The First Hundred Years
1832 to 1932
Part I - Founding to Lincoln
Contents - Part I
The Earliest Meetings
The First Church
The Sunday School
The Parsonage
The Charter
The White Church
The Wyoming Conference
The Debt
The Church Bell
The Death of Lincoln
The original of the following historical account was written in 1932 in dialogue form for the Centennial Pageant presented on April 13 and 14 of that year. Mrs. G. B. Samson, Miss Gladys Gunsauls, and Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin were co-authors. This present prose form is an adaptation of the Pageant. It has been written by Mrs. Cagwin this year, 1957, for the 125th Anniversary to be observed May 2, 3, and 5. It is to be read as of the year of its original writing, 1932.
The Earliest Meetings
The Carbondale of 1828 was practically right in the wilderness, with none of the conveniences we take for granted today, not even sidewalks in many places. But in the fall of that year a few devout Methodists, among whom were Stephen Marsh, Jesse Clark, Adios Clark and H. B. Jadwin, feeling the need of religious life in the new community, began holding meetings in the home of Vene Lee, a great grandfather of Mrs. Wm. E. Clark, whose house stood on what is now the northwest corner of South Main St. and Seventh Ave. Mr. Lee and his second wife, Polly, were "widely known as Father and Mother Lee, the latter especially noted as an exceptionally pious woman, powerful in prayer and exhortation.
Before coming to Carbondale, they had organized a Sunday School in 1819 in a log schoolhouse over at Canaan Four Corners, about a mile from the present village of Waymart. Mother Lee's brother, William Griffin, who lived at the Corners, was the pioneer preacher in this community, having received his local preacher's license about 1822. He was a cabinet maker, often making coffins out of the native woods, and he usually acted as both undertaker and minister at funeral services. Over in Canaan he married a young couple, John Watt and Harriet M. Freeman, and as a wedding present gave them a rocking chair he had made himself. Soon moving to Carbondale, they were among the first members of the new Methodist organization and continued devoted workers all their lives. Grandma Watt, as everyone called her, lived to be 93, and could often be seen in this old rocking chair. Just before her death, she gave it to her granddaughter who was her namesake, Miss Harriet Pascoe, who still possesses the chair, an historical reminder of those early days. She tells how, as a tiny child, she was often rocked to sleep in it.
The First Church
In the winter of 1830, Vene Lee died and the family moved back to Canaan, and services were then held in the homes of other members. In 1832, the first church was built on the site of the present one (the lot being a gift of the D & H Canal Co.) being a one-story frame building about 36x56 feet in size, standing with its front close to the present sidewalk. Shortly after the building was erected, the newly organized Episcopalians purchased an interest in the church, using it on alternate Sundays. But in March, 1838, the Methodists bought back their interest for $218.
The Sunday School
Although a Sunday School was probably started when the church was organized, the first definite date we have is 1840, earlier records having been destroyed. We do not know what that first school was like but there were no separate classes as we have now. The minister himself usually taught the entire school in a body, right from the Bible. Nor were there any cushioned pews and comfortable chairs in that first Church and Sunday School, only plain wooden benches.
The first Superintendent of whom we have a record was Pierce Butler, followed by H. B. Jadwin, Irving Davis, William Blair, J. M. Alexander, L. D. Wolfe, Dr. C. W. Colborn and Henry S. Lee. Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Benscoter were very active in the work among the Beginners. Miss Ida Snyder-later Mrs. G. H. Ackerman-worked in the Infant Department and Beginners' Department from 1888 until her death in February 1925, a total of 37 years, in commemoration of which service the Sunday School placed a bronze tablet in the Beginners' room soon after her death. Another long record of service among the small children is that of Mrs. Robert Blair, who took charge of the Primary Department in 1900, retiring in 1929, when Mrs. Claude Olver, who had already given many years to this work, took up the task she laid down. Miss May Pengelly is another faithful worker whose term as a Department Superintendent began in 1896 and has continued unbroken ever since, a span of 36 years. W. H. Bronson served 18 years as Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School. Dr. and Mrs. Charles W. Colborn were another couple who gave many years of service to this Church and Sunday School, Mrs. Colborn among the little folks and Dr. Colborn (who was also a local preacher) as Superintendent from 1900 to 1926, when Henry S. Lee was elected to take his place, and is now carrying on the good work assisted most ably by the Assistant Superintendent, Harry Stephens.
