First United Methodist Church
of Carbondale

Starting the Second Century
1932 to I957
Part I - The Unification and Church Society

Compiled and written by Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin

The Second Century Begins

There is a saying that the "first hundred years are the hardest," so with a century of splendid achievement behind us we looked forward to the second hundred years with great enthusiasm and hope.

This second century had a most auspicious beginning with the visit to Carbondale on December 1, 1932 of that amazing woman, Helen Keller, accompanied by her life-long friend and companion, Anne Sullivan Macy, and her secretary, Miss Polly Thompson. This meeting, which was sponsored by the Carbondale Kiwanis Club and the Federated Women's Clubs in behalf of the American Foundation for the Blind, was held in our church and was a thrilling experience for all who attended it.

The organ which had done good service for over 30 years was beginning to need too much attention, so the choir loft was remodeled and a new $10,000 instrument was installed, the chimes being given by Miss Harriet Pascoe in memory of her father, Alfred Pascoe. A brilliant organ recital by several local organists was given on Friday night, October 19, 1934, and the organ formally dedicated the following Sunday morning, October 21st.

In January, 1935 vandals broke into the church one night and did hundreds of dollars worth of damage, although they found no money; but there was not a lock or cupboard they did not smash in their search for it.

The Japan Mission in War

In November, 1937, Helen Couch came home from Japan on one of her furloughs, and brought us the inspiration of her experiences in fine public addresses and many private conversations. She returned to Japan in February, 1939, to Kwassui Women's College, where she taught, altogether, for 25 years. Kwassui means "living water" and at graduation the senior class had a Ceremony of passing on the "living water" to the lower classes.

At the onset of war, she was evacuated from Japan to this country and had lived at Robincroft, Pasadena, since then. She died December 27, 1953, and after cremation her remains were brought to Carbondale, where a Memorial Service was held in the First Methodist Church with Rev. Clarence R. Hickok of Clarks Summit officiating in the absence of the pastor, Rev. Charles C. Chayer. It was a great heartbreak to us all when the second A-bomb was dropped on Nagasaki and our beloved Kwassui was practically destroyed and some of our girls lost in that terrible disaster.

The Methodist Church Unites

On May 10, 1939, a very momentous event in the history of Methodism occurred in Kansas City, Missouri, when the three main branches of American Methodism---The Methodist Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the Methodist Protestant Church---were merged into one church called The Methodist Church. This had a very important effect on our church work, as it meant reorganization in all departments.

The Church Societies

On September 11, 1940, all women's societies of the church were United in one society, the Woman's Society of Christian Service, with an Evening Society for those who preferred an evening meeting. This later became the Wesleyan Service Guild which continued until December 31, 1954, when it disbanded and became a part of the WSCS. Another society called The Methodist Guild retried its separate identity as The Friendship Circle, continuing to raise money and work for the church in every way. It is utterly impossible to name all the magnificent women who have been officers and have been so loyal and unselfish in giving their all to these societies in various capacities; the women who prepare with loving care for the Communion Service. the women who come so faithfully, week after week, to quilt and do other sewing, the women in the kitchen who really get those suppers ready by the sweat of their brows! We can mention only a few.

Presidents of the Friendship Circle since 1940 have been, Mrs. D. W. Kemble, .Mrs. S. T. Burnard, Mrs. George Filer, Mrs. Nelson Watkins, Miss Maude Stephens, Mrs. Rex Bell, Miss Florence Weidaw, Mrs. Ernest Cornell and Miss Grace Powell.

The presidents of the WSCS since the merger have been, Mrs. H. F. Clark, Mrs. Medford Crocker, Mrs. J. L. Varker, Mrs. Morgan Patten, Mrs. Edmund Lewis, Mrs. Harold N. Lake, Miss Mary Hall---the present incumbent being Mrs. Gerald Alexander, who as Vice President stepped in when Miss Hall was obliged to resign last fall. In these 17 years, one of the main sources of income, besides pledges and suppers, has been the annual bazaar, the most recent one, in December, 1956, having cleared over $1,800. In this connection, we must name Several women who have borne the burden of the bazaars and money-raising events as Secretary of Local Church Activities since 1940 - Mrs. Idwal Jones, Mrs. Arthur Emmett, Mrs. Everett Stephens, Mrs. Edmund Lewis, Mrs. Raymond Eathorne and Mrs. H. N. Lake, who has been General Chairman of the bazaar for the past several years, and is also at present a District officer. Only 3 treasurers have served the Society since the merger, Mrs. Glenn Ball, Mrs. Henry Tonkin and at present Mrs. David Stephens who has been assistant to the others practically all that time. Mrs. F. L. Cagwin has been pianist of the Women's Societies for 29 years.

Other groups, such as the Children's groups and Methodist Youth Fellowship, were reorganized according to age, the former up to 12 years of age and the M.Y.F. from 12 to 24. In this group are the Junior High, boys and girls, 12 to 14, and the Senior High, boys and girls, 14 to 18.

The Methodist Men were organized on September 13, 1940, later becoming the Men's Forum. It became somewhat inactive in more recent years, but was re-activated and obtained a new charter on October 19, 1956, with David Stephens as president and Robert Vandenberg as vice president. The presidents since 1940 have been Roy Lewis, John Goodwin, Edison Giles, Ralph Dunn, Carl Camin, Rollin Foster and Clifford Phillips. This Men's Society has become famous for its pancake suppers with Alvin Roberts as the Chief Pancake Maker! Alvin was also head usher for 10 years until May, 1951, when he was succeeded by Willis Snedeker, in charge at present.

A recently organized group called the Triple M's---Mr., Mrs. and Miss---is made up of young married couples and single young people. It is really an outgrowth of the Couples' Sunday School Class and they are very active in church work, their present objective being a new Parish House. Their very efficient president is Waldred Pugh, whose fine tenor voice adds much to our choir, he is also Chairman of the Music Committee.

