truxal, J. M. Feightner, T. W. Burgess, J. C. Rupp, J. B. Keirn,

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A. J. Orlidge, A. B. Sprague, F. B. Hackett, and W. D. Good. The present membership is one hundred sixty.

WILMORE-DUNLO CIRCUIT

Among the charter members of the Wilmore Class were William Butler, Mr. Speilman, Henry Michael, John Pringle, William Kessey, Harkens Ow, J. L. Baker, and Burr Noon. The first church was built in 1830, and served until 1868, when the second church was erected. At that time it was the largest church in the conference. It was dedicated by Rev. W. B. Dick, Presiding Elder. The trustees were: William Butler, Squire Miller, J. W. Pringle, Christian Shaffer, David Pringle, and David Shaffer. The Pringledale Camp Ground was just a little way from this church and the people enjoyed many great occasions there. The present church and parsonage were built in 1921, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. E. F. House. The church was dedicated by Bishop W. M. Bell, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton, June 12, 1921. The cost of the church and parsonage was $29,500. The trustees in this work were Clark Shaffer, Wallace Sherbine, Samuel Hess, Alden Seaman, Lemon Pringle, William M. Skiles, and P. H. Klingensmith.

The abandoned church on Pringle Hill was built to meet the needs of the community there, but while pastor at Wilmore, Rev. J. C. Erb organized a class at Summerhill and the membership at Pringle Hill was transferred to the new organization, though for some years Sun-

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day school and preaching service were maintained. The new organization built a one-room frame church at a cost of $1400. It was dedicated by Dr. L. F. John, in 1894. The trustees were E. W. Hull, David Shaffer, J. S. Stull, Thomas Seaman, and William Reynolds. The class became a part of the Wilmore Charge and has shared the privileges and responsibilities of the charge since.

Charter members were Mr. and Mrs. Pearce, Mr. and Mrs. Meckley, Mr. and Mrs. Seibert, Mr. and Mrs. Mangus, Mrs. Dunmire, and Mrs. Croyle. Pastors who served these churches were Revs. A. O. Tillotson, Arthur Ritchey, E. F. House, C. A. Weaver, I. W. Groh, H. A. Buffington, J. I. L. Ressler, S. J. Wilson, and Homer Gauntt.

DUNLO CHURCH

While pastor of the Cambria Charge in 1872, Rev. H. A. Buffington visited the new and growing town of Dunlo. During the summer he preached in an old saw mill and gathered money and material with which to build a church. A class of six members, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Grief, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Reynolds and son and daughter, was organized. A church was built and dedicated September 4, 1892. Dr. L. W. Stahl officiated at the dedication. The class had a normal growth and carried on in this church until 1907, when it was destroyed by fire. The present church was built while Rev. S. J. Wilson was pastor and was dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, August 16, 1908.

Dunlo became a part of the Dunlo-Beaverdale Charge, but later each of these became a station work. The class erected a six-room house for the use of the pastor and this was extensively improved and modernized while Dr. L. W. Stahl was the pastor. The coal companies, to whose employes this church ministers, have been very generous in their support of the program of the church. It is now a part of the Wilmore-Dunlo Charge and is being served by Rev. Homer Gauntt. The ministers who served the Dunlo Church as a station work were: Revs. C. A. Weaver, B. C. Shaw, J. A. Mills, G. J. Col-ledge, Ernest Kratzer, L. W. Stahl, Charles Gwynn, and J. B. Keirn.