Chapter XII

HISTORY OF CHURCHES BY CHARGES—(Cont.)

WOODLAND CIRCUIT

This charge as now constituted is made up of four appointments and Old Bradford Church which has been abandoned except for an annual Home Coming. Bradford is the mother of the United Brethren churches in Clearfield County and was built in 1844. The original charge was called Otterbein and embraced the territory now occupied by Philipsburg, West Decatur, Bigler, Clearfield and Woodland charges.

The Salem Church was built in 1847, and has functioned continuously ever since. The membership is small, owing to removals and the building of new churches around it. Willard Goss and Newton Shaw received license to preach from this class. The present trustees are Albert Wisor, Newton Shaw, John Shaw, Ralph Bodle, and Willard Goss.

The Spring Valley Church was dedicated in 1879. It is a good frame building and meets the needs of the community in which it is

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located. The trustees are Ernest Turner, Ray Goss, John Butler, Mrs. Annie Woodsides, and William McCullough.

By mutual agreement the Bradford membership went to the Woodland and Pleasant Valley classes when it was decided to abandon Bradford as a class. Among those going to the Woodland Church were William Woolridge, William Hoover, S. K. Cowder, Charles Barger, Isaac Barger, Isaac Wilson, and E. Soult. C. Crowell, O. M. Wilson, A. B. Wilson, and I. J. Duke received licenses to preach from this class. The Woodland church was built in 1886 and dedicated by Bishop E. B. Kephart. Under Rev. M. S. Bittner the church was completely remodeled, a Sunday-school room added, and a basement placed under the church at a cost of $7,600, and dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, October 19, 1924. The trustees are G. B. Knepp, George W. Muir,

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A. R. Soult, T. E. Wisor, B. O. Duffy, D. A. Campman, N. G. Stewart, Jerome Knepp, and A. D. Peters.

Members from the Bradford Church formed the Pleasant Hill class which was later changed to Pleasant Valley when the new church was built, in 1884. It was dedicated by Bishop Nicholas Castle. In 1924, it was remodeled at a cost of $1,660, and rededicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton. Among the earlier promoters of this class were A. B. Lansberry, Nicholas Wilson, Martin Wilson, Jerome Wilson, and their families. Dudley R. Wilson was licensed to preach by this class. The present trustees are A. B. Lansberry, William Graffius, J. G. Mains, P. E. McDowell, and H. D. Woolridge.

The first parsonage was built about a half mile above Woodland. It burned to the ground during the pastorate of Rev. A. E. Fulton. A new and better house was erected but later it was sold when the present seven-room frame, modern parsonage was built adjoining the church at Woodland. Rev. S. H. Ralston is the present devoted minister of these churches. The charge was named Woodland in 1898, since which time the following pastors have served the charge: Revs. W. H. Mingle, C. C. Bingham, R. Jamieson, J. J. Funk, M. L. Wilt, E. G. Spessard, I. W. Groh, J. F. Strayer, B. J. Hummel, M. S. Bittner, and S. H. Ralston.

JOHNSTOWN WESTMONT CHURCH

Westmont was first known as Upper Yoder Chapel and was organized as a union church in 1896, the new church building being dedicated by Bishop E. B. Kephart, in July, 1897. Rev. S. E. Cormany organized the United Brethren class July 1, 1900, with seventeen members. In 1919, under Rev. J. W. Oakes, the church was purchased and incorporated as the Southmont United Brethren Church. The church has been improved greatly and modernized. During the pastorate of Dr. J. I. L. Ressler a modern, ten-room parsonage was built and the value of our church and parsonage property is conservatively placed at $25,000. The present membership is one hundred thirty and the average attendance of the Sunday school is one hundred fifteen. A splendid Christian Endeavor Society, Otterbein Guild, Women's Missionary Association, Brotherhood, and Ladies' Aid Society unite in the promotion of a modern church service to a beautiful and rapidly growing residential section of the city of Johnstown. The church is a child of the Barron Avenue Church as the original action leading to its organization was taken at a quarterly conference held there, June

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30, 1900. The original membership was composed of Mrs. Charlotte Peden, Noah Alwine, John Palliser, J. F. Boyer, William Dunkle, Mrs. Lottie Dunkle, Christopher Palliser, Hettie Palliser, Jesse Palliser, Sarah Palliser, Mary Younker, Mrs. E. J. Dunkle, and Laura V. Custer. Of this number the following are members in 1931: Mr. and Mrs. John Palliser, Mr. and Mrs. William Dunkle, and Miss Sarah Palliser. During the thirty-one years the following pastors have served in the order named: Revs. S. E. Cormany, S. R. Seese, James Fish. L. Rexrode, E. A. Sharp, W. H. Mingle, O. T. Stewart, J. D. Good, J. W. Oakes, J. I. L. Ressler, W. L. Murray, H. A. Buffington, E. G. Sawyer and the present pastor, Dr. G. R. Strayer. Rev. Arthur Peden was sent out as a minister from this class. This church has had a splendid past and gives promise of a brighter future.

ALTOONA GREENWOOD CHURCH

The Greenwood Church is the successor of the old Sandy Run Church and dates back to the early sixties. Among the original families were the Boyles, Hancuffs, Delaneys, Lontzs, Bookhamers, Yons,

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McCrackens, Moyers and Burkholders. In 1897, Greenwood was a part of the Bellwood-Greenwood Charge and a brick church was built and dedicated just before conference in the fall by Dr. J. H. Pershing. In 1904, Greenwood was made a mission and has been such ever since that time. In 1922, Rev. E. F. House was appointed pastor and at once began to plan for expansion. Under his pastorate the present church and parsonage were built. The church cost $45,000, and was dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, September 12, 1926, and is sixty-seven by seventy-two feet in size, with a finished basement. The trustees were John Worrell, Edward McCormick, L. S. Hite, I. A. Estep, C. R. McGary, C. C. Hileman and A. I. Brown. Just after conference, Rev. and Mrs. House were killed in an automobile accident. The conference missionary served until the present pastor was transferred from the East Freedom Charge to take up the unfinished task. He lives in the splendid eight-room brick parsonage. The membership is two hundred thirty-one and under the leadership of this heroic pastor, Rev. H. B. Seese, is headed for victory. Since becoming a mission in 1904, the following pastors have served: Revs. T. P. Orner, J. F. Kelly, G. W. Shires, D. Barshinger, C. C. Bingham, G. E. Smith, C. E. McCurdy, M. L. Wilt, B. J. Hummel, C. A. Weaver, E. F. House, and H. B. Seese.