Starting the Second Century
1932 to 1957
Part II - War and Conference Centennial

Compiled and written by Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin

The Church Renovations

In 1941 a big project of renovating and redecorating the church was undertaken. The walls and ceiling of the Sanctuary were painted and redecorated, all woodwork and seats cleaned and refinished, floors painted, seat cushions cleaned and reconditioned, and carpet renovated. New lighting equipment was installed with 2 entirely new features, the fluorescent tubing on the cove high on the walls and 4 magnificent lanterns hanging from the ceiling which can provide light of varying intensity. Another feature was in the control of all lighting from the pulpit desk. When the church was built in 1902, there was a painting of Christian symbols called a "jewel", 7 feet high and 12 feet long, over the doors between the Sanctuary and Sunday School room. This was later painted over, but in time began to show through again. Mr. S. I. Seifert of Scranton was able to see it clearly enough to repaint it as it was originally, thus adding much to the beauty of the Sanctuary. The church was rededicated on November 30, 1941.

The Church in War

Then came Pearl Harbor Day and we were plunged into war! Although only one of our boys, Leland G. Cagwin, was there on that fateful December 7, 1941, it was not long until many of our young men were off to defend their country. On October 4, 1942, World-wide Communion Sunday, Rev. John N. White held a special service honoring our Methodist men and women in the service. On a table within the altar rail and on a large easel standing on the table were several dozen photographs of them.

As time went on, it was inevitable that some of them would make the Supreme Sacrifice, the first to go being Frank V. Hooper, who was lost in the North Atlantic on June 13, 1943. Others to give their lives were Robert J. Packer, July 11, 1943, in Sicily; David Elias, killed at Florence, Italy, October 10, 1944; Arnold Wolfram, died in hospital in Paris, France, November 29, 1944 and buried in France; Rexford C. Collins, February 4, 1945, in France; Dwight Neal, May 31, 1945, on Okinawa; and Donald Ball, killed in Germany January 16, 1945, and buried in Luxembourg, in whose memory the lighted cross back of the choir was given by his family and dedicated April 8, 1945. All these boys grew up in this Church and Sunday School, and Donald had been president not only of the local Methodist Youth Fellowship, but also the District. At the end of the war a bronze plaque was placed in the Sanctuary by the Church, listing all who had served their country.

The Silent Communion

On Thursday evening, February 20, 1947, under the guidance of Rev. Leon W. Bouton, a very unusual and impressive Candlelight Communion service was held in the Sunday School Assembly room in absolute silence. Upon entering the church, everyone was given a typewritten sheet of instructions and meditations and the request that no word be spoken until people had left the church again. Leaving our wraps in the Sanctuary, we proceeded to tables in the other room, went through the ceremony and returned silently for our wraps. Anyone who was there has never forgotten that evening! People still talk about it as one of the most beautiful meetings they ever attended.

On May 25, 1947, Recruiting Officer and Mrs. Ira Moon presented their son, William Robinson Moon, for baptism, to perpetuate the name of his late great grandfather, William R. Moon, on his 80th birthday, and of his great great grandfather, Tylman C. Robinson, who built the church in 1892 and again in 1902. Mr. Moon was an active member of this church for 50 years and president of the Board of Trustees at his death.

On November 11, 1949, the Trustees passed a resolution to amend the charter of April 18, 1844 to correspond with the present Discipline of the unified church, (1) in the matter of electing trustees; (2) in changing the name from The Methodist Episcopal Church of Carbondale to The First Methodist Church of Carbondale; (3) in correcting the name of the county from Luzerne to Lackawanna.

The Liberian Bishop Visits

In February, 1950, we had the privilege of a sermon by Bishop Willis J. King, of Liberia, Africa. A noted scholar and educator, he is Administrator of Methodist work in that country. In Scranton, he had a rather embarrassing experience when a barber refused to cut his hair as he was a Negro, but an immediate investigation brought forth an apology from the barber! He said he had never had a Negro in his shop all the 40 years he had been barbering, and did not know how to cut Bishop King's curly hair!

The Wyoming Conference Centenial

The year 1952 being the Centennial of the organization of the Wyoming Conference, on May 21st the first day's morning and afternoon sessions were held in the Carbondale Church with impressive services, this being the first time since 1908. It had been hoped to hold the 50th Anniversary in this church but the fire of 1901 precluded that, so Waverly very generously took over in our place. The opening session of 1952 was at 9:30 A. M. with Bishop Fred Pierce Corson presiding at Holy Communion; and Rev. Roger B. Glazier, pastor, presiding at the Memorial Service which followed. An item of historic significance in connection with this 101st session of the Wyoming Conference was that the bell which rang in the service was the same bell, in part, which rang in the first session in 1852. Although the original bell was partially destroyed in the fire of 1901, enough was salvaged to make another bell, with the addition of some new metal.

The main part of the afternoon session was an address, "He holds the stars in His hands," by Dr. Leroy Bugbee of Wyoming Seminary. As Carbondale was too small to cope with the entire Conference period, the remaining sessions were held in Elm Park Church in Scranton. At 8 o'clock that evening a marvelous centennial pageant was presented in the Masonic Temple in Scranton, with some of our local people participating.

The Local Commissions

In 1952 the General Conference passed legislation setting up 4 Commissions in each local church, covering the 4 major concerns of the Church Universal, Evangelism, Education, Missions and Finance. This newly created organization resulted in a division of responsibility among laymen, and a new and more vital interest in the spiritual life and ministry of the Church. The chairmen are elected by the Quarterly Conference and the following are giving effective and devoted leadership to the Commissions:

Harry 0. Shankweiler, Membership & Evangelism, succeeding Henry Tonkin, lay leader, who served 1954-56. The pastor, Rev. Charles C. Chayer was the first chairman, 1953-54. Robert Vandenberg, Education, succeeding Carl Camin, 1953-54. Mrs. Gerald Alexander, Missions, 1955---. William Geesey, Stewardship & Finance, succeeding Harry Stephens who gave many years of faithful service to the church as chairman of the Finance Committee and later of the newly organized Finance Commission, 1953-56. Mr. Stephens is also secretary of the Board of Trustees.

