598 Wyoming Conference

 

 

CHAPTER XIII

HONESDALE DISTRICT

 

Ariel, Pa.

 

Ariel was formerly known as, and is now sometimes called,

No. 19, the number of a plane on the old Pennsylvania Coal Com-

pany's gravity railroad. In 1852, Rev. G. W. Leach, then sta-

tioned at Salem, opened a monthly appointment on the Easton

and Belmont turnpike, less than a mile from Ariel. The next

year Rev. C. V. Arnold, on coming to the appointment, found the

old turnpike schoolhouse cold and damp. He was invited to

preach on his next appointment there at the home of Dwight

Mills, at Ariel, which he did to a crowded house. There came a

few days of slack time on the railroad. All the people, including

some Catholics, were soon at work constructing a preaching

place. The railroad company gave the lumber, some gave money,

and some gave work. When the preacher came to fill his next

appointment he had a new building in which to preach. This

building was finished shortly by the township and used for both

school and religious purposes. In this building, which was torn

down in 1896, were held the best services and the greatest

revivals known to the charge.

 

In 1872 this class was placed on the Canaan Circuit. A beau-

tiful union church was built, largely through the influence of

Judge Giles Greene. It was dedicated in the fall of 1890.

 

The lake at this place having become a popular summer resort,

and many of the cottagers desiring a settled pastor and more

frequent preaching, Cyrus D. Jones, of Scranton, promised to pay

half the salary of a preacher if this might be accomplished. Ac-

cordingly, in 1896 Ariel appears among the list of appointments.

 

In the fall of 1900 the Methodists began an agitation for a

church of their own, and on October 29 the society met and

elected W. H. Hazlett, J. W. Andrews, Jonathan Brown, George

A. Evarts, Silas C. Bortree, George W. Tisdel, and H. B. NeflF

trustees. Shortly after this plans for a new church were

purchased.

 

The union church burned on Sunday, February 24, 1901, the

fire originating, it is supposed, from the furnace. The Sunday

school had been closed but a few minutes when the fire was dis-


 

 

Ariel, Pa. 599

 

covered. Services were held that evening in the school building,

the pastor preaching from Isa. lxiv, 11, "Our holy and our beau-

tiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with

fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste." The Methodists

continued to worship in the school building until their church

was ready for use.

 

On June 1, 1901, the Lake Ariel Improvement Company deeded

the society a lot on Maple Avenue 90x150 feet, the society paying

 

        ARIEL CHURCH [photo]

 

$600 therefor. In the fall of the same year a strip 10x150 feet

joining the first purchase was bought for $100, making a lot

100x150 feet, large enough to hold the church and parsonage.

The society was incorporated on July 8, 1901, with the following

as trustees: John W. Andrews, W. H. Hazlett, Jonathan Brown,

S. C. Bortree, and George A. Evarts. The building committee

for the new church was W. H. Hazlett, J. W. Andrews, and the

pastor. On June 15, 1901, ground was broken, and the corner

stone laid on July 11, by Rev. J. F. Warner. Revs. E. A.

Quinby, E. D. Cavanaugh, J. A. Transue, and the pastor made

short addresses.

 

The church is a brick veneer, finished in oak, has a seating

capacity of 180, and cost $4,200. Mrs. W. H. Hazlett gave

$1,000 toward the enterprise. The church was dedicated on

Thursday, November 21, 1901. Rev. D. S. McKellar preached

at 2:30 p. M., from Luke vii, 5. The sum of $2,700 was needed


 

 

600 Wyoming Conference

 

to pay all obligations; $2,100 was raised in forty minutes. The

church was dedicated by Rev. J. F. Warner, leaving an indebted-

ness of $600. The ladies served a supper in the basement, and

in the evening addresses were made by Revs. J. A. Transue, D. S.

McKellar, and the pastor. The generous assistance of Mr. and

Mrs. W. H. Hazlett and Mr. Cyrus D. Jones, of Scranton, made

this church a possibility.

 

The parsonage is the gift of Mr. Jones, the society building the

foundation. It is valued at about $3,300, and was built in 1902.

 

For some years before Ariel was taken from South Canaan

Circuit services were held at the Pink schoolhouse, two and one

half miles northeast of Ariel. It was formerly called 17, and

was a part of Cherry Ridge charge prior to being put with Ariel.

A Sunday school is maintained, and preaching services are held

biweekly.

 

Pastorates

 

1896-98, L. E. Sanford; 1899-1900, L. E. Van Hoesen; 1901-

03, G. A. Bell.

 

 

Arlington, Pa.

 

This charge was called Paupack many years. When the Con-

ference was organized in 1852 it was a part of Cherry Ridge

charge, and remained there until Paupack charge was formed in

1860. It, however, was a part of Salem Circuit prior to 1852.

Hemlock Hollow, or Purdytown, is the central or leading point

on the charge. The church here was built by the Baptists in

1845, and purchased by the Methodists a few years later.

 

The court granted a charter to "The Methodist Episcopal

Church of Purdyville" on December 16, 1853, constituting Eli

Utt, Peter Fish, George Williams, Uriah Williams, Henry H.

Barttison trustees. This incorporation indicates about the time

the church was purchased.

 

The lot for the parsonage was bought of R. R. Purdy and wife

for $400, and the parsonage built in 1875, at a cost of $800.

 

Arlington, sometimes called Rollison's, is about five miles west

of Hemlock Hollow. Services here were first held in William

Dayton's house prior to going into the schoolhouse. The first

schoolhouse used for worship was built of logs, situated near the

lane that comes to the road from Arthur Rollison's house. The

second schoolhouse used by the society was a few rods east of

the church. Nathan Rollison was the first class leader.

 

The lot for the church was donated by James Osborne. The


 

 

Arlington, Pa. 601

 

corner stone was laid on Saturday, June 20, 1885, at 2:30 p. M.,

by Rev. W. M. Hiller. The church, which is called the Centenary

church, is 24x40, with a lecture room 14x24, and a tower 40 feet

high. The building cost $1,800, and was dedicated on Thursday,

December 17, 1885. Rev. J. O. Woodruff preached at 10:30

A. M., and Rev. W. L. Thorpe at 7:30 p. m. Rev. W. M. Hiller

conducted the dedicatory services. The Church Extension

Society gave this society $250 toward the project.

 

Paupack is a schoolhouse appointment four miles south of

Hemlock Hollow, and has been sustained many years. Rev.

Gideon Draper preached at Squire Chapman's house in this place

in 1807. It became a regular preaching place on the Canaan

Circuit. Quite a revival occurred under the labors of Mr. Draper.

 

Ledgedale is a schoolhouse appointment situated four miles

southwest of Hemlock Hollow. Services have been maintained

here a long time.

 

The first year of the circuit's history it paid the preacher $135,

to which the Missionary Society added $25.

 

In 1862 the circuit was supplied by the Sterling and Cherry

Ridge pastors.

 

In 1864 the pastor. Rev. W. H. Gavitt, was drafted for service

in the army, and Rev. E. Killam finished out the year for him.

 

In June of 1868 Rev. R. E. Hall's health failed, and Rev. M. D.

Fuller was sent to fill out the year.

 

Revivals from year to year have gradually strengthened the

circuit.

 

Pastorates

 

1860, Gabriel Westfall; 1861, H. Stanley; 1862, _____; 1863-

64, W. H. Gavitt; 1865-66, Gabriel Westfall; 1867-68, R. E.

Hall; 1869, M. D. Fuller; 1870-71, G. T. Price; 1872, C. W.

Blake; 1873, G. W. Robinson; 1874-75, S. Jay; 1876-77, J.

Durham; 1878-79, A. B. Eckerts; 1880-82, D. A. Sanford; 1883-

85, C. L. Rice; 1886-88, J. A. Transue; 1889, A. Schofield; 1890,

J. W. Harrison; 1891, John Davy; 1892, J. H. Perry; 1893-97,

J. G. Raymond; 1898, H. J. Heineman; 1899, W. Rawlings; 1900-

02, W. B. Signor; 1903, Walter Walker.

 

 

Beach Lake, Pa.

 

The society at Beach Pond was organized in 1840, James

Smith, Moses Tyler, George Bush, George Spettigue, Frances

Stephens, William Olver, Edward Haines, and Richard Male


 

 

602 Wyoming Conference

 

being constituent members. At this time what work was done

here was under the supervision of Revs. J. O. Boswell and E.

Owen, pastors of the Bethany and Honesdale charge. A local

preacher by the name of Curtis A. Stoddard, living at Bethany,

used frequently to walk to Beach Pond to preach, and that with-

out fee. In 1841 Rev. Perry G. White, pastor at Honesdale, had

supervision of this territory, and in 1842 the appointment is called

Honesdale and Beach Pond, with Perry G. White pastor. In 1843

Beach Pond Circuit appears among the appointments. It in-

 

        BEACH LAKE CHURCH [photo]

 

eluded what was afterward the Carley Brook, Damascus, Nar-

rowsburg, and part of the present Beach Lake charges. The

circuit was about sixteen miles wide from east to west, and

George W. Leach said, "Its north and south limits might have

been one hundred miles apart without interfering with any other

charge." Much of the territory was covered with a dense growth

of hemlock, at that time of no value unless it was near the Dela-

ware River. Meetings were held in the house of Edward Mar-

shall, Sr.

 

A parsonage was built in 1844 by Rev. John Barns, who re-

sided in a very inferior house about four miles from Vine Hill.


 

 

Beach Lake, Pa. 603

 

He worked so hard in excavating the cellar that his death, soon

after, was attributed to overwork.

 

The site for the church was given the society in 1850 by Mr.

George Wells, and the church erected the same year at a cost of

$2,000. It was dedicated on November 14, 1850, at 11 a. m., Rev.

George Peck preaching the sermon.

 

This church was repaired several times, but more extensively

in 1901. Four hundred dollars was spent in steel ceiling, new

pews, wainscoting, and minor repairs, all of which amount was

raised prior to the reopening. The pastor prepared an elaborate

program for the occasion. Rev. A. F. Chaffee was to lecture on

the evening of February 21, 1902. Saturday evening, the 22d,

Rev. W. H. Hiller was to lecture on George Washington. On

Sunday Rev. Mr. Hiller was to preach in the morning, and Rev.

G. M. Bell in the evening, and on Monday evening, the 24th, the

choir of the Honesdale Methodist Episcopal Church was to give

a concert. On Friday a heavy snowstorm began, which, before it

stopped, covered the ground with three feet of snow, rendering

the roads impassable, so that the first lecture was the only one

realized. Being snowed in. Rev. Mr. Chaffee was forced to pro-

tract his stay, and preached on Sunday to such as were brave

enough to wade through the snow to the church.

 

The parsonage stands near the church on a large plot of ground.

It was bought of a widow for $600. The first parsonage, being

away from the church some miles, was sold.

 

There is an old church at Vine Hill which was dedicated by

Rev. William Wyatt on May 16, 1861. This is no longer used.

 

The years 1856, 1868-69, and 1886 are memorable because of

extensive revivals.

 

Rev. Benjamin Ferris died at Beach Lake on December 17,

1846. The people of the charge defrayed the expenses of his

sickness and burial, and erected a marble stone at his grave in

Vine Hill Cemetery.

 

George Wells served as class leader here twenty-seven years.

After his death George Olver was appointed and has served thirty

years. Richard Olver was the first Sunday school superintendent

and served twenty years. George Olver served the Sunday school

in this capacity twenty-two years. Joseph Olver has been a trus-

tee over fifteen years, and is the only trustee who has served

so long.

 

Jonathan Spry went from this church into the ministry, and is

now preaching in Iowa. J. W. Tamblyn, who is now in the

ministry of the Free Methodist Church, is a son of this church.


 

 

604 Wyoming Conference

 

White Mills appointment was founded by Rev. G. A. Cure.

While he was stationed at Hawley he began services on Sunday

afternoons, holding them in the old schoolhouse, which is now

remodeled into a dwelling and stands directly opposite the church.

The church cost $1,800, and was dedicated in the spring of 1891.

 

        WHITE MILLS CHURCH [photo]

 

Mr. Dorflinger gave $500 toward the enterprise. The church

freed itself from debt in the winter of 1898. From 1898-1900

new sheds were built costing $140, a new bell purchased costing

$70, and the church painted. The trustees of this church are

J. Wesley Toms, Lyman Garrett, E. A. Wood, L. A. Williams,

and George Silsby.

 

Bethel Schoolhouse is an out-appointment where there have

been services over forty years. At one time the Baptists alter-

nated with the Methodists in holding services. Of late the Meth-

odists have 'had the field exclusively. Services are held every

Sunday at 1:30 p. m. The class is not strong, but is persistent.

 

Pastorates

 

1843-44, John Barns; 1845, E. A. Young; 1846, Benjamin

Ferris; 1847, C. Perkins; 1848, Morse; 1849, G. M. Peck;

1850-51, J. D. Safford, Abel Barker; 1852, E. Smith, J. S. David;


 

 

Bethany, Pa. 605

 

1853, E. Smith, M. Carrier; 1854, C. E. Taylor, D. Gorham; 1855,

C. E. Taylor; 1856-57, E. W. Breckinridge; 1858-59, S. Barner;

1860-61, William Shelp; 1862-63, D. Williams; 1864, J. F.

Wilbur; 1865-67, N. S. De Witt; 1868-69, J- L- Race; 1870-72,

George C. Hart; 1873, F. Gendall; 1874-75, R. C. Gill; 1876-77,

P. M. Mott; 1878-80, W. R. Netherton; 1881, A. E. Loomis;

1882, C. G. Wood; 1883, J. A. Faulkner; 1884-85, J. R. Allen;

1886, W. H. Hiller; 1887-88, H. A. Blanchard; 1889, J. A.

Transue; 1890, C. W. Todd; 1891-94, B. F. Larabee; 1895, M. S.

Buckingham; 1896-97, A. C. Brackenbury; 1898-1901, D. S. Mac-

Kellar; 1902, L. D. Tyler, J. M. Coleman; 1903, J. M. Coleman.

In 1902 L. D. Tyler's health failed, and J. M. Coleman filled out

the year.

 

 

Bethany, Pa.

 

It is claimed that Methodist preachers visited this locality as

early as 1805. When Gideon Draper was sent to Canaan Circuit

in 1807 he found his way to Bethany. Here "he found that an

old Baptist elder had warned the people against him as 'an

English spy' and 'a horse thief.' A large congregation assembled

in the courthouse to hear him [Bethany was the county seat of

Wayne County until 1842]. He referred to the slanderous report,

and, calling the slanderer by name, wished to know if he were

present. Upon being told that he was not there, he gave a satis-

factory account of himself, and left another appointment. The

next day he called upon the old elder and gave him his choice,

either to take back what he had said or to sustain a prosecution.

He wisely chose the former, and thus the matter ended."

 

In 1810 George Harmon and Samuel Thompson were the

preachers on Canaan Circuit. Dr. Peck says he "found a class at

Bethany, and appointed Joseph Miller leader." It does not ap-

pear that a class had been formed prior to this. Nor do we know

anything about the regularity of preaching service from Mr.

Draper's time till Mr. Harmon's. "Mr. Miller was sheriff of the

county and a man of respectability. Before he left the place Mr.

Harmon was informed that the Baptists had sent for an elder,

and intended to break up the class. He sent a local preacher to

fill his appointments, and remained a week. The elder did not

come, but left Mr. Harmon to himself, and he had a fine revival,

and received into the society a number more."

 

When Rev. George Peck was on the Canaan Circuit Bethany

courthouse was the only place of any pretensions in which he

preached. Subsequently the society worshiped in the old Presby-


 

 

606 Wyoming Conference

 

terian church, which was built as a union church, for a number of

years. After this old church was repaired the Methodists wor-

shiped three or four years in the old fireproof building now used

as a town hall. In 1822 the Presbyterians bought of the Meth-

odists and Baptists their interest in some lots, paying the society

$50. Just where these lots were, or how the Methodists became

interested in them, we are unable to state.

 

The first church building erected by the Methodists was put up

in 1833. This building was remodeled in 1875, and reopened on

 

        BETHANY CHURCH [photo]

 

Saturday, October 30, 1875, at 2 p. m., Revs. L. W. Peck, G. M.

Peck, and H. M. Crydenwise officiating.

 

On September 4, 1886, the Baptists conveyed to the society by

deed the present site and building for $100. In 1887 this building

was remodeled and enlarged, making it substantially a new build-

ing, with furnace, cushions, carpet, bell, and Sunday school room

complete, at a total cost of $2,100. It was dedicated on January

19, 1888, Rev. J. C. Leacock preaching the sermon, and Rev. J. B.

Sumner conducting the dedicatory service. The Wyoming Trio

were present and added to the interest of the day by their singing.

 

In consideration of $680 Richard Webb and wife deeded to the

society a property on Sugar and Wayne Streets, on November 18,

1862. This was used for a parsonage. On November 23, 1870,

the society deeded this property back to Mr. Webb, valuing it at


 

 

Bethany, Pa. 607

 

$1,000, and took from Mr. Webb the present property, which was

considered more desirable for a parsonage.

 

The old house had stood for many years — some have said as

many as seventy-five. After having been used as a parsonage for

a long time it was demolished and the present house built at an

expense of $1,200.

 

In the spring of 1847 a revival here resulted in over sixty

accessions to the church.

 

Aldenville is about five miles west of Bethany. A society

existed here some time before the erection of the church. The

church was begun in 1854 and finished in 1855. It was dedicated

on Thursday, January 3, 1856, at 11 A. m., Rev. George Landon

preaching the sermon. The Aldens gave $400 toward the enter-

prise. On July 20, 1857, Julius T. Alden and wife and Levi H.

Alden and wife deeded the lot upon which the church was built,

containing 41 rods and 87% feet, to the society as a gift. This

church was repaired and renovated in 1893, at a cost of $400.

 

Meetings have been held by the Methodists in the Glass Factory

schoolhouse, which is three and a half miles from Aldenville, and

one and a half miles from Bethany.

 

Pastorates

 

Bethany and Honesdale were together until 1841, and covered

a good deal of territory; prior to 1830, on the Canaan Circuit.

1830, Morgan Sherman; 1831, M. Baker; 1832, Erastus Smith;

1833-34, C. Nash; 1835, H. F. Rowe; 1836, H. F. Rowe, I.

Conover; 1837, L. Mumford, Philo Blackman; 1838, L. Mum-

ford; 1839, J. B. Benham; 1840, J. O. Boswell, E. Owen; 1841,

Lucien C. Bennett; 1842-43, _____; 1844 (with Mount Pleasant),

William Dean; 1845-46, C. Perkins; 1847-48, H. Brownscombe;

1849, J- D. Safford; 1850, G. M. Peck, Glover Laird; 1851, C.

Perkins, A. Barker; 1852, A. Barker; 1853, Z. S. Kellogg, A.

Barker; 1854, S. S. Barter, A. Barker; 1855, S. W. Weiss; 1856,

J. A. Baldwin; 1857, W. H. Leake; 1858, F. Spencer; 1859-60,

Joseph Madison; 1861-62, N. S. De Witt; 1863-64, J. K. Peck;

1865-67, J. L. Race; 1868-70, J. W. Hewitt; 1871, L. Cole; 1872,

H. H. Dresser; 1873-74, George C. Hart; 1875-76, J. H. Taylor;

1877, R. J. Kellogg; 1878-79, P. R. Tower; 1880-81, J. T. Bur-

rail; 1882-83, William Edgar; 1884, L. Cole; 1885, B. B. Carruth;

1886-90, P. Houck; 1891-92, Joseph Madison; 1893-94, S.

Homan; 1895, J. A. Transue; 1896-98, H. E. Wheeler; 1899-

1900, H. A. Smith; 1901-02, A. O. Williams; 1903, F. F. Gibbs.


 

 

608 Wyoming Conference

 

 

Carbondale, Pa.

 

During the autumn of 1828 a few Methodists, among whom

were Jesse Gardner, James Birdsall, Wanton Hill, Stephen

Marsh, Jesse Clark, Addison Clark, H. B. Jadwin, and Vene Lee,

began to hold meetings in the house of Vene Lee. Vene Lee was

the husband of Mother Lee, familiarly known in this section to

Methodists of early days, and a woman of great force of character

and power. He was a butcher, and his home stood on the lot now

occupied by the Nealon building on the northwest corner of Main

Street and Seventh Avenue.

 

It is supposed that all of the parties named above were heads

of families except Jesse and Addison Clark.

 

The pioneer preacher was William Griffin, a local preacher

living in Canaan, and a brother of Mother Lee. Mrs. Harriet

Watt, while she was alive, could be seen almost any day sitting

in a hardwood rocking-chair made by this preacher, which looks as

if it were good for use the next hundred years.

 

Either Vene Lee, or John Lee his son, died in the winter of

1830. Shortly after his death the family moved back to Canaan.

Until their removal preaching services were usually held in the

Lee house. After their removal and until the church was ready

for occupancy preaching services were held in the homes of

various members of the society. It is very probable that the

schoolhouse erected in 1851 was used by the Methodists for a

few months.

 

During these years prayer meetings were held at private houses.

 

In the spring of 1832 the society began to build its first church,

which was completed in the fall. It was built upon the lot now

occupied by the stone church, the lot being a gift from the Dela-

ware and Hudson Canal Company. This building was a one-

story frame building about 36x56 feet in size, and stood with its

front close to the line of the present sidewalk. The frame was

erected by Mr. Burgess, and the balance of the work was done by

John McKune. Mr. Harry Johnson, who lived to be past ninety,

for many years president of the board of trustees, worked for

Mr. McKune at the time by the month, and consequently had to

do with the building.

 

Shortly after the building was erected the newly organized

Episcopalians purchased an interest in the church, they to have

the use of it a part of the time for their services. In March, 1838,

the Methodists bought back the interest sold to the Episcopalians,

paying $218 for the same.


 

 

Carbondale, Pa. 609

 

In the spring of 1849 work upon the second church building

was begun. After the foundation was laid and the frame up a

temporary floor was put in, seats extemporized, and on June 14,

at 1:30 p. m., the corner stone was laid. The services were con-

ducted by Rev. William Reddy, assisted by Rev. T. H. Pearne.

 

This building was 47x70 feet, with a basement containing a

lecture room and four class rooms. The audience room had a

gallery across one end, over the vestibule, and including the

gallery would seat six hundred people. The belfry was so con-

structed as to contain a bell and town clock, which were soon put

 

        OLD CARBONDALE CHURCH [photo]

 

in. Upon the top of the belfry was a weather vane, called by

some an eagle, by others a dove, and by others a goose.

 

This church was located on the rear half of the church lot, its

front being within three or four feet of the rear of the first church

building. Its front would be about where the center of the present

auditorium is.

 

This church was dedicated on May 1, 1850. The morning

sermon was by Dr. Nathan Bangs from I Cor. iii, 11-15, and the

evening sermon by William Reddy from 2 Cor. iv, 5.

 

This building cost about $4,000. In order to prosecute the

enterprise $1,000 was borrowed of Chauncey Shaffer, of New


 

 

610 Wyoming Conference

 

York city, on seven years' time, to be paid in installments, and

$500 borrowed of one of the trustees. This is supposed to be the

amount of indebtedness at the time of dedication.

 

About the time this church was entered for regular worship the

first church building was sold to the Baptists for $150, and was

moved by them to the lot adjoining on the south. There are

many of the older inhabitants of this city who remember it.

 

In 1851 the city rented the lecture room and two class rooms

for one year, and used the rooms for sessions of court.

 

In this year an effort was made to decrease the indebtedness.

Rev. H. R. Clarke, the pastor, went down the valley and received

$127.50, and from a trip to New York received $62.50. Home

subscriptions increased the total amount to $580.

 

In the fall of 1854 shrinkage in subscriptions, accumulated in-

terest, and principal made the total indebtedness of the society

$2,600. This was alarming, as a sale by the sheriff seemed almost

a certainty. Rev. William Wyatt, the pastor, made several visits

to New York city, down the Wyoming Valley, and out West in

quest of funds. He succeeded in raising $1,600 in this way. The

balance of the indebtedness was heroically raised by the strug-

gling church at home. Rev. Mr. Wyatt's pastorate was charac-

terized by three things: the raising of the debt, a fierce fight with

spiritualism, and a glorious revival in which there were over two

hundred conversions. Over one hundred and thirty of the con-

verts joined this society. In 1867 the society was found to be in

arrears $1,000. Under the leadership of the pastor this was

liquidated, and the society again declared out of debt.

 

In 1875 $3,529 was spent in general repairs, which was provided

for before reopening. Reopening services were held from the 3d

to the 7th of November. Services were held on the afternoon and

evening of each day except Sunday, the 7th, when the services

were held in the morning and evening. The following clergymen

were present and preached during the services: H. R. Clarke, I. T.

Walker, A. Griffin, G. H. Blakeslee, William Reddy, H. Browns-

combe, D. A. Shepard, J. O. Woodruff, and L. W. Peck.

