History of the First Church
All things have a beginning and so does Janes United Methodist Church. In 1879, William Nicholas organized a society to meet in his home, the old Peterson homestead, twice a week for religious services. This society consisted of less than a dozen members, who feeling a need of a church in their community, withdrew from the church in a neighboring town to center their interests closer to home. After meeting in the home for two years, it was decided to organize as a church and find a more suitable place to worship. The first worship service was held in the Hite school building with the Rev. Frank of Springdale officiating as pastor. Soon the members felt the time had come for a new departure and with brave hearts and willing hands, they determined to procure a lot and erect a church.
A committee consisting of Samuel Klingensmith, Edward Nicholas and Wilson Rowe were appointed to receive bids for building on the lot kindly donated to the group by Captain J.B. Ford. Samuel Sanders was finally delegated as contractor for constructing a new frame building at a cost of $2,000 located at the corner of Ferry Street and Freeport Road. Difficulties were in the way, but with a determination which seemed to say, ÒThe God of heaven, He will prosper us, therefore, we, His servants, will rise and build.Ó
Thus far the group had no pastor, but at the first session of the annual conference after this work began, Brother R. Cartwright was appointed as pastor over this little flock in connection with another appointment at North End, Allegheny. Meanwhile, the work on the church building continued, and on December 18 a little over seven months from the organization of the group, the church stood open for dedication. Dr. T.N. Boyle, presiding elder, who showed such a kindly interest in the work from the start, dedicated the church and the sum of $2,000 was raised at this service to defray all expenses. We do not forget to mention that the furniture and carpet had been furnished by several ladies who did noble work and that the beautiful organ which graced the rostrum was donated by Mrs. P.Y. Hite. During that year, membership increased to 43 and the following year it numbered nearly 100. This church serviced the congregation for a period of 22 years and was served by the following pastors:
Rev. Richard Cartwright
Rev. James Ballentine
Rev. George Sheets
Rev. A.P. Leonard
Rev. J.B. Taylor
Rev. E.J. Kidney
Rev. Robert Hamilton
Rev. Charles Smith
Rev. D.J. Davis
Rev. William Lynch
All things have a beginning and so does Janes United Methodist Church. In 1879, William Nicholas organized a society to meet in his home, the old Peterson homestead, twice a week for religious services. This society consisted of less than a dozen members, who feeling a need of a church in their community, withdrew from the church in a neighboring town to center their interests closer to home. After meeting in the home for two years, it was decided to organize as a church and find a more suitable place to worship. The first worship service was held in the Hite school building with the Rev. Frank of Springdale officiating as pastor. Soon the members felt the time had come for a new departure and with brave hearts and willing hands, they determined to procure a lot and erect a church.
A committee consisting of Samuel Klingensmith, Edward Nicholas and Wilson Rowe were appointed to receive bids for building on the lot kindly donated to the group by Captain J.B. Ford. Samuel Sanders was finally delegated as contractor for constructing a new frame building at a cost of $2,000 located at the corner of Ferry Street and Freeport Road. Difficulties were in the way, but with a determination which seemed to say, ÒThe God of heaven, He will prosper us, therefore, we, His servants, will rise and build.Ó
Thus far the group had no pastor, but at the first session of the annual conference after this work began, Brother R. Cartwright was appointed as pastor over this little flock in connection with another appointment at North End, Allegheny. Meanwhile, the work on the church building continued, and on December 18 a little over seven months from the organization of the group, the church stood open for dedication. Dr. T.N. Boyle, presiding elder, who showed such a kindly interest in the work from the start, dedicated the church and the sum of $2,000 was raised at this service to defray all expenses. We do not forget to mention that the furniture and carpet had been furnished by several ladies who did noble work and that the beautiful organ which graced the rostrum was donated by Mrs. P.Y. Hite. During that year, membership increased to 43 and the following year it numbered nearly 100. This church serviced the congregation for a period of 22 years and was served by the following pastors:
Rev. James Ballentine
Rev. George Sheets
Rev. A.P. Leonard
Rev. J.B. Taylor
Rev. E.J. Kidney
Rev. Robert Hamilton
Rev. Charles Smith
Rev. D.J. Davis
Rev. William Lynch