Starting the Second Century
1932 to I957
Part III - The Ministry Continues

Compiled and written by Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin

The Sunday School

The Sunday School was graded more than 25 years ago, but has been more closely graded in recent years, now having coeducational classes. Because of the poor attendance in the summer time, it has been the plan the past few years to combine classes, each teacher taking one Sunday at teaching the entire group of that age. This has proven more efficient than just trying to teach a few in each class. Superintendents of the Sunday School since 1926 have been Henry S. Lee, Harry Stephens, D. W. Kemble, John Goodwin, Warren Geary and at present, Carl Camin with Robert Vandenberg and Robert Stephens as assistants. Back in 1925, realizing that the time for Bible study is so short on Sunday, some of the teachers, probably the most enthusiastic of whom was Harry 0. Shankweiler, organized a Daily Vacation Bible School, to be held in the first weeks of vacation, with Mrs. Harvey Williams as the first Superintendent. This work has grown and developed in a splendid way until it is now considered a definite part of our Sunday School program, with 9 teachers and about 75 to 100 pupils, ranging in age from 4 to 14; the present Superintendent being Miss Dorothy Nichols.

In January, 1946, a new plan of "released time" for weekday religious instruction was inaugurated in the public school system. This was first held in the schools; then one year in the churches, but finally, back into the schools where it is held now; except the High School students who meet in the churches which pay for the teachers and materials, while the schools allow us to use the rooms for the younger grades. In this program, there are 24 teachers and 469 pupils from 5 Protestant churches as follows: Trinity Episcopal, 62; Presbyterian, 98; Methodist, 186; Lutheran, 26; Baptist, 97. The children of all faiths are included in this plan, the Catholic and Hebrew High School students going to their respective churches, while the younger ones are taught in the schools.

The Music Ministry

On Thursday, December 17, 1953, just before Christmas Sunday, our organist, John B. Evans, suffered a heart attack. Russell Bates very kindly came to the rescue and took over the Christmas music on only a few hours' notice. John had served the church most faithfully from the fall of 1929-as well as in earlier years when his father was choir director and was always willing to play whenever and wherever he was asked. He had a record for perfect attendance as organist; also a record of perfect attendance in Sunday School for over 50 years, during which he served as pianist. As his full recovery was considered doubtful, it was thought best to find a new organist and on January 10, 1954, Mr. Tom Evans of Scranton took up his duties as organist and choir director. He was widely known for his brilliant organ work, both in church and theater, being an assistant organist at Elm Park Church. He is also a composer, having given us a beautiful song entitled "Thank your God for everything" which has become quite a favorite and which he dedicated to President Eisenhower. Another composition called "The Easter Suite" was born of an emergency, when his music was stolen from his car as he was on his way to give a recital at the Masonic Temple in Scranton on Maundy Thursday night in 1942. As a result, he had to improvise for 45 minutes, with this suite emerging as a yearly performance, entirely from memory, as he has never written down a note of it!

Through the initiative of David Stephens, then Chairman of the Music Committee, a beautiful new Concert Grand piano was acquired for the Sunday School Assembly room as a memorial to John B. Evans, who died on June 1, 1954, and Nelson Watkins, who died on February 13, 1954, after a life of devoted service to this church. He sang in the choir for 37 years; led the Sunday School singing for 30 years, and taught the Nelson Watkins Bible Class for 45 years, besides having filled many other important offices in the church. The new piano was dedicated on January 9, 1955, with Tom Evans at the organ and his wife, Jean, also an accomplished musician, at the piano. On May 10, 1955, a lovely concert was given by Jeanne Madden Martin with Mrs. Evans at the piano and Mr. Evans sometimes at the organ and sometimes the piano.

The names of all the wonderful people who have given so liberally of their time and talent to the ministry of music would fill many pages; when we began to list them, we gave up in despair, so we hope we'll be forgiven for mentioning just a few. Choir directors since about 1932 have been Miss Edna Hopkins (11 years), Rev. John N. White, the pastor, a talented musician (about 4 years), and Mrs. Mina Vandenberg (9 years). Beside our regular choir which contains members who have served most faithfully for many years, we now have two others, the Children's Choir of youngsters up to 12 years of age, with Mrs. Jean Henry Pugh as director; and the Youth Choir composed of teenagers, directed by Miss Ruth Masters who has devoted her fine voice to the church for upwards of 40 years.

The Union Services

During Holy Week of 1930, the Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist Churches held union services the first four nights, joining for the first time in a Communion Service on Holy Thursday night. This was a very memorable occasion when churches of three different denominations could unite in probably their most sacred Sacrament. This fine fellowship has continued down through the years, with sometimes the Lutheran and Episcopalian brethren joining in many services through the year, developing a splendid spirit of brotherhood and co-operation. Within the past 25 years, Protestants have been observing the period of Lent more than formerly, usually with special union services once a week throughout the 6 weeks, beginning with Ash Wednesday.

Because of the falling off in attendance during the summer months, when so many families move to nearby lakes, a fine plan was evolved in recent years, whereby the Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist churches join for 9 Sundays, each preacher having 3 Sundays of preaching and 6 of vacation, the services being held in the different churches in rotation.

The Lay and Full-time Leaders from the Church

For many years our women had been greatly interested in the Kansas City Training School for Deaconesses, but when some of our own girls went there, it became very close to our hearts. Louis Smith was graduated in June, 1932, Bertha Rogers 3 years later and Thelma Stuffer in May, 1940. These girls have given in many years of service in that wonderful work and Thelma is still the thick of things as Deaconess and Director of Religious Education at the Broadway Temple in New York City, having acquired her Bachelor of Arts and Master's Degree at New York University. Louise married Rev. Ernest George and continued her work in a new role, as pastor's wife, now living at Hawleyton, New York. Bertha pursued further studies and after 11 years in deaconess work, married Mr. Theodore Heness, and is now living in East Plymouth, Pennsylvania.

