Chapter XIII

HISTORY OF CHURCHES BY CHARGES (Cont.)

SPRINGFIELD CIRCUIT

    The Springfield Charge comprises four churches and is located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The charge takes its name from the old town of Springfield, now called Normalville. For years the parsonage was located here.

    The Pleasant Hill Class is nearly a hundred years old but no record is available to fix definitely when it was organized. For a time the class worshiped in a schoolhouse but about fifty years ago the present church was built. It was recently beautified and repaired and is now an attractive place of worship for the class of twenty-eight members and the Sunday school with an average attendance of fifty.

    Normalville is situated about nine miles from Connellsville, and was formerly known as Springfield. This is a very old class but definite records are not at hand. A brick church houses our congregation here.

    Mount Zion is ten miles from Mill Run. This class is probably more than a hundred years old. Worship was first held in an old log school-house. Later the class worshiped in the building of the Church of God and still later they went to the Middle Fork schoolhouse. The present church was built in 1885. It is a frame structure, thirty by forty feet in size, and cost $800. It was repaired under the pastorate of Rev. J. C. Walker and rededicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton on the first Sunday of August, 1926, after $2,500 had been expended on it.

    Mill Run worshiped in a schoolhouse for years. They built the auditorium of the present church about 1871. A Sunday-school room and other repairs were added at a cost of $5,000, under the pastorate of Rev. J. C. Walker and was rededicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, November 28, 1926. It is now modern and well adapted for its purpose.

    The charge has a good six-room house, located at Mill Run, and the pastors are comfortably housed. This charge has furnished a number of ministers, among whom are mentioned: J. E. McClay, J. L. Leichliter, S. R. Seese, and B. F. Bungard. Rev. Paul F. Morris is the present pastor and leader.

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MILL RUN CHURCH, SPRINGFIELD CHARGE

    These served as pastors of this charge: Revs. E. James, James Lewis, C. R. McCullough, J. Felix, E. A. Zeek, E. E. DeHaven, G. W. Emenhizer, W. H. Artz, J. S. Colledge, E. H. Baker, C. E. Shannon, J. J. Charleston, C. A. Weaver, C. N. McCandless, D. P. Shamp, J. F. Kelly, L. C. McHenry, C. J. Walker, C. E. Wille, and P. F. Morris.

SHANKSVILLE CHURCH

    The Shanksville congregation was organized on the third Sunday of January, 1844, by Rev. J. R. Sitman, the first presiding elder of Allegheny Conference. For a time all services were held in store rooms or the homes of the people as occasion permitted. Daniel Shank was the first class leader and largely because of his efforts a union church was built in 1853. Here the class worshiped and grew until 1887, when under the pastorate of Dr. J. H. Pershing, a brick house of worship was erected at a cost of $4,000, and dedicated by Bishop Jonathan Weaver. There remained only $42 to be paid so that an offering taken more than met the required amount.

    The class continued to grow and prosper and in 1912, under the pastorate of Rev. H. A. Buffington, the present modern church building was erected at a cost of $10,000. It was a coincidence that the first church was dedicated by the first presiding elder, Rev. J. R. Sitman, this one was dedicated by the first conference superintendent, Dr. J. S. Fulton. The present parsonage was secured under the pastorate of Rev. M. L. Wilt, and is valued at $4,000. This church is well organized for its work and has an enviable record.

    D. Shank, J. T. Spangler, Martin Spangler, Alexander Spangler, and W. H. Spangler have gone out from this class as ministers, while

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many of the churches of the conference have been enriched by the contribution of lay members that have been converted here and then transferred to other places. Eternity will reveal the services rendered by this loyal band of Christian people. Rev. A. D. Thompson now leads this flock.

    These persons have served as pastor of this church: Revs. D. Shank, John Felix, William Beighel, W. A. Jackson, B. F. Noon, D. Sheerer, J. B. Ressler, C. Wortman, M. Spangler, J. Medsger, Alex Spangler, C. Crowell, George C. Cook, W. H. Spangler, J. S. Buell, J. H. Pershing, A. E. Fulton, J. L. Baker, U. Conley, J. T. Spangler, D. R. Ellis, A. Davidson, T. W. Burgess, J. W. Wilson, J. M. Lesher, L. E. Miller, W. H. Mingle, J. F. Kelly, H. A. Buffington, J. M. Feightner, C. A. Weaver, I. W. Groh, A. J. Orlidge, and A. D. Thompson.

SOMERSET CHURCH

    The history of the Somerset United Brethren Church dates back to August, 1887. Dr. L. W. Stahl, then presiding elder, preached in Coffroths Hall, organized a class and appointed Rev. J. Medsger as pastor. Services were held in Coffroths Hall and later in the Presbyterian church. During 1899, Isaac Jones, Josiah Shaffer, John Barron, H. F. Knepper, and W. W. Gustin, trustees, purchased the present site for $1,000. Somerset and Shanksville were constituted the Somerset Charge in 1890, and under the leadership of Rev. D. R. Ellis and his board of trustees, the present church was erected and dedicated

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by Bishop J. Weaver, June 22, 1892. Under the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Feightner the building was enlarged and improved and was re-dedicated by Bishop W. M. Weekley, December 17, 1916, and now has a valuation of $16,000.

    The parsonage is located on Race Street and is a modern, frame building and has a valuation of $4,500. It was built under the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Lesher and serves well its purpose.

    The St. Johns Class built a one-room frame church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. John Felix and worshiped there until 1928, when this class merged with the Somerset Class. Pastors serving this charge were: Revs. J. Medsger, G. C. Cook, J. S. Buell, W. H. Spangler, D. R. Ellis, A. Davidson, T. W. Burgess, J. W. Wilson, J. M. Lesher, C. C. Bingham, H. A. Buffington, J. M. Feightner, J. J. Funk, and the present pastor, Dr. Earl C. Weaver.

SCOTTDALE CHURCH

    The Scottdale Class was organized in 1874, with sixteen members among whom were: Albert Keister, Dan Sherrick, Nat King, Joseph Herbert, Peter Hockenberry, Kate Sherrick, Betty Keaggy, and Lewis Truxell.

    The first church was built during the pastorate of Rev. M. 0. Lane. It was remodeled in 1885, by Rev. A. L. Funk, at a cost of $4500. Here the congregation worshiped until 1890, when the second church was built under the pastorate of Dr. W. R. Funk. It was a brick building with auditorium and Sunday-school rooms and cost $26,000. It was dedicated August 17, 1890, by Bishop J. Weaver. Here the class grew and worshipped until the present building was erected during the pastorate of Dr. I. E. Runk. It was dedicated by Bishop W. M. Weekley, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton, September 2, 1917. It cost $68,000.

    The parsonage built at the same time is a brick building of nine rooms and has all modern conveniences.

    The membership was sixteen when the class was organized and had increased until there were three hundred eleven when the second church was built and at this time there are seven hundred ninety members. The Sunday school numbers six hundred six.