 

The last services held in this church were on Sunday, March 20,

1892, after which, and until the new church was ready for occu-

pancy, a tabernacle, costing about $500, and located on the rear

of the parsonage lot, was used by the society for worship. The

building which had housed this people from 1850 to 1892 was

torn down to make room for the new building.

 

The corner stone of the present beautiful church was laid on

September 7, 1892. A large assemblage of the church members


 

 

Carbondale, Pa. 611

and citizens witnessed the event. The services were in charge of

the pastor.

 

On Wednesday, September 13, 1893, the church was dedicated.

Dr. S. F. Upham, of Drew Theological Seminary, preached at 2:30

p. M. from Luke xxiv, 32. At 7:30 p. m. Dr. Thomas Hanlon,

president of Pennington Seminary, preached from Matt. xxiii, 4.

Dr. Hanlon did the soliciting of funds at both services. The

church was dedicated by the presiding elder. Rev. W. L. Thorpe.

Nine former pastors were at this service: Rev. Y. C. Smith, D.D.;

Rev. G. M. Peck; Rev. A. Griffin; Rev. I. T. Walker; Rev.

 

        CARBONDALE CHURCH [photo]

        Burned November 17, 1901

 

William Reddy, D.D.; Rev. A. B. Richardson; Rev. H. R. Clarke,

D.D.; Rev. W. M. Hiller; Rev. J. O. Woodruff.

 

The church cost $40,186.55. Prior to the day of dedication

$25,439.44 had been subscribed, and on the day of dedication

$6,051. Toward the balance the Ladies' Aid Society and Young

Lady Workers have paid several thousand dollars.

 

The building was put up by T. C. Robinson.

 

The Sunday school raised $1,600 toward the enterprise.

 

The pipe organ was the gift of Mrs. D. K. Morss, in memory

of her daughter, and cost $2,350. The Young Lady Workers had

planned to buy the organ, but learning of Mrs. Morss's desire,

they turned the money they had raised into the building fund.


 

 

612 Wyoming Conference

 

In 1897 a house and lot at 114 Belmont Street was purchased

for $2,000. The lower part of the house was fitted for Sunday

school work; the upper part is used by the janitor. A thrifty Sun-

day school was organized, and weekly prayer meetings are held.

 

On September 10, 1899, the seventy-first anniversary of the

society was observed. At 9 a. m. Rev. J. F. Warner conducted a

Pentecostal service; and at 10:30 Rev. John Krantz, D.D.,

preached upon The Ascension. In the evening Rev. A. B. Rich-

ardson, D.D., preached from I Pet. ii, 9. During the day the fol-

lowing amount was asked for: amount of outstanding bonds,

$6,400; balance of purchase money for Belmont chapel, $1,400;

interest on above until maturity, $600; temporary loan, $600; in-

surance for three years, $200; painting and other repairs on

church, $200; anniversary expenses, $100. Total, $9,500.

 

The people responded so cheerfully that over $10,000 was sub-

scribed. The subscriptions were taken on condition that two

years' time would be given for payment — the amount of each

subscription to be divided into eighths, and an eighth paid every

three months. On September 8, 1901, an anniversary service

was held for the purpose of bringing to a close the debt-paying

scheme. The shrinkage on the subscription list was so small that

only $100 was needed to cancel the debt. To this was added $100

to repay money borrowed to put in the parsonage heater, and

the congregation was asked for $200, which amount was soon

raised. Rev. A. H. Wyatt, D.D., preached in the morning upon

The Ascension, and in the evening from James i, 25. At the even-

ing service Pierce Butler, president of board of trustees, burned

the mortgage, while the people sang repeatedly the doxology.

 

On the morning of November 17, 1901, the church was dis-

covered to be on fire between 6 and 7 a. m., and in a few hours

it was in ruins. It is believed that the fire started in the furnace

room. By mistake, Mr. Charles Hull, who was returning from

the tower during the fire, when he reached the first landing, went

through the gallery door into the auditorium, instead of going

down the stairway. He barely escaped with his life, his hands

and face being badly burned.

 

This day was to have been the annual missionary day, and

preparations had been made for an advance in the missionary

collection. Heartbreaking and tears came' instead.

 

On the afternoon of this day the official board met and resolved

to take steps at once toward rebuilding. On the following Mon-

day night A. Pascoe, T. C. Robinson, A. E. Tiffany, F. C. White-

lock, and A. F. Chaffee were constituted a building committee.


 

 

Carbondale. Pa. 613

 

In a short time Mr. E. Langley, of Scranton, was engaged as

architect. After the plans and specifications were completed,

A. E. Tiffany, J. A. Hoole, and William Edgett were invited to

submit bids for the work. On the evening of March 25, 1902,

the committee received the bids, which were as follows: Mr.

Edgett, $26,940; Mr. Tiffany, $26,500; Mr. Hoole, $23,375. These

bids did not include the steel trusses which support the roof, nor

the steel girder in the partition between the auditorium and the

Sunday school room. Mr. Hoole's bid was accepted.

 

During the time this work was being done a committee com-

 

        CARBONDALE PRESENT CHURCH [photo]

 

posed of A. Pascoe, W. D. Evans, and A. F. Chaffee, made an

extensive canvass relative to the purchase of a pipe organ. Upon

the suggestion of this committee the board contracted with Mr.

M. P. Moller, of Hagerstown, Md., for an organ costing $3,300.

The community and surrounding towns were very sympathetic.

Sister churches magnanimously offered the use of their churches.

The society used the Baptist church one Sunday, and then for

several weeks worshiped with the Presbyterians, the Presbyterian

and Methodist pastors alternating in the pulpit work. Mr. W. E.

Watt offered the society the use of his hall gratuitously. Chairs

were purchased to seat the hall at once, such as would be desirable

for use in the church, when ready. Services were commenced in


 

 

614 Wyoming Conference

 

the hall about the first of January, 1902, and continued here

until March 1, 1903. The kindness of Mr. Watt was highly

appreciated by the society.

 

The church received $20,000 insurance. Generous friends from

Scranton and in Carbondale contributed over $3,000, chiefly

through the tactful energy of Mrs. A. Pascoe. The societies in

the church began work at once to secure funds. At the dedicatory

services the treasurer of the board of trustees rendered the follow-

ing statement:

 

Amount of J. A. Hoole contract                        $23,375.00

Steel trusses not in contract                      2,000.00

Steam heaters, pipes, plumbing, sewering, and grading   2,800.00

Gas and electric piping, wiring, and fixtures        950.00

Stained glass dome and windows                     1,985.00

Decorating and varnishing                            716.00

Architect's commission                               720.00

Pipe organ                                         3,300.00

Pews and chairs                                    1,906.00

Cushions:                                            449.32

Altar furniture                                      150.25

Carpets and linoleum                                 663.50

Bell                                                 500.00

Church hymnals and music                             198.00

Insurance, three years                               278.18

Sundry minor accounts                                103.90

        Total cost of building                        $40,095.76

 

Of the above there is yet unpaid $6,772.

 

Received in cash from insurance on burned building $19,800.00

 

Received in cash from subscriptions already publicly acknowl-

edged, namely:

        From Scranton                             2,050.00

        " Carbondale                                922.00

Received in cash since publication of list:

        From James Stott                            250.00

        " Young Lady Workers                      1,000.00

        " Ladies' Aid Society                       924.12

        " two concerts                              121.75

        " Sunday school square-foot plan            400.00

        " Harriet M. Watt Est, memorial window      350.00

        " Olive R. Shiffer, memorial window         175.00

        " Epworth League, on memorial window         50.00

        " sale old material of church               167.56

        " collections for bell                      500.00

        " interest on deposit in bank.              500.82

        " sale of 4 per cent bonds

               payable at any interest period         10,500.00

        Total cash receipts                         $       37,711.25


 

 

Carbondale, Pa. 615

 

Financial Condition March 7, 1903

 

Balance due on contracts and unpaid accounts      $6,772.00

Balance due on trustees' note                        250.00

Amount temporary bonds outstanding                10,500.00

                                                      $17,522.00

Less cash on hand                     $4,387.49

Less subscriptions unpaid                225.00

                                                   4,612.49

Indebtedness unprovided for                           $12,909.51

 

The church was dedicated on Sunday, March 8, 1903, Rev.

John Krantz, D.D., preaching in the morning from Psa. xxvi, 8,

and in the evening Rev. A. Griffin, D.D., preached from Ezra v, 9.

During the day $13,000 was subscribed to meet the balance of the

indebtedness. At the evening service the following hymn by the

pastor's wife was sung with great enthusiasm:

 

"Our fathers' God, to-day

Before thy feet we lay

        Our offering.

Now show thy presence here,

O, let us feel thee near.

While we with holy fear

        Thy praises sing!

 

"From ruins sore and great

This beauteous house complete

        Before thee stands.

May it accepted be,

Our gracious God, by thee!

We give it heartily

        Into thy hands.

 

"Here may our Father's love

And Jesus' power to save

        Be manifest.

The Holy Spirit's power

Fall in a glorious shower

In many a joyful hour,

        And on us rest.

 

"May sinners seek thy face.

And saints with wondrous grace

        Be strangely thrilled!

Within this house of thine

Do thou in glory shine!

With majesty divine

        May it be filled!


 

 

616 Wyoming Conference

 

"Our hearts rejoice as we

Now dedicate to thee

        This new abode.

Before thy throne we bend,

To heaven our hearts ascend,

This church is thine, our Friend,

        Our glorious God."

 

The dedicatory services were conducted by the presiding elder,

Rev. J. F. Warner.

 

The dedicatory services were followed by a Feast of Dedica-

tion. On Monday night Rev. Henry Jones, S.T.D., of Wilkes-

Barre, preached, and the Episcopal rector, of Carbondale, pre-

sided, while his choir furnished the music. On Tuesday evening

Rev. Charles Lee, pastor of the Carbondale Presbyterian Church,

presided, his choir furnished the music, and Rev. J. H. Odell,

D.D., of Scranton, preached. Wednesday evening was the

Methodist night. Rev. J. F. Warner presided, and Rev. A. W.

Hayes, D.D., of Binghamton, preached. Thursday night Rev.

H. J. Whalen, D.D., pastor of the Carbondale Baptist Church,

presided, and his choir furnished the music, while the sermon was

by Rev. J. W. Phillips, D.D., of Binghamton. On Friday night

the pastor and wife gave a reception.

 

The Ladies' Aid Society raised $1,000 during the year the

church was building, and subscribed as much more on the day of

dedication. The Young Lady Workers did the same. The Sun-

day school raised $1,000 by its square-foot plan.

 

The bell in this church is historic. The bell in the old church

was cast in 1850, and weighed seven hundred and sixty-two

pounds. It was the first bell of any size in the city. For many

years it sounded the hours of the day, being connected with the

town clock in the steeple. It was used as a fire alarm for the

town many years. In the war days it called the people together

to bid farewell to the soldiers who had enlisted in the war for

the suppression of the rebellion, and tolled the funeral knell of

many who were brought back dead. It tolled upon the death of

Abraham Lincoln, Conference being in session at Carbondale at

the time. It called Wyoming Conference together for its first

session. It was an extraordinarily sweet-toned bell, and the

people were very fond of it. It was ruined by the fire. One

hundred and forty-five pounds of it were made into souvenir bells,

which, selling at one dollar each, created a fund which bought

the present bell. Six hundred and seventeen pounds of the bell

were used in the construction of the present bell, enough metal


 

 

Carbondale, Pa. 617

 

being added to make a bell weighing two thousand and twelve

pounds.

 

The piano is a gift of some Scranton ladies, and the range was

donated by the Scranton Stove Works. The pulpit is the gift of

Mr. Frank Smith, in memory of his father, Dr. Y. C. Smith, and

the communion table is the gift of Mr. Lester Smith, in memory

of his mother. The collection plates were given by Dr. C. W.

Colburn, while the Junior League gave the pulpit Bible and

Hymnal.

 

In building the present church it was found that the walls had

not been seriously damaged by the fire, and they were used sub-

stantially as they were. The front gable was enlarged and the

stonework in the tower extended about fifteen feet.

 

The south window is in memory of John and Harriet Watt,

and is "Christ Blessing the Children." The west window was

given by Mrs. Olive R. Shiffer in memory of George M. and

Angle M. Rowley, her parents, and William L. and Clarissa A.

Rowley. The figure is Christ taking leave of his mother. George

Rowley led the choir in this church a long while. The north

window was put in by the Epworth League and is "The Visit of

the Women to the Sepulcher." The three windows are after

paintings by Bernard Plockhorst.

 

The first parsonage was built in 1843, on the lot now occupied

by the parsonage. It was a story-and-a-half frame building and

cost $750. The deed for the lot was not secured of the Delaware

and Hudson Canal Company until November 1, 1855. Consider-

ation, $75.

 

In 1867 this house was raised to two stories, and otherwise

improved, at an expense of $480. A part of this amount was

provided for by subscriptions and a part carried by loan.

 

In the early part of 1878 the house was burned. Rev. J. C.

Shelland was occupying it at the time, but lost very little of his

belongings. The present house was built the same year, at a

cost of $2,000.

 

The first meeting of the society for election of trustees was held

at the meetinghouse on the evening of October 16, 1839. Rev.

F. A. Stanton was elected chairman and Raymond W. Graves

secretary. Jesse Gardner was elected trustee for the term of one

year, James Birdsall and Wanton Hill for two years, and Judson

Clark and Silas Burrows for three years. We have no record of

either trustee meetings or of the society for the purpose of elect-

ing trustees until January 6, 1842, at which time Joseph Hutchins

was elected trustee. In the fall of 1843 the trustees discovered


 

 

618 Wyoming Conference

 

that the society had no charter, though most of the people sup-

posed one to exist. An attempt to get one had failed, through

neglect of the committee appointed to secure one.

 

Accordingly, the pastor, with the concurrence of the presiding

elder, and in harmony with Disciplinary law, appointed the fol-

lowing trustees on November 11, 1843: Jesse Gardner, James

Birdsall, Wanton Hill, Judson Clark, Elam Woodward, Michael

Van deck, Raymond W. Graves, Anthony P. Gardner, and Rod-

ney Eaton.

 

Steps were at once taken to secure a charter. At a meeting of

the trustees held on November 17, 1843, a charter was approved

and application for its grant by the court forwarded to the court.

On April 18, 1844, the Luzerne County Court decreed the charter

granted, and "The Methodist Episcopal Church of Carbondale"

began its corporate existence.

 

This charter provides that the trustees shall be elected by the

board of trustees, on nomination of the pastor, and their term of

service is lifelong.

 

The following persons have been elected trustees, and on the

dates given: James Dickson and Ezra Newton, April 8, 1844;

Daniel Taylor, December 24, 1844; William Johnson, September

9, 1845; Evan Harris and Abraham Snyder, November 2, 1846;

Daniel Bacon, November 13, 1846; Stephen S. Clark, Henry

Johnson, and Orin Kilburn, January 25, 1849 (S. S. Clark re-

signed in 185s, again elected October 1, 1862, and is still a mem-

ber of this board; Henry Johnson served until 1899 — two very

long terms of service); Evan Harris, Canfield Harrison, and

Orin Whittemore, December 27, 1849; John McFarlane and

Joseph L. David, June 9, 1851; John Watt, January 12, 1852

(served until his death, in June, 1885); D. C. David, May 14,

1852; J. G. Thompson, March 3, 1854; Lewis Pughe, May 26,

1854; N. D. Farnham, January 24, 1855; William Lindsay,

November 28, 1856; J. W. Churchill, October 1, 1862; M. C.

Dykman and N. P. Cramer, June 10, 1867; E. T. Rowley, October

21, 1867; A. Pascoe, 1872; D. Scurry, April 16, 1873 (served

until his death, in March, 1903); Joseph Isgar (date of election

unknown); W. G. Reynolds, November 16, 1874 (served until

his death, in March, 1900); H. B. Jadwin, December 7, 1878;

Pierce Butler, January 16, 1882; H. P. Hathaway, October 16,

1885 (served until his death, in April, 1898); Irving Davis,

January 28, 1889; T. C. Robinson, March 19, 1891; W. E.

Kirby, September r, 1892; F. C. Whitelock, September 19, 1901;

A. E. Tiffany, April 1, 1903.


 

 

Carbondale, Pa. 619

 

The Wyoming Conference was organized in Carbondale in

1852. Since that time the church has entertained the Conference

three times; April, 1865; April, 1882; and April, 1895.

 

During Y. C. Smith's second year sickness incapacitated him,

and J. L. Wells supplied the pulpit four months.

 

In the early days of this charge the pastor served Greenfield

and Dundaff which formed a part of the charge.

 

The eccentric and justly famous Lorenzo Dow preached here

in the "forties."

 

Mrs. Julia Davis and Mrs. Elgie Graves, sisters, joined the

church in 1836 and remained members until their death, 1903

and 1902 respectively.

 

Mrs. Phoebe Decker, a member of this church, lived to be

ninety-seven years of age.

 

Mrs. Harriet Watt had been a communicant of this church

sixty years when she died, in 1902, at ninety-two years of age.

 

Mr. Henry Johnson served the church as trustee forty years,

and Mr. S. S. Clark forty-six years. The latter is still on the

board, being ninety-two years old.

 

Mr. D. C. Benscoter had charge of the infant department of

the Sunday school twenty-five years.

 

Mrs. William Johnson was a member of the Sunday school

fifty-six years, and Irving Davis has been a member since 1850.

Following close upon these are Mrs. William Thompson, Mrs.

John Bell, Lauretta Coogan, Mrs. G. D. Couch, J. M. Alexander,

and others.

 

Revs. H. G. Blair, John B. Davis, Williams T. Blair, and Hugh

A. Williams have entered Wyoming Conference from this church.

Rev.. F. B. Schoonover, another son, is now teaching in our

school in Rome, Italy. Rev. B. W. Dix, another son, is now in

college preparing for the ministry.

 

No. 4 chapel is situated just above White's Station on the

Delaware and Hudson Railroad, and was built in 1874, at a cost

of $600, and with the exception of a few years in which it was

with Forest City has been a mission of Carbondale Church. A

Sunday school is conducted part of the year, Sunday evening

prayer meetings are sustained, and the pastor preaches there

occasionally. Mr. Pierce Butler was the moving spirit in the

erection of this church.

 

Pastorates

 

1830-32, Alanson Reed; 1833, M. K. Cushman; 1834-35, Hiram

Shephard; 1836, A. J. Crandall; 1837, A. J. Crandall, J. Conover;


 

 

620 Wyoming Conference

 

1838-39, F. H. Stanton; 1840, John Davison; 1841, William

Reddy; 1842-43, J. B. Benham; 1844-45, Hiram A. Luther; 1846,

Richard Cooke; 1847, P. S. Worden; 1848-49, B. W. Gorham;

1850-51, H. R. Clarke; 1852-53, W. Wyatt; 1854, H. Browns-

combe; 1855, T. D. Walker; 1856-57, A. Barker; 1858, George

H. Blakeslee, A. Barker; 1859-60, D. A. Shepard, A. Barker:

1861, J. M. Snyder; 1862-63, G.M.Peck; 1864-66, Ira T. Walker;

1867-69, J. O. Woodruff; 1870-71, Y. C. Smith; 1872-74, A.

Griffin; 1875, D. D. Lindsley; 1876-77, J. C. Shelland; 1878-79,

S. Moore; 1880-82, W. M. Hiller; 1883-85, L. C. Floyd; 1886-87,

O. H. McAnulty; 1888, A. B. Richardson; 1889-90, L. C. Floyd;

1891-94, W. Edgar; 1895-98, G. A. Place; 1899-1903, A. F.

Chaffee.

 

 

Carley Brook, Pa.

 

The territory of this charge was with Beach Lake Circuit

many years. It was known as Oregon charge from the time it

was formed into a charge until 1899, when it was given its present

name.

 

Meetings were first held in Carley Brook in one of the tannery

houses, owned by Gilbert & Palmer, in 1853. These meetings

were conducted by Rev. Ira Bonnie, a Wesleyan preacher. From

the tannery house the meetings were taken to the schoolhouse in

1854, where services were held until the building of the church.

 

On February 6, 1867, the court granted a charter to this society,

naming Jonathan H. Bryant, William Penwarden, James H.

Monnington, Joseph May, David L. Bryant, and William Davy

trustees.

 

On June 25, 1876, in consideration of $13.50, John Reifler

deeded the society two acres and four perches of land. The same

season a parsonage was built on this land, costing $1,000.

 

In 1886 the church was erected on a part of the land bought

of Mr. Reifler. The building cost $1,250, and was dedicated on

November 16, 1886. Revs. W. L. Thorpe and William M. Hiller

preached the sermons of the occasion.

 

Girdland is four miles north of Carley Brook. In 1851 services

were held in the house of Jonathan Bryant, and in 1857 regular

preaching services were established in the Girdland schoolhouse,

and continued there until the church was built. Mrs. Bryant

was the first member enrolled, and Mark Cook the second. The

class was formed in 1858 with Mark Cook leader. At the close

of the first year the class had six members.

 

The lot for the church was given by Neville Holgate and Fred-


 

 

Rileyville, Pa. 621

 

erick Erhardt, each giving 60x120 feet. On August 4, 1894,

ground was broken, and the corner stone laid on the 19th. The

church is 22x35 feet, with a side room 22x14 feet, and cost $2,000.

The church was dedicated on November 15, 1894. Rev. W. L.

Thorpe, the presiding elder, preached in the afternoon and con-

ducted the dedicatory service. The pastor read the dedicatory

service in German after the English had been read. Rev. C. A.

Benjamin preached in the evening.

 

Torrey is four and a half miles northeast of Carley Brook.

The church at Torrey was built about 1849. On March 23, 1847,

William Tamblyn and wife deeded the society one acre of land

in consideration of $20. This is the lot upon which the church

is built with the cemetery back of the church. The trustees at

the time were Jacob W. Travis, Richard Neale, William Tam-

blyn, William Olver, Edward Marshall, Willis Sherwood, James

Smith. The society here is contemplating the building of a new

church, and has $1,000 raised for that purpose.

 

Smith Hill is three miles east of Carley Brook. On October

6; 1855, Lucius Broughton and wife deeded to the society as a

gift eighty-one perches of land, James L. Bennett, James Smith,

George Bush, George Wills, William Tamblyn, and Samuel

Silsby being the trustees at that time. This land is used as a

cemetery, and is beside and back of the church.

 

The church at this place is believed to have been built in 1841,

the class being a part of Beach Pond Circuit at the time. On

July 19, 1884, the Beach Pond trustees deeded this property to

Carley Brook. In 1894 $400 was expended in repairs on this

church, which was reopened on November 16, 1894, by Rev.

W. L. Thorpe.

 

West Damascus is a schoolhouse appointment seven miles north-

east of Carley Brook. Services have been held here since 1854.

 

Rileyville is now a part of Carley Brook charge. The first

preaching here was in the house of Joseph Bass. A class was

formed with Mr. Bass leader, who was also an exhorter. Some

of the early members were Joseph Bass, E. Wheatcroft, Sr., E.

Wheatcroft, Jr., David Spafford, and their wives, and five or six

members of the Harrison family.

 

The church is 34x50, with a recess 5x11 for the pulpit, and is

heated by a furnace. It cost $3,000, $964 of which was raised

on the day of dedication. The building was dedicated on Wednes-


 

 

622 Wyoming Conference

 

day, October 4, 1871. Rev. W. P. Abbott preached from 2 Chron.

vi, 18, and Rev. D. C. Olmstead conducted the dedicatory services.

 

The lot was a gift from John Taylor, and was deeded to the

society on September 15, 1871.

 

From 1872 to 1884 Rileyville appeared among the appoint-

ments with the following pastors: 1872, G. W. Robinson; 1873-

74, G. W. Leach; 1875-76, G. W. Blake; 1877, S. Stephens; 1878,

J. Durham; 1879-80, D. G. Stephens; 1881, S. W. Spencer;

1882-83, B. F. Larabee; 1884, T. Wamock. From 1885 to 1888

F. B. Larabee and C. W. Todd supplied the pulpit. From 1889

to 1893 the church was closed. Galilee and Rileyville were made

a charge in 1894, A. C. Brackenbury, pastor, serving through

1895. In 1896 it became a part of Carley Brook charge, where it

now is. There were a couple of years, however, when it was

supplied by Professor F. J. Niles.

 

Pastorates

 

1860, L. C. Phillips; 1861-62, F. Illman; 1863, J. Whitham;

1864, Jonas Underwood; 1865, D. Williams; 1866-67, S. T.

Cramp; 1868, J. D. Woodruff; 1869, R. E. Hall; 1870-71, George

Pritchett; 1872, G. Westfall; 1873, C. W. Sartell; 1874, John

Calnon; 1875, J. G. Stephens; 1876, S. W. Cole; 1877-79, J. T.