Other young people who have gone out to full-time service were Robert Gevert, now serving as pastor in Margaretville, New York. William Gritman, pastor of the Lake Ariel charge. Martine Burdick, who was graduated from Syracuse University as a registered nurse and went as a missionary of the WSCS to the Seward Sanitarium, Bartlett, Alaska. After serving 3 years, she met the "man of her choice," Alfred Clayton, and they were married on October 30, 1954. Elsie Lewis, who is now Director of Religious Education at the First Methodist Church in Ithaca, New York was graduated from Scarritt College, Nashville, Tennessee, with a Master's Degree. Don Bartholomay, who has been active as a local preacher for the past few years, is now serving the Clifford-Lenoxville charge in preparation for full ordination as a minister. Vere Abbey-whose family was very active in this church-was a missionary to Burma for many years, and died in 1943.

Although not trained for full-time service as such, Carrie Lesher Swingle and her sister, Clara Lesher Burdick, have devoted many years to their work in the Wyoming Children's Home in Binghamton, New York. Another person who should be mentioned is Mrs. Gerald Blake (Alice Davison) of Scranton, who grew up in this church and has been very prominent in the WSCS, having been president of District and Conference respectively for several terms; for 3 years was dean of the Conference School of Missions at Sky Lake; a graduate of Syracuse University, she is a licensed local preacher, is listed in "Who's Who in Methodism" and has been active in civic, PTA and fraternal affairs as well as church work.

At the 4th Quarterly Conference held February 26, 1957, Merle Correll was recommended to take the Course pursuant to becoming a local preacher. Larry Addley is president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Starting the Second Century
1932 to I957
Part IV - Some of Those Who Served
Compiled and written by Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin

Those Who Served

Many of those who built this beautiful church, who were mentioned in the 100 year history, have gone on to their reward. but we are happy to have some of them still with us. However, to name ALL those who have given so many years of faithful, devoted service and loyalty to this church and Sunday School would take a whole book in itself, so can only mention a few.

Miss Jane Butler, now in her 91st year, whose parents were so much a part of the earliest days, and who herself has given her entire life to this church, is the only survivor of the women who organized the Women's Foreign Missionary Society. She is also the oldest member of the congregation in point of membership, having joined the church in 1881, 76 years ago.

In age, the oldest member is Mrs. Alice Atno who will be 95 on October 22, 1957.

What would this church be without the Hubert F. Clarks? Mrs. Clark (80 this June) taught a Sunday School class for just short of 50 years; she was president of the Women's Home Missionary Society at the time of the merger and had been for about 25 years; also concurrently with this she was president, first, of the Scranton District and then the Wyoming Conference in this Society for 12 years. She was president of the WSCS the first year, also. Mr. Clark (86 in April) taught Sunday School for 35 years and has sung in the choir 61 years---it surely would not look right without him! He was the first Conference lay member after the merger for 13 years and is now president of the Board of Trustees. These are merely the high-lights in the lives of these two wonderful people, for they have filled countless other important positions during the 55 years of their marital partnership, and even long before that.

In the work of the Sunday School, probably no one in its entire history has given more of her time and ability than Mrs. Clarence Drake. She has spent 35 years in teaching Sunday School, 25 of that in a supervisory capacity as well. Outside of Sunday School, she spent 15 of these years in missionary education among the children. When the Vacation Bible School was started, she assisted Mrs. Harvey Williams who served 3 years as Superintendent; then Mrs. Drake supervised it for 28 years. During these years she also filled various District offices, besides serving 2 terms of 4 years each in the District and the Conference as Secretary of Children's Work. As vice president of the Women's Foreign Missionary Society she took Mrs. Harvey Williams' place as president when she became too ill to serve; then was elected president filling out a term of 8 years. Mrs. Drake was one of those who put the "released time" plan into operation in 1946; taught Freshmen and Sophomores and was supervisor until 1956 when Miss Etta Fey, the present supervisor, took charge.

Another couple whose lives have been given devotedly to this church are the Henry S. Lees. Mrs. Lee gave most unstintingly of her time as Superintendent of the Primary Department for 13 years, besides adding the beauty of her voice to the choir for many years; she also was District president of the WSCS. Henry Lee was Sunday School Superintendent 14 years; Charge lay leader about 9 years; Conference lay member 3 years; and is Custodian and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees.

One very important section of our Sunday School is the Primary Department and the women who give years of patient, loving work among the small ones deserve a great deal of praise and gratitude. Mrs. Lela Curnow worked with the children as teacher and Superintendent for 25 years. Mrs. John Stouffer took up Mrs. Claude Olver's work and served 19 years assisted much of that time by Miss Florence Wedeman. Others are Miss Alma Munson, 22 years; Mrs. Hayden Llewellyn, 20 years; Mrs. Mabel Mumford, 16 years; Mrs. Fred Swingle, 12 years; Miss Florence Pethick, 10 years; Miss Ruth Masters, having taught over 12 years, is now Superintendent, succeeding Mrs. Lee. Sorry we cannot name them all.

Mrs. John Stoddard has been a Sunday School teacher for 27 years and has also worked untiringly with the Youth Groups not only since the merger but even before that. Although Augustus A. Brunner---better known as Gus---is no longer with us, having collapsed and died on his way to a Y.M.C.A. Directors' meeting on November 14, 1955, he was treasurer of the Sunday School for about 40 years, treasurer of the Teachers' Association for many years and taught a Class over 35 years. Claude Olver has been treasurer of the church for about 40 years, and gave generously of his fine voice in the choir from about 1898. Other teachers with long records are H. 0. Shankweiler, 41 years, and Grace Powell, 41 years, both of whom also sang many years in the choir. Mr. Shankweiler and William E. Phillips spent their Sunday afternoons for about 12 years visiting the hospitals and in this work distributed 12,000 copies of St. John's Gospel and The Upper room.