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TYRONE CHURCH

The Tyrone circuit was formed at the session of the Allegheny Conference in 1857. It was formerly a part of the Blair Circuit which was composed of Tyrone, Antis, Coal Spring, Roots, Bells Mills, Fostoria, Graziers, Plum Hollow, Warriors Mark, Sinking Valley, Yellow Springs, and Canoe Creek. To these were added at different times, Barree, Birmingham, Allegheny Chapel, Huntingdon, Center Line, Colerain, Beaver Dam. From these were formed the East Freedom, Greenwood, Bellwood, Huntingdon, and Port Matilda charges in whole or part. Tyrone has been a station for some years.

The first church was a two-story frame church and was located on Railroad Street. This building was used as a hospital during the war and was afterward sold and a two-room brick church was built on Pennsylvania Avenue.

During the pastorate of Rev. E. G. Sawyer, the auditorium of the present church was erected. It was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton, April 5, 1914, and cost $20,000.

During the pastorate of Rev. John Watson, the Educational Unit was erected at a cost of $64,000. It was dedicated by Bishop G. D. Batdorf, assisted by Dr. W. S. Wilson, on Easter Sunday, April 5,

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1931. The present trustees are Bruce Carpenter, John Garber, Dr. A. B. Harrier, Alfred Eves, R. K. Wilson, Charles Igoe, and William Burkett. The Sunday-school attendance on Easter Sunday was 1138, and the new unit will care for 1500 scholars. The church membership is 830, and thoroughly organized to meet the needs of modern church life. Rev. John Watson is the capable and devoted pastoral leader of this church in its work of meeting the needs of the city in which it is located. Some pastors who have served have been Revs. J. Medsger, J. L. Leichliter, W. W. Rymer, A. B. Wilson, J. E. B. Rice, J. P. Cowling, R. Jamieson, T. P. Orner, E. G. Sawyer, C. W. Winey, and John Watson.

ROCHESTER MILLS CIRCUIT

This charge is made up of four appointments. The parsonage is located at Rochester Mills and is a good substantial five-room building and fills its place in housing the pastor of this charge.

North Point Church, formerly called Sellersville, was organized in 1868, by John Goheen and Sharp Neal, with Mr. and Mrs. John Goheen, Sharp Neal, Jim Coon, William, Nancy and Margaret Drummond and Cynthia Coon as charter members. Rev. William K. Shimp was their first pastor. In 1870, the present frame building was erected. The trustees were Sharp Neal, John Goheen, Jim Coon, and Samuel Drummond. The church was originally lighted by candles, then by oil lamps, later with a gasoline system, and now by electricity. The building is forty-five by thirty feet in size and cost $329.26. D. G. McHenry and C. R. McCullough entered the ministry from this class. The membership is ninety-five and is wide awake to kingdom interests. It is the first church in the denomination to pay its five-year quota to the Ministerial Pension Fund in full.

The Rochester Mills Class grew out of a Sunday school held in the Johnson schoolhouse about 1857, under the superintendency of John Pollock. Rev. W. K. Shimp held a great revival in 1860, and Rev. Empfield held another a year or two later. The class was organized by Rev. Shimp and a church was built about the same time. The date is not definitely known but was about 1870. Reverend Shimp became the first pastor. Among the charter members were Daniel Bee, Andrew Craft, and John Pollock, who formed the first board of trustees. The present church building was erected in 1888, and was dedicated by Bishop J. Weaver. Rev. Levi Rittenhouse entered the ministry from this class. The present membership is fifty-seven, and

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the trustees are: H. W. Oberlin, George Richardson, James Miller, Mrs. Ord Weaver, and Mrs. Frank Potts.

The Fairview Class was organized about 1860, but it is not known by whom. Rev. D. R. Ellis became the first pastor. Charter members were John Snyder, John P. Tyger, Joseph Miller, John Miller, and John Lowmaster, who also formed the first board of trustees. They had erected the present one-room frame church at a cost of $1,000. The church was extensively remodeled and reopened for worship under the pastorate of Rev. Paul R. Wineka. The present membership is forty-seven. Rev. W. G. Hawk and Rev. Raymond G. White entered the ministry from this class.

Canoe Church is five miles from Punxsutawney and grew out of meetings held by Rev. G. W. Eminhizer. These meetings were held in the woods, schoolhouse, and in the barn of Dan Pearce. The class was organized by Rev. T. Cameron in 1893, and he became their first pastor. Charter members and the first board of trustees were Mr. and Mrs. John Leasure and Mrs. Laura Keller.

The present church was built in 1894, at a cost of $2,400, and it was dedicated by Dr. L. W. Stahl. It is a beautiful little country church and its present trustees are Jacob Herrold, William Armstrong,

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George Haag, George Hawk, and Clair Dunmire. The membership is seventy-six, and from this class Rev. M. M. Snyder, Rev. Budd R. Smith, and Rev. A. L. Barnett entered the ministry. Rev. W. B. Tobias is the present enterprising pastor of these four aggressive churches.

These pastors served this charge: Revs. R. M. Hamilton, O. E. Krenz, F. J. Strayer, R. C. Walmer, P. F. Mickey, M. M. Houser, J. C. Erb, S. J. Wilson, G. A. Sparks, P. R. Wineka, J. H. Burchfield, E. A. Schultz, W. D. Good, A. L. Barnett, and W. B. Tobias.

JOHNSTOWN PARK AVENUE CHURCH

Allegheny Conference, in 1889, instructed the presiding elder of the Johnstown District, Rev. D. Sheerer, to occupy Moxham, a suburb of Johnstown at once. Carrying out these instructions, two lots on Coleman Avenue were secured for $800, October 1, 1889. Rev. B. F. Noon, who was appointed pastor, gathered the United Brethren people together and, March 16, 1890, organized a class consisting of twelve persons. Services were held on Linden Avenue. On March 25, 1890, John Thomas, Charles Leffler, William H. Miller, of First Church; Peter Spangler, and Wash Stonebraker were elected trustees.