Burrall; 1880-81, F. P. Doty; 1882, E. O. Rowland; 1883-84,

P. J. Gates; 1885-86, J. R. Allen; 1887-89, C. W. Todd; 1890-94,

J. A. Transue; 1895, P. Houck; 1896-97, H. J. Heineman; 1898-

1901, J. G. Raymond; 1902-03, P. F. Mead.

 

 

Cherry Ridge, Pa.

 

In 1810 Revs. George Harmon and Samuel Thompson were

on the Canaan Circuit. Mr. Harmon organized a class at Cherry

Ridge. "He was invited by the wife of Dr. Collins to go home

with her and put up at her house. When Dr. Collins came home

Mrs. Collins said to him, 'I have invited Mr. Harmon to put up

with us, and I hope you will not insult him.' To which the Doctor

dryly responded, 'When the king is absent the queen makes the

laws.' 'Well, then,' said Mr. Harmon, 'I hope the king will not

abrogate what the queen has done in this case.' 'No, indeed, sir,'

answered the Doctor."

 

"Mr. Harmon preached at Cherry Ridge in the presence of a

Presbyterian missionary from the text, 'Be watchful, and

strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die' (Rev.

iii, 2). The gentleman thought that the drift of the discourse was


 

 

Cherry Ridge, Pa. 623

 

against the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Upon

being invited by Mr. Harmon to speak, he arose and proceeded

to remark that grace in the soul is compared to leaven in meal,

and leaven is a new principle independent of the meal. When

he had finished his analogical argument, Mr. Harmon arose and

addressed an old lady who was present thus: 'Mother, can you

make leaven without meal?' 'Well,' said the old lady, 'I think

it would be poor stuff.' 'Well, mother,' Mr. Harmon proceeded,

'what becomes of your bread when it is made?' 'We eat it when

it is good,' she answered, 'but when it is sour or becomes moldy

we give it to the hogs.' The missionary did not undertake to

mend up his figure."

 

Meetings were held in these early years at A. I. Stryker's

house and subsequently at Dr. Collins's home. Later services

were held in the schoolhouse, situated on the road between the

Darling farm and Eben Brown's. This schoolhouse was after-

ward burned. The Methodists then fitted up an old shop which

stood opposite the residence of H. V. Schenck, which was used

as a place of worship until 1849.

 

The building of a church was first agitated and a subscription

paper started by Lucius Collins in 1849. The subscription paper

is now in the hands of Lewis S. Collins, Esq., and contains the

following names: Lucius Collins, Thomas J. Lindsey, E. H.

Clark, Isaac M. Moore, Henry V. Schenck, David Kenner,

Lorenzo Collins, Stephen Sharpsteen, Benjamin N. Rider, An-

drew Anderson, Michael Collins, Daniel A. Woodward, Theron

Collins, Charles Wilson, Thomas Bonear, H. L. Collins, Antus

Collins, Isaac P. Rider, Jacob Kimble, Decius Collins, and Albert

Burgess. The residents of the town subscribed $197, to which

citizens of Honesdale added $127. The church cost $550 and

was built on land deeded to the church in 1869 by Lewis S. Col-

lins, Esq. The church was dedicated in 1849, Rev. William

Reddy preaching for the Methodists and Rev. Mr. Rounds for

the Presbyterians. This is a union church owned by the Meth-

odists and Presbyterians, but for a number of years has been

occupied exclusively by the Methodists. In 1869 it was enlarged

and remodeled.

 

Prior to 1892 the pastors lived in rented houses. In 1892 the

parsonage was deeded to the society by the heirs of L. A.

Robinson.

 

The Cherry Ridge charge was formed in 1852, and consisted

of Cherry Ridge, Cherry Valley (now Hoadley's), and Middle

Creek (now Clemo).


 

 

624 Wyoming Conference

 

Hoadley's has been a part of Cherry Ridge charge since its

formation, and services have always been held in schoolhouses.

When the present schoolhouse was built, land was donated, and

the building erected by popular subscription, with the under-

standing that the building should be used for church purposes.

 

Prompton. The church here was built by the Universalists in

1839 and occupied by them until 1859, when it was converted

into an academy known as the Wayne County Normal School,

and was so used until 1880, at which time the property reverted

to the heirs of Benjamin Jenkins, Sr. In 1882 the Methodists

bought the building and lot for $380, and in 1887 it was dedicated

by Rev. W. L. Thorpe. The first trustees were Thomas Nichols,

E. R. Bodie, George Wager, I. W. Carr, and Justus Sears. In

1888 the building was painted and a bell purchased, at a cost of

$250. In 1892 a new floor was laid, the audience room seated with

opera chairs, and some minor repairs made at an expense of $295.

Prior to occupying this church the society worshiped in the

schoolhouse and in the Presbyterian church.

 

For several years Prompton was supplied from Honesdale.

Subsequently it was a part of Waymart, and finally became a part

of Cherry Ridge charge.

 

Pastorates

 

1852, M. Carrier; 1853, C. L. Griffin; 1854, M. Carrier; 1855,

J. A. Baldwin; 1856-57, C. White; 1858, J. Madison; 1859, C. C.

Smith, J. Whitham; 1860, F. Illman; 1861, A. R. Jones; 1862,

W. Silsbee; 1863, N. S. Reynolds; 1864, C. Pearce; 1865-67, D.

Williams; 1868, S. T. Cramp; 1869-71, R. Varcoe; 1872-74,

J. H. Taylor; 1875, C. F. Olmstead; 1876-77, G. M. Peck; 1878-

79, J. L. Wells; 1880-81, J. B. Sweet; 1882-84, A. C. Olver;

1885, R. M. Pascoe; 1886-87, B. N. Butts; 1888-90, S. Morris;

1891-93, H. E. Wheeler; 1894-96, William Rawlings; 1897-98,

W. S. Wilcox; 1899-1901, E. D. Cavanaugh; 1902-03, J. A.

Transue.

 

 

Clifford, Pa.

 

Clifford charge is the remnant of the old Dundaff Circuit,

which in 1848 had a parsonage and eight appointments, two of

which had churches. In 1850 the circuit included Dundaff, the

present territory in Clifford charge, Uniondale, and most of the

Herrick Center charge. The circuit retained the name of Dun-

daff until 1866, when it was changed to Clifford, and Dundaff re-

mained with the Clifford Circuit until 1880, when it was put with


 

 

Clifford, Pa. 625

 

Uniondale to constitute a charge. The Dundaff Methodist Epis-

copal Church was chartered November 21, 1850, with Philip I.

Stewart, Francis Hull, Abraham Churchill, Isaac Sullender,

William Meredith, John B. Lake, Wheeler Lyon, Andrew Gid-

dings, and G. W. P. Lakin trustees. This incorporation was for

the purpose of holding property and transacting business for the

circuit. The stewards for the circuit that year were Isaac Sul-

lender, J. T. Rood, G. W. P. Lakin, F. P. Davison, M.D., Philip

Stewart, and A. Speer. The class leaders for the year were I.

Sullender, J. B. Lake, A. Giddings, R. Kay, J. Hutchins, J. C.

Dann, G. Lakin, A. Churchill, Silas Dann, Peter Bennett, and

H. A. Clum. George Grover and W. M. Churchill were local

deacons, and A. Churchill and Homer Davison exhorters.

 

The Clifford class worshiped for some time in the schoolhouse,

and for a while in the Baptist church. In 1867 the society pur-

chased a half interest in the old union church, the Universalists

owning the other half. The site for the present church was pur-

chased of J. Young for $113. The church cost $2,000, and was

dedicated on November 22, 1882. Rev. A. J. Van Cleft preached

in the morning, and at the close of his sermon raised $550 needed

to liquidate all indebtedness. Rev. A. B. Richardson preached in

the evening, the sermon being followed by short addresses by

some visiting clergymen and local parties.

 

In 1890 a Bell Brigade was organized, which raised funds to

purchase the bell.

 

Mr. Peter Bennett has been a member of the official board con-

tinuously since 1851.

 

The Ladies' Aid Society has been an important factor in church

work since 1875.

 

Some time before 1850 a parsonage property was bought, Dun-

daff Circuit agreeing to pay for it in annual installments, and

subscriptions providing for the total amount were secured. The

collection of the subscriptions was not properly looked after.

Death, removal, and embarrassment of subscribers combined to

render the society unable to fulfill its contract, and the pastor

moved out of the house. In 1851 an acre of land was bought at

Lenoxville and a parsonage erected on it, the cost of house and

lot being about $500. In 1856 this property was sold for $500, and

a parsonage property in Clifford purchased. In 1881 this house

and a part of the parsonage lot, it being a very large one, was

sold to Mr. William Green. On the portion of the lot which

was not sold the present parsonage was built, at a cost of about

$1,000.


 

 

626 Wyoming Conference

 

Lenoxville is four miles west of Clifford. In 1847 or 1848

small class was organized in Lenoxville, holding its meetings in

an old schoolhouse which has been remodeled and now serves as

a farmhouse on what is known as the W. F. Bennett farm.

Hiram White was the leader, and Francis Hull, John Carmichael,

L. N. Beagle, J. T. Rood, Joseph Allen, and A. Churchill among

the first members.

 

The site for the church was given by Mr. E. V. Decker, and

the church, which cost $2,300, was built in 1866. The dedicatory

sermon was delivered on December 20, 1866, by Rev. George M.

Peck, the presiding elder. A debt of $400 lingered several years.

 

The society was incorporated on January 18, 1866, with the

following trustees: S. F. Wright, E. V. Decker, M. J. Decker,

E. J. Brundage, P. Van Etten, and A. Churchill.

 

The Ladies' Aid Society has purchased blinds for the windows,

papered and painted the church, and bought new stoves.

 

Rev. A. Churchill has been a trustee over fifty years. He was

licensed to exhort about sixty-one years ago, and has been a- local

preacher nearly fifty years.

 

Tompkinsville is four miles south of Clifford. About 1835 a

Sunday school was organized in a barn owned by Welcome Col-

lins, on the farm now known as the Solomon Wedeman farm,

about two and a half miles northeast of Tompkinsville, on the old

turnpike, and Gideon Palmer was chosen superintendent. Subse-

quently Sunday schools were organized at various schoolhouses:

Cobb schoolhouse, then situated on the old turnpike about one

mile north of Carey's Corners; Linen schoolhouse, about two

miles north of Tompkinsville, on the road from Tompkinsville to

Clifford; barn of James Cowperthwaite, on farm now owned by

Ira Snyder, one mile north of Tompkinsville; Hemlock school-

house, about one mile northwest of Tompkinsville (all of the above

places are no longer in existence); Orvis Corners schoolhouse,

about one and one fourth miles south of Tompkinsville; and at

Coon schoolhouse, one mile east of Carey's Corners. In 1841

Rev. Benjamin Ellis began preaching at these places, and about

1844 a class was formed at the home of Leonard Spencer, on the

farm now known as the Henry Spencer farm, on the turnpike

about one and a half miles north of Carey's Corners. Tliis class

was afterward transferred to Tompkinsville. One writer claims

that this class was formed in 1829. This is improbable. The

members of this first class were Leonard Spencer, Rufus Davison,

James Cowperthwaite, George Graves, Richard Graves, James


 

 

TOMPKINSVILLE, PA. 627

 

Clarkson, and their wives, Polly and Susan Hutchins, Homer and

Elisha Davison, Susan Brown (afterward a Cure), James Linen,

John Miller, Albert Graves, and Samuel Hutchins.

 

In 1850 Homer Davison donated a site for the church. Upon

the application of George Graves, Cyril Carpenter, Richard

Graves, Rufus Davison, Francis B. Davison, John Miller, Henry

Clum, Peter Davison, Robert Broadfoot, and Silas Dann, the

court granted the society a charter on August 7, 1851, naming

Robert Davison, Albert Graves, Joseph Hutchins, Joel Dann,

Homer Davison, and Elisha Davison trustees. Meanwhile the

erection of the church had commenced. John Brizzy laid the

foundation. Benjamin Tripp and Edwin Graves hewed, framed,

and raised the frame for $225. Benjamin Tripp contributed $50,

and Edwin Graves $25, though not a member of the society. Joel

Dann, Pardon and Marvin Barber, and James Churchill finished

the interior. The building is 34x50 feet and cost about $1,000.

The church was dedicated on September 29, 1852, Rev. Nelson

Rounds preaching the dedicatory sermon.

 

At the time this church was built there were but three churches

between Tompkinsville and Herrick Center, a Methodist and a

Presbyterian at Dundaff and a Baptist church at Cliiiford, and this

was the only church in the townships of Scott and Greenfield.

 

In 1873 the building was extensively repaired at an expense of

$400. The church was reopened on January 28, 1874, Rev. S. F.

Wright preaching from Hag. ii, 9.

 

In 1883 the old board fence was supplanted by the present fence

of stone posts and steel chains. Sheds were erected in 1884, and

the church was reroofed in 1900.

 

In 1901 $1,000 was expended in general repairs — wall rebuilt,

a vestibule constructed on front of the church, a kitchen and

lecture room partitioned off the rear of the audience room,

seating rearranged, building papered and painted. On June

t, 1901, a reunion, or semicentennial service, and dedication was

held, Revs. J. F. Warner, G. A. Cure, and others being present

and participating in the services.

 

Rev. G. A. Cure springs from this place.

 

Hickory Grove is a schoolhouse at which the Clifford pastor

preached biweekly a number of years.

 

Pastorates

 

1838, L. S. Bennett; 1839, C. T. Stanley; 1840, George C.

Thompson; 1841, Benjamin Ellis; 1842, John Barnes; 1843,


 

 

628 Wyoming Conference

 

H. Pilbeam; 1844-45, H. Brownscombe; 1846-47, G. H. Blakes-

lee; 1848, Asa Brooks; 1849, C. Perkins; 1850-51, G. W. Leach;

1852-53, S. S. Barter; 1854, William Shelp, O. B. Kimble; 1855,

William Shelp; 1856-57, S. Barner; 1858, A. Brigham, H. Stan-

ley; 1859, A- Brigham; 1860-61, D. Personeus; 1862-63, William

Shelp; 1864-66, S. F. Wright; 1867, D. K. Evans; 1868-69, E.

N. Hynson; 1870-71, H. H. Dresser; 1872, R. Varcoe; 1873-75,

A. W. Barrows; 1876, G. Pritchett; 1877-79, W. H. Gavitt; 1880-

81, G. M. Peck; 1882, A. W. Loomis; 1883-85, J. G. Stephens;

1886, H. A. Blanchard; 1887-89, J. H. Boyce; 1890-92, S. Homan;

1893, F. Marshall; 1894, P. Houck; 1895-97, D. S. MacKellar;

1898-1900, A. O. Williams; 1901-02, J. N. Meaker; 1903, John

Garretson.

 

 

Damascus, Pa.

 

In 1831 Joseph Law and an assistant preacher were traveling

a circuit in the New York Conference which included this terri-

tory. They lived at Monticello, N. Y., and had appointments at

the schoolhouses in Milanville, Conklin Hill, Cochecton, and

Tammany Flats. The latter schoolhouse was on the banks of the

Delaware, a few miles above Cochecton, near the place where the

once famous Indian chief Tammanend, or Tammany, had his

home.

 

Sometime in the forties a union church was built at Cochecton,

in which the Methodists and Presbyterians alternated in holding

services. During the years from 1833 to 1847 the following

preachers from New York Conference are known to have preached

here: Lilliman, Furgason, Smith, Webster, Wibberal, Barnes,

Ferris, and Perkins. From 1848 to 1857 this territory formed a

part of Beach Pond Circuit, and in 1858 Damascus appears

among the appointments.

 

The first class was organized at Milanville, with John Tyler as

leader.

 

In 1856 the society began to agitate a church enterprise. The

half interest in the union church was sold to the Presbyterians,

who became sole owners of the property. On August 14, 1856,

the society met at the Union Academy in Damascus, and made

application for a charter, which the court granted on December 8,

1856, naming John Jackson, Calvin Tyler, Jesse D. Bush, Moses

Tyler, Israel Tyler, Webster Sutliff, and Lancalet Drake trustees

of "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Damascus." At the

same meeting a committee of four was appointed to circulate a

subscription paper for a new church. Among the subscriptions


 

 

Damascus, Pa. 629

 

that were subsequently recorded paid were those of George Bush

for $150; Moses Tyler, $150; I. Tyler, $50; and on the day of

dedication Mr. Bush added $60 and Mr. Tyler $25 to their sub-

scriptions already made. The church was built on a lot 132x227

feet, purchased of Moses Tyler for $36, the deed for which was

executed October 2, 1857. The rear of the lot is used for a

cemetery. On November 25, 1857, Charles Drake deeded the

 

        DAMASCUS CHURCH [photo]

 

society a lot in the rear of the above for $32 which forms a part

of the cemetery.

 

On Tuesday, October 27, 1857, the church which cost $1,605,

was dedicated. Rev. Jesse T. Peck, D.D., read Psa. lxxxiv, Rev.

E. W. Breckinridge offered prayer. Rev. Thomas Mack, pastor

of the Presbyterian Church, read a New Testament lesson, Rev.

Jesse T. Peck preached from Luke iii, 4-6, and at the close of his

sermon dedicated the church.

 

In 1874-75 $5,800 was expended in remodeling the church, of

which amount the Ladies' Aid Society contributed $800. The

church was reopened on Wednesday, February 24, 1875. In the

morning Rev. W. P. Abbott preached from Rev. xix, 6, after


 

 

630 Wyoming Conference

 

which Rev. D. D. Lindsley asked the audience for $5,000, which

amount was soon raised. Following this offering Rev. D. C.

Olmstead conducted the dedicatory service. Rev. D. D. Lindsley

preached in the evening from 2 Tim. iii, 16.

 

This church was repaired in 1898 at a cost of $500. The iron

fence was built in 1893, and was the gift of George Abraham.

 

On February 1, 1860, Moses Tyler deeded the society a lot

opposite the church 100x200 feet for $20. Shortly after this

George Bush deeded the society a lot adjoining the above and the

same size. The parsonage was built on this ground in 1867 at

a cost of $800. The church sheds are on this plot of ground, as

is the pastor's barn and garden.

 

Moses Tyler, John Jackson, and Calvin Tyler were the first

class leaders.

 

Galilee. A class was organized here in 1840 with Joseph Sut-

liff leader. The first members were P. P. Brigham, David Sut-

liff, Hiram Brigham, Joseph Sutliff, Calvin Marks, and their

wives. Preaching services became regular, Galilee being a part

of Beach Pond Circuit at the time.

 

After worshiping in schoolhouses thirty-six years the society

built a church. On December 15, 1875, the court granted a

charter to "The Galilee Centennial Methodist Episcopal Church,"

naming Joseph Sutliff, James Monington, Aaron Brigham, Eli

Keeler, O. R. White, Horace Marks, R. J. Kellogg, Philip Brig-

ham, and Asa Stalker, trustees. In 1876 the church, which is

30x40 feet, with eighteen-foot posts, was built. It has a base-

ment, and over the vestibule is a gallery which seats sixty people.

The auditorium seats two hundred and sixty people. The church

cost $2,250, and was built on a lot which was deeded to the

society by Joseph Sutliff and wife on September 13, 1877, for $50.

The building was dedicated on January 10, 1877, Rev. A. J. Van

Cleft preaching in the morning from Luke xxiv, 46, and Rev. L.

W. Peck in the evening from John iv, 24. After the dedicatory

service was concluded in the evening, the sacrament of the Lord's

Supper was administered. This church was repaired in 1885,

at a cost of $382.

 

Galilee, with Rileyville, formed a charge for a while.

 

Calkins is one of the appointments on Damascus charge, and the

society worships in a union church.

 

Milanville, Abrahamsville, and Conklin Hill are schoolhouse

appointments served by the Damascus pastor.


 

 

Dunmore, Pa. 631

 

Pastorates

 

1858, C. White; 1859, M. Swallow; 1860-61, D. Williams;

1862, S. Earner; 1863-64, J. L. Race; 1865, P. D. E. Clark; 1866-

68, N. S. Reynolds; 1869-71, Jonas Underwood; 1872-74, J. R.

Angell; 1875-76, R. J. Kellogg; 1877-79, M. D. Fuller; 1880-82,

A. W. Cooper; 1883-84, A. W. Loomis; 1885-87, A. C. Olver;

1888-89, F- A. Dony; 1890-91, A. Osborne; 1892-93, H. G.

Harned; 1894-95, H. E. Wheeler; 1896-97, W. L. Linnaberry;

1898-1901, I. C. Estes; 1902-03, J. H. Boyce.

 

 

DUNMORE, Pa.

 

Among the residents of Dunmore in 1851 were Mrs. Sabra

Jackson, Chauncey Derby and wife, Joseph Savage and wife,

Mrs. Depuy and a few other earnest Methodists, who met for

worship in a schoolhouse on North Blakely Street, situated where

No. 2 school building now stands. The class continued services

in the schoolhouse two years, when Coolbaugh's hall, on Drinker

Street, was rented, where services were held about a year. The

society grew so in numbers that it felt the necessity of building

a church.

 

Mr. Edward Spencer gave a lot on Chestnut Street, upon

which a comfortable building was erected. It seems to have

been a union project, as other evangelical societies used it.

After worshiping in this church about five years the society

determined to have a home of its own. Mr. Spencer gave a

lot to the society on Chestnut Street, near the union church.

A brick church 35x52 feet was built on this lot, costing $3,000,

which was dedicated on April 11, 1861, Rev. Reuben Nelson,

D.D., preaching the dedicatory sermon. The building committee

was John Butler, Stewart Dilley, and George W. Simpson. Mr.

Spencer's gift of this lot was on condition that the seats in the

church should be free. Should the society at any time determine

to rent the pews, then the church should purchase the building

lot. After a few years the free-seat system having proved a

failure, the society purchased the lot, as agreed.

 

Among the prominent members at that time were the following:

T. Dershimer, G. W. Simpson, Reuben Mowery, J. Butler, J.

Foster, J. Rice, C. Cottle, S. Dilley, J. Donley, E. U. Wort and

wife, J. Simpson, Sabra Jackson, E. Ellis, E. Foster, R. Donley,

M. Harper, A. Stewart, G. Rice, and L. Cottle.

 

On October 3, 1878, the roof of the church was blown ofif, but

the damage was speedily repaired.


 

 

632 Wyoming Conference

 

On March 15, 1861, the Luzerne County Court granted a char-

ter to "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Dunmore." This

charter was amended on June 2, 1884, by the Lackawanna County

Court.

 

In May, 1888, the present building lot on South Blakely Street

was purchased, and the house which stands beside the church was

purchased for a parsonage. The old parsonage which was built in

1871, on Apple Street, on a plot of ground donated by Mr. Spen-

cer, was sold, also the old church property, and the proceeds of

both used in the new enterprise. The new church was built with

a basement which was divided into rooms for Sunday school and

social work, and cost, including lot, about $11,000. The building

 

        DUNMORE CHURCH [photo]

 

was dedicated on February 24, 1889, Rev. G. M. Colville, D.D.,

preaching the sermons morning and evening, and Rev. J. B.

Sumner conducting the dedicatory services. Twenty-seven hun-

dred dollars was needed to provide for the indebtedness. This

was raised and enough more to buy a bell and organ.

 

In 1895 the building was thoroughly rebuilt and enlarged. An

addition 20x30 feet built on the rear, a new entrance, new

bell, auditorium decorated, recarpeted, reseated, gallery construct-

ed, and the basement renovated were the chief changes made. The

cost of these improvements was $10,740.38. Of this amount,

$4,430.75 had been raised prior to the reopening, which occurred

on February 20, 1896, and $6,309.63 was raised on this day.

Bishop E. G. Andrews preached the sermon of this occasion.


 

 

Forest City, Pa. 633

 

A shrinkage in subscriptions made it necessary to make an

effort to get out of debt. Accordingly, an anniversary service

was held on Sunday, March 25, 1900. Rev. J. E. C. Sawyer,

D.D., preached in the morning, and in the evening Dr. Sawyer and

Rev. J. C. Leacock delivered addresses. It was thought that

$1,500 of dedicatory subscriptions would be paid. In addition

$3,000 was needed and raised.

 

In 1861 Dunmore appeared among the list of appointments.

Prior to this the Dunmore society had been supplied by the Provi-

dence pastor, he preaching at Dunmore in the afternoon.

 

Pastorates

 

1861-62, Luther Peck; 1863-64, C. L. Rice; 1865, J. A. Lippin-

cott, W. H. Gavitt; 1866-67, J- T. Crowell; 1868, George Peck;

1869-70, T. B. Jayne; 1871, C. A. Ward, John F. Williams; 1872-

74, G. A. Severson; 1875-76, J. La Bar; 1877-79, J- Madison;

1880, E. P. Eldridge; 1881-83, J- V. Newell; 1884-86, S. Elwell;

1887-90, WiUiam Edgar; 1891-95, J. C. Leacock; 1896-97, C.

H. Hayes; 1898-1900, A. J. Van Cleft; 1901-03, C. H. Newing.

 

 

Forest City, Pa.

