Know God and Make God Known
3602 Auburn Road, Huntington, WV 25704
|
HISTORY OF THE WESTMORELAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The history of the origin, struggles and achievements of the Westmoreland United Methodist Church reads like a fairy tale and is shot through and through with countless deeds of love, sacrifice and devotion that is an inspiration to those who have come to know it. Early in the year of 1926, interested members of other Huntington Methodist Churches, chiefly from Johnson Memorial and also from what was then known as the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, South, began holding class meetings at various homes in what was then a sparsely settled community called Westmoreland. On November 14, 1926, at 7:30 P.M. a group of Methodists from the aforementioned churches met at the home of Mrs. J.H. Donnally on Auburn Road, and organized what they called "The Helping Hands Society". This society became the medium through which the need for a church edifice in the Westmoreland Community was brought to the attention of the Presiding Elder, Rev. J/R. Webb. Mr. Webb, on December 15, 1926 initiated the purchase of two lots and plans were made to erect a frame church building at this location. Meanwhile, an initial donation of $314.000 had been received toward the building from The Board of Missions and Church Extension of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in Louisville. The old frame structure was completed in the following summer. Sunday school rooms were added later. At this time the Presiding Elder, Rev. J.R. Webb directed the election of the Board of Trustees. R.R. Steele, of the Johnson Memorial Church, was elected president. The membership of the Board was as follows: A.V. Berry, J.H. Donnally, W.L. Ellis, E.R. Malcolm. P.O. Sargroves. Early Ministers On the second Sunday in July of 1927, the first Westmoreland Methodist Sunday School was organized. Mr. Roy Shamblin was elected the first superintendent, with Mr. Lewis Trent as his assistant. Mr. Shamblin served for a short while and resigned due to ill health. Mr. Trent finished out the first year. In September of 1927, following the organization of the Sunday school in July of that year, the Annual Conference sent Rev. John Hollister as the first minister of the local congregation. The church was placed in a circuit with other churches and was served mostly by student ministers from Marshall and Morris Harvey Colleges until September 1940. From September 1927 until September 1940, the church was served by the following ministers; John Hollister Sept. 15, 1927 to Jan 15, 1928; Arthur W. Moore, Jan. 22, 1928 to May 14, 1928; Rev. S.S. Pollitt, D.D. retired minister, May 18, 1928 to Sept. 26, 1928; Rev. V.C. Ray; Byron Kelly; Mr. Herald; Okey Summers, Sept 1931 to Sept. 1933; A.H. Perkins, Sept. 1933 to Sept. 1934; Rolla Matheny, Sept. 1934 to Nov. 1934; Winton Houck, Dec. 1934 to Sept. 1935; Rolla Matheny, Sept. 1935-36; lvy Yoak, Sept 1937 to Sept. 1940. Charter Members The church membership roll was started with the reception of the first members, following a revival meeting held in November 1927, with the Rev. John Hollister, pastor of the church in charge. The following persons were received into membership and constitute the Charter Members of the Church: Mrs. W.E. Dillon; Mr. and Mrs. W.E Donnally; Misses Fonda and Gladys Donnally; J. Rex Ealem; Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Ellis; Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Fealey and Della Fealey; Emilee Gibson; Mrs. J. Hollister; Mrs. J.W Hager; Mrs. Mary Hamilton; Mrs. Annie Hamilton; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jackson; Mrs. Lemley; Mr. and Mrs. Ben Lester; Mrs. Ben Miller; Mrs. Charles Maize; Miss Kathrine Martin; Mr. and Mrs. George Martin; Mr. Otto Mills; Miss Blanche Merritt; Mrs. Lilliam Maynard; Mr. and Mrs. Jess Mosby; Mrs. Lydia Meeks; Mr. and Mrs. McCaskie; Mr. and Mrs. L.E. Richmond; Mr. and Mrs. Patton Rickman; Mr. and Mrs. Seibold; Mrs. Anna L. Smith; Mrs. Mary Straw; Mrs. A.J. Shamlin; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Shamlin; Mrs. Mary Swick; Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Webster; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Webster. On Monday evening, November 20, 1927, following the reception of the charter members, the first Board of Stewards was organized at a meeting held in the home of Mr. George Seibold on Brandon Road. The following constituted the first official board: Rev. John Hollister, J.H. Donnally, George Martin., E.S. Webster, W.L. Ellis, Ben Lester, Everett Jackson, George .Seibold, 0.H. Mills, Fred Webster, and H.C. Shamlin. In 1928 Mr. E.S. Webster was elected superintendent of the Sunday school and served without intermission for many years. He