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They let a contract for a new building April 2, 1890, and it was dedicated before the next annual conference by Bishop J. Weaver.

In 1902, under the pastoral direction of Rev. S. R. Seese a new location at the corner of Park Avenue and Baum Street was secured for $1050, and on this lot was erected, in 1904, a brick-cased structure costing $11,500. There the congregation worshiped and grew rapidly so that a Sunday-school room was added under the pastorate of Dr. S. W. Keister, in 1910. The building now covered the entire lot and under the pastorate of Dr. E. C. Weaver, the lot adjoining the church was purchased and, in 1914, a building committee was authorized to proceed with a new addition according to the plan adopted. The old building was razed, the entire space excavated and the new basement divided into rooms for class work, social rooms and kitchen. The first floor was arranged for Sunday-school purposes and the second floor has the "All Aboard Class Hall." The entire cost of the plant was $45,000.

The building can accommodate two thousand people for Sunday-school purposes. It was dedicated by Bishop W. M. Weekley, August 23, 1915, and is now under the pastoral care of Dr. C. W. Winey. The parsonage, located on Coleman Avenue, is modern and commodious, and makes a splendid manse for the pastor of this aggressive congregation. Of the original members, W. R. Lohr, Mrs. Robert Paul, and Louisa Stutzman still live. These pastors have served this charge: Revs. B. F. Noon, G. C. Cook, D. Sheerer, J. L. Leichliter. S. E. Cormany, A. Davidson, J. H. Pershing, S. R. Seese, B. C. Shaw, C. W. Keister, Earl C. Weaver, W. S. Wilson, R. E. Penick, and C. W. Winey.

COALPORT CIRCUIT

This class was organized by Rev. B. J. Hummel, who became its first pastor. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Meredith, Mr. and Mrs. I. W. Gates, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Spangler, Emma Gates, and Mrs. S. V. Spacht. The board of trustees selected was composed of J. H. Meredith, I. W. Gates, P. C. Gates, Levi Spangler, and L. A. Gates. A lot was donated by Mr. Haines and on it there was erected a one-room frame building which was dedicated in 1886, by Rev. J. Medsger, Presiding Elder. In this church the class worshiped and prospered. It was struck by lightning and one man was killed. Repairs were made and it served until the present splendid church was built at a cost of $14,000. It was dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, as-

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COALPORT— BEAVER VALLEY
CHURCHES AND PARSONAGE


	COALPORT SECOND CHURCH

COALPORT FIRST CHURCH	COALPORT-BEAVER VALLEY PARSONAGE

BEAVER VALLEY FIRST CHURCH	BEAVER VALLEY SECOND CHURCH

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sisted by the pastor. Rev. G. E. Householder. The membership is ninety, and it is well organized for aggressive work.

The Beaver Valley Class was organized by Reverend Empfield, but there is no record of the charter members. The class worshiped in a schoolhouse but this became inadequate and a one-room frame building was erected in 1864. This church served the class until it was razed and a new two-room, red brick church was built on the same site, under the leadership of Rev. H. A. Buffington. It was dedicated July 19, 1908, by Bishop J. S. Mills, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton, and cost $5,300. The trustees were Steward Gates, Perry Esch, J. A. Glass, Guy Bolinger, and G. I. Gates. The present membership is one hundred ninety-nine. Joseph McKee and Lloyd G. Mulhollen entered the ministry from this class.

The first parsonage was a frame structure built on the lot at Coal-port and attached to the Coalport church. This was sold and a new and modern seven-room, buff brick parsonage was built on the lot adjoining the present Coalport church and is owned jointly by these two churches.

The ministers serving this charge have been Reverends Hummel, Cook, Noon, Buel, Hayes, Pershing, Spangler, Ott, Wilson, Shaw, Barshinger, Buffington, Fasick, Rupp, Bridigum, Kelly, Wilt, Mills, Somers, Householder, Doloway and the present efficient pastor, Rev. J. P. Rauch. No record of Beaver Valley exists earlier than 1885, so these ministers are given from memory: Reverends Empfield, Snyder, Satterfield, Potts, Keys, VanScoyok, Sitman, Sheerer, and Baker.

HOUSERVILLE CIRCUIT

Houserville takes its name from Jacob Houser, who moved here in 1788, and erected a saw mill, woolen mill, tannery, and store. Religious services were held in houses, but in pleasant weather they were held in a plum grove, in the barn or the mill.

The present church was built in 1852, and the class grew and prospered. In 1905, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. D. J. Davis, the church was much improved and dedicated anew.

In 1915, a splendid seven-room house was purchased for $2,000, and dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, March 26, 1916, after being repaired and improved.

A Sunday school was held in the Valley View schoolhouse in 1897, which resulted in the organization of a class and the building of the

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present church in 1902, under the leadership of Rev. T. W. Perks. The appointment was attached to the Houserville Charge. The church was remodeled under the pastorate of Rev. L. C. McHenry at a cost of $600, and reopened for service by Dr. J. S. Fulton, October 29, 1923, during the pastorate of Rev. A. D. Thompson.

The Paradise church was built during the pastorate of Rev. L. W. Stahl, in 1880, and was the result of a great meeting held by him in a schoolhouse. The new class was attached to the Houserville Charge and has served the community for these many years.

Among the familiar families are Housers, Schrecks, Williamses, Dales, Clarks, and Kormans, and they are still associated with the work of these churches.

Among the large number of pastors of this charge are the following: Revs. J. F. Tallhelm, W. H. Mattern, James Rote, B. J. Hummel, W. A. Jackson, G. W. Emenhizer, J. D. Davis, E. H. Swank, May Whitehead, J. F. Miller, E. B. Somers, I. N. Bailey, Ed Ott, John Baker, E. B. Kratzer, A. S. Wolfe, Henry Waite, C. Wortman, D. Sheerer, S. M. Johnson, G. E. Smith, J. H. Lilley, L. C. McHenry, A. D. Thompson, G. O. Neff, and J. B. Keirn.

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McKEESPORT KEPHART MEMORIAL CHURCH

This class was organized in a private home on Fawcett Avenue, McKeesport, in 1905, with the following members: J. P. Biddle, Sr., Margaret D. Biddle, James M. Biddle, Elnora Biddle, D. R. Biddle, Margaret J. Biddle, Nellie M. Biddle, Clyde R. Cox, Florence A. Cox, Jane Hardy, Blanche Sturkie, and Rev. and Mrs. D. R. Wilson.