 

In 1881, Rev. R. P. Christopher, who was supplying Uniondale,

began regular preaching services at Forest City. Services were

held in the old schoolhouse, and continued there until the society

went into the church.

 

In 1884 Forest City made its debut as an appointment, having

as an afternoon appointment No. 4 Chapel, just above Carbon-

dale.

 

On January 17, 1885, the court granted the society a charter,

with W. J. Gilchrist, William Pentecost, Benjamin Maxey, Robert

H. Dunn, and George Johnson as trustees.

 

The lot upon which the church and parsonage stand was leased

of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, by Rev. R. P.

Christopher and William M. Pentecost in the summer of 1884 for

ninety-nine years. On November 25, 1890, the society purchased

the lot for $350. The building was built under contract by L. P.

Wedeman, of Scranton, and cost $1,700. It was dedicated on

Wednesday, November 17, 1886. The morning service was con-

ducted by Rev. R. P. Christopher, and consisted of short addresses

by ministers and friends present, interspersed with singing. In

the afternoon. Rev. A. F. Brown conducted the opening exercises,

and Rev. O. H. McAnulty preached from Matt. xxv, 34, 46. In


 

 

634 Wyoming Conference

 

the evening Rev. W. B. Westlake led a praise service, Rev. J. H.

Littell conducted the devotions, and Rev. J. B. Sweet preached

from Deut. xi, 26. Rev. W. M. Hiller managed the finances, and

in the afternoon and evening raised $700, and at the close of the

evening service conducted the dedicatory service. In building

the church, Mr. W. A. May, in behalf of the Erie Company,

donated the hemlock lumber needed in the building — 14,000 feet.

The parsonage stands in the rear of the church, and was built

in 1893-94, at a cost of $2,000.

 

Vandling is about two miles south of Forest City. A Congre-

gational church was built there a few years ago, but the society

was unable to pay for the building. It consequently went into

the possession of the contractor, Mr. Henry Box. There being

 

        FOREST CITY CHURCH [photo]

 

quite a number of Methodists in the place, they invited the Forest

City pastor to assist them in the work there, which he did. This

resulted in the organization of a Methodist society on the first

Sunday in November, 1889, which was granted a charter by the

court on March 13, 1900. Roger Bailey, W. H. Vizzeard, Richard

Roberts, William Wilson, and Benjamin Milton were the first


 

 

Gouldsboro, Pa. 635

 

trustees of "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Vandling,

Lackawanna County, State of Pennsylvania." The church prop-

erty is valued at $2,500. The society, however, secured it for

$1,600.

 

Pastorates

 

1884-85, R. P. Christopher; 1886, J. L. Thomas; 1887-88, J.

Madison; 1889-91, Jonathan Weston; 1892-94, J. C. Hogan; 1895-

98, G. B. Stone; 1899, I. N. Steelman; 1900-03, R. L. Clark.

 

 

GOULDSBORO, Pa.

 

As early as 1845 the itinerant preached at the "Briar Patch"

schoolhouse, about a mile and a half east of Gouldsboro, and a

class was formed there. About forty-seven years ago a school-

house was built at Sand-Cut, as Gouldsboro was then called, which

was to be free to all Protestants for worship. The Methodist

Episcopal minister from Stoddartsville was the first to open work

here. Like most lumber camps, the people were migratory, and

the pastor became discouraged and abandoned the field. The

Methodist Protestants then opened work here and continued

several years.

 

The Methodist Episcopalians organized a class here again in

1877 which included the following members: E. N. Adams and

wife, William Crooks and wife, James Catterson and wife, and

Mrs. Samuel Hofford. James Catterson was the leader. Meet-

ings were held on Wednesday evening of each week, and preach-

ing services were held in the schoolhouse, the pastor from Stod-

dartsville usually supplying the pulpit, though the Tobyhanna

pastor supplied it one year.

 

After the society decided to build, a charter was received on

August 30, 1888, and the deed for the lot was executed on Novem-

ber 7, 1888. The first trustees were E. N. Adams, John Courtney,

S. A. Adams, James Catterson, William Crooks, W. P. Latimer,

and M. J. Kinney. The site for the church was donated by John

Courtney, and the church was built in 1890 at a cost of $1,250.

The trustees were the building committee, and W. W. Sackett was

the contractor. It was dedicated on January 13, 1891, at 10:30,

Rev. H. C. McDermott preaching the sermon and Rev. J. B.

Sumner conducting the dedicatory service. The Church Ex-

tension Society aided this enterprise by a gift of $250. ("The

Methodist Episcopal church at Daleville was taken down and

removed to Gouldsboro, and is the one now there." This note

comes to us just as we send this to the printer.)


 

 

636 Wyoming Conference

 

In the summer of 1902 the building was remodeled at a cost of

$1,200, and dedicated on November 5, 1902, by Rev. J. F. War-

ner. Rev. David Evans preached in the morning. Rev. C. M.

Giffin, D.D., in the afternoon, and Rev. J. F. Warner in the even-

ing.

 

Pastorates

 

1891, J. W. Harrison; 1892, L. T. Van Campen; 1893-94,

C. H. Seward; 1895, H. A. Smith; 1896, B. R. Hanton; 1897-

1901, with Stoddartsville (Thornhurst); 1902, F. F. Gibbs;

1903, J. S. Lewis.

 

 

Hale's Eddy, N. Y.

 

This charge appeared among the appointments in 1868 as

Kingsbury Hill, and carried this name until 1870, when by vote

of the fourth Quarterly Conference, held March 19, 1870, it was

decided to call the charge Hale's Eddy.

 

There are five classes on the charge — Hale's Eddy, Kingsbury

Hill, Winterdale, Maple Grove, and Rood's Creek; the last three

societies worship in schoolhouses.

 

Prior to going into the church the Hale's Eddy society wor-

shiped in the schoolhouse. On February 13, 1872, Mr. James

Thomas deeded the society a lot as a gift, and the same year a

parsonage was built on it costing $500. It has since been en-

larged and improved. In 1881 Mr. H. H. Blossom gave the

society a lot adjoining the parsonage property. This lot and part

of the parsonage lot were used as a site for the church. The

building is 46x30 and was begun on August 30, 1881. It was

dedicated on February 26, 1882, by Rev. A. J. Van Cleft. The

church cost $1,368.74, $250 of which was raised on the day of

dedication. The Northern Christian Advocate noting the event,

stated that the class had worshiped more than fifty years in a

schoolhouse. The church has since been thoroughly repaired.

 

Kingsbury Hill society worshiped in a schoolhouse many years.

The site for the church was donated by Mr. O. M. Kingsbury.

The building was begun in September, 1882, and dedicated on

February 18, 1883, and cost $1,494. Rev. A. J. Van Cleft

preached from Gal. iv, 5, 6, and in the evening Rev. J. B. Sweet

preached. During the day over $500 was raised. At the close

of the evening service Rev. A. J. Van Cleft conducted the dedi-

catory service. A debt of $450 was carried until 1889, when a

grant of $150 from the Church Extension Society served as an

inspiration to the society to provide for the balance.


 

 

Hawley, Pa. 637

 

Pastorates

 

1868, H. H. Clancy; 1869-70, S. S. Swingle; 1871-73, M. D.

Fuller; 1874-76, P. J. Gates; 1877, A. F. Harding; 1878, J. B.

Chynoweth; 1879, F. P. Doty; 1880-82, I. P. Towner; 1883,

J. R. Allen; 1884, E. Kilpatrick; 1885, J. L. Thomas; 1886, J. C.

Hogan; 1887-90, B. F. Larabee; 1891-92, S. Morris; 1893, J. H.

Perry; 1894, T. Burgess; 1895-97, A. Eastman; 1898-1903, O. G.

Russell.

 

 

Hawley, Pa.

 

The beginning of Methodism in Hawley, earlier known as

Paupack Eddy, is unknown. It was one of the appointments of

Lackawaxen Circuit, which included Lackawaxen, The Narrows,

The Eddy, Tafton, Paupack, Purdytown, Middle Creek, Darling-

ville, Lord's Valley, Shohola Falls, and Rattlesnake Schoolhouse.

In 1843 Salem and Lackawaxen were served by Rev. William

Dean. In 1844 Salem and Lackawaxen received two preachers,

Thomas Wilcox and Elbert A. Young. This indicates that

Lackawaxen was growing. Young was junior preacher, and the

work was supervised by Wilcox. In 1845 the preachers were

G. M. Peck and J. D. Safford, and in 1846 E. A. Young and J. D.

Safford were the appointees. Mr. Safford had charge of Lacka-

waxen.

 

"Brother Safford kept a diary, from which the following, under

date of August 16, 1844, was copied: 'Rode ten miles (from

Waymart to Honesdale). My road then was the towpath along

the canal and the Lackawaxen. But few inhabitants except boat-

men and lock-tenders. Very little flat land on the Lackawaxen.

Precipitous hills generally on either side, covered with oak and

pine. The surrounding country quite barren, and altogether

looked rather dismal. But I thought, "What is this to Africa or

other mission fields?" and then thanked God and took courage.

Rode nineteen miles down this stream, and put up with Brother

A. J. Rogers, a local preacher. Found him to be a good, sociable,

kind soul, and my heart gathered courage.' In the same diary I

find this record for Thursday, January 15, 1846: 'Attended the

dedication of a Baptist chapel at Paupack Eddy. Elder Curtis

preached a very good sermon. Took up a collection toward

canceling the debt on the house. Raised by collection and sub-

scription $105. On the whole, a very good meeting. The Baptist

brethren gave me an invitation to preach in their house. Felt

thankful for this mark of Christian courtesy.' On July 22, 1846,

the Oneida Conference met at Auburn, N. Y., and on the 30th,


 

 

638 Wyoming Conference

 

when the appointments were read by Bishop Janes, Brother

Safford was returned to the Lackawaxen Circuit."

 

During 1847 Rev. C. E. Taylor and Rev. J. B. Cooper served

the charge. In 1848 Lackawaxen was separated from Salem,

and J. B. Cooper was pastor. In 1849 Lackawaxen and Hawley

received Rev. O. F. Morse and Rev. A. J. Rogers as pastors.

These men alternated in their preaching at Hawley. In 1850

Hawley became an appointment.

 

The class was probably organized early in 1849, and the fol-

lowing are supposed to have been its members: Abraham Snyder,

leader; Mrs. A. Snyder; Mrs. Elizabeth Longstreet, familiarly

called "Mother," her daughter Keturah (now Mrs. J. T. Rod-

 

        HAWLEY CHURCH [photo]

 

man), and son S. P. Longstreet; Mrs. Susanna Hand, sister of

"Mother" Longstreet; Mrs. Serenda Gothard; Armenia Wood-

ward and her sister Miss Hannah Miller; William L. Stewart and

wife; John W. Andreas and wife; and Charles V. Taft.

 

Services were first held in the schoolhouse which stood just

north of the present Baptist meetinghouse, on part of what is

known as the "Old Cemetery." Subsequently, in the latter part

of 1849, the place of meeting was changed to the second floor of

the Longstreet building, now occupied by William Schardt as a

residence on the southeast corner of Main and River Streets.

Later the services were held in the second story of the Pennsyl-

vania Coal Company's new machine shop. Later still they were

transferred to the schoolhouse now used by James Runyon as a


 

 

Hawley, Pa. 639

 

dwelling, on Seventeenth Street; and again to the second story of

S. W. Spencer's brick building on Twentieth Street, now owned

by Thomas Howell.

 

The society met at the schoolhouse in January, 1850, and

elected John W. Andreas, William L. Stewart, Charles V. Taft,

Abraham Snyder, and Samuel W. Spencer trustees. W. L.

Stewart presided at this meeting, and Charles Jamison acted as

clerk. Application was made to the court for a charter, which

was granted January 21, 1851, naming the above as trustees. A

church project was set afoot. "The Pennsylvania Coal Company,

whose coal-shipping interests were the main reasons for the

growth of the place, donated three lots on the west side of Nine-

teenth Street coming on Sixteenth Street. The contract for the

erection of the church was let to Morveldin Plum for the sum of

$800; the trustees to furnish the material, the building to be

inclosed as soon as possible, and then the work to progress as the

material could be furnished and the bills met for the labor." The

church, which cost $2,200, was dedicated on Sunday, September

18, 1853, Rev. William Wyatt preaching his "Ladder Sermon."

The company, however, did not give the society a deed for the site

until October 15, 1855.

 

In 1870 the building was improved by removing the gallery

from the front end of the auditorium, building an alcove in the

rear of the pulpit, recarpeting and repapering, reseating and

making some minor improvements. Mr. Mordecai Simons had

charge of the work, which cost about $2,000. The building was

reopened on Sunday, December 18, 1870. Rev. W. P. Abbott

preached at 10:30 on "The Government of God," and Rev.

William Bixby preached in the evening. One thousand dollars

was raised on this day.

 

In 1884 $1,200 was spent in improving the church property,

and in 1890-91 $3,200 was expended in extensively remodeling

the church. The improvements included a tower, new front to

the church, and a new roof. A debt of $1,300 remained, which

consumed several years in liquidation.

 

In 1900 $2,000 was spent in reconstructing the interior. The

floor was elevated, oak wainscoting replaced the old, new pews

were put in, a new chancel built, the choir placed in the rear of

the pulpit, walls and ceiling repapered, floor recarpeted, and

electric lights installed. The building was reopened on Decem-

ber 30, 1900, Rev. J. F. Warner preaching morning and evening

and conducting the dedicatory service.

 

The Pennsylvania Coal Company gave the site for the parson-


 

 

640 Wyoming Conference

 

age, which was built in 1859 by Mr. Morveldin Plum for $835.

The society received the deed for the ground on August 30, 1860.

From 1895 to 1899 this house was improved and modernized.

 

While most of the pastorates have witnessed conversions, some

years have been notable. The "great revival" occurred in 1853,

when there were one hundred and twenty accessions. In 1856-57

there was a large revival; in 1858-59 seventy-five were added to

the church by revival work, and 1866-67 was a good revival year.

 

During the history of this church the following have at various

times been leaders of the different classes: Abraham Snyder,

W. L. Stewart, S. W. Batchley, Charles Pierson, John Bell, John

Farrell, J. T. Rodman, Earle Stone, J. J. Baisden, Oliver Rowe,

W. D. Curtis, John Hafler, John Cronk, Jacob Harris, Amos De

Long, Mrs. E. L. Rhone (now Mrs. Dr. Stephens), Philip

Davis, Mrs. C. H. Woodward, S. T. Palmer, S. C. Simpkins,

J. P. Simpkins, and W. H. Decker. The following have served

as superintendents of the Sunday school since its organization:

Abraham Snyder, James T. Rodman, John Bell, Charles Taft,

Earle Stone, Mrs. E. L. Stephens, J. H. Thompson, Mr. Weed,

J. S. Welsh, and M. T. Snyder. Among those who have been

connected with this church during its history as local preachers

or exhorters are A. J. Rogers, T. R. Tuck, Abraham Snyder,

G. L. Griffin, S. P. Longstreet, Charles Pierson, S. W. Batchley,

J. T. Rodman, Dr. H. B. Stephens, S. C. Simpkins, Jacob Harris.

 

The Ladies' Aid Society regularly pays the insurance and

taxes, and keeps the parsonage and furniture in repair. It has

also figured largely in raising funds for church improvements

and paying debts.

 

Pastorates

 

1850, Asa Brooks; 1851-52, J. B. Cooper; 1853, C. E. Taylor;

1854, B. B. Emery; 1855, C. W. Giddings; 1856-57, C. L. Rice;

1858-59, L. Cole; 1860, N. S. De Witt; 1861, D. A. Shepard;

1862-63, J. F. Wilbur; 1864-65, C. V. Arnold; 1866-67, W. W.

Welch; one half of 1868, C. W. Todd; balance of year, H. G.

Harned; 1869-71, N. S. Reynolds; 1872-74, E. F. Roberts; 1875-

77, J. V. Newell; 1878-79, J. F. Williams; 1880-81, P. R. Tower;

1882-84, W. B. Westlake; 1885-87, J. V. Newell; 1888-90, G. A.

Cure; 1891-94, I. N. Shipman; 1895-99, A. W. Cooper; 1900-03,

S. C. Simpkins.

 

 

Herrick Center, Pa.

 

The class at Herrick Center was formed about 1830, or soon

after the formation of the Lyon Street class.


 

 

Herrick Center, Pa. 641

 

Meetings were held about fifty years in a schoolhouse which

stood just below Flynn's Hotel. The lot is now owned by M. J.

Van Horn, but the old schoolhouse has been replaced by the

abandoned schoolhouse now on the lot. About 1840 an attempt

to build a church was made, quite an amount of subscriptions

being secured by Patrick McGonigle, but for some reason the

project failed.

 

The charter of "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of

Herrick Center" was filed in court April 9, 1872. C. C. Spencer,

P. McGonigle, and Lucius Curtis were the first trustees. Some

of the members at this time were Rev. William Churchill, A. C.

Dunn, C. A. Campbell, R. H. Dunn, C. C. Spencer, P. McGonigle,

A. O. Churchill, and their wives.

 

The site for the church was donated by R. P. Patterson, of

Carbondale, Pa., who at that time was running a tannery in the

place. The church is 30x50, and was dedicated on March 5, 1882.

Rev. A. J. Van Cleft preached in the morning, and after the

sermon raised $450, an unprovided balance on the cost of the

building. Rev. R. W. Van Schoick preached in the evening, after

which a testimonial of $110 was given the pastor.

 

During Rev. M. D. Fuller's pastorate he purchased a lot and

built a house, at his own expense, though he did not complete it.

After he left the charge the society bought the property of him,

and finished the house.

 

This society used to be a part of Dundaff Circuit.

 

East Ararat is three and a half miles northeast of Herrick

Center. This class was formed about 1830, and was at first a

part of Lanesboro Circuit, subsequently a part of Dundaff

Circuit, and finally a part of Herrick Center charge. The mem-

bers of the first class were Daniel Ogden, Simeon Tyler, Lyman

Tyler, and their wives, and Lemuel Ogden. Daniel Ogden was

the leader. Timothy Simonds had a double house made of hewn

logs. Here the first meetings were held. Horace Hathaway

joined the class soon after its organization. He raised a large

family, all of whom came into the church. One of his sons. Rev.

H. P. Hathaway, was a useful local preacher many years. His

grandson, C. W. Hathaway, has been a steward here over twenty-

five years.

 

Shortly after the class was formed a log schoolhouse was built

on what is now the H. E. Bennett farm. Meetings were held in

this a number of years. About 1855 a new schoolhouse was

built, which is still standing and used as a dwelling. The society


 

 

642 Wyoming Conference

 

took the services into this building, and continued to use it until

the church was built.

 

On August 18, 1871, the society received its charter, with

T. J. Lewis, P. T. Dunn, and L. D. Simonds as trustees. Mrs.

H. N. Hathaway presented the society with a lot, upon which a

church was built which cost $2,000. The building was dedicated

on Tuesday, December 29, 1874. Rev. D. C. Olmstead preached

in the morning and Rev. A. Griffin in the evening. During the

day $1,115.50 was raised. Rev. D. C. Olmstead conducted the

dedicatory service.

 

The building was repaired in 1901 at a cost of $350. The

church was reroofed, inside walls covered, a steel ceiling put on,

and the seats were rearranged.

 

The society carried a debt of $800 until it became distressing.

This was raised in the first week of February, 1882. A three

days' meeting was held. Revs. A. J. Van Cleft and E. C. Curtis,

D.D., of Syracuse, were present and helped. On Thursday even-

ing, near midnight, the last dollar was secured.

 

Mrs. H. N. Hathaway has been a member of this society over

fifty-three years.

 

Hine's Corners is about seven miles northeast of Herrick

Center. Methodism began its work here in 1849. Prior to this

no services were held. Catherine Hine, wife of Merritt Hine,

was converted in her home, about midnight. The result of this

was an invitation to Rev. N. S. De Witt, pastor on Lanesboro

Circuit, to open work here. A series of meetings was held in

the schoolhouse which resulted in about fifty conversions. A

class was organized at once, consisting of Merritt Hine, Cath-

erine Hine, Royal and Sarah Hine, Philander and Lorenzo Hine,

D. J. and Elizabeth Hine, Elvira and Catherine (2d) Hine,

David, Henry, and Jane Thurston, Ira Knapp, D. M. and

Miranda Benedict, Calvin and Charity Hatch, Gilbert Wheeler,

Enoch Cordner, David Cordner and wife, James and Elvira

Dunn, Jacob Shaffer and wife, William Cordner and wife, and

Eleazer Townsend. D. M. Benedict was the leader for about

five years after the class was formed, when he was succeeded by

Royal Hine, who was leader forty years. Meetings were held in

the schoolhouse until the church was built.

 

The society was incorporated in July, 1876, with D. M. Bene-

dict, D. J. Hine, N. F. Hine, Royal Hine, J. E. Fletcher, William

Lee, and H. W. Woodmansee trustees. The site was donated by

Mr. D. J. Hine. The church cost $1,600, and was dedicated in


 

 

Honesdale, Pa. 643

 

1878 by Rev. J. G. Eckman. The building was repaired in 1898

and again in 1903, $200 being spent at each time.

 

Mr. D. J. Hine has been steward and trustee forty-five years.

 

Pastorates

 

1869, _____; 1870, M. D. Fuller; 1871, J. R. Angel; 1872,

G. T. Price; 1873, R. C. Gill; 1874-75, W. G. Robinson; 1876-77,

J. B. Chynoweth; 1878-79, S. H. Wood; 1880-82, J. G. Stephens;

1883-84, I. P. Towner; 1885, P. Houck; 1886, R. P. Christopher;

1887-89, P. Holbrook; 1890-91, B. N. Butts; 1892, J. Davy;

1893-94, J. S. Lewis; 1895, D. F. Unangst; 1896-98, T. J.

Vaughn; 1899-1903, W. F. Boyce.

 

 

HONESDALE, Pa.

 

Here, as in many cases, we have no record of beginnings.

Record is made of Sophronius Stocking being the first Methodist

preacher to visit the place. This was in 1825, and Rev. Stocking

was one of the three preachers working Canaan Circuit. The

class here was a part of Canaan Circuit until 1830. From 1830

to 1840 Bethany and Honesdale appear as a charge in the

Minutes, and in 1841 Honesdale became an appointment. Prior

to 1834 the society worshiped in private houses and the school-

house. In 1834 Jason Torrey presented the society with a site

for church purposes, which was on the sidehill. The deed of

conveyance was not executed, however, until August 2, 1845.

The corner stone for the first house of worship was laid in 1834,

and the building finished soon after. This building was enlarged

"one half its original dimensions" in 1845 in order to serve the

demands of the growing society. This church and lot were sold

to Content R. Jackson on June 16, 1881, for $800. The building

is now used as a dwelling house. It is located on Eleventh Street.

 

On March 21, 1868, Alanson Blood and wife deeded to the

society a lot 75x150 on the corner of Main and Fifteenth Streets

for $2,500. When the society decided to build on the present

site this property was offered for sale, and on September 2, 1872,

was sold to Mattie C. Holmes.

 

In 1872 the present site, which included the parsonage, was

bought of Miss Gilbert, and was the Dr. King property. On

July 4, 1872, the corner stone was laid with fitting ceremonies.

Rev. J. M. Reid, D.D., delivered an address upon "The Sacred-

ness of Places." The corner stone was cut in Syracuse, N. Y.,

where all of the trimmings for the church were cut. The follow-


 

 

644 Wyoming Conference

ing articles were deposited in the corner stone; Bible; Church

hymn book; Church almanac; Church Discipline; Sabbath school

singing book and the uniform Sabbath school lessons for 1872;

Minutes of the Wyoming Conference; manual of American Bible

Society for 1871; copies of the county papers and of various

other journals, both secular and religious; report of the Delaware

and Hudson Canal Company for 1871, embracing maps of all the

roads operated by them; catalogue and list of officers of the

Franklin Lyceum Association; names of the presiding elders of

the district, the pastors of the Honesdale churches, board of

 

        HONESDALE CHURCH [photo]

 

trustees, building committee, officers of the Honesdale National

Bank, of the Wayne County Savings Bank, borough officers;

portrait of the late R. M. Seely; specimen of United States

Continental currency ($2) dated July 9, 1775; United States

fractional currency; postage stamps; Honesdale currency used

during the rebellion; and United States coin of 1872. The cur-

rency and the portrait of Colonel Seely were contributed by S. D.

Ward.

 

The church was dedicated on Wednesday, July 1, 1874.

Bishop R. S. Foster preached at the morning service from John

i, 18, and Rev. B. I. Ives, D.D., preached in the evening from

Rom. xii, 1. Dr. Ives handled the finances during the day.


