|
Home : Quarterly Archives : Volume 30 |
Tredyffrin Easttown Historical Society |
|
Source: July 1992 Volume 30 Number 3, Pages 107–116 Milestones in the History of the Berwyn Methodist Church Introduction To research the history of a building or a town is to be made aware of the people who inhabited that place. Just as the Roman Forum offers us clues into the lives of the people of that time, so reading about how the Berwyn Methodist Church came to be gives us insights into a group of dedicated, persistent, courageous, and industrious people who felt the need for a church home and were willing to meet the challenge to see that their efforts did not fail. After spending several weeks with these good Christian folk on paper I feel that I know them, and in a small way understand them. Their prayers and devotion made the present church possible, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Here are some of the milestones in their story. Spring, 1881 The Eagle (now Devon) Methodist Episcopal Church was organized, as part of the Bryn Mawr-Bethesda charge. Fall, 1881 A frame chapel, of fine hemlock boards and with a tar paper roof, was erected for $200. It was 30' by 50', and stood opposite the Devon train station. Sunday School was held in the afternoon, followed by a "preaching" service. Various local preachers officiated. Winter, 1883 The chapel roof collapsed in a heavy snow and rain storm, destroying the chapel. After a search for a place to meet, the Berwyn Hall was selected and rented for $50 a year, including janitorial service and fuel. May 4, 1884 The congregation was re-organized as part of the Salem charge, and the first service was held in Berwyn with the Rev. Edward Townsend as pastor. But the Methodists still longed for a building of their own. November 21, 1884 A lot 80' by 227', extending from Church [now Main] Avenue to Waterloo Avenue, was purchased for $600. March 19, 1885 The Berwyn Church was set off from Salem as a separate charge, and Rev. Daniel Hartman was appointed as the first pastor. (Rev. Hartman also served the Presbyterian Church for a short time.) A few years after Rev. Hartman died in West Chester, this notice appeared in the Daily Local News in 1894: "Just now, while all Chester County, or rather that part of it which claims to support Republican principles, and Republican nominees, is shouting itself hoarse over the candidacy of General Daniel Hartman Hastings, it may or may not be out of place to recall the man in whose honor the prospective occupant of the Executive Mansion at Harrisburg was named. About three years ago there died, in the old Dr. Thomas mansion, on E. Gay Street, West Chester, owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, a quiet old gentleman, Rev. Daniel Hartman. Rev. Hartman was a minister in central Pennsylvania and part of his flock was the Hastings family, 'hard working and honest people as ever breathed mountain air'. When a little stranger made his appearance in the household, he naturally brought no name with him, and to supply this deficiency his parents gave him the name Daniel Hartman Hastings, thus paying a compliment to their friend and spiritual advisor." August, 1885 Members of the Armstrong family arrived in Berwyn from Philadelphia. (In the 1927 Church Directory, forty-two years later, there were fourteen Armstrongs listed as church members, and today the Pusey family in the church are fourth-generation members of this clan.) April, 1886 The Lamborns moved to Berwyn from Marshallton, and Mary Lamborn's children today represent the 4th-generation of that family as members of the Berwyn Church. Some of the other families that are present in our fellowship today and are 3rd- and 4th-generation members of our congregation are Beaumont, Bowman, Buckwalter, Burns, Hoskins, Hughes, Hurd, Williams, and Wood. Jean Beaumont currently has the distinction of being a member of our congregation for the longest period of time, having joined in 1913. December, 1886 At a congregational meeting it was decided to build a stone church, at a cost of between $2500 and $3000. Theodore Beaumont offered 40 perches of stone. May 5, 1887 The collection for the first four months of 1887 totaled $12.69, with a membership of 27 -- so building a church was a pure act of faith. Nonetheless, the ground-breaking ceremony was held, for a Gothic-style building of fine quality local stone, to be 38 feet wide by 62 feet long and 30 feet high to a roof peak. On the south side there was to be an 11 foot square stone tower, surmounted by a belfrey and neat spire, in all about 70 feet high. The architect was B. D. Price, Esq. September, 1887 The cornerstone laying ceremony took place, with a vote of thanks to Mr. Perry for the gift of the cornerstone. September, 1888 Application was made to the proper authority for a church charter, the church to be chartered as The Berwyn Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1888-1889 Rev. Samuel C. Carter was the pastor. In a newspaper clipping on March 13, 1889 it was noted, "From the very beginning he threw all his energy, interest, and time, and help into the building of Berwyn's new church that today stands in its simple beauty, a complete and tangible witness of this young minister's zeal and love for the Master and the Master's work. Having accomplished his duty here he feels that duty is calling him elsewhere." December 14, 1888 The members held a Berwyn Fair to help pay