The quarterly conference elected J. P. Biddle, Sr., J. W. Gilchrist, and J. K. Herbert trustees and they had erected the Sunday-school unit of the present building. It was called the Fawcett Avenue United Brethren Church. In 1914, in consideration of a gift of $10,000, by the conference the name was changed and the church incorporated as the "Kephart Memorial United Brethren Church," in memory of Bishop E. B. Kephart.

The present splendid church and parsonage were erected under the leadership of Rev. J. M. Feightner and dedicated by Bishop W. M. Weekley, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton, March 8, 1914. It cost $32,000.

This mission was a child of the Church Extension and Missionary Society, and besides their aid, received an appropriation from the conference from the beginning until in 1920, under the pastorate of Rev. J. S. Hayes, it became self-supporting. The class is thoroughly organized and serves well the section of McKeesport in which it is located. Rev. W. L. Murray is the present pastor.

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These pastors have served the charge: Revs. D. R. Wilson, J. M. Lesher, T. W. Burgess, J. M. Feightner, W. A. Sites, J. S. Hayes, W. V. Barnhart, and W. L. Murray.

PORT MATILDA CIRCUIT

This charge is composed of four churches. Three of them are in Center County and the other one in Huntingdon County. Though small in membership, these churches are doing a good work in the communities in which they are located.

The parsonage is located in Port Matilda. The first building was burned during the pastorate of Rev. H. A. McKelvie, in 1911, and the present parsonage was purchased. It was a four-room frame house. During the pastorate of Rev. L. T. Culp, three rooms were added. It is modern in its appointments and has a value of $3500.

The Julian church was built in 1870, during the pastorate of Rev. Alex Edmonson, at a cost of $1000. It was remodeled while Rev. L. T. Culp was pastor and greatly improved. The membership is thirty-two. It was a part of the Bellefonte circuit, then of the Houserville Circuit and is now an appointment on the Port Matilda Circuit.

The Black Oak church was built in 1902, during the pastorate of

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Rev. W. R. Dillen. It was dedicated by Dr. J. I. L. Ressler, Presiding Elder. This is the second church built by this class. The first one was removed to make way for this more modern structure. Rev. H. G. Reese is a product of this class.

Mount Pleasant church was also built in 1902, and Rev. W. R. Dillen was the pastor. It was dedicated by Dr. J. I. L. Ressler, Presiding Elder. The trustees were John Henderson, Ira Nearhoof and Rev. W. R. Dillen. The membership is seventy, and they are wide awake, well organized and progressive.

The Center Line church is in Huntingdon County. The church was built in 1870, on ground donated by Mr. Stine. The membership is fifty-one and the value of the property is $1500. Stine, Ross, Gensamer and Nearhoof are families associated with this church. The membership is small but progressive.

Julian, Center Line, Black Oak and Mount Pleasant churches were united to form the Port Matilda Charge in 1879. They have been served by these pastors: Revs. L. W. Stahl, U. Conley, E. A. Zeek, W. A. Jackson, George Noden, W. H. Artz, W. Cramer, G. W. Shires, E. H. Free, W. R. Dillen, H. N. Newell, A. W. Maxwell, William Beach, H. A. McKelvie, S. J. Wilson, J. C. Moses, J. E. Stover, C. E. Shannon, L. T. Culp, Arthur Ritchey, and C. L. Welch, who is the present capable pastor.

CENTRAL CITY CHURCH

While pastor of the Hooversville Charge Rev. J. K. Huey visited members and friends of his churches who lived in the new town of Central City, and was led to hold services for them in the schoolhouse, and in 1913, to organize a class.

A board of trustees consisting of O. B. Lohr, William Wechtenhizer, Joseph Lohr, E. E. Ankeny, and W. D. Reeser, with the pastor, planned to build a church on ground donated by O. B. Lohr. The work began in the summer and on September 27, 1914, Dr. J. S. Fulton laid the cornerstone and, in 1916, formally opened the church for service. On August 25, 1918, he dedicated the church and, having secured every dollar needed to pay all bills, burned the mortgage and note held against the church. This unusual feature of the dedication was enjoyed by the congregation.

The church is well organized and is meeting the task of a modern church in the community. The church is a frame building with a

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finished basement and cost $6,000. Miss Goldie Wechtenhizer, now Mrs. Keller, entered the ministry from this church. The membership is now one hundred fifty-seven, and the present pastor is Rev. J. S. Emenhizer. The pastors who have served this charge are: Revs. J. K. Huey, Theressa Kline, W. G. Hawk, J. H. Lilley, Paul Morris, and J. S. Emenhizer.

EAST SALEM CIRCUIT

This charge is composed of three churches. Cocolamus, or Browns class, was organized in 1882. Services were held in schoolhouses and in homes. In 1884, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. G. W. Emenhizer and his board of trustees, Peter Brown, Hillory Ehrnzeller, and John Winegardner, the present one-room frame building was erected. It was dedicated by Dr. L. W. Stahl, then the presiding elder. The church has one hundred sixty members, a fine Sunday school, a Christian Endeavor Society and a Women's Missionary Association Local. One young man, Rev. J. M. Leister, entered the ministry from this church.

The East Salem Class was organized in the early days of the conference and flourished for years but removals have left the class with

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a small membership. They have a good one-room frame church building and the class is well organized for its work.

Whiteland Church is located at a place called "Maice" and has a membership of forty. It is well organized and does its work well in the community in which it is located.

For years this charge had its parsonage at East Salem but, in 1928, under Rev. H. P. Light, this building was sold and a new and modern seven-room house was erected at Cocolamus. The charge has had the services of the following ministers: G. W. Emenhizer, J. F. Kelly, J. E. Ott, G. R. Alban, J. C. Erb, M. M. Houser, C. C. Bingham, H. G. Campbell, M. S. Bittner. A. D. Thompson, W. B. Tobias, H. P. Light, and since 1930, R. H. Courtney.