David Stephens is the new Conference lay member succeeding Henry Lee to whom he had been Alternate for 3 years. Henry Tonkin has been Charge lay leader for about 5 years and is now Alternate Conference lay member to David Stephens.

Miss Olive Pengelly was a most efficient financial secretary, a very exacting position, for 6 years, following Mrs. Carrie Swingle who had served long and faithfully. Miss Pengelly died on April 6, 1955, and her sister, Miss Jane Pengelly, was elected on April 15th to fill her place which she is doing most capably.

In every organization there's a "forgotten man" without whose help folks would find it tough going sometimes, but who very seldom gets the commendation he really deserves. He is the sexton, over-all caretaker and man-wanted-everywhere combined. Following Theodore Sperl, Austin Barrows and Morgan Thomas---who died suddenly upon reaching home from the church on November 28, 1947-our present very efficient Lewis Roberts has been doing yeoman service for 10 years.

These are but the high spots in the lives of a FEW of the scores of folks who have built their lives into The First Methodist Church of Carbondale; they have all filled many other very important positions. We crave your indulgence and understanding that we could not possibly include everything and everybody who so richly deserved to be mentioned.

Rocking Chairs and Cookbooks

The rocking chair mentioned in the earlier history is now 127 years old and still in constant use, its everlasting qualities symbolizing the work those hardy souls established so long ago. The present owner is Mrs. Morgan Patten, Miss Pascoe's niece, and also the daughter of Mrs. A. W. Reynolds, the "Cookbook Lady." Mrs. Patten took up where they left off and sold the last of the cookbooks several years ago.

Oaks and Acorns

"Great oaks from little acorns grow!" What a magnificent structure has grown out of that little white church of long ago! How little we realize what a stupendous undertaking it was to carry on the work through all these years.

It is a far cry from the circuit-riding preacher making his rounds on horseback to the preacher of today reaching millions on television without leaving his office, so a few comparisons might be interesting. The little white church of 1850 cost $4,000; the church built in 1902 cost $40,186, or about 10 times as much; recently our church has been re -valued, with its furnishings at nearly $400,000, or about 100 times as much. The beautiful stained glass windows in the Sanctuary which cost about $3,000 each in 1902 are now, valued at $10,000 apiece.

But what about the congregation? Have we increased in value, also? We have tried to teach our children and proclaim the Gospel, both at home and abroad; we have met our expenses (local and World Service) ; we have taken care of the "poor and needy" of our parish; we have responded generously to all calls of distress and disaster, and have always more than met the quotas assigned to us in special campaigns. But are we 100 times as enthusiastic, energetic and generous in the Lord's work as those who gave us this wonderful heritage?

As we close this first quarter of the second century of our existence, let us measure up to opportunities and privileges greater than the wildest dreams of those pioneers. Let us rededicate ourselves to increasing our efforts in spiritual development in the Kingdom of God in proportion to the material value of this earthly cathedral.

I would like to close with a personal word of thanks to all who have so kindly helped me in gathering information which we have tried to make as accurate and authentic as possible. Also to the Anniversary Committee for their fine suggestions, guidance and encouragement. I could NEVER have done this without all these people.

Elisabeth H. Cagwin

April 4, 1957

ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
Chairman
Secretary
Mrs. John Stoddard
Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin
Harry O. Shankweiler
Rev. P. L. Hulslander
Miss Dorothy Nichols
Miss Barbara Swan
David Stephens
Rollin Foster

Click here for the Carbondale United Methodist History

Starting the Second Century
1932 to I957
Part I - The Unification and Church Society

Compiled and written by Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin

Contents of Part I:

The Second Century Begins

The Japan Mission in War

The Methodist Church Unites

The Church Societies

The Second Century Begins

There is a saying that the "first hundred years are the hardest," so with a century of splendid achievement behind us we looked forward to the second hundred years with great enthusiasm and hope.

This second century had a most auspicious beginning with the visit to Carbondale on December 1, 1932 of that amazing woman, Helen Keller, accompanied by her life-long friend and companion, Anne Sullivan Macy, and her secretary, Miss Polly Thompson. This meeting, which was sponsored by the Carbondale Kiwanis Club and the Federated Women's Clubs in behalf of the American Foundation for the Blind, was held in our church and was a thrilling experience for all who attended it.

The organ which had done good service for over 30 years was beginning to need too much attention, so the choir loft was remodeled and a new $10,000 instrument was installed, the chimes being given by Miss Harriet Pascoe in memory of her father, Alfred Pascoe. A brilliant organ recital by several local organists was given on Friday night, October 19, 1934, and the organ formally dedicated the following Sunday morning, October 21st.

In January, 1935 vandals broke into the church one night and did hundreds of dollars worth of damage, although they found no money; but there was not a lock or cupboard they did not smash in their search for it.

The Japan Mission in War

In November, 1937, Helen Couch came home from Japan on one of her furloughs, and brought us the inspiration of her experiences in fine public addresses and many private conversations. She returned to Japan in February, 1939, to Kwassui Women's College, where she taught, altogether, for 25 years. Kwassui means "living water" and at graduation the senior class had a Ceremony of passing on the "living water" to the lower classes.

At the onset of war, she was evacuated from Japan to this country and had lived at Robincroft, Pasadena, since then. She died December 27, 1953, and after cremation her remains were brought to Carbondale, where a Memorial Service was held in the First Methodist Church with Rev. Clarence R. Hickok of Clarks Summit officiating in the absence of the pastor, Rev. Charles C. Chayer. It was a great heartbreak to us all when the second A-bomb was dropped on Nagasaki and our beloved Kwassui was practically destroyed and some of our girls lost in that terrible disaster.