    This church has granted quarterly conference license to B. C. Shaw, J. R. King, L. H. Leitzell, Clayton E. Zeek, H. E. Shirey, Hubert C. Eicher, E. G. Sawyer, S. H. Ralston, A. E. Sidoway, A. B. Taylor, Arthur McIntire, and John Cope.

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SCOTTDALE CHURCH

    The ministers who have served as pastors of this church are: Revs. M. O. Lane, J. Medsger, I. Potter, A. L. Funk, E. A. Zeek, W. R. Funk, J. N. Munden, L. Keister, J. P. Cowling, W. W. Williamson, N. W. Burtner, C. W. Hendrickson, I. E. Runk, G. R. Strayer, E. B. Learish, J. D. Good, and F. W. Davis. Doctor Davis is completing the fourth year of his successful pastorate.

RICHFIELD CIRCUIT

    This charge of five appointments, three of which are in Snyder County and two in Juniata County, was a part of the East German Conference until the General Conference made it a part of Allegheny Conference.

    The Freeburg Class dates back to 1852 when the first church, known as the "Little Church" was built. Here the congregation worshiped for a half century. The present church was built during the pastorate of Reverend Dean. It was dedicated by Dr. G. W. Sherrick, August 18, 1907, and cost $1700. A. Dunkleberger and J. M. Lesher entered the ministry from this class. The present trustees are Thomas C. Landis, James Haines, William Dunkleberger, Elmer Troup, and Fern Barner.

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Richfield Parsonage	Richfield Church
Fremont Church	Ebenezer Church
Freeburg Church	Mt. Zion Church

CHURCHES AND PARSONAGE, RICHFIELD CHARGE

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    The Fremont Class was organized in 1851 by Eusebius Hershey. The class worshiped in various places until 1865, when a lot was purchased and a frame church built at a cost of $1000. Some charter members were: Mrs. and Mrs. Henry Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lease, Mr. and Mrs. Napoleon Brosius, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Mitterling, Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. John Fisher, and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Oplinger. Rev. J. P. Rauch was licensed to preach from this class. In 1909, under the pastorate of Rev. H. F. Reber, the church was remodeled at a cost of $1500, and rededicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton. The trustees are: M. A. Mengel, John Mitterling, H. C. Rauch, J. O. Longacre, and H. J. Howell.

    Just when the Ebenezer Class was organized is not known. The class worshiped in the Flint Valley schoolhouse until 1880, when the present site was secured and deeded to Rev. Zimmerman, Charles Kissinger, and Benjamin W. Shaffer, and the church was built within the year as specified in the deed.

    Some charter members were: Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Shaffer, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kissinger, Mr. and Mrs. Elias Bailey, and Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Deppin. In 1929, the church was greatly improved under the pastorate of Rev. G. O. Neff. The present trustees are: Irwin Steffin, George Hoffman, William Tharp, Mrs. Maggie Shaffer, and John Maneval.

    The Mt. Zion Class grew out of a revival held in the Dressier Union Church, in 1893. A class of United Christians was formed and met in the homes of the community until a church was built. In 1894, the class voted to become United Brethren and a deed was secured for the property, but the church was not formally dedicated until 1910, when Rev. H. A. Buffington dedicated it. The church has been improved at different times and is now in splendid condition. Edward Keiter and Franklin Knouse were licensed to preach from this class. The trustees are W. B. Strawser, Frank Knouse, S. G. Rhodes, S. O. Willow, and Luther Goodling. Some charter members were: Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Willow, Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Stroup, Mr. and Mrs. Luke Kerstetter, Mr. and Mrs. Luke Marks, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Strawser, and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Goodling.

    It is not known just when the Richfield Class was organized but the class worshiped in the "Pine Swamp" church for a long time. In "Haymaking and Harvest," in July, of 1876, the present church was

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dedicated by Reverend Smith. During the pastorate of Rev. J. C. Erb an addition was built to the church, and during the pastorate of J. P. Rauch the church was re-seated and re-lighted. Under Rev. G. O. Neff both the church and the parsonage were remodeled at a cost of $2100, and re-opened by Dr. W. S. Wilson, November 23, 1930. Dekoah Winey, C. W. Winey, E. E. Dunkelberger, Harry J. Fisher, and R. H. Courtney entered the ministry from this class. Among the older members of this church were Rev. and Mrs. J. K. Snyder, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Maneval, Mr. and Mrs. John Whiteley, Mr. and Mrs. E. Hertz, Mr. and Mrs. S. Graybill, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Nagle, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Hood, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Swartz, and Mr. and Mrs. Menno Winey. The trustees are: L. W. Miller, S. E. Landis, William H. Hood, O. B. Basom, and I. S. Arbogast.

    Under the pastorate of Rev. R. H. Arndt a parsonage was built beside the Richfield church, in 1919, at a cost of $2300. It is a good, modern, eight-room frame building. Rev. G. 0. Neff is the efficient pastor of these churches.

    The churches of this charge formed parts of other circuits before being formed into the Richfield Charge and all were a part of the East German Conference until 1901. Since being a part of Allegheny Conference these pastors have served the charge: Revs. H. N. Newell, J. E. Ott, C. C. Bingham, G. R. Alban, J. C. Erb, M. M. Houser, W. Burgreen, H. H. Hoffer, R. H. Arndt, G. Rector, J. P. Rauch, C. A. Weaver, and G. O. Neff.

PITCAIRN CHURCH

    The Pitcairn Church is the product of the Greensburg Church. Rev. J. M. Lesher, pastor of Greensburg, with Drs. W. R. Funk, H. F. Shupe, and G. W. Sherrick looked over the new town of Wall, now Pitcairn, and selected a site. The old Scottdale church was secured and transferred to the lot and erected there. It was dedicated September 13, 1891. That fall it was attached to Wilmerding, forming the Wilmerding-Wall Charge. This building served the congregation as a place of worship until 1922, when under the pastoral leadership of Rev. T. M. Sharp, the present combined church and parsonage was built on the new site. The cornerstone was laid by Dr. J. S. Fulton and Mrs. Frank Lesher, July 9, 1922, and the completed church was dedicated by Dr. S. S. Hough, April 15, 1923. It has a valuation of $70,000. The present membership is three hundred thirty.

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PITCAIRN CHURCH

    The original members were: A. I. Simpson, Amanda Simpson, Luella Simpson, Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Gardner, Charles Gardner, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lesher, and Dr. Morris Cameron. Of this number Mrs. Frank Lesher alone survives. The class was made a station work in 1899.

    The church has given two members to the work of the ministry and one to the missionary cause. The church observed its fortieth anniversary the week of May 10-17. The following have served as pastors: Revs. J. M. Lesher, S. E. Cormany, W. H. Mingle, G. W. Sherrick, T. P. Orner, T. W. Burgess, R. Jamieson, W. V. Barnhart, C. G. White, H. A. Buffington, T. M. Sharp, W. S. Wilson, J. M. Feightner, E. G. Sawyer, W. A. Wissinger, and H. G. Reese, the present pastor. This church is thoroughly organized and is doing its part well in local and kingdom interests.