 

 

Honesdale, Pa. 645

 

The total cost of the edifice, parsonage, and lot up to the day

of dedication was $56,650.20. Total assets, including subscrip-

tions, old church property, and uptown lot, $24,477.23, leaving

a balance to be provided for on the day of dedication of

$32,172.97. There was raised by subscription at the morning

service, $28,000; in the evening, $6,000 — about $2,000 more than

was needed. The subscribing was heroic. The pastor subscribed

$1,000. Four men subscribed $1,500 each, and several promised

$1,000 each. The work of soliciting continued until midnight,

when Bishop Foster conducted the dedicatory service.

 

Some gave their savings of years, many promised more than

they ought. The panic of the seventies rendered many unable

to meet their obligations. There was a consequent shrinkage of

subscriptions which seriously embarrassed the society many years.

A bitter struggle ensued to pay for the church. The property

was sold at sheriff's sale on December 16, 1880, and was bought

by Mr. Justus Sears. Mr. Sears befriended the society in its

troubles. Prior to this he had bought a claim against the society

of Miss Clarissa Gilbert for $8,000. With these and other claims

bought he invested $15,000, and became the owner of the prop-

erty, thus giving the society time to redeem the property. After

much sacrifice the debt was reduced to about $10,000. In 1890

the pastor canvassed the Conference, raising about $6,000, and

the people of Honesdale raised the balance, so that the church

was freed from an oppressive burden. The property was deeded

to the society by Justus Sears and wife on October 15, 1890, in

consideration of $10,937.50.

 

On Sunday, July 4, 1897, the society observed the twenty-fifth

anniversary of the laying of the corner stone. Rev. W. L.

Thorpe preached in the morning from Heb. xi, 39, 40, and in the

evening a platform meeting was held at which addresses were

made by Revs. C. A. Benjamin, W. H. Swift, R. M. Roderick,

W. L. Thorpe, and Homer Greene, Esq.

 

The society never recovered from the mistake made in locating

their first church on the hillside, away from the center of

population.

 

Rev. C. H. Harvey sadly demoralized the society by going

into spiritualism — going so far as to have seances and entertain-

ing a medium in his house while living in the parsonage.

 

Honesdale Church has been a revival church. Some specially

extensive revivals have been noted. In January and February,

1868, there were over two hundred conversions, and one hundred

and ten probationers were received. In January and February,


 

 

646 Wyoming Conference

 

1874, sixty probationers were received, and in 1877 four hundred

conversions were reported.

 

Honesdale entertained the Oneida Conference in July, 1850,

the Wyoming Conference in April, 1869, April, 1877, and in

April, 1893.

 

A parsonage was built in 1843 or 1844 on Third Street, below

Ninth, which was used until sold on August 5, 1871, to Samuel

B. Haley.

 

Pastorates

 

1841, Perry G. White; 1842 (and Beach Pond), Perry G.

White; 1843-44, William Reddy; 1845-46, A. Barker; 1847-48,

R. Cooke; 1849, J- S. Mitchell; 1850, Cassius H. Harvey; 1851,

W. Wyatt; 1852-53, C. W. Giddings; 1854, D. C. Olmstead;

1855, L. D. Tryon, A. Barker; 1856-57, E. Owen; 1858, H. R.

Clarke, C. W. Giddings; 1859, H. R. Clarke; 1860-61, A. P.

Mead; 1862-63, Z. Paddock; 1864-66, L. Cole; 1867-69, W. J.

Judd; 1870-72, J. O. Woodruff; 1873-75, H. M. Crydenwise;

1876-77, A. J. Van Cleft; 1878, A. J. Van Cleft, E. P. Eldridge;

1879-81, Thomas Harroun; 1882-84, A. B. Richardson; 1885-87,

W. L. Thorpe; 1888-91, H. C. McDermott; 1892, J. G. Eckman;

1893-97, C. A. Benjamin; 1898, J. E. Bone; 1899-1903, G. A.

Place.

 

 

Jackson, Pa.

 

It is claimed that there were two classes in Jackson in 1816.

Nancy Stone died in 1878 at ninety-one years of age. According

to her recollection, as preserved by Parley Cargill, the first

preaching in Jackson was by Nathaniel Lewis, a local preacher

who preached more or less all through this section. He formed

a class at East Jackson in 1816, consisting of James Cargill,

Nancy Stone, John Snow and wife, and David Hine and wife.

James Cargill was appointed leader, and served as such as long

as he lived. Jesse Stoddard and Whitefield Rockwell joined the

class about 1820. This class was reorganized after it had partly

gone down. Preaching was at John Doyle's for a while, and

subsequently at James Cargill's. The class at Ararat was dis-

continued for a while, and Nancy Stone and James Cargill united

with the Jackson class. Simon Slocum and wife united about

1820. Jerusha and Alvira Slocum, Britannia, Evaline, and Eunice

Stone, and Aurelia Stoddard joined sometime prior to 1828.

Wilson Stone and Sarah Cargill joined in Ararat in 1831. The

class was divided in 1839. It is very probable that the Jackson

people were in the Kennedy Hill class for a while.


 

 

Jackson, Pa. 647

 

This territory was on the Brooklyn Circuit many years.

 

The church was built in 1850, and dedicated on Saturday, De-

cember 21, 1850, Rev. W. H. Pearne preaching at 10:30 and

other brethren preaching Saturday afternoon and evening, and

on Sunday. The sum of $175 was raised on the day of dedication.

A writer to one of the Church papers at the time said that this

class had been established here over forty years, and that this

was the first church erected in the town.

 

In 1843 $450 was spent in painting, frescoing, a new altar, and

place for the choir. The church was reopened on December 19,

1883, Rev. J. G. Eckman preaching the sermon. On August 9,

1890, the building was damaged by storm, and was repaired at

an expense of $400. It was reopened on October 30, 1890.

 

The parsonage for this charge is located at Jackson, and was

built in 1876. The lot cost $175, house $650, and the bam $250.

Money was raised by subscription, and some work was donated.

 

North Jackson class was organized in 1834 with eight mem-

bers: Enos Bryant and wife, Horace G. Case and wife, Mary

Wheaton, Sarah Mattison, and Joseph Mattison and wife.

Horace Case was the first class leader, afterward and for many

years an exhorter and local preacher. The first meetings were

held in No. i Schoolhouse, which stood where the Davison's

house now stands. The lot on which the church stands was

donated by Truman Perry. The church was built in 1859 at a

cost of $1,500. It was dedicated on December 22, 1859, Rev.

William Wyatt preaching in the morning and Rev. J. A. Wood

in the evening. The trustees at this time were Nathan Rounds,

D. R. Pope, and Truman Perry.

 

E. M. Bryant was one of the first stewards, and remained in

that office about fifty years, and was also class leader many years.

O. M. Mattison was steward a long while. Thomas Butterfield

was the first Sunday school superintendent, and served many

years. I. E. Curtis, J. L. Williams, and T. J. Tallman have been

on the official board about twenty years.

 

Pastorates

 

1874, C. O. Hanmer; 1875, E. L. Bennett; 1876, W. C. Fisk;

1877, W. H. H. Williams; 1878-80, W. R. Cochrane; 1881-83,

P. Holbrook; 1884-85, H. G. Blair; 1886-88, R. M. Pascoe; 1889-

90, H. t. Hubbard; 1891-93, P. R. Tower; 1894, D. B. Wilson;

1895-98, S. Homan; 1899-1901, J. M. Correll; 1902-03, Harry

Kelley.


 

 

648 Wyoming Conference

 

 

Jermyn, Pa.

 

The class was organized in 1862 by Rev. I. T. Walker, pastor

at Peckville. Services were held in the schoolhouse on alternate

Sundays, and the class was a part of Peckville charge until the

place was made an appointment in 1872. Rushdale and Gibson-

burg are names once given the place. The site for the church

was secured in 1871. At the time the church was built J. P.

Sampson, F. R. Gill, C. D. Winters, J. Maynard, John Jermyn,

J. Rymer, and S. Jay were trustees. Ground was broken for the

 

        JERMYN CHURCH [photo]

 

 

 

church by S. Jay. The building committee were John Jermyn,

W. J. Hill, and F. R. Gill. The building was begun in 1871 and

finished in 1873. It was dedicated on July 2, 1873, Rev. B. I.

Ives preaching in the morning and Rev. William Bixby in the

evening. The church and ground cost $10,000, $3,600 of which

was raised on the day of dedication.

 

Sunday, March 31, 1878, was a memorable day. Dr. Copeland

preached in the morning and administered the sacrament. In

the evening Mr. John Jermyn presented the society with a mort-

gage of $2,350, duly discharged, which he had held some time


 

 

Jermyn, Pa. 649

 

against the society. The congregation raised $500, which with

Mr. Jermyn's gift, liquidated all indebtedness.

 

Some repairs and shrinkage in some subscriptions created a

debt of $1,800, which the Ladies' Aid Society paid in 1882, from

May to October.

 

In 1890 the old church was torn down and the present church

built. It has a basement, which contains a Sunday school room

51x54 feet, back- of this a primary class room 16x38 feet, and

still another room back of this 18x20 feet. The audience room is

50x70 feet and seats six hundred people. It cost $12,800. In

gratuitous labor $1,400 had been given, and is included in the

$12,800. Five thousand dollars remained to be provided for on

the day of dedication, which was on Monday, February 23, 1891.

Rev. G. M. Colville, D.D., preached in the morning. Rev. M. S.

Flard, D.D., managed the finances. The $5,000 was raised at

the morning service. Dr. Hard preached in the evening and

raised $1,000 with which to buy a piano for the Sunday school

room and grade the grounds.

 

In 1892 a vocalion costing $800 was purchased, and in 1898 a

steam-heating plant was installed costing $1,050.

 

In the winter of 1875-76 one hundred and fifty conversions

were reported, mostly adults, and in January, 1887, a ten weeks'

revival began which resulted in one hundred and eighty-six

probationers.

 

August 21, 1899, was observed as a church rally day, and

$1,250 was raised, which paid all indebtedness.

 

The parsonage was built in 1875.

 

Pastorates

 

1872-73, S. F. Wright; 1874-75, R. Hiorns; 1876-77, J. F.

Williams; 1878-80, J. V. Newell; 1881, L. Cole; 1882-84, J- C.

Leacock; 1885-87, W. B. Westlake; 1888-90, J. F. Warner;

1891-92, A. W. Cooper; 1893-97, F. Gendall; 1898, C. A. Ben-

jamin; 1899, J. B. Cook; 1900-03, M. D. Fuller.

 

 

Lackawaxen, Pa.

 

This circuit is the remnant of a circuit which in 1844 included

Lackawaxen, The Narrows, The Eddy, Tafton, Paupack, Pur-

dytown. Middle Creek, Darlingville, Lord's Valley, Shohola

Falls, and Rattlesnake Schoolhouse. The church at Lackawaxen

is a union church, the Baptists owning a half interest in it, and


 

 

650 Wyoming Conference

 

was built on ground donated by the Delaware and Hudson Canal

Company.

 

Rowlands has a church, dedicated on November 24, 1869, by

Rev. William Bixby, which was built on a lot donated by Mr.

William Westfall, and is therefore called "The Westfall Church."

 

Bobo and Grimes are schoolhouse appointments where serv-

ices are held on alternate Sunday afternoons.

 

Work was sustained at Glen Eyre Schoolhouse seven years, but

is now abandoned.

 

In the early years of the circuit it received an allowance from

the Missionary Society.

 

Pastorates

 

1840-41, A. M. Fowler; 1842-43, with Salem; 1844, Elbert A.

Young; 1845-46, J. D. Safford; 1847-48, J. B. Cooper; 1849, O.

F. Morse, A. J. Rogers; 1850, C. L. Rice; 1851, Marcus Carrier;

1852, _____; 1853, W. Smith; 1854, _____; 1855, M. L. Bennett;

1856-57, John Bradbury; 1858-59, J. L. Race; 1860, M. Swallow;

1861, P. G. Bridgeman; 1862, L. C. Floyd; 1863, George C. Hart;

1864, A. D. Alexander; 1865, S. T. Cramp; 1866, H. H. Dresser;

1867, C. W. Todd; 1868-69, J. D. Woodruff; 1870-71, G. C. An-

drews; 1872-74, C. W. Blake; 1875, J. B. Chynoweth; 1876-77,

W. R. Netherton; 1878-80, S. Stephens; 1881-83, J- A. Transue;

1884, B. B. Carruth; 1885-86, T. R. Warnock; 1887, J. W. Nich-

olson; 1888-89, B. N. Butts; 1890-92, F. Marshall; 1893-94,

S. Morris; 1895-96, G. M. Bell; 1897-98, B. R. Hanton; 1899,

W. A. Edwards; 1900-01, W. H. Crawford; 1902-03, C. E.

Waldron.

 

 

Lake Como, Pa.

 

An effort was made to hold religious services within the limits

of the present township of Preston as early as 1822; but the

location of the families, their indigent condition, and various

other circumstances, incidental to a primitive settlement, were

such that all attempts were abandoned. Consequently, as an old

settler records, "the Sabbaths were very lonely spent." Occa-

sionally the various families were visited by the pioneer ministers

of the Baptist and Methodist Churches, and it is possible that

within five years of the above mentioned date some gatherings

for public worship may have been held. Meanwhile churches

had gathered strength in the adjoining township, and among

their members were some of the early Preston settlers.

 

Sometime after 1825, John Rain, a Primitive Methodist minis-


 

 

Lake Como, Pa. 651

 

ter, went to Luther Shafer's and began to hold stated meetings

with success. Soon afterward a class of thirteen members was

formed. It was soon discovered, however, that he had not the

proper ecclesiastical authority, and he left, the class soon after

disbanding. Some of the members of this class and some who

held membership elsewhere longed for religious services. This

led to the organization of the first class of the Methodist Episco-

pal Church in Tallmansville in 1831, with David Wooley as

leader. Some of the original members were David, Jane, Sarah

Ann, William, James, and Mary Jane Wooley, Lucretia Tallman,

Lucretia Tallman 2d, C. P. Tallman, and others of the Tallman

family. However, no regular preaching services were held until

 

        LAKE COMO CHURCH [photo]

 

1846, when Rev. Philip Bartlett, pastor of Lanesboro Circuit,

began regular work, and he came at the earnest solicitation of

C. P. Tallman and Oman A. Lakin, who went to a Quarterly

Conference held at Lanesboro in 1845 and urged their request.

The class agreed to pay $100 per year. This territory was a

part of Lanesboro Circuit until 1859, when Tallsmansville

charge appeared among the appointments.

 

The church at Lake Como was built in 1861. The lot was

donated by Allison, Davidge & Co., proprietors of the tannery,

and was conveyed by deed to Lyman Woodmansee, J. M. Kellogg,

John Davidge, N. F. Underwood, and J. C. Menhenneth,

trustees. William Kingsbury was the contractor, and erected

the building above the foundation for $1,360. It was dedicated


 

 

652 Wyoming Conference

 

in 1861 by Rev. William Wyatt. In 1884 $800 was spent in re-

pairs. When religious work was commenced on this church, the

class at Jerusalem, numbering twenty-eight, the Jericho class,

numbering nineteen, and the Little York class were combined

to form the Lake Como class.

 

The parsonage is located at Lake Como, and was built in 1866,

Arnon W. Cole had bought a lot of the tannery company, had the

cellar partially dug, and some lumber on the ground to build

with. The society bought this for $425, and completed the build-

ing, the whole costing about $2,000. After the barn was built

a debt remained of $800, which was not paid until 1874.

 

South Preston class was organized in 1875. Tallmansville was

a schoolhouse appointment for many years until the building of

the church in 1886. This church was dedicated on June 23,

1866, by Rev. J. K. Peck, who preached from John xvii, 17. The

church cost $2,600. It was built on land donated by C. P. Tall-

man. It was taken down and moved to South Preston, and re-

erected on a site donated by David Doyle, at an expense of $800.

In rebuilding it was reduced in size somewhat. It was dedicated

by Rev. J. B. Sumner on December 3, 1887, preaching in the

morning from Isa. Iv, 13, and also preaching in the evening. The

sum of $285 was raised during the day.

 

Stanton Hill class was organized about 1855, with H. P. Stan-

ton leader. Its members were Henry, Emeline, Mary A., and

David Stanton and wife, Mrs. Richard McLaury, and Eunice

Roberts. The schoolhouse was used for worship until the church

was built. The site was donated by A. R. Dix, he donating a

lot for a public school building on condition that the Methodists

have the old school lot for the erection of a church. The build-

ing cost $1,625, and was dedicated on October 27, 1883, Rev. J.

B. Sweet preaching from Mai. iii, 10. Rev. William Hiller

asked for $300, and $320 was subscribed in fifteen minutes, after

which he dedicated the church.

 

Winwood is a recent development on the charge. Services

were begun here about 1899, and held in the schoolhouse. Mrs.

Susan Weed donated a lot to the society, and the society pur-

chased one for $130, both being conveyed by the same deed.

 

The church is 32x45 feet, with a lecture room 18x25 feet, and

an alcove 7x25 feet for the choir. The contract price of the

building was $2,590, but the final cost was $3,500. It was dedi-

cated on August 16, 1903, Rev. J. Krantz, D.D., and Rev. J. F.


 

 

Winwood, Pa. 653

 

Warner officiating. During the day $2,000 was raised, the

balance having been raised before.

 

Camp meetings were held in a piece of woods owned by C. P.

Tallman from 1875 to 1881. At one time it was thought best

to incorporate as "The Tallmansville Camp Meeting Associa-

tion," but it was not done. The land has since been cleared.

 

        WINWOOD CHURCH [photo]

 

The name of the charge was changed from Tallmansville to

Lake Como in 1881.

 

Pastorates

 

1859, _____; 1860, J. Whitham; 1861, G. W. Leach, C. Stod-

dard; 1862-63, I. N. Pardee; 1864-65, N. S. Reynolds; 1866, S.

G. Stevens; 1867-69, H. H. Dresser; 1870, J. D. Woodruff; 1871,

W. B. Kinney; 1872-73, D. Larish; 1874, M. D- Fuller; 1875,

M. D. Fuller, G. W. Leach; 1876, M. D. Fuller; 1877-79, J. H.

Taylor; 1880-81, F. A. Dony; 1882-84, G. A. Cure; 1885-87,

D. A. Sanford; 1888-90, T. M. Furey; 1891-93, J. V. Newell;

1894-97, L. W. Karschner; 1898, P. G. Ruckman; 1899-1902, A.

C. Olver; 1903, J. N. Meaker.

 

 

Moscow, Pa.

 

"The class from which the Moscow class sprung was organ-

ized by William Noble, a local preacher from Sterling, at Dale-

ville, in 1826. This was the first religious organization in

Covington township. Its members were Thomas Depew, John

Fish and wife, Frederick Rush and wife, and Mrs. David Dale,


 

 

654 Wyoming Conference

 

The appointment was a part of the Canaan Circuit. In 1828 V.

M. Coryell was one of the preachers on that circuit and preached

here. In 1836 the meetings of the society were held at Joseph

Loveland's house, on the Daleville road, near Moscow. After-

ward they were held at the Rupert [school] house, near the

culvert of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad.

After the schoolhouse was built on the site of [afterward occu-

pied by] Gaige and Clement's store the meetings were held in it

until the church was built."

 

We insert the following, though not directly related to the

 

        MOSCOW CHURCH [photo]

 

 

 

Moscow society: "The first preaching in Roaring Brook town-

ship was in 1853, by a Methodist minister, at the house of J. M.

Stevens, about a mile below Dunning. Services were held in the

schoolhouse on the Cobb road in summer and at the house of Mr.

Stevens in winter. The first class was formed, however, in a

small building at Dunning, owned by S. S. Welsh, and used as a

schoolhouse. This was in 1856. William C. Robinson was ap-

pointed leader. The other members were Margaret and Jennie

Robinson, J. M., Sarah W., and Elnora A. Stevens. The class

was transferred in 1857 to the Forest Hill schoolhouse, at the

south side of the Forest Hill camp ground."


 

 

Moscow, Pa. 655

 

The charge was formed in 1853 and known as Madison Mis-

sion until 1858, when it took the name of Moscow. The follow-

ing shows the plan of the charge at its organization: Class No. 1,

Owen Simpson, leader, meets at Rupert Schoolhouse; Class No.

2, G. F. Finch, leader, meets at Union Church; Class No. 3, Ralph

Pease, leader, meets at White Schoolhouse; Class No. 4, meets at

Turnersville; Class No. 5, Dr. William R. Rogers, leader, meets

at Naglesville [Tobyhanna]. The last-named class, consisting of eight mem-

bers, was afterward annexed to a charge in the Philadelphia

Conference. In the list of classes for 1858 the Naglesville class

does not appear. In its stead, Class No. 5 has William C. Robin-

son for leader and meets at Stevens's house. In 1859 a sixth

class appeared, with George Finch as leader, and met at Swartz

Schoolhouse. In 1864 Class No. 6 does not appear. In 1869

the classes were still fewer and numbered as follows: 1, Moscow;

2, Turnersville; 3, Dunnings; 4, White Schoolhouse. The classes

on the charge at this writing are Moscow, Turnersville, Spring-

brook, and Maple Lake.

 

The charter of the Moscow society was granted August 10,

1848, naming as the first trustees Owen Simpson, George Swartz,

George W. Swartz, Larry Miller, and Joseph Loveland. The

corporate name of the society is "The Second Methodist Episco-

pal Church and Congregation of Covington." In 1862 the board

of trustees consisted of Edward Simpson, William W. Noble,

George Swartz, George W. Swartz, and Peter Swartz.

 

The church was commenced in 1853 and finished the follow-

ing year. Owen Simpson, George Swartz, Larry Miller, Joseph

Loveland, and George W. Swartz constituted the building com-

mittee. The building cost $1,300, and was dedicated on January

24, 1854, Rev. Abel Barker preaching the dedicatory sermon.

 

In 1885 the church was thoroughly repaired at a cost of $2,000.

The building committee consisted of W. F. Clements, J. W.

Brock, H. L. Gaige, G. S. Brown, and Rev. G. A. Cure. Toward

the improvements the Cheerful Workers gave $655.59, the

Young People's Society $189.35, and Mrs. Gaige's Sunday school

class $100. The improvements were a tower and vestibule, in-

clined floor, alcove, new walls and wainscoting, new pews and

stained-glass windows, new roof, and the building painted.

 

The parsonage was built about 1867. In 1899, at a cost of

$1,214.86, the house was enlarged and greatly improved.

 

Mr. W. F. Clements, who died August 24, 1897, was many

years the Sunday school superintendent and a general mainstay

of the church.


 

 

656 Wyoming Conference

 

Turnersville is three miles south of Moscow. Work has been

maintained here since 1826, when the place was first settled.

"Previous to the building of the log schoolhouse, services were

held in the homes of the settlers." Being on the dividing line

between the Philadelphia and Oneida Conferences, the place was

occasionally reached by preachers from each. In those early

days services were seldom held by the Methodists more frequent-

ly than once a month.

 

The site for the church was donated by John Simpson, and the

church, which is a union church, was dedicated by a Presbyterian

preacher, known as "Father Hunt."

 

Since the organization of Wyoming Conference Turnersville

has been a part of it, and since 1853 a part of Moscow charge.

Prior to 1852 it was largely connected with the Philadelphia

Conference.

 

In 1889 the building was repaired at an expense of $600, and

was reopened in October, 1889, by Rev. W. B. Westlake.

 

Rev. Henry Stanley located here in 1868, and died on April

23, 1898. He preached fortnightly in the church during most of

his residence here, and in many ways rendered valuable service

to the pastor and charge.

 

Springbrook is six miles west of Moscow. We know very lit-

tle about the history of this class. The church is said to have

been built in 1866. On October 16, 1876, the society was incor-

porated as "The Methodist Episcopal Church of Springbrook,"

and Frederick Robinson, William Daniels, and Nathan Turner

were the trustees.

 

In 1876 Springbrook and Maple Lake were constituted a

charge, and in 1878 Forest Hill was added. As a charge it was

served in 1876-78 by A. C. Olver, in 1879 by J. B. Sweet.

 

Springbrook became a part of Moscow charge in 1900. Prior

to this it was a part of Thornhurst charge a number of years.

 

Maple Lake is four miles west of Moscow. A short time be-

fore the war the church was built on a lot donated by Timothy

Rozelle, the deed for the same being executed by Timothy Ro-

zelle and wife Sarah, on January 25, 1875, and given to L. K.

Case, D. P. Scull, and T. H. Kridler as trustees. "The Maple

Lake Methodist Episcopal Church" was incorporated on October

16, 1876, with Lambert K. Case, Thomas Kridler, and Timothy

Rozelle trustees. This class formed a part of the Springbrook

charge for a few years. After being closed several years the


 

 

Union, Pa. 657

 

Moscow pastor began work in the church in 1900, and preached

there biweekly.

 

Daleville. Work has been abandoned at this point. A church

was built in 1878, and was dedicated by Rev. C. H. Fowler, D.D.