The Methodist Church Unites

On May 10, 1939, a very momentous event in the history of Methodism occurred in Kansas City, Missouri, when the three main branches of American Methodism---The Methodist Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the Methodist Protestant Church---were merged into one church called The Methodist Church. This had a very important effect on our church work, as it meant reorganization in all departments.

The Church Societies

On September 11, 1940, all women's societies of the church were United in one society, the Woman's Society of Christian Service, with an Evening Society for those who preferred an evening meeting. This later became the Wesleyan Service Guild which continued until December 31, 1954, when it disbanded and became a part of the WSCS. Another society called The Methodist Guild retried its separate identity as The Friendship Circle, continuing to raise money and work for the church in every way. It is utterly impossible to name all the magnificent women who have been officers and have been so loyal and unselfish in giving their all to these societies in various capacities; the women who prepare with loving care for the Communion Service. the women who come so faithfully, week after week, to quilt and do other sewing, the women in the kitchen who really get those suppers ready by the sweat of their brows! We can mention only a few.

Presidents of the Friendship Circle since 1940 have been, Mrs. D. W. Kemble, .Mrs. S. T. Burnard, Mrs. George Filer, Mrs. Nelson Watkins, Miss Maude Stephens, Mrs. Rex Bell, Miss Florence Weidaw, Mrs. Ernest Cornell and Miss Grace Powell.

The presidents of the WSCS since the merger have been, Mrs. H. F. Clark, Mrs. Medford Crocker, Mrs. J. L. Varker, Mrs. Morgan Patten, Mrs. Edmund Lewis, Mrs. Harold N. Lake, Miss Mary Hall---the present incumbent being Mrs. Gerald Alexander, who as Vice President stepped in when Miss Hall was obliged to resign last fall. In these 17 years, one of the main sources of income, besides pledges and suppers, has been the annual bazaar, the most recent one, in December, 1956, having cleared over $1,800. In this connection, we must name Several women who have borne the burden of the bazaars and money-raising events as Secretary of Local Church Activities since 1940 - Mrs. Idwal Jones, Mrs. Arthur Emmett, Mrs. Everett Stephens, Mrs. Edmund Lewis, Mrs. Raymond Eathorne and Mrs. H. N. Lake, who has been General Chairman of the bazaar for the past several years, and is also at present a District officer. Only 3 treasurers have served the Society since the merger, Mrs. Glenn Ball, Mrs. Henry Tonkin and at present Mrs. David Stephens who has been assistant to the others practically all that time. Mrs. F. L. Cagwin has been pianist of the Women's Societies for 29 years.

Other groups, such as the Children's groups and Methodist Youth Fellowship, were reorganized according to age, the former up to 12 years of age and the M.Y.F. from 12 to 24. In this group are the Junior High, boys and girls, 12 to 14, and the Senior High, boys and girls, 14 to 18.

The Methodist Men were organized on September 13, 1940, later becoming the Men's Forum. It became somewhat inactive in more recent years, but was re-activated and obtained a new charter on October 19, 1956, with David Stephens as president and Robert Vandenberg as vice president. The presidents since 1940 have been Roy Lewis, John Goodwin, Edison Giles, Ralph Dunn, Carl Camin, Rollin Foster and Clifford Phillips. This Men's Society has become famous for its pancake suppers with Alvin Roberts as the Chief Pancake Maker! Alvin was also head usher for 10 years until May, 1951, when he was succeeded by Willis Snedeker, in charge at present.

A recently organized group called the Triple M's---Mr., Mrs. and Miss---is made up of young married couples and single young people. It is really an outgrowth of the Couples' Sunday School Class and they are very active in church work, their present objective being a new Parish House. Their very efficient president is Waldred Pugh, whose fine tenor voice adds much to our choir, he is also Chairman of the Music Committee.

Starting the Second Century
1932 to I957
Part II - War and Conference Centennial

Compiled and written by Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin

Contents of Part II:

The Church Renovations

The Church in War

The Silent Communion

The Liberian Bishop Visits

The Wyoming Conference Centenial

The Local Commissions

The Church Renovations

In 1941 a big project of renovating and redecorating the church was undertaken. The walls and ceiling of the Sanctuary were painted and redecorated, all woodwork and seats cleaned and refinished, floors painted, seat cushions cleaned and reconditioned, and carpet renovated. New lighting equipment was installed with 2 entirely new features, the fluorescent tubing on the cove high on the walls and 4 magnificent lanterns hanging from the ceiling which can provide light of varying intensity. Another feature was in the control of all lighting from the pulpit desk. When the church was built in 1902, there was a painting of Christian symbols called a "jewel", 7 feet high and 12 feet long, over the doors between the Sanctuary and Sunday School room. This was later painted over, but in time began to show through again. Mr. S. I. Seifert of Scranton was able to see it clearly enough to repaint it as it was originally, thus adding much to the beauty of the Sanctuary. The church was rededicated on November 30, 1941.

The Church in War

Then came Pearl Harbor Day and we were plunged into war! Although only one of our boys, Leland G. Cagwin, was there on that fateful December 7, 1941, it was not long until many of our young men were off to defend their country. On October 4, 1942, World-wide Communion Sunday, Rev. John N. White held a special service honoring our Methodist men and women in the service. On a table within the altar rail and on a large easel standing on the table were several dozen photographs of them.

As time went on, it was inevitable that some of them would make the Supreme Sacrifice, the first to go being Frank V. Hooper, who was lost in the North Atlantic on June 13, 1943. Others to give their lives were Robert J. Packer, July 11, 1943, in Sicily; David Elias, killed at Florence, Italy, October 10, 1944; Arnold Wolfram, died in hospital in Paris, France, November 29, 1944 and buried in France; Rexford C. Collins, February 4, 1945, in France; Dwight Neal, May 31, 1945, on Okinawa; and Donald Ball, killed in Germany January 16, 1945, and buried in Luxembourg, in whose memory the lighted cross back of the choir was given by his family and dedicated April 8, 1945. All these boys grew up in this Church and Sunday School, and Donald had been president not only of the local Methodist Youth Fellowship, but also the District. At the end of the war a bronze plaque was placed in the Sanctuary by the Church, listing all who had served their country.