PHILIPSBURG CHURCH

    Members of our churches from the Bigler Charge led to the organization of a union Sunday school at Cold Stream, a suburb of Philips-burg, Pennsylvania. Rev. Thomas Cameron, in 1883, organized the present class which worshiped in the "Old Mud Church" for some time until the church grew and secured lots at Pine and Tenth streets. J. C. Cowder, James Goss, H. H. Womer, Sam Robins, and George Houck were elected trustees. They erected a brick church with auditorium and Sunday-school room. It was dedicated by Bishop E. B. Kephart on January 6, 1901.

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PHILIPSBURG CHURCH

    This church was used until the pastorate of Rev. E. A. Sharp, when the present structure was built and dedicated by Bishop A. R. Clippinger, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton. This building cost $21,881, and is complete for modern church and Sunday-school work.

    During the pastorate of Rev. G. L. Graham this class built a splendid brick parsonage. It is commodious and has all modern conveniences. It cost $3500, and was dedicated September 3, 1926.

    The church is under the direction of Rev. P. F. Mickey. It has three hundred seventy-two members and has been served by Revs. Thomas Cameron, C. W. Wasson, Wilson Cramer, N. 0. Patterson, A. W. Maxwell, D. Sheerer, E. B. Somers, L. C. Smiley, G. L. Graham, R. J. Head, G. W. Stiverson, W. G. Fulton, W. H. Spangler, H. A. Buffington, J. H. Bridigum, E. A. Sharp, E. B. Learish, and P. F. Mickey.

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PUNXSUTAWNEY CHURCH

    The First United Brethren Church of Punxsutawney was organized in 1903. A lot was purchased on Woodland Avenue, in the East End, and a building was erected the same year. The cornerstone was laid in June, and the church was dedicated on October 22, 1893. The original cost of the building was $2700, but it has been enlarged and improved and modernized from time to time so that its present valuation is now $10,000. The class has a fine parsonage located on Greenwood Avenue, that has a value of $4,000. There is no debt on these properties.

    Rev. G. W. Emenhizer, while pastor of the Knoxville Charge, organized the class and was its first pastor. It was an appointment of

PUNXSUTAWNEY CHURCH

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the Knoxville Charge until 1896, when it was made a mission station and L. B. Fasick was sent as pastor. At that time the membership was twenty-three. It remained a mission until 1915, when it became a station. It became self sustaining in 1918. From 1905 until 1915, Albion was associated with it. The present membership is three hundred seventy-five. Lloyd McGee, E. F. Sturgeon, C. J. Walker, and A. L. Barnett have been licensed to preach. It has had a fine growth and is well located, well organized and aggressive. Its pastors have been: Revs. G. W. Emenhizer, T. W. Perks, C. R. McCullough, L. B. Fasick, U. B. Brubaker, E. B. Truax, Allen Rhen, Russell Showers, E. E. Bundy, W. S. Wilson, N. W. Burtner, L. Rexrode, Mark Phinney, J. S. Hayes, L. C. Rose, D. W. Willard, W. L. Murray, E. A. Sharp, and W. G. Fulton, who is the present competent and consecrated leader.

ORBISONIA CIRCUIT

    Ground for the Orbisonia church was given by Thomas Orbison for whom the town was named. The contract for the first building was let to James Baker and after he went to war it was finished under the leadership of Rev. J. F. Tallhelm. It was a frame building and was afterward stuccoed and known as the "Cinder Dash" Church. Among the charter members were James, John, and Samuel Baker; Noah, Stewart, and Joshua Holmes; Mr. and Mrs. John Rinker; Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Kelly; Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Kelly; Mr. and Mrs. Saul Smith: Mr. and Mrs. John Carrigan, and George Baker. Mr. Baker was chorister for forty years. The charge included what is now the Three Springs Charge and the Shade Gap Charge.

    In 1886, under the pastorate of Rev. E. B. Somers, the church was enlarged, brick cased, and otherwise improved. It is now comfortable and commodious. The parsonage, a seven-room brick building is located here and houses the pastor. Among the early pastors were: Revs. R. S. Woodward, J. A. Clemm, T. P. Orner, B. J. Hummel. A. Davidson, G. W. Emenhizer, and B. F. Noon.

    The Mt. Nebo Church is the outgrowth of a Sunday school organized in 1848, with James King as superintendent. Rev. I. Potter was the first pastor and served until 1849. The present church building was erected and dedicated in 1853, but has been remodeled at various times and is now a very beautiful country church. Charter members were William and Susannah Buckley, Hugh and Mary King, Peter and Mary Ripple, Henry and Nancy Snyder, George and Bar-

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MT. NEBO CHURCH, ORBISONIA CHARGE

bara Crone, Daniel and Elizabeth Bollinger, and Mrs. Elizabeth Copenhaver, who is still living at the age of ninety-five, and who attends service as the weather permits. Early pastors were: Revs. John L. Baker, D. Sheerer, and S. S. Kenage. The present efficient pastors are Reverends William and Rose K. Snyder.

    Pastors of this charge have been: Revs. J. F. Tallhelm, R. S. Woodward, W. S. Blackburn, E. B. Somers, D. Barshinger, A. Davidson, B. J. Hummel, M. L. Wilt, J. C. Erb, L. B. Fasick, W. A. Sites, E. B. Learish, J. A. Clemm, L. R. Jones, T. P. Orner, I. W. Groh, J. H. Weaver, Charles Gwynn, J. B. Keirn, A. D. Thompson, E. E. Dunkelberger, and William Snyder.

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NEW FLORENCE CHURCH

    The first preaching in this vicinity by the United Brethren was done by Rev. J. Riley in the Laurel Hill schoolhouse, and here the first class was organized in 1850. In 1856 there was a reorganization, and great revival followed in the old union schoolhouse and log church. Here the class worshiped until 1872, when they moved into the present church which was built under the pastorate of Rev. S. S. Kenage and dedicated by Bishop J. Weaver.

    The first Sunday school was organized in the old schoolhouse and was a union school. The United Brethren Sunday school was organized in 1886 and is very much alive today. This class was first attached to Jenner Cross Roads, then to Johnstown, in 1866 to Wilkinsburg, in 1871 to Greensburg, in 1874 to Ligonier, later to Morrelville, and in 1892 to Bradenville, and thus remained until it became a station in 1903. In 1886, a parsonage was built and later remodeled and modernized. This class is well organized having the various societies that are to found in a modern church. The names of some of those associated with this class are: the Selders, Deckers, Gearys, Campbells, Swartzses, Haires, Hulls, and Medsgers. The church has done its part in the civic and religious life of the town and community.

    The following ministers served this charge as pastors: Revs. J. S. Fulton, J. S. Hayes, E. F. Wriggle, James Fish, A. E. Fulton, S. H.