for the new church. December 30, 1888 A dedication service was held for the new church. All of the other churches remained closed, to permit their congregations to take part in the service at the new house of worship. At each of the three services that day -- morning, afternoon, and evening -- the local clergy assisted: Rev. S. C. Carter, the pastor; Rev. Thomas Aiken, of the Berwyn Presbyterian Church; Rev. A. M. Wiggins, a former pastor of the church; Rev. H. B. Garner, of Great Valley Baptist Church; Rev. Daniel Hartman, another former pastor; and Rev. G. W. Clark, of the Malvern Methodist Church. The Daily Local News described the interior of the new church: "The interior is divided by a curtain into [a] main audience room and [a] Sunday School room and has, in all, a seating capacity of about 400. Chairs of latest design are used for seating, arranged in amphitheater form and upholstered in dark blue brocaded velvet, making with the crimson carpet, a nice contrast. The ceilings and walls have been nicely frescoed in panels divided by exposed rafter work which is very elaborate and beautiful. The large stained glass windows have been placed as memorials by members and friends of the church. The very fine front window with a centre figure of a dove, the perpetual emblem of descending grace and peace, was presented by the Sunday School. All of this for $8,500.00! It is one of the finest buildings in Berwyn!" (This is the building that was to cost "between $2500 and $3000"!) Spring, 1889 Rev. C. W. Straw was appointed pastor. Since he was still attending Dickinson College a local preacher acted temporarily as supply minister. During Rev. Straw's time as minister the membership increased steadily, the Sunday School was organized into a Juvenile Missionary Society, and a Young People's Meeting was inaugurated. February 21, 1890 The Berwyn Methodist Episcopal Church was granted a charter of incorporation by the Court in West Chester. June, 1892 The Easttown School commencement was held in the church. (In 1903 the Baccalaureate Service of the school was also held here.) March, 1896 Rev. Alden Quimby -- who had earlier become acquainted with the church when his brother, a church member, asked him to show the members his lantern slides -- began a pastorate at the Berwyn church that lasted for 26 years, until his death. (In 1905 a newspaper reported that Rev. Quimby and a Rev. G. W. Hensen were the only two ministers in the Conference who were entering their tenth year of a pastorate at one church.) Barbara Fry, in her history of Trinity Presbyterian Church, has told of Rev. Quimby, and how much loved he was, not only by the congregation, but by the community, and how he loved the children, told them stories, and how he loved to walk and would walk for miles, and of his great interest in astronomy. I would like to share a brief account of this with you; it was written by the late Elizabeth Rumrill, a neighbor, quoting her father, who noted that "his grasp of the whole subject was broad and liberal, with a strong leaning to orthodoxy. An original member of the American Astronomical Society, his ability to handle lenses and adapt 'home-made' apparatus to the purpose in hand showed the innate genius of the real lover of astronomy. Dr. Quimby [also] possessed the rare gift of interesting others in the sciences to which he had devoted so many years." Fittingly, one of the clergymen who spoke at Rev. Quimby's funeral said, "While he trod the path of duty as became a servant of Christ, his thoughts were with the stars, the forget-me-nots of heaven, and often his eyes also, knowing little regard for the time when he could assist others, nightfall often finding him far from home." At a reception for Rev. Quimby and his family to celebrate his 18th anniversary with he church, it was reported in the West Chester Star on May 29, 1913, "children decorated the church with baskets of flowers and ferns which nearly concealed the altar and filled the windows. Among those attending [and] who made addresses were Rev. Mr. Sagebeer, of Great Valley Baptist Church; Rev. J. C. Levengood, of Trinity Presbyterian Church; Prof. R. S. MacNamee, supervising principal of schools, and George S. Hutton, president of Easttown School Board." For Rev. Quimby's 24th anniversary it was reported that "pleasing music was provided by an orchestra composed of Messrs. Harold Brace, Harvey Johnson, and William Thomas, with Mrs. Louis Burns at the piano". It was also noted that "delightful vocal selections were rendered", including "The Venetian Boat Song" by Theodore Lamborn, choirmaster, and solos by "Mr. Semen's little daughter" and Theodore Lamborn jr. January, 1904 A new parsonage was built on the Waterloo Avenue side of the church property by Robert Armstrong. December, 1913 Services were held for the silver anniversary of the dedication of the church building, with Bishop Berry the Conference representative. July, 1918 The governing power of the church was transferred from the Board of Trustees to the Official Board, and the mortgage on the church was paid. November, 1923 The church pipe organ was dedicated as a memorial to Rev. A. W. Quimby, for 26 years the beloved pastor of the church. September, 1925 The bell tower was deemed unsafe and removed. [See next page] April, 1931 Excavation of the basement of the church, by the men of the church, was begun to provide more space for suppers and other social gatherings.