The building was torn down about 1890 and moved to Goulds-

boro. For several years this class, with Union, constituted a

charge. From 1877 to 1878 D. F. Waddell was the pastor. From

1879 to 1882 it was with Moscow, Union being an appointment

during these years. In 1883-84 Daleville and Union were served

by P. Houck; in 1885 I. P. Towner was the pastor; 1886-87,

supply.

 

Elmhurst. Meetings were taken from the Stevens schoolhouse

to a public hall in the village of Elmhurst. Subsequently Rhodes

Hall was used. Preaching services were held biweekly until

190 1, when they were discontinued.

 

Union. We note this here, not that it ever formed a part of

Moscow charge, but that the fact may not be lost. There was a

charge called Union. Rev. G. A. Cure says: "There was only

one church on the Union charge. It was called 'Union Church,'

and was situated near Madisonville, three miles from Moscow.

I preached there, at a schoolhouse near Elmhurst, at another such

edifice near Nobletown, and at Greenwood Chapel, one half mile

from No. 21 of the old gravity road. Salary, $425." The

chapel at Greenwood was sold in 1901 to the Evangelical Associa-

tion for $15.

 

While the charge existed it was served as follows: 1875-76,

J. T. Burrall; 1877-79, J. G. Stephens; 1880, G. A. Cure; 1881,

C. H. Hayes; 1882, W. R. Turner.

 

Pastorates

 

1853-54, Joseph I. David; 1855, Charles Smith; 1856-57,

William Shelp; 1858, C. C. Smith; 1859, H. Stanley; 1860, J.

L. Race; 1861, A. J. Van Cleft; 1862, D. Personeus; 1863, J. W.

Munger; 1864-65, J. T. Crowell; 1866-68, G. M. Chamberlain;

1869-71, G. A. Severson; 1872-73, J. C. Leacock; 1874, I. B.

Hyde; 1875-76, S. J. Austin; 1877-78, G. M. Colville; 1879-81,

W. B. Westlake; 1882-84, J. Madison; 1885-87, G. A. Cure;

1888-89, A. C. Olver; 1890-94, S. C. Simpkins; 1895-96, A. D.

David; 1897-98, S. G. Snowden; 1899-1903, G. H. Prentice.


 

 

658 Wyoming Conference

 

Narrowsburg, N. Y.

 

The first Methodist service in Narrowsburg was conducted

in the home of C. C. Murray, in July, 1839, by Rev. T. J. Lyon,

who was one of the preachers on the Lumberland and Port Jer-

vis Circuit of the New Jersey Conference. In 1841 the circuit

was called Forestburg, and in 1842 and 1843 it was called Port

Jervis. In 1844 the circuit was divided, one part keeping the

name of Port Jervis, the other taking the name of Barryville.

Narrowsburg formed a part of the Barryville Circuit until the

Narrowsburg Circuit was formed in 1856, when the appoint-

ments on the circuit were Narrowsburg, Swamp Steam Mills,

Beaver Brook, Wells and Ayrs schoolhouses.

 

In the fall of 1842 a revival was held at Narrowsburg in an

old log house about a quarter of a mile northeast of the district

schoolhouse. Mrs. Lucinda Murray, "a mother in Israel," and

eight others professed conversion and joined the church. A

class was formed with Oliver Vail as leader.

 

In 1847 Narrowsburg, or Big Eddy, as it was then called, was

apportioned $60 for preacher's salary.

 

The first Quarterly Meeting and Conference held at Narrows-

burg was August 4 and 5. On this occasion $32 was collected

for Dickinson College.

 

The church was built in the summer of 1856, on land given

by Dr. Wackerbarth, and was dedicated on November 13, 1856,

by Rev. B. W. Pearson. A condition upon which the lot was

given was that the lot was to be used for church purposes only,

and the church should be opened to all denominations. After

some agitation the society decided to move the church down the

hill into a better location. To make this possible financially

the society decided to do without a pastor one year and use the

amount of money usually turned in that direction to remove the

church. Messrs. J. A. Baird and Schriver canvassed the

charge for funds and secured the needed amount. The job was

let to Mr. Pregnall, of Honesdale. The present site was given

by the Murray family, and the removal cost the society $500.

According to the original grant the first lots would have revert-

ed to Dr. Wackerbarth's heirs. The taxes being unpaid, they

were in time sold for taxes, and the society bought one of the

lots and now holds the comptroller's deed for it.

 

In the fall of 1898 the interior of the church was completely

remodeled, being reseated on a modern plan, repainted, recar-

peted, and recushioned, at a cost of $480. It was reopened on


 

 

Narrowsburg, Pa. 659

 

November 29, 1898, Rev. A. W. Cooper preaching morning and

evening. The Ladies' Aid Society did splendid work in raising

funds for this work.

 

The Sunday school was organized in 1848 in the home of C. C.

Murray, Oliver Carmichael being the first superintendent. At

this first meeting $10 was raised for books.

 

The parsonage was built in 1867 at a cost of $800. The lot was

given by Mr. C. K. Gordon. The deed, however, was not exe-

cuted until January 3, 1868.

 

Narrowsburg in 1861 was a station. In 1866 it became an ap-

pointment in Wyoming Conference. Mr. C. K. Gordon was the

first steward elected from Narrowsburg, and this was in January,

1855.

 

The society became incorporated in 1892.

 

Atco, Pa., is about two miles from Narrowsburg, on the plank

road which leads to Honesdale. A schoolhouse was built there

in 1859, and church services were instituted soon afterward,

being conducted by the Beach Pond pastor. About this time a

class was formed which included Henry Babcock and wife,

Stephen Bates, and Mrs. W. D. Guinnip. Mr. Babcock was the

first Sunday school superintendent. This class became a part of

Narrowsburg charge about 1865. The schoolhouse burned about

1878, and with it some valuable records of the class. The society

uses the present schoolhouse, preaching services being held bi-

weekly.

 

Swamp Mills, N. Y., is about five miles from Narrowsburg,

and gets its name from an excelsior mill situated at one end of a

swamp pond. At the invitation of several families living around

there Rev. D. Evans began preaching services in the schoolhouse

on alternate Sabbaths. In 1896 stewards were appointed for the

place and it became a part of Narrowsburg charge.

 

Pastorates

 

1840 (Lumberland and Port Jervis), J. M. Pierson and T. J.

Lyon; 1841 (Forestburg), T. J. Lyon; 1842 (Port Jervis), Wil-

liam M. Barrows; 1843 (Port Jervis), John D. Blain, C. O. May-

bee; 1844-45 (Barryville until 1856), Jacob Mott; 1846, Robert

Van Syckle; 1847, W. G. Wiggins; 1848, E. P. Cook; 1849-

50, A. H. Belles; 1851, L. Bradbury; 1852, B. F. Walters; 1853,

B. S. Wilson, G. A. Van Home; 1854-55, J. W. Suran; 1856,

(Narrowsburg), G. A. Van Home; 1857, _____; 1858, J. S. Swit-


 

 

660 Wyoming Conference

 

zer; 1859-60, J. H. Runyon; 1861-62, G. B. Jackson; 1863-64,

Elbert Clement; 1865, H. H. Dresser; 1866-67, C. W. Todd; 1868,

C. A. Ward; 1869-70, W. N. Cooley; 1871-72, J. D. Woodruff;

1873-75, R- Varcoe; 1876-77, R. Hioms; 1878, P. M. Mott; 1879,

_____; 1880-82, R. Varcoe; 1883-84, S. W. Spencer; 1885-87, L.

Cole; 1888-89, G. B. Stone; 1890-94, D. Evans; 1895-96, D. B.

Wilson; 1897-1900, G. M. Bell; 1901-03, William McAlpine.

 

 

Peckville, Pa.

 

The class was organized in 1856 by Rev. D. Williams, who was

a member of this Conference, and supplying the Welsh Calvinistic

Methodist Church at the time. Mary Mott, Dorcas Travis, C.

D. Barber, William and Ann Ferris, with a few others, consti-

tuted this class. The place was called Blakely until the name was

changed to Peckville in 1872. In 1860 the charge included Oly-

phant, Archbald, Jermyn, Blakely, and Secor's Point, just above

Throop, and was called Blakely Mission, presumably receiving aid

 

        PECKVILLE CHURCH [photo]

 

from the Missionary Society. Meetings were held in the school-

house, which is now used for a hose house.

 

The church was built in 1868 on land which was bought of Mr.

John D. Peck for $200, the Ladies' Aid Society raising the amount

of purchase money. The deed, however, was not executed until

June 26, 1869, William Purdy, D. C. Barber, G. W. Thomas,

James Hurd, William Williams, and S. F. Wright being trustees

at that time. The church cost $5,000, including the bell and fur-


 

 

Peckville, Pa. 661

 

nishings. The pastor helped to cut the timber and haul it to the

place of building. The building was dedicated on July 4, 1868,

Rev. R. Nelson, D.D., preaching the sermon. An excursion train

ran up from Scranton carrying a large number to the services.

The Ladies' Aid Society served a dinner in the basement after

the service was over. The Aid Society raised over $1,000 during

the year the church was being built, and $1,500 was raised on the

day of dedication.

 

The present church was built in 1894. The main part is 64x45

feet, and at the rear is the old church, 36x54 feet, and so connected

with the auditorium by sliding doors that both rooms may be

thrown together when extra seating is needed. The pastor worked

so hard in helping to build this church that his overdoing is

believed to have been the cause of a severe fit of sickness. The

church was dedicated on Sunday, November 25, 1894, Rev. B. I.

Ives, D.D., preaching in the morning and conducting the soliciting

during the day, and Rev. W. L. Thorpe preaching in the evening

from Luke viii, 5, and conducting the dedicatory service.

 

The pastors usually lived at Archbald prior to 1862, when

Blakely became the place of pastoral residence. In 1877 the par-

sonage was built, at a cost of $1,000, on a lot 60x150 feet, which

was deeded to the society by the Hillside Coal and Iron Company,

on October 28, 1885, in consideration of $1. The house was im-

proved and enlarged in 1888 at an expense of $500.

 

Grassy Island. The lot is leased of the Delaware and Hudson

Canal Company for ninety-nine years at $1 per year. The chapel

was built in 1892 at a cost of $600. A Sunday school is kept in

operation here under the supervision of the Peckville church.

 

The society was visited by an uncommon revival in 1869.

 

Pastorates

 

1856, D. Williams; 1857, F. Illman; 1858-59, D. Williams;

1860-61, J. O. Woodruff; 1862-63, I. T. Walker; 1864-66, E. H.

Hynson; 1867-68, S. F. Wright; 1869, G. M. Chamberlain; 1870-

72, J. F. Wilbur; 1873, G. M. Chamberlain; 1874-75, Jonas

Underwood; 1876-78, W. J. Hill; 1879-80, F. Gendall; 1881, E. P.

Eldridge; 1882-84, R. Hiorns; 1885-87, J. B. Sweet; 1888-92,

W. B. Westlake; 1893-94, F. P. Doty; 1895-99, S. C. Simpkins;

1900-1902, F. Gendall; 1903, E. Kilpatrick. Rev. F. Gendall died

in August, 1902, and the balance of the year was supplied by Rev.

J. E. Bone.


 

 

662 Wyoming Conference

 

 

Pleasant Mount, Pa.

 

The first class in the township was organized in 1806, in the

house of Abram Cramer. The house was still standing in 1886,

the oldest in the township. Rev. Anning Owen was the first

Methodist preacher to visit the place. He was presiding elder

on Susquehanna District in 1806, and probably organized the

class on some of his trips. If done by him at some other time,

it was probably while he was on Wyoming Circuit in 1801.

 

A union church was built in 1822. It stood on the first road

running north and south, east of the village, on land which was

owned in 1886 by George E. Morse. It was 24x48 feet, and was

formed by an addition 24 feet square to a log house of the same

size. Here the society worshiped until 1830-32, when it built a

church two miles east of the village on the Bethany turnpike.

The ground, one acre and fifty-eight perches, was deeded to the

society on November 26, 1836, in consideration of $22.50, by

David Kennedy. It now forms a part of the burying ground.

The church is said to have been dedicated on July 4, but the year

is uncertain. The building was greatly improved in 1851.

 

On July 3, 1854, Rodney Harm deeded two acres and eighty-

five rods to the society, in consideration of $100, upon which a

parsonage was built the same year, and in 1855 $350 was raised

to pay the balance of parsonage debt.

 

On this lot the present church was built in 1865-66. The build-

ing cost $3,300, and was dedicated on Wednesday, November 21,

1866, at 11 A. M., Rev. William Reddy preaching from I Pet. i,

ll. At this service $1,000 was raised to fully provide for the

expense.

 

This building was repaired in 1888 at an expense of $350. It

was reopened on October 11, 1888, Rev. J. B. Sumner preaching

at 2 p. M., and the Wyoming Trio singing in the evening.

 

The society became incorporated on September 7, 1866, with

E. B. Benjamin, C. D. Cobb, W. Bonner, W. Partridge, D. L.

Fletcher, and Patrick McGonigle trustees.

 

In March and April, 1847, a revival of great power visited the

society.

 

This territory was first on Wyoming Circuit, second on Canaan

Circuit, and in 1843 was made an appointment, but remained so

but one year. From 1844-50 it was a part of Bethany Circuit,

and in 1851 permanently appeared among the list of appointments.

 

In 1853-54 the following were the appointments of the circuit:

Pleasant Mount (the old church). Red Schoolhouse, White


 

 

White's Valley, Pa. 663

 

Schoolhouse, Pleasant Mount Village Schoolhouse, Sherwood

Schoolhouse, Brick Schoolhouse, and Lebanon Schoolhouse.

 

White's Valley. In 1867 a portion of Pleasant Mount Church

withdrew and organized the White's Valley class. The society

became incorporated on February 4, 1868, as "The Second Metho-

dist Episcopal Church of Pleasant Mount, at White's," with Wil-

liam Hull, Joseph B. Allen, William Partridge, Hamlin Bonham,

Philip White, and Samuel F. White trustees. The church was

built in 1870 and 1871, on land which was deeded to the society

on August 27, 1873, by Levi Horton, for $40. In the construc-

tion of this church material out of the old church on Bethany turn-

pike was used. This building is on the road from Mount Pleasant

to Honesdale. The church was dedicated on February 23, 1871,

Rev. William Reddy preaching in the morning, and Rev. William

Bixby in the evening from Psa. lxxxiv, 4.

 

Pastorates

 

1851, G. M. Peck; 1852, T. Wilcox; 1853-54, R. S. Rose; 1855-

56, C. V. Arnold; 1857-58, N. W. Everett; 1859-60, F. Spencer;

1861-62, A. Brigham; 1863-64, N. S. De Witt; 1865, L. C. Floyd;

1866-67, C. V. Arnold; 1868, Jonas Underwood; 1869-70, J. V.

Newell; 1871-72, W. M. Cooley; 1873-75, G. T. Price; 1876-78,

S. F. Wright; 1879-81, S. Jay; 1882-84, J. B. Sweet; 1885-86,

J. Madison; 1887-91, W. R. Cochrane; 1892-93, T. Burgess; 1894-

96, W. M. Shaw; 1897-1901, J. H. Boyce; 1902-03, L. W. Karsch-

ner.

 

 

Salem, Pa.

 

The first sermon in Salem [Hamlin] was by Rev. William Colbert, and

preached on May 16, 1793, in a Mr. Park's house. His journal

has the following concerning this service: "I knew not how I

could preach, but I thought I would try and do as well as I could.

I did, and the Lord be praised! I don't know that I have seen

the word attended with more power since I left Maryland. My

text was Amos xi, 12. Though the life of a traveling preacher

is very laborious and fatiguing, it is what I glory in."

 

A letter from Anson Goodrich, of Salem, to Dr. Peck dated

March 13, 18=;7, contains the following: information:

"Ephraim Bidwell and Dorcas his wife came from Connecticut

and settled in this town — then Canaan — in the year 1800. They

were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was by

an invitation from Mr. Bidwell that year, or the following, that


 

 

664 Wyoming Conference

 

two preachers, Ephraim Chambers and James Polemus, preached

several times."

 

They were from Wyoming — Chambers probably in 1801 or

1802, and Polemus the year following. Mr. Goodrich further

says:

"I recollect hearing Mr. Owen, Christopher Frye, and Alfred

Griffith preach in barns, dwelling houses, and a log schoolhouse —

in fact, the only schoolhouse in what is now Salem. Mr. R. M.

Stocker, who was raised in Salem, and now lives in Honesdale,

 

        SALEM CHURCH [photo]

 

thinks this was probably the East schoolhouse, built in 1807 or

1808. Mr. Owen was presiding elder, and held the first quarterly

meeting which was ever witnessed by the people here, in Major

Woodbridge's barn. The major was a stanch Calvinist, and

manifested much opposition to the fanatics, as they were called,

upon their first making their appearance in this country."

 

These are the only references we have to services here until Mr.

Draper was sent into this section by Bishop Ashbury in 1807.

 

"Mr. Draper first called at Major Woodbridge's, in what is

now Salem, Wayne County. He was in his mill; it was a log


 

 

Salem, Pa. 665

 

mill; and when Mr. Draper opened to him his business the major

was somewhat reserved, but treated him with becoming courtesy.

Mr. Draper proposed to preach the next Sabbath, and the major

did not object. He invited Mr. Draper to partake of the hospi-

talities of his house, but said nothing about his having a regular

appointment in the place until after the Sabbath, when he heard

him preach three times. The people flocked out to hear the

missionary, and gave great attention to the word. Indeed, at the

very first there were evident indications of a divine influence at

work upon the hearts of the people.

 

"Major Woodbridge was a Presbyterian of many years stand-

ing, although in no wise bigoted. He was a man of intelligence,

of character, and of influence. He was a little slow to pledge

himself for the support of the new sect, but he lent an ear, and

proceeded as he saw the light. Having heard Mr. Draper, and

seen the interest which was awakened among the people, he had

no doubt but that God was in the movement, and he promised him

his most cordial support. He invited Mr. Draper to establish

regular preaching at his house, and gave him every facility in his

work."

 

Shortly after this a love feast was held in Major Woodbridge's

barn. "They admitted all who wished to come in, and the barn

was full. There were only three or four to speak, but they spoke

over and over. Major Woodbridge, his wife, and a Dutch woman

were all that Mr. Draper had to help him. The Dutch woman

became boisterous, and the major was a little alarmed, and came

to Mr. Draper and asked him if that would not do harm. Mr.

Draper told him he rather thought not, and his friend seemed

content.

 

"Many were awakened, and the meeting continued until late at

night. An old raftsman, seventy years of age, was awakened and

converted. Mr. Draper told the major to take the names of all

who wished to join the society, and he must lead the meetings.

Twenty-two persons gave him their names, and he was regularly

installed as a class leader in the Methodist Church almost before

he was aware of it."

 

He continued to act as class leader until the time of his death in

1811 or 1812.

 

"The following persons were members of the first class formed

in Salem: Theodore Woodbridge, Ephraim and Dorcas Bidwell,

Harris and Ruey Hamlin, Ruey Hamlin [afterward Mrs. Baldwin,

of Minnesota], Michael Mitchel and wife, Catharine Hamlin

[afterwjtrd Mrs. Lee, of Canaan], Irena Potter, Dorcas Miller,


 

 

666 Wyoming Conference

 

Charles and Ann Goodrich, Charles Goodrich, Jr., Timothy and

Betsy Hollister, Josiah and Eunice Curtis, Gideon and Ann Cur-

tis, Fitch H. Curtis, William Cobb, Salmon and Sally Jones,

Joseph Miller, William and Ann Dayton, Sanford and Laminta

Wright, Jeremiah and Ruth Osgood, Edmund and Rebecca Nich-

olson, and Oliver Hamlin."

 

"The stewards' book of 1812 shows the following additions:

Luther, Polly, Prudence, Jabez, Oren, and Sally Bidwell, Sophia

Curtis, Sally Hamlin, Lucena Wright, Polly and Joel Potter,

Hannah Wheatcraft, Henry and Lucy Avery, Adrial and Achsah

Andrews, Samuel Harford, John Andrews, Lucy Andrews, Lamira

Avery, Benjamin Harrison. Later John Glossenger, Betsy Ryon,

Sally Brown, Cyprian Cobb, Mary Glossenger, Nancy Loudon,

and Eli Mitchell are mentioned. The first quarterly meeting was

held by Presiding Elder Anning Owen, in Major Woodbridge's

barn. The Woodbridge house was on the East and West road,

about midway between Hamlinton and Little Meadows. The barn

stood on the south side of the road, a little east of the house which

was on the opposite side of the road." — R. M. Stacker.

 

The old stewards' book for Canaan Circuit for 1808 shows that

Rev. Thomas Elliott received quarterage. According to the

Minutes he was appointed to Tioga Circuit. He may have been

brought here to help with the expanding work.

 

In September, 1818, a very successful camp meeting was held

in Salem.

 

When Canaan Circuit was formed in 1808, being taken from

Wyoming Circuit, Salem became the head of the circuit. In 1820

the circuit had twelve preaching places. When there was a sec-

ond or junior preacher on the circuit he lived at Canaan Corners.

When Salem Circuit was formed from Canaan Circuit in 1842

the two preachers lived, one at Salem, the other at Sterling. In

1855 Salem Circuit contained the following preaching places:

Salem, Noble Hill, Catterson, South Sterling, Jefferson, Bidwell

Hill, North Salem, Jones's Settlement, Hollisterville, Cliff School-

house. In 1860 Sterling was set off, since which time Salem has

had five preaching places: Hamlinton (Salem Corners), Hollister-

ville, Maplewood, Little Chapel, and Bidwell Hill.

 

"In 1815 Charles Goodrich deeded the land where the church in

Hamlinton now stands to Gideon Curtis, Adrial Andrews, Edmund

Nicholson, Charles Goodrich, Jr., and Fitch H. Curtis, evidently

for school and religious purposes, this being the lot on which the

old schoolhouse stood. In 1829 this same land was deeded by the

above-named grantees to William Noble, Timothy Hollister,


 

 

Salem, Pa. 667

 

Anson Goodrich, and Oliver Hamlin, trustees of the Methodist

Episcopal Church of Salem. In 1830 these same trustees, with

the addition of Samuel Harford, obtained a charter from the Salem

Methodist Episcopal Church. A union church had been built

on the lot and dedicated August 18, 1827. The Methodists gave

one half and Presbyterians and Protestants the other half, with

the understanding that the Methodist Episcopals should have the

church every alternate Sabbath in the morning and the other

Sabbath in the afternoon. The Presbyterians and Protestants

divided the balance of the time between them. One Sunday the

Protestants took possession of the church a half hour earlier than

the regular hour, when it was not their turn. The Methodists

got the keys and locked them out. These difficulties culminated

in a lawsuit between the Presbyterians and Methodists, in which

tlie Presbyterians were victors, after which the Methodists bought

out the interest of such individual Presbyterians as would sell.

Dr. Wright and some others would not sell, and always claimed

their rights. When the Presbyterians built their church in 1832-

33, some of the Methodists aided the enterprise. Old difficulties

have vanished and good-will now prevails.

 

"This union church was 38x40, with two entrance doors in the

south end, a high pulpit between the doors, and galleries on the

north end and the two sides. - The women sat on the west side of the

church, while the men occupied the other side." — R. M. Stacker.

 

Rev. George Peck, D.D., preached the last sermon in the old

church and laid the corner stone of the present church, which is

called Centenary, in 1866. The building was dedicated on Thurs-

day, April 25, 1867, Rev. H. Mattison preaching in the morning

and Rev. George Peck, D.D., in the evening.

 

The present parsonage was built in 1872-73.

 

Father Anson Goodrich lived until 1861, when he passed away,

and his funeral sermon was preached by Rev. William Wyatt, on

July 6, 1861.

 

A letter to the Northern Christian Advocate gives evidence

that amid many triumphs there have been some trying experiences

on this circuit. In 1852 the "animosity of the children of darkness

to the spread of the Gospel manifested itself by throwing a dead

dog in the parsonage well, stealing the pastor's chickens, and

slitting his carriage top in pieces." In fact, the pastor was so

terrorized that he moved his family off the charge two months

before Conference. It is understood that these troubles arose be-

cause of the pastor's antislavery and temperance sentiments being

too advanced for some.


 

 

668 Wyoming Conference

 

The years 1837-38, 1861-62, and 1900 were among the good re-

vival seasons, and 1859-60 is still talked about as the great revival

when there were about one hundred and sixty conversions.

 

Lackawaxen was with Salem a short time.

 

Bidwell Hill. A class had existed here a number of years,

when on October 9, 1869, the corner stone was laid for the church.

When the church was half built a revival broke out which greatly

strengthened the class. The revival of 1901 doubled the mem-

bership of the society.

 

Maplewood class was organized on December 10, 1870, by the

pastor. It was called "Forest Chapel" a while, subsequently "For-

est Mills," but is now called Maplewood and is in Lake township.