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Ralston, J. B. Keirn, H. N. Sipes, W. H. Mingle, O. T. Stewart, J. W. Oakes, A. J. Orlidge, C. L. Welch, and M. Elizabeth Spangler. During this time New Florence had with it Upper Yoder, then Bradenville, then Bradenville and Lycippus, Bradenville again, Upper Yoder, Westmont, and then Overbrook, and finally, in 1929, it became a station.

MAHAFFEY CIRCUIT

    The Mahaffey Class is the outcome of the constructive work of Rev. T. W. Perks. In his first revival eighty-six persons united to form the class among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Adam Lamey, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Breth, and Mr. and Mrs. James Meckley. The need of a church led the pastor and his trustees, Thomas W. Burke, Miles Davis, and A. J. Remaley, to secure the present site, May 6, 1893, for $175, and to push to completion the two-room frame building. It was dedicated by Dr. L. W. Stahl, October 15, 1893, and cost $2300.

    Rev. T. W. Perks began preaching in the Banner Ridge schoolhouse and organized a class among whom were Mr. and Mrs. George Byers, Mrs. Samuel Kauffman, Jacob Dehaven and wife, Miles Johnson and wife, and Mrs. Sarah Dehaven. Later a church was built on ground secured November 17, 1893, by G. W. Byers, Lizzie Byers, and Samuel Kauffman, trustees. It was dedicated by Rev. L. W. Stahl. This church was remodeled under Rev. L. C. Rose, and rededicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton. It is now in good repair and is serving the needs of the community.

    Rev. T. W. Perks held a revival in the Otterbein schoolhouse which resulted in the organization of a class. Ground was secured by S. H. Sunderlin, James Mott, and S. S. Mott, trustees, and a frame building was erected which was dedicated by Dr. L. W. Stahl, presiding elder. The class is small, but maintains regular services.

    A great revival in the Rock Springs schoolhouse was held by Rev. T. W. Perks, which enabled him to organize a class and to build a church on ground secured from Adam Gould, by M. E. Friedline, Daniel Friedline, and Jacob Friedline, trustees. The Goulds and Friedlines have been the leading families in carrying forward the work at this place. The membership is small, but energetic.

    Pleasant Hill Class was organized by Rev. T. W. Perks as a result of his work in that community. He first preached in the homes of the people and later in the schoolhouse where a gracious revival was held. The need of a church was apparent and in 1893, the present

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one-room frame building was completed and dedicated by Dr. L. W. Stahl, presiding elder, and has served the class and community since. The Brooks and Davis families have been leaders in the work at this place.

    A good six-room frame building was erected and attached to the Mahaffey church and is the comfortable and commodious home of the pastor, L. C. McHenry.

    These pastors served this charge: Revs. T. W. Perks, A. E. Fulton, O. T. Stewart, W. H. DaFoe, C. Kahlor, W. H. Shope, R. V. Hysong, J. W. Waters, F. J. Strayer, J. E. Ott, R. C. Walmer, L. C. Rose, G. A. Sparks, D. P. Shamp, J. S. Emenhizer, John Kerlin, S. E. Queer, Donald Clark, E. F. Sturgeon, S. J. Wilson, and L. C. McHenry.

MOUNT HOPE MISSION CHURCH

    This mission is the child of the Clearfield United Brethren Church and from its beginning has been under the charge of Rev. Daniel Hummel, a local preacher of the Clearfield Church. The class was organized in October, 1928, by Rev. J. S. Colledge and the Clearfield Quarterly Conference accepted the mission and Reverend Hummel was appointed pastor by Superintendent W. S. Wilson.

    A number of times efforts at organization had been made but the attempts failed. Meetings had been held in an old tabernacle which was uninviting and wholly inadequate and steps were taken to build

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on ground donated by Mr. and Mrs. Roy Parks. The cornerstone was laid by Rev. J. S. Colledge, June 2, 1929, and just about a year after the class was organized the new brick veneered church was completed. It was dedicated October 20, 1929, by Dr. W. S. Wilson. On the first anniversary of the dedication the last dollar of debt was paid.

    The class was organized with thirty-five members and has grown to eighty-eight. The present board of trustees is made up of: John Brown, Olive Parks, Andrew Hoover, Anna Lephart, George Litz, Roy Parks, and Kenneth Knepp. Reverend Hummel, the first pastor, continues to lead the forces of this growing mission.

MADISON CHURCH

    Just when the first United Brethren ministers came into the Madison community is not definitely known but it was certainly more than a hundred years ago for Bishop Newcomer visited this place in 1799. Nothing definite can be had on the origin of the class but it is more than a hundred years ago since Spaythe moved here, and from him ground was secured in 1833, and deeded to Adam Horn, John Brisbine, George Albright, and William Leasure, trustees. The first church was the result of a "Bushment" held by Rev. J. Ritter on the hill where the present church now stands and was dedicated by him in 1843. The appointment was made a part of the Westmoreland Charge. Here the Muskingum Annual Conference was held, at Henry Erretts, in 1821, and here the Allegheny Conference held its session in January, 1860.

    The present church was begun in 1888. The trustees were John Gardner, Noah Roose, John S. Shumaker, and Dr. J. M. Milligan, while Rev. R. S. Woodward was the pastor. The church cost $7,500, and at the time was one of the best village churches in the denomination. It was dedicated by Bishop J. Weaver, November 10, 1889. Some of the early families were the Erretts, Taylor, Schrader, Horn, Roose, Shoemaker, Espy, Willard, Henderson, Pool, and Davidson families.

    During the pastorate of Rev. J. S. Fulton, the present splendid nine-room frame parsonage was built and dedicated free of debt. This church has a record of probably one hundred thirty years in the community and for ninety years the church on the hill has been a silent witness for Jesus. Rev. L. C. Rose is the present enterprising pastor of this historic church. Those who have served Madison since it

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MADISON CHURCH

became a station have been: Revs. S. S. Hough, W. H. Mingle, S. R. Seese, J. S. Fulton, T. W. Perks, A. Davidson, J. S. Showers, W. A. Wissinger, J. B. Keirn, S. H. Ralston, C. H. Rhodes, S. M. Johnson, J. W. Oakes, H. A. Buffington, and L. C. Rose.

MAPLETON CIRCUIT

    Mapleton Class was organized by Rev. I. Potter, in 1852. The class was small and met in a log schoolhouse until 1861, when a frame church was erected at a cost of $1000, and dedicated in October of that year by the pastor, Rev. J. Hartsock. The membership was forty and Elliott Robley, Sr., John Bice, George Beattie, and a Mr. Jamison were the trustees.

    In this church the congregation worshiped until the present two-room brick structure was erected at a cost of $4000. The ground was given by the Ladies' Aid and the trustees were R. C. Fields, B. F. Slates, and B. Frank Goddard. It was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, November 19, 1893.