The Silent Communion

On Thursday evening, February 20, 1947, under the guidance of Rev. Leon W. Bouton, a very unusual and impressive Candlelight Communion service was held in the Sunday School Assembly room in absolute silence. Upon entering the church, everyone was given a typewritten sheet of instructions and meditations and the request that no word be spoken until people had left the church again. Leaving our wraps in the Sanctuary, we proceeded to tables in the other room, went through the ceremony and returned silently for our wraps. Anyone who was there has never forgotten that evening! People still talk about it as one of the most beautiful meetings they ever attended.

On May 25, 1947, Recruiting Officer and Mrs. Ira Moon presented their son, William Robinson Moon, for baptism, to perpetuate the name of his late great grandfather, William R. Moon, on his 80th birthday, and of his great great grandfather, Tylman C. Robinson, who built the church in 1892 and again in 1902. Mr. Moon was an active member of this church for 50 years and president of the Board of Trustees at his death.

On November 11, 1949, the Trustees passed a resolution to amend the charter of April 18, 1844 to correspond with the present Discipline of the unified church, (1) in the matter of electing trustees; (2) in changing the name from The Methodist Episcopal Church of Carbondale to The First Methodist Church of Carbondale; (3) in correcting the name of the county from Luzerne to Lackawanna.

The Liberian Bishop Visits

In February, 1950, we had the privilege of a sermon by Bishop Willis J. King, of Liberia, Africa. A noted scholar and educator, he is Administrator of Methodist work in that country. In Scranton, he had a rather embarrassing experience when a barber refused to cut his hair as he was a Negro, but an immediate investigation brought forth an apology from the barber! He said he had never had a Negro in his shop all the 40 years he had been barbering, and did not know how to cut Bishop King's curly hair!

The Wyoming Conference Centenial

The year 1952 being the Centennial of the organization of the Wyoming Conference, on May 21st the first day's morning and afternoon sessions were held in the Carbondale Church with impressive services, this being the first time since 1908. It had been hoped to hold the 50th Anniversary in this church but the fire of 1901 precluded that, so Waverly very generously took over in our place. The opening session of 1952 was at 9:30 A. M. with Bishop Fred Pierce Corson presiding at Holy Communion; and Rev. Roger B. Glazier, pastor, presiding at the Memorial Service which followed. An item of historic significance in connection with this 101st session of the Wyoming Conference was that the bell which rang in the service was the same bell, in part, which rang in the first session in 1852. Although the original bell was partially destroyed in the fire of 1901, enough was salvaged to make another bell, with the addition of some new metal.

The main part of the afternoon session was an address, "He holds the stars in His hands," by Dr. Leroy Bugbee of Wyoming Seminary. As Carbondale was too small to cope with the entire Conference period, the remaining sessions were held in Elm Park Church in Scranton. At 8 o'clock that evening a marvelous centennial pageant was presented in the Masonic Temple in Scranton, with some of our local people participating.

The Local Commissions

In 1952 the General Conference passed legislation setting up 4 Commissions in each local church, covering the 4 major concerns of the Church Universal, Evangelism, Education, Missions and Finance. This newly created organization resulted in a division of responsibility among laymen, and a new and more vital interest in the spiritual life and ministry of the Church. The chairmen are elected by the Quarterly Conference and the following are giving effective and devoted leadership to the Commissions:

Harry 0. Shankweiler, Membership & Evangelism, succeeding Henry Tonkin, lay leader, who served 1954-56. The pastor, Rev. Charles C. Chayer was the first chairman, 1953-54. Robert Vandenberg, Education, succeeding Carl Camin, 1953-54. Mrs. Gerald Alexander, Missions, 1955---. William Geesey, Stewardship & Finance, succeeding Harry Stephens who gave many years of faithful service to the church as chairman of the Finance Committee and later of the newly organized Finance Commission, 1953-56. Mr. Stephens is also secretary of the Board of Trustees.

Starting the Second Century
1932 to I957
Part III - The Ministry Continues

Compiled and written by Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin

Contents of Part III:

The Sunday School

The Music Ministry

The Union Services

The Lay and Full-Time Leaders from the Church

The Sunday School

The Sunday School was graded more than 25 years ago, but has been more closely graded in recent years, now having coeducational classes. Because of the poor attendance in the summer time, it has been the plan the past few years to combine classes, each teacher taking one Sunday at teaching the entire group of that age. This has proven more efficient than just trying to teach a few in each class. Superintendents of the Sunday School since 1926 have been Henry S. Lee, Harry Stephens, D. W. Kemble, John Goodwin, Warren Geary and at present, Carl Camin with Robert Vandenberg and Robert Stephens as assistants. Back in 1925, realizing that the time for Bible study is so short on Sunday, some of the teachers, probably the most enthusiastic of whom was Harry 0. Shankweiler, organized a Daily Vacation Bible School, to be held in the first weeks of vacation, with Mrs. Harvey Williams as the first Superintendent. This work has grown and developed in a splendid way until it is now considered a definite part of our Sunday School program, with 9 teachers and about 75 to 100 pupils, ranging in age from 4 to 14; the present Superintendent being Miss Dorothy Nichols.

In January, 1946, a new plan of "released time" for weekday religious instruction was inaugurated in the public school system. This was first held in the schools; then one year in the churches, but finally, back into the schools where it is held now; except the High School students who meet in the churches which pay for the teachers and materials, while the schools allow us to use the rooms for the younger grades. In this program, there are 24 teachers and 469 pupils from 5 Protestant churches as follows: Trinity Episcopal, 62; Presbyterian, 98; Methodist, 186; Lutheran, 26; Baptist, 97. The children of all faiths are included in this plan, the Catholic and Hebrew High School students going to their respective churches, while the younger ones are taught in the schools.