BRADDOCK CHURCH

The beginning of this church dates back to the early "forties." The history of the church is characterized by the consecration and spiritual power of those who have been its leaders, both ministerial and lay. The first authentic date of the church as an organization is 1852. From 1852 to 1872, Braddock was served by the pastor of the Wil-

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kinsburg Church. In 1872, it was made the "Pittsburgh Mission." The Jones Avenue building or "Soles Chapel," was dedicated in 1875. Because of the difficulty of many members to attend here, a second church called the Comrie Avenue Church was organized in 1888.

With the building of bridges and better traveling facilities, the pastors of the two churches, Rev. B. C. Shaw and Rev. D. Jay Good, took steps to unite the two congregations. With this in view, one pastor was assigned to serve the two churches in 1910. The union of these churches was consummated in 1911. A splendid church plant, fully equipped for Sunday-school work and a modern parsonage were built and dedicated May 9, 1912, by Dr. W. R. Funk, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton. The value of the lot, buildings, and furnishings including the pipe organ is about $100,000. The property has been well cared for and is in fine condition. Since 1918, this congregation has been supporting Miss Naomi Wilson, daughter of Rev. J. W. Wilson, a former pastor, as their missionary at Moyamba, Africa. The influence of this church in the movements that make for civic and religious betterment in Braddock has been and is pronounced.

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Rev. M. M. Snyder is the present efficient pastor of this church. The pastors who have served the united church are: Revs. D. J. Good, J. W. Wilson, E. B. Learish, W. A. Sites, W. H. Hayes, and M. M. Snyder.

GREENSBURG CHURCH

The Church of the United Brethren in Christ of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, was organized October 2, 1854, with these nine members: Joseph Gross, Mrs. Susannah Gross, Mrs. Mary Ann Marsh, Joseph Walters, Samuel Crooks, Mrs. Mary Reamer, Mrs. Harriett Lohr, Susannah Weaver, and Mrs. McFadden. J. B. Ressler was the first pastor, and public services were held in the Sunday-school room of the Zion Lutheran Church. In 1857, the members decided to build a church, and a canvass was made in which Rev. L. B. Leasure, Joseph Gross, and David Neeley were most active. The trustees were Joseph Gross, David Neeley, and Joseph Walters. They purchased a lot on West Otterman Street, sixty-eight by one hundred fifty feet, for $325, and had erected thereon, a brick building, at a cost of $1,615. This building was dedicated by Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner, October 25, 1857. The dedication was followed by a gracious "Protracted Meeting" and many were added to the church.

In 1899, a tower was added to the church at a cost of $800. On July 22, 1879, this building was destroyed by fire. The trustees decided to rebuild and sold the old site and purchased the present corner for $2000. They erected thereon, a second church building, and it was dedicated by Dr. E. S. Chapman, October 16, 1881. Rev. L. R. Jones was pastor. The last service held in this building was on May 3, 1908, after which it was razed to make way for the present splendid structure. Rev. F. P. Rosselot was the pastor and his building committee was E. M. Gross, chairman of finance; W. F. Overly, chairman of building committee; E. G. Campbell, church treasurer; E. M. Crosby, and Charles W. Shuey. The church was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton, Dr. J. H. Pershing, and the pastor, Dr. F. P. Rosselot, September 19, 1909. This well-constructed building with the commodious parsonage, after twenty years, has the appearance of a much newer building.

A comparison of the value of the three buildings is interesting. First, $2000; Second, $12,000; Third, $110,900. The membership is seven hundred twenty-five, and is thoroughly organized for aggressive work. Rev. J. D. Good is the present efficient pastor. These pastors

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served this charge: Revs. J. B. Ressler, John Riley, L. B. Leasure, W. B. Dick, D. Speck, E. B. Kephart, A. J. Hartsock, William Wragg, D. Sheerer, G. A. Funkhouser, S. Kanaga, J. Medsger, T. Kohr, M. 0. Lane, Frank Ramsay, James Sheerer, Francis Fisher, L. R. Jones, J. I. L. Ressler, J. N. Munden, L. Keister, L. W. Stahl, J. M. Lesher, W. R. Funk, B. L. Seneff, O. W. Burtner, J. P. Cowling, J. A. Eby, J. A. Groves, F. P. Rosselot, W. L. Bunger, W. A. Knapp, F. W. Davis, and J. D. Good.

GREENSBURG CHURCH—SHOWING DEVELOPMENT


First Church, Dedicated October 25, 1857, by Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner	Second Church, Dedicated October 16, 1881, by Dr. E. S. Chapman

Present Church, Dedicated September 19, 1909, by W. R. Funk, D.D.

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WESTMORELAND CIRCUIT

Westmoreland was set apart as a circuit when Allegheny Conference was formed, and included all of Westmoreland and parts of Fayette, Somerset, and Allegheny counties. In 1885, Mt. Nebo and Owensdale were made a circuit which proved to be a wise movement.

Mt. Nebo was organized in 1858 and had about forty members. They worshiped for five years in the Fretts schoolhouse. Under Rev. W. B. Dick, the trustees, Solomon Keister, Martin N. Stauffer, and Adam Stoner, there was erected on the present site a nice frame building, thirty by forty feet in size, which was dedicated by Rev. W. B. Dick in 1863. Here the people worshiped for twenty-seven years when under the leadership of Rev. I. P. Truxal the present building was erected and dedicated, free of debt, by Dr. G. A. Funkhouser, in September, 1890.

Among those who have been associated with this church are the Keisters, Fretts, Stoners, Stauffers, Lanes, Houghs, Kings and Flemings. The motto of this church is, "We live to serve."

The Owensdale Class grew out of a union Sunday school which met in the village schoolhouse. Under Rev. A. L. Funk the following charter members were organized into a class: Nat King and wife, J. D. Porter and wife, William Owen and wife, James Rayon and wife, William Highberger and wife, Mrs. R. O. Keister, Mary Owen, Anna K. Owen, Maggie Porter, G. W. Porter, Norman King, and F. Chain and wife.

Nat King, J. D. Porter, F. Chain, and B. F. Keister were elected as trustees and with their pastor, Rev. A. L. Funk, erected the present building. It was dedicated August 30, 1884, by Rev. J. B. Ressler. The dedication was followed by a wonderful revival resulting in the conversion of more than a hundred souls.