    In 1907, the church was extensively repaired and was reopened by Dr. G. W. Sherrick. Under the pastorate of Rev. C. H. Rhodes the church was again extensively improved, and reopened by Dr. J. S. Fulton. Under the leadership of Rev. J. C. Moses the work of putting a basement under the church was begun and it was finished during the

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ministry of Rev. H. H. Hummel. It cost about $2000, besides the donated labor. The membership is two hundred thirty-nine.

    The Ryde Class was organized by Rev. H. B. Ritter, September 17, 1916. It grew out of a Sunday school which had been organized in 1914. The community purchased the Mattawana church and moved it to Ryde. The first public service was held on Easter Sunday, 1916. The class was accepted by the quarterly conference and made a part of the Mapleton Charge. On April 26, 1931, the class observed its fifteenth anniversary and gave the offering of the day to the Seminary.

    The class at Wayne grew out of a Sunday school, organized in 1835, with William Stine as superintendent. The present building was

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erected in 1847. This church was one of the first station works in the conference and here the session of the annual conference of 1882 was held. Changed conditions resulted in the removal of the membership and for a time the church was closed. Under the leadership of Rev. J. C. Moses the church was repaired and reopened for service and during the pastorate of Rev. H. H. Hummel $650 more was expended in repairs. The indications are favorable for a return to its former prosperity.

    The parsonage is located at Mapleton and is a fine seven-room frame house. It was built under the leadership of Rev. H. B. Ritter and cost $3,500. Rev. H. H. Hummel is the present efficient pastoral leader of this charge.

    Pastors who have served this charge, since 1852, are: Revs. I. Potter, M. Spangler, J. Hartsock, D. Shirk, D. Sheerer, J. A. Clemm, M. Ohara, T. Kanaga, M. P. Doyle, L. R. Jones, W. A. Jackson, J. M. Smith, E. A. Zeek, J. F. Tallhelm T. P. Orner. C. W. Wasson, W. Cramer, A. Day, A. W. Maxwell. B. J. Hummel, R. S. Woodward, and B. C. Shaw. These served Mapleton and Huntingdon: R. Jamieson, W. F. Gilbert, H. S. Seilhamer, M. Holtzman, T. H. MacLeod, G. R. Alban, G. A. Sparks, D. Barshinger, H. B. Ritter, C. H. Rhodes, H. Kottler, J. A. Mills, J. C. Moses, and H. H. Hummel.

MIDDLEBURG CIRCUIT

    United Brethren ministers preached on the streets of Middleburg, in the homes of the people, and later in the schoolhouse, and still later they used an old log house for several years until, in 1848, the first church was built. Jacob Smith, George S. Smith, and Joseph Shannon were the trustees at that time.

    This building was used until 1871, when the second building was erected. It was a two-story building and for a time the lower story was used as a parsonage. The present church was built during the pastorate of Rev. H. F. Reber, and was dedicated by Bishop J. S. Mills, assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton, February 21, 1909. It is a two-room brick building and cost $6,500. It is a credit to the class and to the town. Simon Kratzer deserves special mention for his part in this enterprise.

    The Hummels Class was organized on December 19, 1896, by Dr. J. I. L. Ressler, with a membership of twenty-six. They worshiped in the home of Oscar Walter until under the direction of H. H. Her-

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man, Frederick Walter, and Edward Hummel the present church, a one-room frame building, was erected. It was dedicated October 26, 1897. This class has furnished two ministers, H. H. Hummel and William A. Sauer.

    The New Berlin Church was built in 1867 and, under the pastorate of Rev. H. F. Reber, it was remodeled and modernized in 1913, with Jerome Smith, Frank Dauberman, and J. H. Smith as trustees. The church is well located and is a brick structure. It was re-dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton. The membership is small but aggressive.

    The church at Kissimee was long known as Zion. The first church was built on Zion hill. Here the class worshiped until 1871, when a new and better church was erected. This church was sold and a third church was built in 1899. Here the class met and worshiped until, under the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Mingle, the present church was erected in Kissimee in 1916-17. It was dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, April 1, 1917, the trustees being Cornelius Bowersox, Charles Bower-sox, and Henry Hartman.

    The first parsonage was sold and the present comfortable and commodious one was purchased. It is located on the main street of Middleburg. This charge was long a part of the East Pennsylvania Conference but, in 1901, was made a part of Allegheny Conference. Rev. E. E. Dunkelberger is the present capable pastor of this charge.

    Since coming to Allegheny Conference these pastors have served:

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Revs. I. H. Dean, A. S. Wolf, E. B. Somers, G. E. Smith, J. W. Kelly, O. E. Carl, H. G. Campbell, W. H. Mingle, A. Haire, M. R. Colas, H. H. Hummel, J. S. Emenhizer, and E. E. Dunkelberger.

McKEESPORT FIRST CHURCH

    Our First Church in McKeesport grew out of the meeting of five men and three women who met on the 24th day of September, 1801, formed a class which they called, "The People's Church," and built a chapel. Rev. John Morgan was the pastor. He served for two years. J. W. Gilchrist became the Sunday-school superintendent and through him Rev. B. J. Hummel was secured to hold a revival. This

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resulted in the organization of a United Brethren class of forty members in the fall of 1893. Rev. E. James, the first regular pastor, was sent in the spring of 1894. Negotiations were opened by which this band purchased the church building on Highland Avenue, from the Coursin Street Methodist Episcopal Church. It has been repaired, remodeled, and modernized and is still the home of this class.

    From their efforts the Shoemaker Memorial Class and the Kephart Memorial Class have sprung. These heroic people were burdened with debt and received help from both the general and the conference extension boards but under the pastorate of Dr. G. R. Strayer every dollar was paid and the mortgage burned.

    Through Dr. L. W. Stahl a parsonage was purchased in 1918, which served until March 25, 1925, when a new parsonage built on the rear of the church lot, under the pastorate of Rev. S. H. Cunningham, was dedicated. John Morgan, J. R. Mouer, Oscar E. Krenz, F. B. Gilchrist, Jr., and Richard McCracken have entered the ministry from this class. This class is thoroughly organized for aggressive work and is now being led by Rev. A. J. Orlidge.

    Pastors who served this work were: Revs. E. James, J. M. Lesher, T. W. Perks, W. V. Barnhart, L. Rexrode, G. D. Fisher, E. A. Sharp, C. W. Davis, J. A. Smith, G. R. Strayer, S. H. Ralston, J. B. Keirn, L. W. Stahl, S. H. Cunningham, G. E. Smith, J. C. Rupp, D. W. Willard, F. B. Gilchrist, Jr., C. G. White, and A. J. Orlidge.

LATROBE CHURCH

    At a meeting of the Allegheny Conference which convened in 1902, Rev. E. F. Wriggle was assigned to the New Florence Charge with instructions to investigate Latrobe as a possible opening and if justified to establish a preaching place there. In October the pastor and S. W. Keister, presiding elder, canvassed the community and found the entire fifth ward to be without a church. This ward was known as Oakville or South Latrobe. It was thought that this part of the town was the most promising as well as the most needy. It was not until 1903 that any meetings were held. After the schools had closed the schoolhouse was secured and the first service was held April 12. At the close of the conference year a class of eight members was organized as follows: Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Ankeny, Mr. and Mrs. George Mickey, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Miller, Mrs. Hattie Mickey, and Mrs. Sarah Payne. Rev. E. F. Wriggle, C. C. Ankeny, Marshall Weaver,

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LATROBE CHURCH AND PARSONAGE

Joseph Eaton, and Harry Miller were elected trustees, and J. W. Mickey, class leader.