The church was begun in 1871. When partly finished the society

began using it. It was completed in 1874, and dedicated on

Thursday, November 19, 1874. Rev. A. Griffin preached and

raised $900. The chapel cost about $2,000. Rev. D. C. Olm-

stead conducted the dedicatory service.

 

Little Chapel is a small building given to the society by Andrew

J. Andrews in the deed by which James Floyd and Sarah his

wife conveyed a farm to him on February 11, 1858. The claim

which conveys the property to the Methodists reads, "excepting

and reserving therefrom to the said parties of the first part, their

heirs and assigns, the building on easterly portion of said premises

called the 'Little Chapel' for the use of the Methodist Episcopal

Church exclusively." A revival in 1899 greatly strengthened

this society.

 

Hollisterville. The society here was formed in 1850. The class

worshiped in a union church with the Methodist Protestants until

1870, when the class removed to Greenwood Chapel, where there

had been a good revival recently. It formed a part of the union

charge until 1874, and the class returned to Hollisterville, be-,

coming again a part of Salem Circuit, and worshiped in the Baptist

church until 1884. The old academy building and lot were pur-

chased by James Van Camp and presented to the society. The

deed had not been executed long when repairs began, and $525 was

spent in fitting the building for church uses. The property is

valued at $2,000. It was dedicated on Thursday, February 28,

1884, Rev. A. B. Richardson preaching at 1:30 p. m. and Rev.

J. Madison in the evening. A revival in 1860 added sixty to the

society.


 

 

South Canaan, Pa. 669

 

Pastorates

 

1842, C. Perkins, W. Dean; 1843, W. Dean; 1844, Thomas Wil-

cox; 1845, G. M. Peck; 1846, E. A. Young; 1847-48, C. E. Taylor;

1849-50, J. B. Cooper; 1851, Z. S. Kellogg; 1852, G. W. Leach;

1853, C. V. Arnold; 1854, C. V. Arnold, Charles White; 1855, R. S.

Rose; 1856, R. S. Rose, J. T. W. Sullivan; 1857, F. Spencer, M.

Swallow; 1858, M. Swallow, W. H. Leak; 1859, J. Miller, L. C.

Phillips; 1860, A. R. Jones; 1861-62, J. Madison; 1863, C.

Malsbury; 1864-66, J. O. Woodruff; 1867-68, N. W. Everett;

1869-71, S. F. Wright; 1872, G. M. Chamberlain; 1873, H. H.

Dresser; 1874-75, W. G. Queal; 1876-77, P. R. Tower; 1878-79,

G. M. Peck; 1880-82, J. Underwood; 1883-85, A. F. Brown; 1886-

87, S. Homan; 1888-90, J. V. Newell; 1891-93, P. Houck; 1894-

96, H. G. Harned; 1897-98, L N. Steelman; 1899-1902, E. A.

Quimby; 1903, L. T. Van Campen.

 

 

South Canaan, Pa.

 

As early as 1810 this territory came under the influence of the

Methodist itinerant. In the early days of Canaan Circuit, Canaan

 

        SOUTH CANAAN CHURCH [photo]

 

Corners, between South Canaan and Waymart, was the point from

which work on this end of the circuit was done.

 

The South Canaan class first worshiped in an old dwelling on

or near the farm now owned by Eugene Swingle. A Mr. Swingle

had lived in the house, and, having built himself a new one, per-


 

 

670 Wyoming Conference

 

mitted the Methodists to worship in the one he had vacated. In

course of time a schoolhouse was built near where the Methodist

Protestant church now stands. It was in this schoolhouse that

John D. Gilbert preached in 1821, and where services were held

until 1834, when a church was built on the site of the Methodist

Protestant church. Services continued here for years. When

the church divided both factions continued to worship in the

church. In time it became very much in need of repair. Our

people wished to repair, but the Methodist Protestants refused,

whereupon our people left the building and built for themselves.

 

The society was chartered on May 2, 1865, with Owen Bronson,

Harmon McMinn, P. W. Lerch, Henry Lerch, Sylvanus Osborn,

Henry Bronson, H. W. Newton, W. H. Moore, John W. David,

Miles Swingle, A. C. Cortright, William McDavid, S. L. Darte,

and Simon Swingle trustees. The church was built in 1865-

66 on a lot donated by Philip W. Lerch and wife, the deed for

the same being executed on June 16, 1866. The building cost

$2,300, and was dedicated on February 15, 1866, Dr. George Peck

preaching the dedicatory sermon. Repairs were made on the

building in 1886, 1892, and 1897.

 

The parsonage was bought on March 19, 1871, of William L.

Marcy for $450, and in 1877 the old house gave place to a new

one costing $1,000. The house was repaired in 1895, and in 1897

at a cost of $200.

 

The cemetery is owned by this society. On January 4, 1871,

Samuel Hetzel donated one acre and forty-eight rods for that

purpose, and on July 3, 1886, one acre and ninety perches were

bought for $225, of Mr. Hetzel, making an addition to the former

plot.

 

East Chapel is east from South Canaan Corners one mile. It

is built on land leased from Alexander Correll, and when the

property is no longer used for church purposes it reverts to Mr.

Correll. The chapel cost $662.95, and was dedicated on January

22, 1899, Rev. P. R. Tower preaching the sermon of the day.

 

Varden, or Hemlock, is a schoolhouse appointment where

preaching services are held biweekly and a Sunday school sus-

tained. The society was incorporated on September 15, 1868,

with Andrew Swingle, James Robinson, Henry Reed, John

Shafer, Adam Wagner, and Samuel Hetzel trustees.

 

Gravity is a schoolhouse appointment where a Sunday school

is sustained and preaching services held biweekly.


 

 

Sterling, Pa. 671

 

Prior to 1821 work was done largely by the preachers on Canaan

Circuit. We give the appointments of Canaan from 1821-59.

South Canaan appears in the Minutes in 1860.

 

Pastorates

 

1821, John D. Gilbert; 1822, Elisha Bibins, H. D. Warren;

1823, EHslia Bibins; 1824, Joshua Rogers, Mark Preston; 1825,

Joshua Rogers, Sophronius Stocking, Joseph Castle; 1826,

Sophronius Stocking, Joseph Castle, J. Pearsall; 1827, John Sayre,

Silas Comfort; 1828, John Parker, V. M. Coryell; 1829, George

Evans, Peter Wentz; 1830, George Evans, M. Ruger; 1831, E.

Reed; 1832, M. H. Gaylord; 1833, C. W. Harris, E. W. Tenney;

1834, Marcus R. Cushman, Erastus Smith; 1835, B. Ellis; 1836, L.

S. Bennett, A. Barker; 1837, L. S. Bennett, William Reddy; 1838,

C. P. Stanley, W. M. Wooley; 1839, John Barnes; 1840, L. S.

Bennett, 1841, J. O. Boswell; 1842, _____ Phillips; 1843, John

Mulkey; 1844-45, Epenetus Owen; 1846-47, G. M. Peck; 1848,

Charles Perkins; 1849, T. Wilcox; 1850, A. Schoonmaker; 1851,

T. Wilcox; 1852-53, D. C. Olmstead; 1854-55, Erastus Smith;

1856, S. W. Weiss; 1857, S. W. Weiss, G. S. Griffin; 1858, C. L.

Rice, G. S. Griffin; 1859, _____ Whittie; 1860, E. Postore; 1861,

W. P. Abbott; 1862-63, J. T. Crowell; 1864-66, George C. Hart;

1867-68, G. Westfall; 1869-70, J. R. Angell; 1871, H. G. Harned;

1872-73, W. B. Golden; 1874-75, F. Gendall; 1876-78, S. Jay;

1879-81, P. M. Mott; 1882, S. W. Spencer; 1883-84, R. Varcoe;

1885-87, E. Kilpatrick; 1888-89, S. C. Simpkins; 1890-93, J. H.

Boyce; 1894-95, P. R. Tower; 1896-98, -H. A. Smith; 1899-1901,

J. A. Transue; 1902-03, A. Eastman.

 

 

Sterling, Pa.

 

Sterling, or Nobletown, was settled by Crosses, Bortrees, and

Gilpins about 1800. Edward MulHngsford and Charles Cliff made

their advent here in 1816, and William T. and David W. Noble in

1820. This place was one of the preaching places on Wyoming

and, afterward, Canaan Circuits. It was known as the Irish Set-

tlement at first, afterward as Newfoundland, and finally as

Sterling. In 1806 Alfred Griffith, who was one of the preachers

on Wyoming Circuit, was met by an Irishman "by the name of

Matthew Bortree, who had been a Methodist in his native country,

but, having emigrated to this country and settled where he enjoyed

no religious privileges, had become cold and backslidden. But

the Holy Spirit again visited him, and he became deeply anxious


 

 

672 Wyoming Conference

 

to retrieve his spiritual losses, and the object of his present visit

was to get the promise of the preachers to visit his settlement and

establish there an appointment. The settlement was of about

twenty years' standing, and yet a sermon had never been heard,

nor a minister of the Gospel seen in it." The result of this visit

was an agreement that Mr. Griffith should make the first visit to

the settlement. The agreement was fulfilled. He put up at

Bortree's house. On the evening of his arrival he preached to

seventy or eighty persons. The following day he preached morn-

ing, afternoon, and evening. After the second service Bill

demons, a rough fellow, approached him and asked him what he

meant by the Methodist Episcopal Church; He responded by

 

        STERLING CHURCH [photo]

 

reading him the articles of faith and general rules. With deep

feeling demons said he would not object to becoming a Methodist

himself. The appointment was regularly kept up, and winter wit-

nessed a blessed revival in the settlement. Matthew Bortree be-

came a local preacher, and it is claimed that on the spot where

Bortree's house stood the church now stands. Bill demons

became a class leader.

 

Services were held in early days in William T. Noble's barn

(now L. L. Ames's) and in Isaac Megargle's (now A. J. Cross's).

A little later services were held in the Nobletown schoolhouse.

 

The first class of which we have any record was in 1822.

William T. Noble was the leader and an exhorter. The class in-


 

 

Sterling, Pa. 673

 

eluded William T. Noble and wife, Charles Cliff and wife, Lyman

Noble, William E. Hamlin and wife, and Mary A. Mullingsford.

 

In 1848 a frame church, 32x48, was built, but not completed,

costing about $1,000. Pierce Coston and Roswell Noble were the

carpenters who built it; much in labor and materials were con-

tributed, however. George Stevens was killed in felling timber

for this church. The society became incorporate on May 12,

1849, with Edward Mullingsford, James M. Noble, William E.

Hamlin, John Catterson, Charles F. Qiff, Isaac Megargle, and

Simon Bortree trustees. Most of these men served the church

faithfully many years. The building committee consisted of Simon

Bortree, James M. Noble, Isaac Megargle, William E. Hamlin,

and Allen Bortree. The interior of the church was finished, and

the dedication occurred on May 11, 1851, Rev. H. R. Clarke

preaching and conducting the dedicatory services. The lot upon

which the church was built passed by deed to the society on April

20, 1854, from James M. Noble, in consideration of $10.

 

In 1871 a tower was built and an eight-hundred-pound bell

purchased.

 

In June, 1899, this building was sold at auction, Jeremiah Gilpin

buying it for $60. It was torn down and moved away. The

present church was built at a cost of $4,000. The building com-

mittee consisted of Rev. David Evans, S. N. Cross, J. E. Cross,

L. F. Ammerman, and A. W. Noble. The windows are memorial

windows and cost $650. The Ladies' Aid Society gave a window

bearing the pastor's name. The Epworth League and Society of

Young Helpers each put in a window. David Bortree put in a

window as a memorial to Simon and Rachel Bortree. The Junior

League has a window. Others are in memory of Russel E. Cross,

Charles F. Cliff, Allen Bortree, F. J. Bortree, M. J. Bortree, John

and Alice A. Simons, Mary A. Cross, William W. Noble, James

M. and Eliza M. Noble, William E. Hamlin and Deborah A.

Hamlin, Thomas M. Noble, and several windows bear the names

of parties still living. The Ladies' Aid Society, in addition to $300

given on the subscription, gave the carpet, kneeling cushion, and

pulpit chair, costing $192. The Society of Young Helpers gave

the Bible and organ, besides giving $200 on subscription. W. H.

Cross gave the Hymnal. The church was dedicated on February

28, 1900, by Rev. J. F. Warner, assisted by Revs. L. W. Karschner

and E. A. Quimby.

 

Edward Mullingsford, wife, and only child, Mary, died in 1857

and bequeathed $1,000 to the society. Of this $100 was paid to

James M. Noble for an acre of ground to be used as a cemetery,


 

 

674 Wyoming Conference

 

and the rest was spent in building a parsonage and barn; $650

was paid for building the parsonage "from the foundation up."

In 1901 the building was enlarged and improved at a cost of $600.

 

This territory was first served from Wyoming Circuit, and sub-

sequently formed a part of Canaan Circuit. When Salem Circuit

was formed in 1842 this territory constituted a part of that circuit.

In 1853 Rev. Mr. Arnold lived at Salem and Rev. Mr. White at

Sterling, the first pastor to live at this place, the two men alternat-

ing in their work. In 1859 Jacob Miller and L. C. Phillips were

on the circuit. For some cause, now unknown, the Sterling part

of the circuit disliked Mr. Miller, while the Salem part liked him.

The Quarterly Conference, consequently, decided to drop Sterling

from the charge. Accordingly, in 1860 the Sterling part of the

circuit was formed into a charge. The appointments were Noble

Hill (Sterling), South Sterling, Cliff's (probably Jericho), Cat-

terson's (on the road to Moscow, one mile from Nobletown), and

Sugar Hill (back of Hemlock Grove). The following year Cliff's

was discontinued. In 1862 three appointments were added — Pau-

pack, Ledgedale, and Robinson's. These were all discontinued at

the end of the year, and an appointment at Lee's Schoolhouse in-

stituted, which was continued but one year. In 1864 there were

four appointments in the circuit — Noble Hill, South Sterling,

Cliff's, and Sugar Hill. In 1866 another change in the appoint-

ments was made by adding Gouldsboro. This and Cliff's, which

seems to have been taken up again, were discontinued at the end

of the year, and Hemlock Grove taken up.

 

The following have served this society as trustees, in addition

to the first board:' John Simons, John H. Williams, Charles F.

Cliff, Allen Bortree, Lewis Simons, George E. Cliff, Albert J.

Cliff, Thomas M. Noble, James D. Gilpin (who was also recording

steward twenty-one years), A. J. Cross, and D. L. Cross.

 

South Sterling class worshiped first in a schoolhouse which

stood where the church now stands, subsequently in a schoolhouse

which stood where Frey's blacksmith shop now stands. This used

to be called the Lancaster or Gilpin Settlement. After a precious

work of grace in 1853 the pastor circulated a subscription paper

for the building of a church. The church was built at a cost of

$1,500, on land donated the society by Richard Gilpin and wife,

and was dedicated in 1854, Rev. George Peck officiating. The lot

contains one acre and twenty perches. The trustees at the time

were Richard Gilpin, Richard Lancaster, Christian G. Wolf,

Samuel Banks, and John T. Crothers. The building was re-


 

 

South Sterling, Pa. 675

 

modeled in 1903 at an expense of $2,298.92. The building com-

mittee was Isaac M. Barns, Benson Carlton, Emory Gilpin, Perry

Gilpin, and Dr. F. Gilpin. The church was reopened on November

30, 1893, Rev. J. F. Warner preaching from John iv, 38, and Rev.

W. L. Thorpe conducting the dedicatory service. Five hundred

dollars was raised at this service. In 1901 memorial windows were

 

        SOUTH STERLING CHURCH [photo]

 

put in the Sunday school room, making it correspond with the

auditorium, which has memorial windows. The society was

chartered on December 8, 1859, Richard Gilpin, Richard Lan-

caster, F. Lancaster, John Lancaster, C. W. Gilpin, Jeremiah

Gilpin, C. G. Wolf, Samuel Banks, and Daniel Gorman being

named as trustees.

 

Laanna, formerly called Houcktown. In 1888 there were no

religious services held at this place, the people attending services

at South Sterling, three miles away. On January 6, 1889, the

people of the community met and organized a Sunday school,

electing George W. Carlton superintendent, and he has continued

to serve until the present time. The schoolhouse was used for

Sunday school purposes, and biweekly preaching services were

commenced here in the fall of 1889.

 

A Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1897, and when- the

subscription for the church was started it had between two and

three hundred dollars. The church was built upon a lot donated

by Nathan, John, and Charles Houck. The building is 24x36 feet

with an ell 14x20 feet. It was commenced on October 6, 1898,

 

 

675 Wyoming Conference

 

and finished in the spring of 1899, having cost $2,000. It was

dedicated on June 21, 1899, by Rev. J. F. Warner.

 

The first and present trustees are M. O. Smith, Emory Gilpin,

 

        LAANNA CHURCH [photo]

 

William Blitz, John Houck, Charles Houck, E. H. Holmes, James

R. Smith, Reuben Lancaster, and George W. Carlton.

 

Hemlock Grove. We are unable to state when work was begun

here. The site for the church was a gift from Jesse R. Burrus.

The building was commenced in 1873 and was finished in 1875,

being dedicated on Thursday, July 21, 1875, and cost $2,500. The

first trustees were Theodore Correll, Lewis Robacker, Peter Corey,

Samuel Banks, and Charles Brink. Samuel Banks was the first

class leader, and has been followed by George H. Bortree, Lewis

Robacker, and James W. Gilpin. The first Sunday school superin-

tendent was Horace E. Kipp, and Professor Dooley, David Bais-

ley, T. H. Gilpin, J. C. Carlton, Angeline Burrus, and Theodore

Correll have since served. In 1895 the church was repaired at a

cost of $125.

 

Pastorates

 

1860-61, L T. Walker; 1862-63, J. O. Woodruff; 1864, G.

Westfall; 1865-66, D. Personeus; 1867-68, G. A. Severson; 1869-

70, H. G. Harned; 1871, D. Larish; 1872-74, George Pritchett;

1875, J. F. Williams; 1876-78, J. F. Warner; 1879, F. A. Dony;

1880-81, W. H. Gavitt; 1882-83, P. M. Mott; 1884-85, D. G.

Stevens; 1886-88, Jonathan Weston; 1889-90, J. Madison; 1891-


 

 

Thompson, Pa. 677

 

93, L. W. Karschner; 1894-96, J. H. Boyce; 1897-1902, D. Evans;

1903, A. O. Williams. 

 

 

Thompson, Pa.

 

It is claimed that Rev. Nathaniel Lewis, a local preacher, who

lived near Susquehanna, was the first to preach in this place, and

that he organized the class, which consisted of Frederick and

Kachel Bingham, John and Ann Writer, and Betsy Gelatt. Meet-

ings were held at Writer's, Rosengrant's (where Jenkins after-

ward lived), Collins's, Gelatt's, and Bingham's. Funerals were

usually held at Writer's until the schoolhouse was built. John

Writer was the first leader, and subsequently Charles Writer and

John Jenkins were leaders. Willard Calhoun was the most noted

local man who ever preached here. He was a rough, fighting man

before his conversion, and a noisy, shouting preacher afterward.

He is said to have frequently stepped out of his way in order to

kick Jonathan Gelatt's dog, because, he said, it was a Calvinistic

dog. The Gelatts favored the Baptists and were consequently

Calvinists.

 

In 1850 the class had but eleven members, eight women and

three men, and worshiped in the schoolhouse. A gracious revival

this year not only added to the society, but resulted in building

the church.

 

The building was dedicated on Thursday, January 8, 1852, by

Z. Paddock, D.D. "The Methodist Episcopal Church of Thomp-

son Mission" was incorporated on September 8, 1853, with Daniel

M. Bennedict, Lyman Woodmansee, Omar A. Larkin, Henry

Sampson, and Christopher P. Tallman trustees.

 

The church was renovated in 1875 at an expense of $500, and in

1887 $600 was spent in beautifying the interior and rebuilding the

spire.

 

The territory of this charge formed a part of the Lanesboro

Circuit many years, and may possibly have been with Sanford

Circuit a while.

 

From 1860 to 1865 this charge was called Ararat.

 

The parsonage was built in 1876, costing $900. It was ex-

tensively repaired in 1902.

 

Starrucca is four miles north of Thompson. Rev. Nathaniel

Lewis, of South Harmony, now Susquehanna, visited Starrucca,

and, after many rebuffs in his attempts to secure a place in which

to preach, finally persuaded Thomas Carr, an innkeeper, to allow

him to preach in his barroom. These services resulted in the con-

version of the landlord's wife and daughter, and finally the land-


 

 

678 Wyoming Conference

 

lord himself. Services were held in this barroom some time, and

a class was organized there. Local preachers continued to labor

here assisted by ministers from surrounding charges. The growth

of the class made it necessary to secure a larger room for worship,

and the services were accordingly transferred to the school build-

ing, known as the "Baptist schoolhouse." The class continued to

worship in the schoolhouse until the erection of the first Methodist

church at Starrucca, known as the "Old Church." This church

was dedicated on January 1, 1848, Rev. Philip Bartlett preaching

from Psa. xciii, 5. This building still exists, and is one of the

landmarks of the village. Some years ago it was removed from

its original site to the lower end of the town, and is now used as a

dwelling house.

 

The present church was built in 1871-72, on a site which was

deeded as a gift to the society on June 19, 1873, by Judge Elisha

P. Strong. This gentleman gave munificent aid to this enterprise.

The building was dedicated on June 13, 1872. At the morning

service Rev. N. S. Reynolds offered prayer, Rev. W. B. Kinney

read a Scripture lesson, and Rev. D. D. Lindsley preached from

"Thy kingdom come," after which $2,700 was raised. The church

was then dedicated by Rev. D. C. Olmstead. At the evening

service Rev. H. H. Dresser offered prayer, and Rev. W. B. Kinney

preached from "What is truth?" after which $250 was raised for

the purchase of an organ.

 

In 1850 services were held in a schoolhouse at a stone quarry.

For a few years Starrucca was a part of Lake Como charge.

 

Ararat is four miles south of Thompson. In early times there

was a class at this place, of which Augustus West and others were

leaders, but it had disbanded. In the fall of 1841 Susan Baldwin

invited Rev. William Reddy to visit Ararat and preach. Mr.

Reddy was pastor at Carbondale at the time. He visited the place,

preached in the schoolhouse, and promised to send a man to them

who would organize a class if six persons could be found to join

it. Accordingly, Rev. Philo Blackman, who was serving the

Lanesboro Circuit, began work here and formed a class consisting

of Asher Chamberlain and wife, Peter Carlin and wife, Susan

Baldwin, and Roxanna Avery. Asher Chamberlain was the first

class leader. He was followed by Thomas Doyle, who joined the

class soon after its organization.

 

The church was built on a lot donated by Rolla Carpenter, and

was dedicated on Saturday, August 16, 1873, Rev. Y. C. Smith,

D.D., preaching at 2 p. m. from Matt. v, 6.


 

 

Thornhurst, Pa. 679

 

In the fall of 1882 one hundred conversions and sixty accessions

were reported.

 

Pastorates

 

1852-53, W. Shelp; 1854, S. G. Stevens; 1855, M. Swallow;

1856, M. Swallow, M. L. Bennett; 1857, J. Madison; 1858-59, F.

Illman; 1860, Henry Stanley; 1861, Ira N. Pardee; 1862, J. L.

Race; 1863, C. Pearce; 1864, D. Williams; 1865-67, J. Under-

wood; 1868, R. Varcoe, H. H. Strickland; 1869, Lewis Alexander;

1870-71, M. D. Matoon; 1872, W. W. Andrews; 1873-75, J. F.

Warner; 1876, J. G. Stephens; 1877, Y. C. Smith; 1878, R.

Hiorns; 1879, R. Varcoe; 1880-82, T. C. Roskelly; 1883-84, T.

Burgess; 1885, W. H. Stang; 1886, C. W. Todd; 1887, F. P.

Doty; 1888-89, L. Cole; 1890, D. A. Sanford; 1891, T. M. Furey;

1892, T. A. Bell; 1893-96, A. C. Olver; 1897-1901, A. D. David;

1902-03, R. M. Pascoe.

 

 

Thornhurst, Pa.

 

This charge is the old Stoddartsville charge. The church at

Thornhurst was built about 1858. The contractor, failing to get

his pay, caused the property to be sold by the sheriff. Josiah

Lewis bought it for $50. On August 31, 1865, Mr. Lewis sold

the property to "The First Methodist Episcopal Church of

Gouldsboro" for $700. The church lot is 6x16 rods.

 

In June, 1888, in consideration of $101, J. B. Finley and wife

deeded a lot on the east side of the church, 5x8 rods, to E. J.

Drum, J. B. Gardner, P. E. Williams, Jacob Blakeslee, Lewis

Stull, and P. L. Kinney, who were trustees of the society at that

time. One dollar was paid down, and a mortgage of $100 given

by the society. It is understood that the holder of the mortgage

made a present of the claim to the society a few years later. The

parsonage was built in 1888, at a probable cost of $350.