This church has always acknowledged the Mt. Nebo Church as its mother and has never been separated from her. Allen Shallenberger has been the Sunday-school superintendent for twenty-two consecutive years.

This charge has a fine eight-room parsonage situated in Scottdale. The first unit was built during the pastorate of Dr. W. R. Funk and under Rev. J. J. Funk it was enlarged and modernized and is now a very commodious and comfortable home for the minister. Rev. R. H. Arndt is the present aggressive pastor of this charge.

Of the pastors who served this charge before 1883, these are named

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but not in the order in which they served: Revs. W. B. Dick, J. B. Ressler, E. B. Kephart, J. Wallace, D. Speck, J. Medsger, D. Sheerer, D. Strayer, William Wragg, Robert Rankin, and Isaiah Potter. The following is a complete list in their order who have served since 1882: Revs. A. L. Funk, W. R. Funk, I. P. Truxal, B. L. Seneff, G. W. Sherrick, Frank Saunders, S. W. Keister, D. Speck, W. H. Spangler, J. L. Leichliter, J. J. Funk, T. W. Burgess, F. A. Risley, D. W. Willard, S. R. Seese, W. A. Wissinger, J. A. Mills, and R. H. Arndt.

MONESSEN CIRCUIT

The Monessen Class of the United Brethren Church was organized May 8, 1898, by Rev. N. E. Sprouse, a local preacher who was in charge of the Dunlevy Charge. At the next session of the annual conference the class was made a part of the Dunlevy Charge. This class became nearly extinct so that Rev. J. R. Mouer reorganized the class with six members in 1900. In 1902, Monessen was made a station work. The first church, a brick cased structure, was built under the direction of Rev. J. R. Mouer and dedicated August 11, 1901, by Dr. L. W. Stahl. The next year a good eight-room frame parsonage was erected.

During the pastorate of Rev. B. F. Bungard, the present splendid church and Sunday-school room were built at a cost of $32,000. The building was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, assisted by Dr. J. S. Ful-

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ton, February 17, 1914. The church was incorporated in Westmoreland County, May 15, 1914, and the articles of incorporation are recorded in deed book 551, page 130. Of the first board of trustees only Daniel Reamer remains as the others have removed from town.

Dunlevy has been made a part of this charge. Their church is a frame structure and is organized to do good work. It was organized by Rev. J. M. Feightner and the church was erected under his pastorate. Rev. M. M. Houser is the present hard-working and enterprising pastor of these churches.

These pastors have served the charge: Revs. N. E. Sprouse, J. C. Erb, J. R. Mouer, R. Jamieson, F. A. Risley, L. E. Miller, G. R. Alban, B. F. Bungard, J. W. Wilson, I. J. Duke, George R. Strayer, A. C. VanSaun, W. V. Barnhart, S. H. Ralston, L. C. Rose, and M. M. Houser.

CONNELLSVILLE CHURCH

Christian work in Connellsville was started on the west side and a church called the New Haven Mission was established and carried on until 1894, when it was abandoned and sold. During the year of 1901, Rev. J. K. Huey carried on work that resulted in the forming of the present class. It was formally organized in June, 1901, and at the conference in September of that year it was made a mission station and Dr. J. H. Pershing became the pastor. What was known as the

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Old Laundry property was purchased but a little later sold and the present location secured. Arrangements were made and the work of building a brick church and parsonage was started during the pastorate of Doctor Pershing. In September, Rev. W. V. Barn-hart became pastor and the work was completed. On February 1, 1903, the church was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk. It cost $8000.

Later, proving too small, an addition was built to it and a basement placed under the church. Still later the old six-room parsonage was made into Sunday-school rooms and a new parsonage of seven rooms was purchased. The great need now is for Sunday-school equipment to care for the growing school.

The church has grown until the membership is 555. These pastors have served the work: Revs. J. K. Huey, J. H. Pershing, W. V. Barn-hart, A. L. Funk, W. H. Spangler, A. B. Wilson, J. H. Bridigum, C. W. Winey, J. S. Showers, E. A. Sharp, J. N. Boyer, and E. A. Schultz, who is the present aggressive and efficient pastor.

ZION CHURCH

Zion is one of the oldest churches in the conference and grew out of the visits made by Bishop Newcomer of which he tells in his diary. The first organization was effected in 1800, and the class worshiped in

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a two-story log building. The ground for the church and cemetery was donated by Christopher Winter. Some of the original members were C. Winter, J. Winter, William Barnhart, Andrew Deeds, and William Sheller. These pioneers worshiped in the first church until 1839, when a second church was built about two miles away from the first one. Here the people worshiped until 1859, when the church was burned and the present structure was erected on the original site. This is a one-story frame building and will seat 200 persons. Among the pastors who served are noted the following: Jacob Ritter, William Beighel, J. L. Baker, J. S. Hayes, T. W. Burgess, B. J. Hummel, S. May Whitehead, and J. F. Strayer. Under the leadership of Rev. J. F. Strayer five acres of ground were purchased and the present beautiful bungalow parsonage was built and named the Whitehead Memorial in honor of Miss S. May Whitehead, who died while serving this charge. The church is in Washington County, and is in the heart of a farming district. Rev. D. M. Ciampa is now pastor.

YOUNGWOOD CHURCH

The Youngwood Church is the product of the interest of the Greensburg Church which, in 1900, became interested in the growing railroad town of Youngwood and decided to plant a mission church.

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In 1902, the annual conference formally placed it under the Greens-burg quarterly conference and this church supplied what preaching it received until Rev. N. E. Sininger was appointed pastor in 1903.

The first building was dedicated by Dr. S. W. Keister, in 1903, and this church was served by Dr. J. H. Pershing, Dr. W. O. Jones, Revs. W. H. Spangler, E. G. Sawyer, J. S. Hayes, J. S. Showers, T. H. McCleod, John Watson, C. W. Hendrickson, M. M. Snyder, and J. J. Funk. During the pastorate of Rev. E. G. Sawyer, a fine modern parsonage was built and the church enlarged. Under Reverend Watson the new location on Fifth Street was secured, plans drawn and the first unit, the Sunday-school department, erected in 1921. The auditorium was added and the building completed and dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, March 28, 1926, under the pastorate of Rev. M. M. Snyder. The completed building, furnishings, and grounds are valued with the parsonage at $96,000. This church is thoroughly organized having Sunday school, Christian Endeavor, senior, junior, and intermediate, Women's Missionary Association, and Otterbein Guild, Ladies' Aid, Boy Scouts, etc., and an energetic and progressive membership of four hundred fifty.