    At the conference of 1903, Latrobe, Kingston, and Bradenville were made to constitute the Latrobe Mission. Lots were secured and plans for a church and parsonage were made. The work was begun in 1904, and the completed buildings were dedicated by Bishop J. S. Mills, January 29, 1905. The buildings cost $10,656.86. The church is chartered in Westmoreland County and the charter bears date of April 1, 1905.

    This church has sent out as pastors: Charles Yates, P. F. Mickey, C. H. Rhodes, and John Hudock. The present efficient pastor is Rev. W. V. Barnhart. The men who have served this charge are: Revs. E. F. Wriggle, L. W. Stahl, W. A. Sites, H. A. Buffington, T. M. Sharp, T. C. Harper, E. A. Sharp, J. F. Strayer, and W. V. Barnhart.

LIVERPOOL CIRCUIT

    Liverpool Charge is older than the Allegheny Conference for it was one of the charges of the Pennsylvania Conference when that conference was divided and Allegheny Conference formed. It is composed

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of seven appointments. The parsonage is located at Liverpool and is the property of that appointment. It is a fine seven-room frame building with all modern conveniences and makes a comfortable and commodious manse. It has a valuation of $3000.

    The Hill Class was organized in 1873, and Rev. J. R. Hutchison became its first pastor. The appointment was made a part of the Duncannon Circuit of the Pennsylvania Conference and given to this conference by the General Conference. In 1874, a great revival made a church a necessity. The trustees were: Isaac Potter, William Finicle, James Wright, Sr., Samuel Leedy, David Silks, and Lemuel Jones. The ground was given by Isaac Huggins and the whole community joined in building the church. Reverends Leightner, Shaffer, and Spangler were present at the dedication, the former preaching the sermon. In 1874, when it was ceded to us it became a part of the Liverpool Charge. This class produced Rev. J. J. Funk, who is now the secretary of our conference. The church is well organized and the church building is kept in good condition.

    Liverpool Class is older than our conference, being one of the churches that came to us in the organization of the conference. This class built its first church in 1847, under the pastorate of Rev. David Grubb. The church unfortunately split over Free Masonry and quite a few withdrew. Among the early people were included the Ritter, Zaring, Snyder, Holman, Kizer, Rupp, Shuler, Welker, Potter, and Lutz families. The present two-room brick church was erected in 1902. It was started during the ministry of Rev. R. Jamieson and completed under that of Rev. J. F. Kelly. It cost $8000, and was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, who was assisted by Dr. H. U. Roop, September 20, 1903.

    From this class Dr. Jacob Ritter, Rev. David Grubb, and Rev. J. C. Rupp entered the work of the ministry. The trustees were: Henry Zaring, Silas Snyder, James Stailey, John Rupp, J. P. Holman, J. D. Snyder, J. D. Shure, and J. P. Lutz. The church was greatly improved under the pastorate of Rev. H. G. Reese and was re-opened by Dr. J. S. Fulton, November 22, 1927. Mrs. Lillie Potter presented this class with her house to be used as a parsonage. The present trustees are: J. D. Snyder, M. K. Johnson, Frank Shuler, J. B. Lutz, Herman Bucher, and J. P. Holman.

    Just when the Reward Class was organized is not definitely known and who organized it could not be determined. It is definitely settled that the first church was built in 1850. The building was a one-

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room frame structure and here the people worshiped until 1893 when, under the pastorate of Rev. B. C. Shaw, the present one-room frame structure, thirty by forty feet in size, was built. It was extensively repaired under the pastorate of Rev. H. G. Reese, in 1927, and reopened by Rev. J. H. Weaver. Rev. T. P. Orner entered the ministry from this class. The present trustees are: Mrs. Russel Rubendoll, Mrs. Henry Pressley, A. M. Crawford, Della Ulsh, and Catherine Craigg.

    At quite an early date there was a small frame church built in Pfoutz Valley, near where the present one-room brick church now stands. The present church is forty by fifty feet in size. In 1854, Henry Kauffman built this church on his own land and held the deed for twenty years when it was turned over to the church. Some money and material were given and much of the labor donated. The family of David Long, a brother of Isaac Long, in whose barn Otterbein and Boehm met, was one of the early families of this church. Others were the Kauffmans, the Beavers, and the Harters. The present trustees are: James Beaver, Otis Ward, and Charles Beaver.

    From what was known as the Old Union Church came the nucleus of the present Bucks Church. The church is a one-room frame structure, thirty-six by fifty feet in size. It was built under the pastorate of Rev. B. C. Shaw, and was dedicated February 22, 1892, by Dr. W. R. Funk. The trustees at the time of building were: Josiah Bair, William Kumler, J. R. Buck, Elmer E. Stephens, and James B. Stephens. Familiar names of those associated with this church are: Myers, Kumler, Bair, Stephens, Buck, Fortney, Deckard, and Albright. The present trustees are: Wesley Bair, Jacob Billow, and William Fortney.

    The Salem Class was organized in the early fifties and the first church was built more than seventy-five years ago. Barner, Klinger, Miller, Strawser, Chubbs, Spiker, Kerstetter, Knouse, and Hockenbrock are familiar names to this class.

    The present church was erected under the pastorate of Rev. J. E. Francis and his board of trustees: G. L. Barner, John Speicher, William Chubb, H. M. Klinger, and H. J. Boyer. It is a one-room frame building, forty by fifty feet in size, and was dedicated in 1900, by Dr. H. S. Gable, then presiding elder of the East Pennsylvania Conference. This church was a part of the Susquehanna Charge before being attached to the Liverpool Charge and belonged first to the East

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German Conference, then to the Eastern Conference, then to the East Pennsylvania Conference, and is now a part of Allegheny Conference. This large circuit is ably served by its efficient pastor, Rev. J. C. Moses. The following pastors served this charge: Revs. C. B. Gruber, D. D. Keedy, W. H. Mattern, A. E. Fulton, G. W. Lightner, A. W. Maxwell, B. C. Shaw, W. H. Blackburn, G. A. Sparks, J. F. Kelly, R. Jamieson, C. C. Bingham, W. H. Mingle, William Beach, J. E. Ott, T. H. MacLeod, G. W. Rothermel, C. A. Weaver, H. B. Ritter, R. H. Arndt, W. R. McKinney, H. G. Reese, P. C. Hoffman and J. C. Moses. The names of a number of the early ministers could not be secured.