1881 Church building after removal of bell tower January 25, 1935 It was reported in the Local the plans were being made for the 45th anniversary of the granting of the charter to the Berwyn Methodist Episcopal Church, and that a history would be published serially each week. _____, 1936 After a succession of pastors who, in conformity with the Methodist custom were changed by the Conference every few years, Rev. F. Russell Hummel became pastor. He was a much beloved pastor, and during his pastorate the Local wrote of The Men's Brotherhood, and of the great work that Rev. Hummel was. doing with that organization among the young men, not only of the church, but of the community. The organization was formed by the Men's Bible Class, under the direction of Rev. Hummel. With Alex. Armstrong its president, it was conducted strictly along non-denominational lines, meeting once a month, with a speaker and recreational activities. April 1, 1943 Many of the people in the church helped put together The_ Berwyn Post, a newsletter to servicemen in World War II. It continued publication until after the end of the war. October 1, 1943 The entire interior of the church building was redecorated to conform with the Gothic design of the church, and the church was readied for world-wide Communion Sunday. These renovations were continued over the next decade, with extensive alterations made to the Sanctuary, including dividing the room in two and centering the altar in accordance with scale drawings made by Stafford Walker. Mr. Manypenny made the new pulpit, Maurice Hoskins made the lectern; Mabel Brace, the wall hangings; and Elizabeth Lewis made the altar covers. December 28, 1946 It was reported in the Local that Rev. George Thomas had left his position as pastor of the church to re-enter the Navy Chaplaincy Corps. For a short time the church was without a minister, before Rev. George W. Connard, who had recently been released from the Army Chaplain Corps,named the new pastor. During Rev. Connard's leadership the church started a newsletter, and evening services were initiated. May 31, 1947 It was reported in the Local that in the previous year Elton Buckwalter had reported to the Quarterly Conference that the church had not had to put any gold stars on its flag for servicemen who died in the service. In a specially planned service in 1947 to honor the men and women who had served in the first and second World Wars, the service flag was retired and the stars thereon were given in a wallet to the men and women from our church that they represented: in World War I, Louis Burns, Berle O. Guyman, Frederick A. Armstrong, Elsie Mackey Hunter, and Charles Smith; in World War II, Chester Bowman, Robert Bowman, Rudolph Bowman Jr., Allan Brace, Harold Brace Jr., Kenneth Buckwalter, Nelson R. Buckwalter, Robert L. Burns, Nelson G. Emory, James T. Estes, Frank E. Groff, Warren B. Hale, F. Claire Hughes, George Hurd Jr., Davis F. Lewis Jr., Kenneth R. Liddleton, Robert W. McCarns, James McKeown, Alfred S. Pusey, Lawrence H. Roney, Charles I. Siner, William D. Siner, William Wolfe, Howard W. Yohn, Stafford C. Walker, Jack Erdman, George Gross, Eugene Gross, Donald Gross, Frank Kelley, Edward Kelley, Lyman Carter, Mary Armstrong Chilson, and Harry Murdock. May 22, 1953 Rev. Stacy Myers became our pastor. He had been an assistant pastor at the Arch Street Church in Philadelphia, and he brought with him his new bride, Ruth. He soon organized three new groups in the church: a Married Couples Club, an Evening Circle of the WCSC, and the Regular Visitation Committee that visited new residents, as well as members. (I can remember that when we moved here in 1954 from Springfield we were still settling in when there was a knock on the door and it was Rev. Myers; he had a reputation for "following the moving van in", and was very popular with young married couples.) In 1959 he also started the Sunday Evening Fellowship, with dinner, worship, and activities for the children, and in 1961 the Methodist Men's Group was reorganized, with Ralph Woods as president. In 1963 the congregation had a party, with a rose arbor and wishing well, to celebrate Rev. Myers' tenth anniversary with us and their tenth wedding anniversary. Funds donated during this celebration helped to send them to Israel in July for a two-months archaeological seminar as part of his work for his Ph.D. In 1965, after twelve years of dedicated service and overseeing a great deal of growth in the church, Rev. Myers moved to the Jenkintown church. During the ten years between 1954 and 1964 the church membership increased from 120 members to over 700. Fall, 1955 No account of the church is complete without mention of the smorgasbord supper that was started in 1955 as a fund raiser by the Women's Society of Christian Service. In its first ten years the annual event was held at the Conestoga High School cafeteria, with more than 