We do not know how many pupils there may have been in that first Sunday School 92 years ago, but as late as 1894, the average was about 348 per Sunday. Today we have a membership of 1300. On our Cradle Roll, for babies, we have 59 names; in the Beginners' Department, 88; Primary, 111; Juniors, 192; Intermediates, 32; Senior Department, 613; Home Department, older members and shut-ins, 190; officers and teachers, 72. This Sunday School has always been a live, progressive organization, developing and expanding with the needs of the Church. A fine library of nearly 100 books was operated in connection with the School for many years by Librarian R. A. Jadwin and Assistant G. B. Samson. Use was also made of the "Pledge Cards" issued by the Women's Christian Temperance Union against the use of profanity, liquor and tobacco, something we could still use today!
The annual picnic has always been quite a part of the Sunday School life on the social side. They also had an active baseball team; and for a number of years we had a fine orchestra which added much to the life and pep of the singing. One thing children always looked forward to was the potted plant each one received at Easter, which also added so much to the decorations in the Sanctuary before being given out.
The Parsonage
The first parsonage, a story-and-a-half building costing $750, was built in 1845 on the present lot which was bought for $75 from the D & H Canal Co. This was destroyed by fire in 1878 and a new building put up that same year at a cost of $2,000. This is practically the same parsonage we have today; at least, the same foundations with extensive improvements through the years.
The Charter
Nowadays an organization usually has a charter before getting started, but then the Church had been going along very nicely for 12 years before they realized they did not have one at all! Then the Pastor, concurring with the Presiding Elder, in harmony with Disciplinary Law, appointed a Committee of Trustees and, at a meeting on November 17, 1843, a charter was drawn up, approved and signed by Jesse Gardner, Elam Woodward, Judson Clark, Michael Van Gleck, Rodney Eaton, Raymond Graves, Wanton Hill, Dr. Anthony Gardner and James Birdsall; an application for its granting was then forwarded to the Court. At that time, Carbondale was in Luzerne County, not Lackawanna, as it is today, Court being held in Wilkes-Barre. On April 18, 1844, Associate Judge Ziba Bennett of the Luzerne County Court decreed the charter granted; and "The Methodist Episcopal Church of Carbondale" began its corporate existence. This was the first Methodist Church in what is now Lackawanna County. At that time, this Carbondale Charge also covered Greenfield and Dundaff.
The White Church
In 1849, the second church building was begun on the rear half of the church lot, being 47 x 7O feet, with a basement containing a lecture room and 4 class rooms. The audience room, with a gallery across one end, over the vestibule, would seat 600 people. The belfry contained a bell and the town clock. This church, known as "The White Church" and costing $4,000, was dedicated May 1, 1850 by Rev. William Reddy, and when the congregation began using it, they sold the first building to the Baptists for $150. It was moved to the adjoining lot on the south and later the Catholic Church bought it, naming it St. Rose Hall. In 1851, the City Officials rented the lecture room and 2 class rooms for one year, using the rooms for sessions of Court.
The Wyoming Conference
The Wyoming Conference was organized in Carbondale on July 7, 1852, with Bishop Levi Scott presiding, Nelson Rounds as Secretary and 62 members present. Since then, it has convened here four times, in 1865, l882, 1895 and 1908.
The Debt
In 1854, a shrinkage in subscriptions, accumulated interest and principal made the total indebtedness on the Church $2,600. This seems like a trifling sum today, but to those earnest souls of yesteryear it was staggering, and most alarming, as a sheriff's sale seemed imminent. Rev. Mr. Wyatt made trips to New York City, down the Wyoming Valley and out West, in quest of funds, finally raising $1,600, and the balance was heroically raised by the struggling Church at home.
The Church Bell
The bell in this church was cast in 1850 and weighed 762 lbs.; it was the first bell of any size in this city and for many years it sounded the hours of the day, being connected with the town clock in the steeple; it was also used as a fire alarm. It was an unusually sweet-toned bell and the people were very fond of it. In war days it called the people together to bid farewell to the soldiers who had enlisted in the War of the Rebellion, and tolled the funeral knell of many who were brought back dead. It called the Wyoming Conference together for the first time in 1852; and in 1865, the bell tolled the message of President Lincoln's death.
The Death of Lincoln
We are indebted to Mr. James Nichol for this story. "In 1865, there was a barracks for the housing of soldiers at the corner of North Main and Church Streets (this building is still there). The stables were to the west, where the YMCA now stands; the buildings were surrounded by a high board fence and the railroad station was located where the present D & H offices are. On April 16, 1865, James Nichol, Samuel Jones and R. B. Van Bergen, like the boys of today vitally interested in soldiers and horses, were sitting on top of this fence, watching the activities, when they saw another boy, Frank Smith, run out of the station, across to the Captain in the barracks with the message which saddened the nation, the assassination of President Lincoln. The soldiers all hurried out and the boys, naturally curious, ran to see what the news was. Someone suggested that they go down to the Methodist Church where the ministers were holding the Conference and advise them of the tragedy and have the bell toll the news."