KNOXDALE CIRCUIT

    This charge of two appointments goes back into the pre-war days in its history. The Knoxdale Class was organized in 1860. Rev. J. G. Steiner, a practicing physician, and a minister of the Pennsylvania Conference was secured to preach for the class. Rev. I. L. Kephart was the pastor when the church was built. Knoxdale was at that time a part of the Mahoning Circuit and later of the Brookville Charge. Before the church was built the class worshiped in a schoolhouse. The present frame structure is a one-room building and meets well the needs of the community. The Stewarts, Stiners, Fikes, Eschbaughs, Bishes, and the Rhodes were among the leading families in the history of this church. The present membership is one hundred fifteen.

    The parsonage is located at Knoxdale and is a good six-room frame house with modern conveniences. It is in good repair and is a comfortable and convenient home for the pastor of this charge.

    The Mount Olive or Panic Church was organized in 1889, by Rev. J. S. Hayes. This class grew out of a meeting held in the Panic school-house by Rev. B. J. Hummel and when the schoolhouse was closed to them they went into an old store room. Among those associated with this church are the Henry, Uplinger, Tressler, Snell, Brown, Dickey, Hilbig, and Smith families.

    Plans were laid to build a church. The trustees were: George Brown, Henry C. Snell, and James Henry. The church was completed and cost $1000. Most of the material and labor was donated. It was dedicated by Bishop J. Weaver, November 8, 1889. The church was greatly improved in 1916, under the pastorate of Rev. A. J. Orlidge.

    Among the early ministers who served this work were: Revs. J. S. Hayes, E. B. Somers, T. W. Perks, G. W. Emenhizer, and B. J. Hum-

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mel. The present pastor is Rev. Lloyd Mulhollen. These pastors served this charge: G. W. Emenhizer, T. W. Parks, C. R. McCullough, W. G. Fulton, A. M. Long, J. N. Haines, T. Cameron, B. J. Hummel, N. H. Newell, J. A. Mills, S. J. Wilson, J. E. Ott, J. C. Erb, C. N. McCandless, E. E. Ormston, J. B. Keirn, William Snyder, W. D. Good, P. R. Wineka, E. R. Miller, and Lloyd Mulhollen.

ALTOONA GRACE CHURCH

    Grace United Brethren Church is situated on Pleasant Valley Boulevard, in a beautiful residential section of Altoona, Pennsylvania. In 1925, a survey of this section was made by the Church Extension and Missionary Society, and the tabulation showed a large number of United Brethren and others who saw the advantage of a church in this section and who signified their willingness to unite in a movement to build a church. Rev. A. J. Orlidge was appointed pastor, though there was neither church nor class organization. Soon a sectional chapel was placed by the Church Extension and Missionary Society. Here the class was organized under the direction of Dr. J. S. Fulton, who dedicated the chapel December 11, 1925, and at the close of the day there was a membership of 123.

    The present church was erected under the pastorate of Rev. A. J. Orlidge, cost $42,000, and was dedicated by Dr. Fulton, May 6, 1928. The church is of two-toned brick, semi-gothic in style, has a fine auditorium gallery, Sunday-school rooms and a complete basement. The parsonage is modern and well fitted for its purpose and is situated several squares from the church. Besides Reverend Orlidge the church has been served by Rev. S. M. Johnson and Rev. W. G. Hawk, the present incumbent, as pastors. The class is very largely composed of young people and gives great promise for the future.

ALTOONA WEHNWOOD CHURCH

    The Wehnwood Class grew out of an investigation of this section of Altoona, made under the direction of the Conference Church Extension Society. In 1927, Rev. J. S. Showers was appointed pastor of Garden Heights and Wehnwood missions. There was neither class nor church building. The Conference Church Extension placed the sectional chapel that had been used at Juniata on the lots secured and it was dedicated by Dr. W. S. Wilson, February 5, 1928, at which time a class of one hundred members was organized.

    G. W. Sowders, J. L. Shoup, A. L. Hill, A. H. Rubenstein, S. G. Peterson, C. O. Williams, and C. B. Watkins were elected trustees.

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ALTOONA WEHNWOOD CHURCH

    The mission grew and, in 1929, it was separated from Garden Heights and made a separate mission. It has been served by Revs. J. S. Showers, G. E. Smith, and its present pastor, Earl C. Bateman, and gives much promise for the future with its fine location and well-organized membership. The present trustees are: G. S. Black, H. J. Clark, J. T. Mole, W. S. Painter, S. G. Peterson, S. E. Wallace, and C. O. Williams. The present membership is 133. This church is known as "The Church in the Wehnwood."

JEANNETTE CHURCH

    In 1908, Rev. John Watson was sent to Jeannette, a thriving town about twenty-five miles from Pittsburgh, to investigate it with a view of planting a mission there. He was to visit, tabulate his findings, and report to conference, which body would determine the future action. He did a fine piece of work, was sent as pastor and told to organize and go ahead. The class was organized October 4, 1908, with seventeen charter members of which number fifteen are still living and five are active members of the local church. Reverend Watson secured the old German Lutheran church and here the class worshiped until 1913, when they went into the present building.

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JEANNETTE CHURCH

    In 1909, two lots on North Third Street were purchased for $1000. E. J. Boyd, George McCabe, E. G. Lynn, Willis Williams, and A. T. Long were the trustees under whose direction building operations were started in 1912, and under whose direction the present building was completed. It was dedicated by Dr. W. R. Funk, who was assisted by Dr. S. J. Fulton, on November 9, 1912. The church cost $10,000, and meets the needs of the congregation splendidly. In 1925, a fine seven-room parsonage, which has a value of $11,000, was built under the pastorate of Rev. A. C. VanSaun.

    This church received a missionary appropriation from the beginning until 1930, when it became self supporting. The membership is now two hundred thirty-five and the class is thoroughly organized for service both at home and abroad. The following pastors have served this church: Revs. John Watson, W. H. Spangler, T. W. Burgess, A. C. VanSaun, R. H. Arndt, and A. B. Fulton, who is the present aggressive leader of this church. Their story in detail would tell of devotion and heroic effort by both the pastors and people with deserved victories.

JEFFERSON CIRCUIT

    The first services of the Mount Tabor Church were held as early as 1850, in an old schoolhouse near where the present church stands. Among the early families these names are recorded: Abers, McGee, Fetterman, Wachob, and Hummel. Rev. E. B. Kephart was one of the early preachers.

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    A class was formed in 1869-1870, by Rev. William Shimp and Rev. William Beighel. James McGee donated a plot of ground, building operations were begun and the cornerstone laid in the spring of 1875, during the pastorate of Rev. D. Steele. The church was dedicated in June, 1876, while Rev. J. H. Pershing was pastor. The appointment was made a part of the Mahoning Charge and later of the Knoxdale Charge and, in 1915, it became a part of the new charge called Jefferson.