WINDBER CHURCH

Rev. E. F. Wriggle, while pastor of the Cambria Charge, visited the new and growing town of Windber and found the town without any public religious services being held. He secured permission to hold service in the old schoolhouse and later in the new building. He organized a Sunday school in April of 1898, and in the fall of this year organized a class of twelve members and secured a lot on Graham Avenue. The quarterly conference of the Cambria Charge elected Henry Shaffer, H. B. Bumgardner, and E. F. Wriggle as a board of trustees. They began the erection of a frame church building, which was completed at a cost of $2,000, and dedicated by Bishop E. B. Kephart, September 11, 1899. A fine eight-room house with all conveniences was built in 1909 and in the same year plans were made to erect a new church and the present modern well-equipped brick structure was completed in 1911, under the pastorate of Dr. L. W. Stahl. It was dedicated September 3, 1911, by Dr. W. R. Funk and cost $7,000. The church has had a healthy growth and is fully organized for the work of a modern church. The list of pastors follows: Revs. E. F. Wriggle, G. W. Mills, H. A. Buffington, E. A. Sharp, E. Cora

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WINDBER CHURCH AND PARSONAGE

Prinkey, E. E. DeHaven, L. B. Fasick, L. W. Stahl, G. W. Rothermel, G. R. Alban, L. C. Rose, S. H. Ralston, J. S. Hayes, D. W. Willard, J. C. Rupp, and Charles Gwynn.

WILLIAMSPORT CHURCH

After an investigation made by Dr. L. W. Stahl, the conference of 1886, appointed Rev. A. Davidson pastor of Bellman Mission (Williamsport)/ and he organized a class of twelve members that fall. There being no church the services at first were held in a schoolhouse between Duboistown and Williamsport and later in the Williamsport schoolhouse. In the spring of 1887 a lot was purchased and a building started. It was finished in 1889, and dedicated by Bishop N. Castle. Under the pastorate of Rev. J. W. A. Kelly the church was remodeled at an expense of $2500, and rededicated by Dr. J. I. L. Ressler, August 23, 1903.

A modern eight-room house with all conveniences was erected on the lot adjoining the church in 1910. The cornerstone for the present church was laid by "Billy" Sunday, November 22, 1925. It was completed and on March 27, 1927, was dedicated by Bishop A. R. Clippinger. The church is modern in all respects with auditorium, Sunday-

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WILLIAMSPORT CHURCH

school rooms, gallery, and basement, and cost $45,500. It was built under the pastorate of Rev. R. H. Arndt. The class has all the organizations of a modern church and is now under the leadership of Rev.

C. H. Rhodes. The church is doing its full part in the civic and religious life of South Williamsport. Pastors of this church were: Revs. A. Davidson, H. F. Shupe, H. T. Denlinger, Thomas Cameron, J. C. Erb, E. G. Spessard, W. Cramer, C. W. Myers, E. B. Somers,

D. W. Wortz, J. W. A. Kelly, George Cavanaugh, D. J. Davis, D. Barshinger, J. S. Colledge, M. M. Houser, R. H. Arndt, J. W. Oakes, and C. H. Rhodes. This church has given J. W. A. Kelly, Allen Rhen, G. J. Colledge, and Leon Maneval to the ministry.

WILKINSBURG CHURCH

This church was organized by Rev. Jonathan Holmes, in 1850, and in 1851, the first church building was erected under the pastorate of Rev. D. Speck and was on what is now Ross Avenue. After a number of years the church was relocated on the corner of South Avenue and Coal Street during the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Lesher. A church building was erected in 1892, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. L.

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WILKINSBURG CHURCH

Keister and was dedicated by Rev. Jonathan Weaver. In 1903, the auditorium of the present building was erected during the pastorate of Dr. G. W. Sherrick and dedicated by Bishop J. S. Mills. In 1921, the property adjoining the church on South Avenue was purchased and converted into a parish house under the leadership of Dr. C. W. Winey.

In June, 1926, the contract for the present building was let and work was begun immediately. The new church now fronts one hundred twenty-eight feet on Coal Street and extends seventy feet on South Avenue. The enlarged auditorium is sixty-six by seventy feet in size and the basement floor contains the kitchen, dining room, and complete recreation department. The Sunday-school room is fifty-eight by eighty-six feet and is three stories high. On the first floor is the office and the adult department; on the second floor is the beginners' department, primary department, and assembly room, while the third floor is for the secondary division. There are also rooms for the Ladies' Aid and teacher training. The cost of the new building was about $140,000. This church building was built under the pastorate of Dr. E. C. Weaver and his capable building committee and dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, on Sunday, April 17, 1927. This congregation now enjoys a modern church plant equipped for effective service.

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The present parsonage was bought in 1926, for $16,000, and is a brick structure, commodious and well built. The membership is about six hundred. Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Tozier, former members, are now serving as missionaries in Africa. Rev. W. H. Hayes is the present pastor.

Wilkinsburg pastors have been: Revs. Jonathan Holmes, D. Speck, A. Wilson, W. K. Shimp, M. Spangler, J. Medsger, J. Steiner, William Wragg, M. O. Lane, A. L. DeLong, George Noden, J. S. Miller, J. M. Lesher, Lawrence Keister, J. I. L. Ressler, J. L. Leichliter, G. W. Sherrick, J. S. Fulton, W. V. Barnhart, L. F. John, George Shaffer, W. S. Wilson, G. L. Graham, C. W. Winey, Earl C. Weaver, and W. H. Hayes.

TRAFFORD CHURCH

The Trafford United Brethren Church, now the Henderson Memorial, was organized July 29, 1910, with thirteen members. Three lots were secured and on them was placed the conference sectional chapel. It was formally opened for service July 31, 1910. The Sunday school was organized the same day with Hon. Elmer Henderson as superintendent. The conference in September appointed a pastor to this new mission and it was in this chapel that the people worshiped until, under the pastorate of Dr. L. W. Stahl, in 1913, when plans were prepared for the Sunday-school unit of the church, to be thirty-five by forty-five feet, to have ten class rooms, and a finished basement. The cornerstone was laid by Dr. J. S. Fulton, November 16, 1913, and the completed room was dedicated by Bishop W. M. Week-

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ley, May 17, 1914. The present buff brick parsonage has eight rooms and is thoroughly modern in its appointments. It was bought in 1923.

