History of the Third Church
In 1941, a site was purchased along Freeport Road and erection of the new building was begun under the supervision of Homer Woods, building contractor. The cornerstone laying service was held on Sunday afternoon, June 1, 1941. On March 1, 1942 dedication services were held in the new church. Dr. J.D. Van Horn, District Superintendent spoke at the morning service and Bishop James H. Straughn dedicated the church in an afternoon service. This church cost $20,000 and was completely paid for at the time of the dedication service. The sum of a few hundred dollars owed on the new electric organ was paid shortly after the dedication and the church was debt free.
Improvements have been made to the church from time-to-time with the major improvement being the remodeling of the Chancel in the late 1950’s. The stained glass windows were also releaded and given a protective covering in 1977. A new electric organ was purchased for the sanctuary in 1960 and a memorial piano was installed behind the choir pews in 1980. Memorial chimes in 1974 and a Zimbalstern in 1980 have added much to the beauty of the church music. A public address system was installed and a memorial tape recording system was added in 1981 which aids in our ministry to shut-ins.
The construction of the expressway, which came close to the Bellview Street entrance, caused considerable anxiety. Several church families were forced to relocate and there was uncertainty as to the future of the church building. However, the building remained intact.
Another change in our church name resulted in 1968 when the Methodist churches and the Evangelical United Brethren churches united and are now known as the United Methodist Churches. We are now Janes United Methodist Church. Through the years, the church has stood ready to assist when the need arose. Aid was given to the Millerstown United Methodist Church when a flash flood damaged their building. The Johnstown United Methodist Churches received help when they were flooded, as did local families whose homes were destroyed by fire. At the time of local high water, our church opened its doors for whatever was needed.
Rev. H.M. Peterson
Rev. T.D. Stewart
Rev. G.S. Stephans
Rev. R.H. Ling
Rev. P.J. Meuschke
Rev. J.E. Breakiron
Rev. J.W. McLeister
Rev. A.A. Slagle
Rev. Earl Lighthall
Rev. D.E. Byrom
Rev. J.P. Fogg
Rev. C.G. Jack
Rev. J.L. Hemsky
Rev. M.E. Hecht
Rev. A.J. Morrison
Rev. S.M. McClain
Rev. J.M. Conn
In 1941, a site was purchased along Freeport Road and erection of the new building was begun under the supervision of Homer Woods, building contractor. The cornerstone laying service was held on Sunday afternoon, June 1, 1941. On March 1, 1942 dedication services were held in the new church. Dr. J.D. Van Horn, District Superintendent spoke at the morning service and Bishop James H. Straughn dedicated the church in an afternoon service. This church cost $20,000 and was completely paid for at the time of the dedication service. The sum of a few hundred dollars owed on the new electric organ was paid shortly after the dedication and the church was debt free.
Improvements have been made to the church from time-to-time with the major improvement being the remodeling of the Chancel in the late 1950’s. The stained glass windows were also releaded and given a protective covering in 1977. A new electric organ was purchased for the sanctuary in 1960 and a memorial piano was installed behind the choir pews in 1980. Memorial chimes in 1974 and a Zimbalstern in 1980 have added much to the beauty of the church music. A public address system was installed and a memorial tape recording system was added in 1981 which aids in our ministry to shut-ins.
The construction of the expressway, which came close to the Bellview Street entrance, caused considerable anxiety. Several church families were forced to relocate and there was uncertainty as to the future of the church building. However, the building remained intact.
Another change in our church name resulted in 1968 when the Methodist churches and the Evangelical United Brethren churches united and are now known as the United Methodist Churches. We are now Janes United Methodist Church. Through the years, the church has stood ready to assist when the need arose. Aid was given to the Millerstown United Methodist Church when a flash flood damaged their building. The Johnstown United Methodist Churches received help when they were flooded, as did local families whose homes were destroyed by fire. At the time of local high water, our church opened its doors for whatever was needed.
Rev. T.D. Stewart
Rev. G.S. Stephans
Rev. R.H. Ling
Rev. P.J. Meuschke
Rev. J.E. Breakiron
Rev. J.W. McLeister
Rev. A.A. Slagle
Rev. Earl Lighthall
Rev. D.E. Byrom
Rev. J.P. Fogg
Rev. C.G. Jack
Rev. J.L. Hemsky
Rev. M.E. Hecht
Rev. A.J. Morrison
Rev. S.M. McClain
Rev. J.M. Conn