    B. J. Hummel, John Wachob, and Angelus Adams entered the ministry from this appointment. The present trustees are Mrs. George Bell, Mrs. Catharine Bowser, J. C. McQuown, I. L. Murphy, and Joseph Smith. The membership is sixty-one. Serving this church before it became a part of this charge were: Revs. D. Steele, J. H. Pershing, D. R. Ellis, I. P. Truxal, A. E. Evans, E. B. Somers, T. W. Perks, J. S. Hayes, George Noden, J. N. Haines, A. M. Long, H. N. Newell, G. W. Emenhizer, D. Strayer, B. J. Hummel, S. J. Wilson, J. E. Ott, W. G. Fulton, J. A. Mills, and J. C. Erb.

    The Markton Church was organized in 1923, by Rev. Budd R. Smith with the following charter members: Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. William Long, A. L. Thomas, James Shaffer,

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Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Long, Mrs. Lydia Burkett, Mrs. Della Burkett, and Mrs. Batenhan.

    Steps were taken to build on ground donated by Melvin Burkett. The cornerstone was laid in the fall of 1923, and the church was completed. It was dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton in February of 1924, under the pastorate of Rev. G. E. Hoey. The building is a good, frame structure and cost $4,500. The present trustees are: Bert Thomas, Mrs. Ella Burkett, Godfrey Thomas, D. L. Rougher, and A. L. Thomas.

    The Albion Church grew out of services held in the community schoolhouse. Rev. R. S. Showers held the first regular services and organized a class. C. K. Gahaghen donated ground upon which the church now stands. The church is a brick-cased structure and was dedicated by Bishop E. B. Kephart, September 3, 1905. The trustees were: C. K. Gahaghen, John Henry, Israel McIlwain, C. A. Leasure, and J. O. Gaston.

    L. C. McHenry and Alex Swarmer entered the ministry from this class. The present membership is eighty-two and the trustees are: C. K. Gahaghen, Daniel Grube, C. A. Bargerstock, H. F. Smith, Walter Bargerstock, Leo McHenry, and Everett Leasure. The church was part of the Punxsutawney Charge for ten years, and was served by Revs. R. S. Showers, W. S. Wilson, L. Rexrode, and J. S. Hayes.

    The parsonage of the charge is a fine brick building and is located at Albion, adjoining the church. It is commodious and modern. Pastors who have had the charge since it was formed into the Jefferson Charge are: Revs. A. J. Orlidge, O. T. Stewart, C. E. Shelley, A. H. Haire, G. E. Hoey, E. F. Sturgeon, Budd R. Smith, and the present efficient pastor, G. E. Kelly.

JOHNSTOWN BARRON AVENUE CHURCH

    The Barron Avenue Class was organized by Rev. J. S. Miller following a very successful revival in the "Little Red Schoolhouse," on Fairfield Avenue, in 1883. The first church was a wooden structure which served until the present building was erected. The class was attached to Conemaugh, then made a mission station for a year. It was then attached to New Florence, and then made a mission station under the pastorate of Rev. W. H. Spangler, at which time it had two hundred five members.

    The original church was remodeled in 1895. The present structure was built under the pastorate of Rev. S. H. Ralston and dedicated by

THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST

JOHNSTOWN BARRON AVENUE CHURCH

Dr. W. R. Funk, who was assisted by Dr. J. S. Fulton, May 25, 1913. It is a fine structure and has a valuation of $30,000. The present parsonage was erected under the pastoral supervision of Rev. J. D. Good. It is modern and has all conveniences and carries a value of $12,000.

    The present membership of four hundred fifty-seven is under the pastoral care of Rev. E. A. Sharp and is well organized for efficient service. Two ministers have served a second pastorate, W. H. Spangler and E. A. Sharp. The pastors who served this work were: Revs. J. S. Miller, Thomas Cameron, R. S. Woodward, L. Keister, H. A. Buffington, J. S. Hayes, J. L. Leichliter, H. N. Newell, E. A. Sharp, C. W. Hendrickson, W. H. Spangler, W. H. Blackburn, L. Rexrode, S. H. Ralston, D. J. Good, P. F. Mickey, and the present efficient pastor, E. A. Sharp.

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JOHNSTOWN OVERBROOK CHURCH

    George Peden opened his home for a Sunday school, January 8, 1922, and in February, it was regularly organized. A church work society was organized in 1923, a Christian Endeavor in 1924, and a junior church in 1925. A class was organized September 17, 1922, and George Peden was elected class leader. The class was attached to New Florence and Rev. C. L. Welch was the pastor. Preaching services and Sunday-school services were held in the home of Mr. Peden until January 27, 1924.

    The Church Extension and Missionary Society purchased three-fourths of an acre of ground situated on Wonder Street in 1923, and placed on it a sectional chapel which was dedicated by Dr. J. S. Fulton, February 3, 1924. In July, 1928, the society approved the plans submitted for a brick, steel, and tile church. The contract was let and the work began in August, 1928, and on October 11, 1928, the opening service was held in the new church by Dr. W. S. Wilson. In the fall of 1929, this church was detached from the New Florence Charge and made a mission station and Rev. Glen C. Mitchell was appointed pastor. The new church cost $25,000 and its trustee board is George Peden, Leslie Gore, Jesse Cameron, Joseph Park, and Elmer Good. The mission is in one of the residential districts of Johnstown and has a place in the present and future life of the city.

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INDUSTRY CHURCH

    The exact date of the organization of this class cannot be determined but it is one of our oldest churches. Among the charter members were: J. R. McKenzie, William Neville, David Engle, John Taylor, William McKenzie, Est White, Clark Rodgers, and Joshua Larkins. The first church was built on the bank of Wolf Run, a short distance above the village of Industry, on ground donated by William Neville. Before the church was built the class worshiped in the home of George and Amy Engle. Rev. E. B. Kephart, afterward Bishop, was the first pastor. The seats of the first church were slabs mounted on legs or sticks.

    The second church was built in 1896, under the leadership of Rev. E. H. Barnhart, and was dedicated by Bishop E. B. Kephart, November 7, 1898, and cost $3000. This church was extensively remodeled and the basement finished, under the pastorate of Rev. E. E. Ormston, in 1923-24, at a cost of $7000, and rededicated May 7, 1924, by Dr. J. S. Fulton.

    The parsonage was built under the pastoral leadership of Dr. W. R. Funk. During the pastorate of Rev. C. L. Welch, two more rooms

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were added and the house modernized. The membership is eighty, among whom are to be found the Todds, Engles, Ammons, and the Nevilles.

    The following pastors served this charge: Revs. A. Day, A. E. Fulton, B. L. Seneff, M. P. Doyle, E. A. Zeek, B. F. Noon, S. H. Welch, S. H. Ralston, G. D. Fisher, A. V. Vondersmith, C. H. Snyder, J. J. Funk, E. Smith, E. H. Barnhart, C. W. Davis, C. L. Welch, O. T. Stewart, A. C. VanSaun, A. D. Thompson, A. Davidson, S. J. Wilson, J. C. Erb, G. E. Hoey, E. E. Ormston, C. A. Weaver, W. R. McKinney, Charles Gwynn, and F. B. Gilchrist, Jr.