The First Hundred Years
1832 to 1932
Part II - The Church Missions
The original of the following historical account was written in 1932 in dialogue form for the Centennial Pageant presented on April 13 and 14 of that year. Mrs. G. B. Samson, Miss Gladys Gunsauls, and Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin were co-authors. This present prose form is an adaptation of the Pageant. It has been written by Mrs. Cagwin this year, 1957, for the 125th Anniversary to be observed May 2, 3, and 5. It is to be read as of the year of its original writing, 1932.
The White's Crossing Chapel
In 1874, a chapel costing $600 was built at No. 4, just above White's Crossing, as a mission of the Carbondale Church, and continued as such for many years. Here Mr. Pierce Butler worked untiringly a great deal of his time. He considered no effort too great, and each week, after services in the Mother Church, he made his way to No. 4 Chapel. Other pioneer spirits of that day who also worked at the Chapel were Alderman Williams and James Robinson, father of Mrs. David Maxwell and Mrs. Fred Wilson. Mr. Robinson came to America in 1868 and became a faithful member of the Carbondale M. E. Church until his death in 1905. He led the Thursday night prayer meeting as well as the Sunday morning class meeting at 9:30. He was given an Exhorter's license from the Wyoming Conference for his faithful service, which he prized very highly. Taking his lantern, he would meet Brothers James Place and Pierce Butler and together they would wend their way, in all sorts of weather through the mud or deep snow, to the little chapel on the hill, where they sang and preached God's Word.
The Foreign Missions
A church is not complete without the Ladies Aid, so a society was started here in 1874, although available records only go back to 1882, with Mrs. Alfred Pascoe as president. Through the years the Martha Washington suppers were their greatest source of income, as well as the usual quilting. In later years, the Methodist Guild, organized in 1917, with Mrs. Ed Maze as the first president, worked in conjunction with the Ladies Aid, helping with the suppers and beautifying the church with flowers.
In 1874, according to the "Heathen Women's Friend," a few women, inspired by missionary zeal, met at one of their homes and organized a Women's Foreign Missionary Society with Mrs. C. E. Gardner as president, Mrs. H. B, Jadwin, Jr., as secretary, and 40 women enrolled as members. After several years it dropped from sight, but was reorganized in 1882 with Mrs. Pierce Butler as president. Six presidents who have served the Society are still here, Miss Pascoe, Mrs. A. E. Tiffany, Mrs. G. B. Samson, Mrs. W. G. Scurry, Mrs. F. C. Leonard and Mrs. Harvey Williams. Nineteen countries have been touched by this Society and Carbondale is valiantly doing her share toward promoting Christian work throughout the world.
In 1916, Helen Couch went to Japan as a missionary and has been a great inspiration to us at home. One day Miss Pascoe received a letter from Helen, telling of the great need of a kindergarten for the poor children from the slums of Hakodate. In September, 1918, Miss Augusta Dickerson, a missionary from Hakodate and a friend of Helen's, came to Carbondale to address the Society. She had lunch with Miss Pascoe and over the teacups the kindergarten became a reality, probably the most outstanding work done by this Society. It took several years to raise the necessary money, but the school was finally built and dedicated in 1925. Because of her large initial gift, Miss Pascoe was given the privilege of naming the building, so made it a memorial to her mother," THE ELIZABETH PASCOE MEMORIAL LOVE KINDERGARTEN."
In addition to the Women's Society, the Young Women's Foreign Missionary Society organized by Helen Couch is making substantial contributions to the cause of missions and furnishing much needed help to Helen Couch who has been transferred to a teaching position in the college at Kwassui. Other active societies working under the mother society are the Standard Bearers, the King's Heralds and the Little Light Bearers.
The Music of the Church
While most churches of that day had only congregational singing, this church had a choir and a little reed organ, not much like the fine instrument we enjoy today. But the music was just as beautiful then, for people worshipped more in song than they do now. The first choir of which we have a record was the one led by George Rowley, leader from 1878 to 1882. He was a sawyer for the D & H Co. and was killed by the bursting of a saw while at work in 1882, closing a useful and devoted life to his Lord and his Church. The beautiful memorial window facing Church Street was the gift of his daughter, Olive Rowley Shiffer, in memory of her father and mother.