800 persons served each year. June, 1956 The present church property on Waterloo Avenue, 7-1/2 acres, was purchased from the Misses Coates by the Philadelphia Conference Board of Missions and Extension as a site for a new building for the Berwyn Methodist Church. December, 1956 The construction of a new parsonage on the new property was begun by the people of the church, under the leasership of G. Miller Hoskins, the president of the Board of Trustees. The structure was a pre-built one, but a foundation and several other additional things were also needed. September, 1957 Ground breaking took place for a new Educational Building/Fellowship Hall, under the leadership of Howard "Hap" Williams, Building Committee chairman. The building was designed by the local architect, Fridtjof Tobiessen, with G. Raymond Davis the builder. May 25, 1958 The new parsonage and Educational Building/Fellowship Hall were consecrated by Rev. C. Yregoyen, District Supervisor. Summer, 1961 Hap Williams and his crew worked to complete the ground level -- eight classrooms and a kitchen and bathroom -- to give the Sunday School a much greater capacity. The facilities were sorely needed for the growing number of young families in the church. May 15, 1961 The original church and parsonage were sold to Trinity Presbyterian Church for $25,000 -- leaving behind seventy years of fond memories. December, 1962 A Development Committee was formed, under the leadership of Allen Weir. It retained the services of A. Hensel Fink, a noted Methodist Church architect and advisor to the Board of National Missions, and a master plan for the church property was worked out. May, 1965 With Rev. Myers' move to Jenkintown, Rev. Harold Schieck became the new pastor. He brought with him a vast knowledge about church building, and a spirit to make it happen. December, 1965 It was reported in the newspaper that for the second year Trinity Presbyterian Church and the Berwyn Methodist Church worshipped together in world wide Communion Sunday. The service was held in the Conestoga High School auditorium, with more than 500 persons breaking bread together at this ecumenical service, with Rev. George V. Gardner, pastor of Trinity, and Harold Schieck, the newly appointed pastor of Berwyn Methodist, leading the service. January 7, 1966 Ground breaking ceremonies for the new sanctuary were held, with Ernest Merz and Jacob Fuchs now the co-chairmen of the Building Committee. September 18, 1966 The cornerstone laying service for the new sanctuary took place. March 12, 1967 The new sanctuary was consecrated by Bishop Fred Pierce Corson and the first services were held in the sanctuary.
1967 Church Building on Waterloo Avenue May, 1968 The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Churches were merged to form the United Methodist Church, with the Berwyn church becoming officially the Berwyn United Methodist Church. September 19, 1968 Redvers Turner became the next pastor of the Berwyn Methodist Church congregation. In his sixteen years with the church he continued on the path set by Rev. Myers and Rev. Schieck in making the church a vital part of the community. Rev. Turner was also well loved by the congregation. To celebrate his 25th year in the ministry, and also his and his wife Joy's 25th wedding anniversary, another big party was held by the members, with the money amassed from the affair once again helping to send their pastor to the Holy Land. April 23, 1978 A new Rogers electric organ was installed in the sanctuary and dedicated. The men of the church also placed the bell from the old church in the new steeple. March 25, 1984 The 200th anniversary of Methodism in America and its 100th year in Berwyn were celebrated. July, 1984 Rev. Charles S. Bartolett became the new pastor. A new church parsonage was on the drawing board as he arrived. After much redecorating for use as a Sunday School and MYF classroom, the decision was made to remove the old Coates mansion, which had been renamed The Asbury House, from the church property and to build a new parsonage on the site. The new parsonage was constructed by Pohlig Builders, Inc. July, 1987 Rev. Charles D. Whittaker was appointed to serve the church. When he became ill three years later, Rev. Harold Schieck returned as interim pastor, and again served the congregation well and faithfully. July, 1990 Rev. David Myers was named pastor -- and once again the church is growing in membership, and exciting new programs are being developed. TopReferences Berwyn United Methodist Church records: Quarterly Conference minutes, Church bulletins, special event brochures, miscellaneous newspaper clippings Newspaper clippings and records in the Chester County Historical Society clipping files, West Chester Tredyffrin Easttown History Club Quarterly: October 1965 [Vol. XIII, No.2] (especially for information about the early year's of the church)
Interviews with: |