The Music Ministry

On Thursday, December 17, 1953, just before Christmas Sunday, our organist, John B. Evans, suffered a heart attack. Russell Bates very kindly came to the rescue and took over the Christmas music on only a few hours' notice. John had served the church most faithfully from the fall of 1929-as well as in earlier years when his father was choir director and was always willing to play whenever and wherever he was asked. He had a record for perfect attendance as organist; also a record of perfect attendance in Sunday School for over 50 years, during which he served as pianist. As his full recovery was considered doubtful, it was thought best to find a new organist and on January 10, 1954, Mr. Tom Evans of Scranton took up his duties as organist and choir director. He was widely known for his brilliant organ work, both in church and theater, being an assistant organist at Elm Park Church. He is also a composer, having given us a beautiful song entitled "Thank your God for everything" which has become quite a favorite and which he dedicated to President Eisenhower. Another composition called "The Easter Suite" was born of an emergency, when his music was stolen from his car as he was on his way to give a recital at the Masonic Temple in Scranton on Maundy Thursday night in 1942. As a result, he had to improvise for 45 minutes, with this suite emerging as a yearly performance, entirely from memory, as he has never written down a note of it!

Through the initiative of David Stephens, then Chairman of the Music Committee, a beautiful new Concert Grand piano was acquired for the Sunday School Assembly room as a memorial to John B. Evans, who died on June 1, 1954, and Nelson Watkins, who died on February 13, 1954, after a life of devoted service to this church. He sang in the choir for 37 years; led the Sunday School singing for 30 years, and taught the Nelson Watkins Bible Class for 45 years, besides having filled many other important offices in the church. The new piano was dedicated on January 9, 1955, with Tom Evans at the organ and his wife, Jean, also an accomplished musician, at the piano. On May 10, 1955, a lovely concert was given by Jeanne Madden Martin with Mrs. Evans at the piano and Mr. Evans sometimes at the organ and sometimes the piano.

The names of all the wonderful people who have given so liberally of their time and talent to the ministry of music would fill many pages; when we began to list them, we gave up in despair, so we hope we'll be forgiven for mentioning just a few. Choir directors since about 1932 have been Miss Edna Hopkins (11 years), Rev. John N. White, the pastor, a talented musician (about 4 years), and Mrs. Mina Vandenberg (9 years). Beside our regular choir which contains members who have served most faithfully for many years, we now have two others, the Children's Choir of youngsters up to 12 years of age, with Mrs. Jean Henry Pugh as director; and the Youth Choir composed of teenagers, directed by Miss Ruth Masters who has devoted her fine voice to the church for upwards of 40 years.

The Union Services

During Holy Week of 1930, the Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist Churches held union services the first four nights, joining for the first time in a Communion Service on Holy Thursday night. This was a very memorable occasion when churches of three different denominations could unite in probably their most sacred Sacrament. This fine fellowship has continued down through the years, with sometimes the Lutheran and Episcopalian brethren joining in many services through the year, developing a splendid spirit of brotherhood and co-operation. Within the past 25 years, Protestants have been observing the period of Lent more than formerly, usually with special union services once a week throughout the 6 weeks, beginning with Ash Wednesday.

Because of the falling off in attendance during the summer months, when so many families move to nearby lakes, a fine plan was evolved in recent years, whereby the Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist churches join for 9 Sundays, each preacher having 3 Sundays of preaching and 6 of vacation, the services being held in the different churches in rotation.

The Lay and Full-time Leaders from the Church

For many years our women had been greatly interested in the Kansas City Training School for Deaconesses, but when some of our own girls went there, it became very close to our hearts. Louis Smith was graduated in June, 1932, Bertha Rogers 3 years later and Thelma Stuffer in May, 1940. These girls have given in many years of service in that wonderful work and Thelma is still the thick of things as Deaconess and Director of Religious Education at the Broadway Temple in New York City, having acquired her Bachelor of Arts and Master's Degree at New York University. Louise married Rev. Ernest George and continued her work in a new role, as pastor's wife, now living at Hawleyton, New York. Bertha pursued further studies and after 11 years in deaconess work, married Mr. Theodore Heness, and is now living in East Plymouth, Pennsylvania.

Other young people who have gone out to full-time service were Robert Gevert, now serving as pastor in Margaretville, New York. William Gritman, pastor of the Lake Ariel charge. Martine Burdick, who was graduated from Syracuse University as a registered nurse and went as a missionary of the WSCS to the Seward Sanitarium, Bartlett, Alaska. After serving 3 years, she met the "man of her choice," Alfred Clayton, and they were married on October 30, 1954. Elsie Lewis, who is now Director of Religious Education at the First Methodist Church in Ithaca, New York was graduated from Scarritt College, Nashville, Tennessee, with a Master's Degree. Don Bartholomay, who has been active as a local preacher for the past few years, is now serving the Clifford-Lenoxville charge in preparation for full ordination as a minister. Vere Abbey-whose family was very active in this church-was a missionary to Burma for many years, and died in 1943.

Although not trained for full-time service as such, Carrie Lesher Swingle and her sister, Clara Lesher Burdick, have devoted many years to their work in the Wyoming Children's Home in Binghamton, New York. Another person who should be mentioned is Mrs. Gerald Blake (Alice Davison) of Scranton, who grew up in this church and has been very prominent in the WSCS, having been president of District and Conference respectively for several terms; for 3 years was dean of the Conference School of Missions at Sky Lake; a graduate of Syracuse University, she is a licensed local preacher, is listed in "Who's Who in Methodism" and has been active in civic, PTA and fraternal affairs as well as church work.

At the 4th Quarterly Conference held February 26, 1957, Merle Correll was recommended to take the Course pursuant to becoming a local preacher. Larry Addley is president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship.

Starting the Second Century
1932 to I957
Part IV - Some of Those Who Served
Compiled and written by Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin

Contents of Part IV:

Those Who Served

Rocking Chairs and Cookbooks

Oaks and Acorns