 

In 1889 the society purchased a lot west of the church, contain-

ing thirty-two perches, of Abial Leonard and wife Fannie, paying

$125 for it.

 

Blakeslee is about eight miles south of Thornhurst. The society

was organized about 1840 in a log schoolhouse which stood very

near the spot occupied by the present church. The first church

was built about 1845. The trustees at that time were Washington

Winter, William Ebach, Andrew Eschenbach, Jacob Blakeslee,

and Hiram Blowers, who also acted as building committee. All

have gone to their reward. The names of two of them are on

memorial windows in the present church. The present church


 

 

680 Wyoming Conference

 

was built in 1896-97. The dilapidated old church was torn down

and some of its materials used in the new church. The building

committee was F. P. Blakeslee, J. M. Warner, James Seurenbach,

and Rev. A. O. Williams. The King's Daughters raised a large

percentage of the $1,500 which the new enterprise demanded. Five

young ladies raised $100 each — Millie Blakeslee, Rachel Blakeslee,

Cora F. Warner, Lula Winter, and Mrs. Alexander McKeen.

These young ladies made the new church a possibility. The dedi-

catory services were held on February 16 and 17, 1897. Rev. J. G.

Eckman preached on Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon.

Rev. John Davy preached on Wednesday morning, and Rev. W. L.

Thorpe on Wednesday evening. Mr. Thorpe managed the

finances, and at the close of the evening service conducted the

dedicatory service.

 

Stoddartsville is ten miles southwest of Thornhurst. The place

derives its name from one of its early settlers, John Stoddart, who

came from Philadelphia. In 1813 Rev. Marmaduke Pearce, the

preacher on Wyoming Circuit, was requested to establish work

here. This he did, and Stoddartsville became a regular preaching

place on the circuit. This for a short time only, and then it

became a part of the Wilkes-Barre charge.

 

Caleb and Robert Kendall, two local preachers from the State

of Delaware, settled here a short time prior to 1813.

 

Gilbert Barnes was converted and joined the class. While it

formed a part of the Wilkes-Barre charge he served as class

leader and Sunday school superintendent in Wilkes-Barre, and

was for a time sexton at Wilkes-Barre, walking over the mountains

on Sunday mornings in time to get the church ready for service.

 

The church was built about 1820 by John Stoddart, a Presby-

terian, and was open to all denominations. About 1850 it came

into the hands of the Methodists, who rebuilt it at that time. Mr.

L. Stull gave a deed for the lot at the time of rebuilding.

 

About this time Peter L. Kinney was elected a trustee, and is

still living, having been a trustee all these years.

 

Mrs. Lewis Stull and Mrs. Henry Stoddart both served long

terms as Sunday school superintendents.

 

Preaching services are held here now during the summer

months only.

 

Locust Ridge is five miles southeast of Thornhurst. It is

claimed that Methodism has existed in this place more than seventy

years, though we are unable to give definite statements concerning

the early days,


 

 

Locust Ridge, Pa. 681

 

After agitating the building of a church several years a building

committee was appointed in 1897 and $200 secured on subscrip-

tion. Through a disagreement in the community concerning its

being a union church the matter was dropped. In the summer of

1900 church building was again agitated, and the following ap-

pointed as building committee: Rev. J. N. Meaker, J. E. Bush,

and Michael Argot. The first meeting of this committee was

held on October 10, 1900. It was resolved to proceed as rapidly

as possible to build a Methodist Episcopal church. "For," said the

pastor, "if the Methodists wish to build a church they have no

apology to make to any other denomination. We shall waste no

time in talking of a union church." During the winter a lot was

purchased which was large enough for the church and a cemetery.

In March, 1901, the ground was broken, and on April 6 the

corner stone was laid by the pastor. The erection of this church

was unique in the history of church building. A little before the

corner stone was laid the school trustees served notice on the

society that on account of necessary repairs to be made to the

building the society could no longer have the use of the school-

house for services. Men gathered for work, volunteering their

services. In one day the heavy timbers were felled, scored, hewed,

and drawn to the place of building. On a second day some hem-

lock lumber was on the ground at night which in the morning

had stood in the trees. Michael Argot, J. E. Bush, and Nicholas

Noll each gave three weeks of labor. A carpenter was secured

who boarded a week with each of the above-named persons. So

vigorously was the work pushed that in three weeks and one day

from the felling of the first timber the society took possession of

the building. The plan used was No. 1, published by the Church

Extension Society. The building is 22x32 feet with ten-foot

posts, and ceiled on the inside. Seats were extemporized so as to

give immediate use of the building. During the summer some

secondhand connected chair seats were purchased, cleaned, and

varnished, and the building seated with these. The building was

painted on the outside and oiled on the inside by willing workers.

The church is valued at $800. Materials were given valued at

$80.62, and labor was donated to the amount of $181.73. The

balance was provided for by subscriptions.

 

The church was dedicated on November 20, 1901, by Rev. J. F.

Warner, who preached from 2 Cor. iv, 7.

 

Pocono Lake is ten miles southeast of Thornhurst, and was

known as Hauser's Mills many years. The first sermon by a


 

 

682 Wyoming Conference

 

Methodist preacher in this place was by Rev. D. Larish in 1868,

and was at the funeral of Jonas Hay's child. Soon after this

services were started in the schoolhouse, recently torn down, which

stood on the present school ground and a little nearer the road

than the present schoolhouse. Subsequently the Reformed church

was used. For a short time prior to 1894 services were discon-

tinued. In October, 1894, services were resumed in the Reformed

church. Meetings itinerated for a few years. The P. O. S. of A.

hall, a room over F. C. Miller's store, Mrs. Smiley's house, I. J.

Angle's house, and a room in F. C. Miller's boarding house were

all used before going into the church. The site for the church

was deeded as a gift to the society in August, 1901, by Charles

Greavle. The church cost $2,100, and was dedicated on August

31, 1902, by Rev. J. F. Warner, who preached in the morning from

2 Cor. ix, 15. The evening sermon was by Rev. J. N. Meaker

from Isa. xi, 11. Mr. Joseph W. Powell managed the finances.

A balance of $700 was asked (in exact figures $631) and received.

An Epworth League of thirty- four members and a Junior League

of sixteen members were organized during the day. At the even-

ing service there were a number of conversions and twenty-five

persons received into the church on probation and by letter.

 

Pastorates

 

(Stoddartsville) 1853, W. C. Morse; 1854, _____; 1855-56, J. S.

Lewis; 1857, J. A. Baldwin; 1858, John L. Staples; 1859-60, J. G.

Eckman; 1861, W. H. Ware; 1862-63, S. F. Wright; 1864, C.

Malsbury; 1865-66, J. C. Leacock; 1867, J. D. Woodruff; 1868-70,

D. Larish; 1871-72, J. H. Paddock; 1873-75, P- M. Mott; 1876-77,

P. Houck; 1878-80, R. C. Gill; 1881-83, D. G. Stephens; 1884,

James Jones; 1885-86, W. Frisby; 1887, S. Morris; 1888-90, John

Davy; 1891-93,_____; 1894-95, T. Vaughn; 1896-97, A. O.

Williams; 1898-1900, J. N. Meaker (in 1900 name of charge be-

came Thornhurst); 1901, L. D. Tyler; 1902, G. W. Craig; 1903,

W. B. Signor.

 

 

Uniondale and Dundaff, Pa.

 

Services were held at Uniondale as early as 1850, but what-

ever may have existed at that time seems to have been scattered.

Rev. George Leach writes of having an appointment here while

he was on the Dundaff Circuit in 1850-51. In the fall of 1876

a class was organized here containing seven members — Isaac T.

Curtis and wife and members of the Westgate family. The pas-

tor of Herrick Center preached here infrequently. In 1878 some


 

 

Uniondale, Pa. 683

 

services were held in the school, but the Herrick Center pastor

did not find the soil easily cultivated, and ceased to visit the place.

Shortly after this a local preacher. Rev. P. J. Gates, preached a

while, and in the fall when he left the society had eleven mem-

bers. In the spring of 1879 Rev. R. P. Christopher moved to

Dundaff. He was appointed by the presiding elder to work at

Uniondale. He held his services in the new schoolhouse every

Sunday morning. Audiences grew. On Sunday, June 15, 1879,

three were received by letter and three from probation, making

the membership of the class seventeen.

 

At the Quarterly Conference held at Lyon Street on July 26,

1879, Uniondale, Lyon Street, and Darte's Corners were set off

from the Herrick Center charge, and made an appointment. The

old school building was purchased, moved, fitted up for church

work, and was dedicated by Rev. A. J. Van Cleft, on September 10,

1879. A revival followed the opening of this church, which gave

the society forty-six probationers on October 12, 1879.

 

The Conference of 1880 put Uniondale with Clifford, Rev.

G. M. Peck and Rev. R. P. Christopher being the pastors. At the

first Quarterly Conference, held at Clifford on May 20, 1880,

the charge was divided, making Uniondale, Dundaff, Lyon Street,

and Darte's Corners a charge, with R. P. Christopher pastor.

 

On November 19, 1884, the society became incorporate, with

William Anderson, Israel Rounds, W. N. Norton, Israel T. Cur-

tis, Maurice O. Rounds, C. W. Todd, and Albert Cory trustees.

 

The growth of the society rendered a new church necessary.

The Quarterly Conference of March 11, 1889, appointed a build-

ing committee. A lot costing $200 was purchased, and on June 9,

1890, the corner stone of the present church was laid. The build-

ing cost $3,248, and was dedicated on January 22, 1891, Rev.

William Searls preaching and conducting the finances. During

the day $1,748 was raised. Rev. J. B. Sumner conducted the

dedicatory services.

 

The parsonage was built in 1882, at a cost of $1,000, and it

was enlarged in 1887. The barn was built in 1883.

 

Lyon Street is three miles west of Uniondale. A class was

formed in the Kent Settlement in 1810, which lasted but a few

years. In 1830 Rev. V. M. Coryell formed a class, which was

the beginning of the present society. Its members belonged to

the Lyon, Kent, and Giddings families. This was the native

place of Rev. C. W. Giddings, for a number of years a member

of this Conference. We quote from a letter by Rev. G. W. Leach:


 

 

684 Wyoming Conference

 

"For about thirty years these meetings were held in two school-

houses, neither of which was conveniently located. Arrange-

ments were made for building a meetinghouse in a suitable loca-

tion. The foundation was laid and the timber for the frame

brought to the site, but owing to some church difficulty the enter-

prise was abandoned and the dilapidated wall and decayed timber,

when I came to the circuit (Dundaff, 1850), presented a melan-

choly evidence of what might have been. A revival had, with

other good results, the effect of making a meetinghouse desirable,

but some were unwilling to build on the old location, and a less

centrally located lot was purchased. But one of our converts, an

ambitious man, who had united with the Freewill Baptist Church,

bought a lot on an adjoining farm and, with the help of a few

others, built a house of worship for that denomination so close

to the site of our contemplated church that we relinquished the

place, and, with the approval of those who before objected to the

old location, we found ourselves able to erect a better building

than we had made arrangements for. The rival building did not

compare favorably with ours, and, according to the history of

our county, soon ceased to be used." The building was not com-

pleted during Mr. Leach's pastorate, 1850-51, but was soon after-

ward, and dedicated on Wednesday, March 2, 1853. The build-

ing was erected mainly through the efforts of Walter Lyon, his

sons Wheeler, John, and Walter, and Carlton Kent and Andrew

Giddings.

 

Darte's Corners is five miles west of Uniondale and two miles

beyond Lyon Street. This is a schoolhouse appointment.

 

Dundaff. About 1830 the few families in Dundaff who were

Methodists were organized into a class, including Horace G.

Phelps, Benajah P. Bailey, and a half dozen others from the

Wilbur and King families. Preaching services in those days

were held at long intervals, and the schoolhouse was the church.

However, this new sect was not allowed the use of the school-

house long. They tried to buy a site for a church, but could not.

Dilton Yarrington, a very kind-hearted man, said he would give

the back part of his garden for a site, and ground for an alley,

so that it might be accessible. Funds were secured and a plain

frame church erected. Rev. G. W. Leach thought this building

was erected in 1825. Mr. George M. Rogers says it was before

1835, and the county history says it was in 1839. Mr. Rogers

writes as follows: "In 1838 Lucian Bennett preached here. The

abolition question came up, and he was not an abolitionist. An


 

 

Dundaff, Pa. 685

 

abolition speaker came here. Most of the leading men wished

him to speak in the church. Mr. B. said no. They insisted. He

barred the door from the inside. Mr. Yarrington crawled in a

back window and let them in. This caused so much trouble that

Mr. Yarrington and many others joined the Presbyterian

Church."

 

In early days Dundaff was a prosperous village, being located

on an important turnpike and having a bank and some manufac-

turing enterprises.

 

The trustees in 1839 were Philip I. Stewart, Stephen Hodgson,

Richard Meredith, William H. Slocum, George W. Fish, and

William Wilbur.

 

Rev. G. W. Leach writes that in 1850 "the village members con-

sisted of his wife, the wife of Rev. C. Perkins, and two other

exemplary ladies, whose principal value to the church consisted in

their good example."

 

In 1872 the church was moved to a lot on Main Street and

thoroughly repaired. Mr. Phinney Ayres gave the society the

lot and also some ground-glass windows. The total repairs cost

$500. The building was dedicated by Rev. D. C. Olmstead. In

1882 the building was again repaired, at a cost of $600. The spire

was put up at this time, and a bell put in — the gift of Henry O.

Wilbur, of Philadelphia, in honor of his parents, William and

Arminda Wilbur, who were members here a long time.

 

On August 6, 1885, the society was incorporated, with R. P.

Christopher, Thomas Halstead, William Wilbur, George M. Rog-

ers, J. H. Littell, Luther Wells, and Henry Sullender trustees.

 

In 1898 the building was again renovated, at a cost of $1,000.

The auditorium was made anew, beautiful windows put in, floor

carpeted, and new furniture bought. It was rededicated on

Thursday, May 26, 1898. Rev. G. S. Connell preached in the

morning; in the afternoon Rev. W. H. Hiller preached his 599th

sermon to that people, and the evening sermon was by M. S.

Hard, D.D., who managed the finances of the day, raising $200.

 

Dundaff was the head of Dundaff Circuit from 1838 to 1865.

(See Clifford.) From 1895 to 1902 it was segregated from

Uniondale and served as follows: 1895-97, G. S. Connell; 1898,

L. D. Tyler; 1899, J. W. Worley; 1900, L. D. Tyler; 1901, M.

Rivera; 1902, P. G. Ruckman. In 1903 it was put back with

Uniondale.

 

William Wilbur was a trustee thirty years. George M. Rogers

has been a trustee and steward twenty-five years, and a Sunday

school superintendent seventeen years.


 

 

686 Wyoming Conference

 

Pastorates

 

1880-81, R. P. Christopher; 1882-84, C. W. Todd; 1885-86, J.

H. Littell; 1887-91, W. H. Hiller; 1892-92½, A. Osborn;

1892½-94, W. L. Linnaberry; 1895-96, D. Evans; 1897, H. G.

Harned; 1898-1901, A. Eastman; 1902, J. G. Raymond; 1903,

W. E. Davis.

 

 

Wallsville, Pa.

 

This charge was known as North Abington from its organiza-

tion in 1871 until its name was changed to Wallsville, in 1901,

and in its early days formed a part of the Abington Circuit. (See

Waverly, Pa.)

 

The class at Wallsville was formed in the Aylesworth school-

house about 1836, and the society worshiped in this building until

the church was built. A revival in December, 1836, added con-

siderable strength to the class.

 

The church, which cost $1,600, was built in 1862, on a lot which

was deeded to the society on May 17, 1873, by Leonard Hopfer

and wife Caroline, in consideration of $10. The trustees at the

time of this transfer were Nathaniel Decker, Harrison Hopfer,

Leonard Hopfer, G. C. Kennedy, George Corey, A. R. Weidman,

and John J. Knapp. The church was repaired in 1896.

 

The society became incorporated on May 25, 1866, as "The

Methodist Episcopal Church of North Abington," with Leonard

Hopfer, George W. Corey, Ira Lewis, Harrison Hopfer, Jere-

miah D. Knight, G. C. Kennedy, and Nathaniel Decker trustees.

 

In 1901 ninety-six conversions occurred in a revival at this

place.

 

The parsonage was built in 1885 at a cost of $700. A debt of

$300 on this parsonage was paid in 1890-91.

 

Montdale, Scott Valley or Brown Hollow, is about six miles

east of Wallsville. The class was formed here in 1870, with fif-

teen or twenty members, and worshiped in the Baptist church and

schoolhouse prior to the erection of the church. On June 25,

1874, C. E. Vosburg and wife Lydia, in consideration of $5,

deeded William B. Hierlihy, Nathaniel Decker, A. H. Bedient,

Jerome Grosvenor, Stephen J. Cook, Leonard Hopfer, and Har-

rison Hopfer, trustees, three quarters of an acre of land. The

church was erected on this lot in 1875, and cost $3,000. It was

dedicated Thursday, November 4, 1875, Rev. William Reddy

preaching the dedicatory sermon, after which Rev. J. G. Eckman,

who preached in the evening, conducted the dedicatory service.


 

 

Waymart, Pa. 687

 

A total of $1,275 was raised during the day to liquidate the

indebtedness.

 

The society became incorporated as "The Scott Valley Metho-

dist Episcopal Church" on May 2, 1898, with C. L. Clark, A. H.

Bedient, William Stevens, E. Merritt, and G. L. Newton trustees.

 

The sheds were built in 1899.

 

In 1900 one hundred and five conversions occurred at this

place.

 

Franklin Valley, once called Benton, is three miles east of

Wallsville. The class was organized in 1870, and worshiped in

a schoolhouse until 1885, when the society purchased a school-

house and fitted it up for church purposes, at a cost of $300. The

lot upon which it stands was given to the society by Warner Fos-

ter and wife Zilpha M., the deed for the same being executed

March 20, 1886.

 

Carpenter Schoolhouse is about three miles southeast from

Wallsville. This class was organized in 1886, and preaching

services are held biweekly.

 

Pastorates

 

1871-72, S. J. Austin; 1873-75, N. J. Hawley; 1876-78, J. B.

Santee; 1879-80, W. J. Hill; 1881, W. Edgar; 1882-83, R. P.

Christopher; 1884-86, F. P. Doty; 1887-89, J. R. Allen; 1890-91,

P. Holbrook; 1892-95, B. N. Butts; 1896-98, E. D. Cavanaugh;

1899-1903, B. R. Hanton.

 

 

Waymart, Pa.

 

We find the origin of Methodism in Waymart to have been in.

the work at Canaan Four Corners, about a mile from the village

of Waymart. The class at Canaan Corners was organized at an

early day, and formed a part of the Canaan Circuit. On Septem-

ber 21, 1830, the society was incorporated, with Charles Stanton,

Stephen Blatchley, William Stanton, Thomas Clark, Thomas

Starkweather, WilHam M. Griffin, Zear Bunnell, Charles A.

Cortright, and Horace Lee trustees. This array of trustees be-

tokens a vigorous class. The church at the Corners was built in

1834, on land donated by Thomas Starkweather. The building

was moved to Steene in later years. (See Steene.)

 

A Sunday school was organized in a log schoolhouse at the

Corners in 1819, by Vene Lee and his wife Polly. This couple

became widely known as Father and Mother Lee. Mother Lee,

especially, was known over a wide section of territory as an ex-


 

 

688 Wyoming Conference

 

ceptionally pious woman, powerful in prayer and exhortation.

An incident in connection with this Sunday school is worth pre-

serving. A Ladies' Aid Society in Philadelphia offered a prize

of a Bible and hymn book to the scholar in the school who would

commit to memory the largest portion of the New Testament.

Moses Swingle, commonly called "Redheaded Mose," who lived

six miles away, started in to win the prize. Abigail Frisby, a

stripling of a girl, was more than his equal, and won the prize,

 

        WAYMART CHURCH AND PARSONAGE [photo]

 

learning from the first of Matthew to the eighth chapter of John,

and reciting the same. She afterward moved to Ohio, and at

eighty-two years of age could repeat the Scripture she learned in

this contest.

 

William Griffin, a brother of Mrs. Lee, who received local

preacher's license about 1822, lived at the Corners. He was a

cabinetmaker by trade, and made coffins out of the native woods.

It was not uncommon for him to act as both undertaker and min-

ister at a funeral service. He was a very useful local preacher.

 

When Waymart promised to become the center of population

and business interest the society secured the use of the Presby-


 

 

Waymart, Pa. 689

 

terian church in the village, and held services therein until a mis-

understanding arose concerning the joint occupancy of the build-

ing. The Methodists appointed Thomas Thomas and the

Presbyterians Oscar Hudson to adjust matters. They met and

agreed upon terms of settlement. The Presbyterian society,

however, rejected the settlement, and on April 10, 1850, the Meth-

odists decided to build, and appointed the following building

committee: Thomas Thomas, James Carr, Emmons Eaton, Asa

W. Dimmick, and William Bayley.

 

On March 3, 1856, Roswell P. Patterson and wife deeded the

lot upon which the church stands to the society for $25. The

church, which cost $1,770, was dedicated on Wednesday, Novem-

ber 12, 1856, Rev. George Landon preaching in the morning and

Rev. Reuben Nelson in the evening.

 

The society became incorporated on September 1, 1869, with

John Lee, Elbert Stone, Richard Kellow, Hubbard Rounds, Robert

Weed, Asa Dimmick, and William McMullen trustees.

 

The sum of $1,019 was expended in improving the church in

1896. The repairs consisted in an arched pine ceiling, new win-

dows and frames, new wainscoting, and new pews.

 

On September 10, 1832, Stephen Blatchley and wife deeded

to the trustees of Canaan Circuit a parsonage property, as a gift,

which was located on the Belmont and Easton turnpike, on the

border of Waymart. A new house has replaced the old one, and

the property is now owned by E. E. Weed. When Canaan Circuit

was served by two preachers one lived here and the other at

Salem.

 

The first parsonage in Waymart was purchased of Thomas

Clark, about 1858, and is located on the Belmont and Easton

turnpike near Mr. Wannacot's. It was sold to John Fobes about

the time the property was purchased of Mr. Williams.

 

The second parsonage was purchased of William H. Williams,

on September 28, 1870, for $1,500. This was located forty or

fifty rods beyond the present parsonage, on the left-hand side of

the road, toward South Canaan. At the purchase of this prop-

erty the trustees gave their notes. On June 22 and 23, 1872,

Rev. S. W. Weiss was with the Waymart people by invitation.

He preached morning and evening. At the morning service

$1,700 was raised, and in the evening $300. This amount met the

notes, accrued interest, and some minor matters. This property

was sold to Mortimer Tuthill on October 29, 1894, for $510.

 

The present parsonage was built in 1894, upon land bought of

Mr. R. P. Patterson for $150. To the proceeds of the sale made


 

 

690 Wyoming Conference

 

to Mr. Tuthill were added $1,171.86 to defray the cost of this

house and lot.

 

Mr. George Starkweather, son of Thomas Starkweather, is

now Hving at Waymart, and has made a phenomenal record. He

began attending Sunday school in the schoolhouse at Canaan Cor-

ners on April 13, 1828, and has been a Sunday school worker ever

since. For a while he taught a class of boys in the Waymart

Sunday school. In 1869 he was elected secretary of the school,

and has served in that office until the present time.

 

Steene is about four miles below Waymart, and was known as

No. 4 many years, subsequently No. 16. When the gravity road

was changed to a steam road the name was changed to Steene.

After worshiping in a schoolhouse a number of years the society

secured the old church at Canaan Corners and moved it to a lot,

donated by Mr. Emmons Eaton, in 1859. The deed, however,

was not executed until April 5, 1865. The trustees at this time

were Emmons Eaton, Abraham Lewis, James Pierce, Caleb Perry,

and P. W. Potter. The society was incorporated on April 20,

1870, as "The Eaton Methodist Episcopal Church," with William

Pentecost, George Aunger, Morris Cole, Emmons Eaton, and

Walter Penwarden trustees. Rev. William Wyatt dedicated this

church in 1859.

 

Pastorates

 

1858-59, C. L. Rice; 1860, A. Brigham; 1861-62, H. Wheeler;

1863-64, J. Madison; 1865-66, C. L. Rice; 1867-69, George C.

Hart; 1870, J. L. Race; 1871, G. Westfall; 1872-74, R. J. Kel-

logg; 1875, S. F. Wright; 1876-78, F. Gendall; 1879, J. F. War-

ner; 1880-81, J. Madison; 1882-83, L. Cole; 1884-85, S. Homan;

1886-89, A. F. Brown; 1890-91, A. C. Olver; 1892, W. Raw-

lings; 1893, C. W. Todd; 1894-98, G. H. Prentice; 1899-1901,

L. W. Karschner; 1902-03, Thomas Eva.