In the next 10 years there were several leaders, Prof. H. D. Guernsey (during whose term W. R. Moon joined the choir) Gibson Stuart, A. W. Bailey, with Miss Rose Strickland and Mrs. G. H. Ackerman as organists. In 1892, W. D. Evans---father of our present organist, John Evans--- was elected, serving for a number of years, during which John probably played the organ some of the time.
Of all who have come and gone, few served so long and faithfully at the King of Instruments as Mrs. Harry Hiller who left us for the Heavenly Choir on May 9, 1929, having been very ill for the greater part of a year. She gave unstintingly of her fine talent and beautiful personality for over 22 years. Between the time of her being stricken and the election of John B. Evans, in the fall of 1929, Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin filled the position of organist for about 8 months.
The Young Lady Workers
In 1890, the younger women, feeling that they could be of greater help in working for the church if they were organized, formed a society called the Young Lady Workers, with Mrs. Robert Blair as the first president, and during the 42 years of its existence it has been served by 22 presidents. A large Fair was held in the tabernacle and by the time the church was dedicated, the society had earned $2,325 for the organ which was to be their contribution to the new church. But about this time Alice Morse died, and her mother, Mrs. D. K. Morse, wished to give the organ as a memorial to her daughter. Although the Young Lady Workers had worked pretty hard to earn that money, they sacrificed their own feelings and turned the money into the general fund.
A few years after the Young Lady Workers was started, Mrs. A. W. Reynolds, President, suggested publishing a cookbook, and after much work in collecting well tested recipes, the first edition of 500 copies was published in 1898. There have been 7 editions, each one improved and enlarged, in all 18,500 books having been printed, realizing a total of $11,000. Mrs. Reynolds, known as the "Cookbook Lady," had almost the entire task of preparing all 7 editions, and parts of this book have been translated into Chinese.
The Young Lady Workers later changed their name to the Methodist Auxiliary, and it has been a flourishing society all these years, of which Miss Etta Felts has been a most efficient Treasurer for 30 years.
The Home Missions
The candle that shines farthest gleams most brightly at home, so it was not surprising that a Women's Home Missionary Society was organized 13 years after the Women's Foreign Missionary Society, and their work has been very far-reaching and effective. In 1895, 14 women organized themselves into a Society with Mrs. William Edgar, the Pastor's wife, as president. During the 37 years of its existence, this society has had but 5 presidents, Mrs. William Edgar, Mrs. F. E. Kilpatrick, Mrs. Whitelock, Miss Pascoe and Mrs. H. F. Clark, who at present is also Conference President. Mrs. W. Gray Jones, wife of our Pastor, is District President.
Even before the organization of a society, Home Mission work was being carried on by a Mission Band under the supervision of Miss Pascoe and Mrs. McNulty, the Pastor's wife. They supported a negro girl in school, gave a scholarship to a Navajo Indian boy, did work among the girls of our Southern Mountains and also among the Spanish girls of the Southwest. Our missionary societies are splendidly organized for all ages from the Mothers' Jewels, up through Home Guards, Queen Esthers and Young Women.
Probably no work has been dearer to our hearts than the Wyoming Conference Children's Home at Binghamton, New York. Work began as a Deaconess Home in 1914 and grew rapidly until a new building became necessary. This was completed in 1921, for which our people gave most generously, windows in the buildings and many of the furnishings being memorials to loved ones from this church.
In 1897, a house and lot at 114 Belmont Street was purchased for use as a chapel, where weekly prayer meetings were held and where, as at No. 4 Chapel, Pierce Butler worked devotedly.
The First Hundred Years
1832 to 1932
Part III - The Stone Church and Fire
The original of the following historical account was written in 1932 in dialogue form for the Centennial Pageant presented on April 13 and 14 of that year. Mrs. G. B. Samson, Miss Gladys Gunsauls, and Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin were co-authors. This present prose form is an adaptation of the Pageant. It has been written by Mrs. Cagwin this year, 1957, for the 125th Anniversary to be observed May 2, 3, and 5. It is to be read as of the year of its original writing, 1932.
The New Stone Church
In 1875, $3,529 was spent on general repairs to the Mother Church and worship continued in that edifice until 1892, when it was torn down to make room for a new stone church. Until that was ready, a temporary building called the tabernacle was erected on the rear of the parsonage lot, between Terrace and Wyoming Streets, and used for worship. The cornerstone of the new church was laid on September 7, 1892, and on September 13, 1893, it was dedicated, having cost $40,186.55, just about ten times as much as the first one. This church was built by our venerable member, Tylman C. Robinson, who is still with us, from plans drawn up by Architect Langley. The marriage of Miss Cora Bell and Mr. Walter G. Scurry was the first one solemnized in the new church, on June 24, 1896.