The congregation worshiped in their Sunday-school room until 1930, when the present church, a memorial to Milton J. Henderson, was begun. The new building was dedicated by Bishop G. D. Batdorf, assisted by Dr. W. S. Wilson, May 24, 1931. The building is seventy-seven by eighty feet and built of Indiana limestone and with the parsonage has a valuation of $90,000.

Mr. Henderson had an important place in the establishment of this class and church and his son, the Hon. Elmer Henderson, makes this a memorial church by paying one-fourth of its cost. The father was in every way worthy of this honor by his son. A great future seems assured to this congregation. Rev. L. T. Culp is the enterprising pastor. Pastors who have served this church are: Revs. L. E. Miller, John A. Oartel, L. W. Stahl, G. R. Strayer, J. M. Lesher, J. I. L. Ressler, and L. T. Culp.

SEWICKLEY CHURCH

This church is located twelve miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and has a membership of 103. The first work done by the United Brethren in this section dates back to before 1800. This

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church has been a part of the old Westmoreland Circuit, the Allegheny Circuit, the Industry Circuit, the Pittsburgh Mission and now forms the Sewickley Station.

Three churches have been built, but of the first two there is little known and nothing on record. The present church was built under the pastorate of Rev. Thomas Dick, in 1893. It is a one-room frame building, fifty by sixty feet in size, with a splendid finished basement under the whole church and it is one of the very good rural churches. It is fully organized for modern church work and serves the community in a fine way. It is under the efficient pastoral leadership of Rev. W. Maynard Sparks and his splendid board of trustees made up of C. E. Crees, Ira H. Jackson, George W. Kretzler, W. H. Kretzler, Robert Crees, Edward Bradle, Sr., and W. N. Smith, Sr.

Since the last church was built the following pastors have served the work: Revs. Thomas Dick, S. R. Seese, G. W. Emenhizer, D. Sheerer, W. H. Artz, E. E. DeHaven, J. E. McClay, W. A. Jackson, W. H. Hassler, C. W. Davis, C. L. Welch, O. T. Stewart, A. C. VanSaun, A. H. Haire, A. Davidson, E. E. Ormston, C. A. Weaver, W. R. McKinney, C. W. Gwynne, and W. M. Sparks.

SHADE GAP CIRCUIT

This charge is composed of three rural churches and the pastor lives in the village of Shade Gap.

The Mount Zion church is located one mile west of Blairs Mills, in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The church is a one-room frame building and was erected in 1852, under the pastorate of Rev. R. S. Woodward. The building cost at that time about $1,000. The membership is twenty-five and serves the community in matters of religion.

The Pleasant Hill church is located about three miles west of the village of Shade Gap in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. Rev. John Landis held a great revival in the schoolhouse in 1885, and as a result this class with a charter membership of twenty-two was organized. The church building was erected in 1886, and cost $1500. Rev. C. W. Miller and Rev. Grant Drake entered the ministry from this class.

The Salem church of the Shade Gap Charge is situated four miles east of Shade Gap in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The original church stood just across the road from the present church and was a small building. It was built during the pastorate of Rev. W. A. Jackson and dedicated November 12, 1861. This building was torn down

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in 1891, and the present structure erected and dedicated November 12, 1892, by Rev. T. P. Orner. The trustees were Casper Shoop, Moses Telmlee, Robert Parson, Williamson Parson, and David Parson. It cost $2000. The present membership is seventy-one. Warren Parson and B. O. Smith entered the ministry from this church.

The pastors serving these churches were Revs. John Landis, P. L. Auker, O. T. Stewart, H. Clark, W. H. Mattern, G. A. Sparks, A. C. Ford, J. C. Erb, I. H. Dean, J. Covil, R. Hand, M. M. Houser, I. W. Groh, J. H. Weaver, C. F. Miller, Daniel Good, Elmer Miller, E. E. Dunkleberger, S. J. Wilson, and the present efficient pastor, C. F. Miller, who is now serving his second pastorate.

SUSQUEHANNA CIRCUIT

The Susquehanna Charge was a part of the territory belonging originally to the East German Conference. Later it became a part of the Eastern Conference and later still of the East Pennsylvania Conference. It was given to Allegheny Conference by the General Conference. Records are very meager and memories fail to recall accurately so that it is not possible to write the history of these churches with any degree of fullness or certainty.

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The Saint Thomas church was built in 1891, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. O. J. Laird. For quite a number of years services were held in the homes of the people and later in a schoolhouse. The church is a one-room frame building and meets the need of the community in which it is located.

The first church building at what is now called Paradise was built in 1848 or 1849, but details are lacking. For ten or more years before that time services were held in private homes, barns, in groves, and the schoolhouse. The first church served the community until 1891, when the present one-room frame building, forty by sixty feet, was erected. This is a fine country church and is always neat and inviting.

The Saint Johns church was built under the pastorate of Rev. O. J. Laird, in 1893, and is one of several churches built by this pastor. The church is a one-room frame structure fifty by sixty feet in size. It is kept in splendid condition and meets well the needs of the Saint Johns class and of the community.

Services were held in the homes of the people of Port Trevorton for years and finally, in 1873, the dream of anxious hearts was realized when the present church building was erected. The church was

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named "Markwood" in honor of Bishop Markwood. The church is a fine village church with a finished basement for social purposes. From private homes, barns, and schoolhouse to the present splendid church building is the story of the faith and devotion of this class.

The parsonage is a good six-room frame building and stands on the lot adjoining the Markwood church. It is owned by the charge and is a comfortable home for the pastor of this charge. The Allegheny Conference ministers serving this charge have been: Revs: H. S. Seilhamer, P. L. Auker, W. E. Shoop, J. W. Oakes, C. Shaffer, J. C. Erb, E. B. Somers, C. E. Shannon, W. H. Artz, E. F. House, J. S. Emenhizer, H. P. Light, R. H. Courtney, and Arthur Ritchey, who is the present aggressive pastoral leader of these churches.