On September 8, 1899, the 71st Anniversary of the Church was observed at which time over $10,000 was subscribed for necessary expenses. On September 8, 1901, the Diamond Anniversary was celebrated with the triumphant announcement by the Rev. A. F. Chaffee that the debt had been raised. At the evening service, Pierce Butler burned the mortgage, while the congregation joyously sang the Doxology over and over again.
The Burning of the Church
But their happiness at being freed from the burden of debt was only short-lived, for just about ten weeks later, on November 17, 1901, the beautiful structure was in ruins, destroyed by fire! This was to have been the annual missionary day, when preparations had been made for a large offering, but tears and heartbreak filled the day instead. However, that very afternoon, even before the fire was out, the Board of Trustees, those pillars 'of the Church who had worked so untiringly, met to make plans for rebuilding at once, with Pierce Butler, President, Alfred Pascoe, Treasurer; Daniel Scurry, Irving Davis, Henry Jadwin, T. C. Robinson, W. E. Kirby, G. C. Whitelock and G. W. Reynolds, led by the Pastor, Rev. Amasa F. Chaffee, as the Building Committee.
The Rebuilding of the Church
The community and surrounding towns were very sympathetic; sister churches offered the use of their edifices, and W. W. Watt offered his hall gratuitously. His offer was accepted and services were conducted there from January, 1902 until March, 1903. For all these kindnesses, the church people were deeply grateful. They received $20,000 insurance, the various societies began raising money, and generous friends in Carbondale and Scranton contributed over $3,000. The Epworth League, which had been organized in 1889 by Rev. L. C. Floyd, its membership numbering upwards of 200, gave as its contribution the beautiful north window, "The Visit of the Women to the Tomb."
Sometime before this, Mr. Tylman C. Robinson had sold his lumber business to J. A. Hoole, so that while Mr. Hoole was really the contractor, he used the original plans which Mr. Robinson had used in building the earlier church. It must have made him very happy to see his dream come true again, as the splendid building rose, like the Phoenix from the fire, more beautiful than before, if possible. A fine example of Christian co-operation was shown by Monsignor Coffey, the late beloved Pastor of St. Rose Catholic Church, who allowed our contractor the privilege of storing the lumber and cutting the stone on the plot of grass in front of St. Rose Hall, thereby saving us about $1,000 which it would have cost to store these materials elsewhere. All he asked was that our workmen clean up the lawn and re-sod it afterwards. In building the new church, the walls which had not been seriously damaged were used substantially as they were, the front gable being enlarged and the stone work in the tower balcony extended 15 feet. The old bell had been ruined by the fire, much to the grief of the people, but they were able to use about 617 lbs. of it in the construction of the present one, enough metal being added to make a bell weighing 2,012 lbs. About 145 lbs. of the old bell were made into little souvenir bells, selling at $1 each, thus creating a fund for the new bell which could be heard clear down to Jermyn, it was reported.
It was sad to think the lovely organ had been destroyed, but a new one was purchased for $3,300. The new church was dedicated on Sunday, March 8, 1903, the Rev. John Krantz, D.D., preaching the dedicatory sermon. At the evening service a beautiful hymn written by Mrs. Chaffee, the Pastor's wife, was sung with great enthusiasm.
The Devotion of the People
Now, once more, the people found themselves burdened with debt, but to them it was just another obstacle to be overcome.
There is nothing which cannot be accomplished by a devoted group of people working together for some good cause, so in a comparatively short time, the church was once again free of debt.
We have a fine example of the loyalty and devotion of these builders for eternity in James Place, or "Jimmy" as he was affectionately called, to whom has been given the rare privilege of seeing almost all these changes take place during his 94 years of life. He is our oldest member and his lifetime parallels the Centenary we are now celebrating. This Church would not seem the same without hearing his "Hallelujah" or "Amen" ring out from a heart overflowing with love for his Master.
Our second oldest member, William Anderson, left his earthly home for the Larger Life only last Sunday morning, April 10, 1932. We deeply regret that he could not have lived to enjoy this occasion.
Later note
The three old friends, oldest members of the congregation, were not long separated. Tylman C. Robinson passed on just 8 days after taking part in the Pageant in his 89th year. James Place, who had also been in the Pageant, died the following year, October 12, 1933, at the age of 95.
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