did a splendid job through the years and it was appreciated among the members and friends of the church. Setbacks and Progress In April 1928, the Sunday school purchased a piano from Anderson Newcomb Company for $100.00. About this same time, the growing Westmoreland community paved Auburn Road in front of the church property. In 1937, the Westmoreland Church found itself caught in the worst flood ever to strike this location. Thirteen feet of water left its mark inside the building. The windows were broken out, the piano, chair, and other furnishings, as well as most of the legal records of the church were destroyed. Even after this tremendous setback the church continued its growth and desire for a better edifice in which to worship. First Full Time Minister In 194O, the Rev. Owen C. Martin was appointed to serve as the first full time pastor of the church. Upon assignment of Rev. Martin, the church purchased a parsonage located at 271 Kentucky St. The people of the church together with Dr. T.M. Zumbrunnen, District Superintendent, were envisioning a new and adequate church, in Westmoreland. In September 1944, Rev. Russell Lowther was appointed minister of the church and leader in this undertaking. Mr. Lowther had just completed his education upon arrival here from Evanston, III. and did not find the prospects as wonderful as he might have wished. He was to find out that there would be many hours and days of disappointment and discouragement before he would see some of his dreams come true. Dr. Zumbrunnen encouraged all the churches in the district to give Mr. Lowther a hearing as to the needs of the Westmoreland Community. Mr. Lowther visited these churches and gave a report on a survey made in the Westmoreland Community. During Mr. Lowther's first year as minister, a tower was erected on the old church and a bell was installed. This was made possible by donations of members and friends. On April 8, 1945 an intensified effort was begun to pay off the debt on the parsonage. In September 1945 the final debt of $3,000.00 was paid and the parsonage dedicated. . A New Building On September 9, 1945 envisioned dreams started to become a reality with the purchase of an additional lot and the announcement made of a campaign to make possible the construction of a new and adequate church edifice. In 1946, the Huntington District Conference, under the leadership of the District Superintendent, Dr. T.M. Zumbrunnen, officially adopted the Westmoreland Church as a District project. The churches of the District, upon being advised of the rapid growth of the new community and of the efforts of the local congregation, were quick to respond. The Johnson Memorial Church, led the way with the observance of a "Westmoreland Day'' on July 7, 1946 and 23 other churches of the Huntington District followed. Contributions ranged all the way from $10,131.00 down. Westmoreland Methodists gratefully acknowledged contributions made by the following churches: Johnson, Memorial, First Church, Central, Beverly Hills, Milton, Emmanuel, Logan, Nighbert Me., Barboursville First, Highlawn, South Side, Man, Pt. Pleasant (Trinity), Clifton Mason, Main Street, Hamlin Ct..(West), Peach Creek, Pt.. Pleasant Circuit, Hurricane, Riverview, Bowen, Accoville-Claypool, Bridge Street, and First Avenue. The Board of Missions and Church Extension of the Methodist Church, realizing the opportunity for a new church at Westmoreland, made a donation of $5,000.00. The West Virginia Conference Board of Missions of the Methodist Church made an additional donation of $2,500. Fortunately at this time an Advisory Committee was appointed to help in planning the new church. Those who served on this committee were: Mr. B.C. McGinnis Sr., of Johnson Memorial; Mr. Robert F. Knight of First Church; and Mr. S.K. Burrell of Central Church. On June 1, 1947 an Old Fashioned Basket Dinner, was held on the lawn of the present church site and this joyous day was climaxed with the long awaited ground breaking ceremonies. During the year of 1947 a contract was awarded to the Saunders Contracting Company of Huntington to move the parsonage to an adjoining lot to make way for the New Church. At the same time the old church was moved to the rear of the parsonage and placed on a temporary foundation for use during the building of the new sanctuary. On Thursday evening, March 25, 1948 at 8:00 p.m. the members and friends of the church met in the old Sanctuary for their traditional Holy Week observance of the Holy Communion. It was the last observance of this most sacred service to be held in the old church which had served the community for twenty years. The altars of the old church represent a sacred place in the hearts of many and have become more hallowed with the passing years. Around them have been shed tears of both joy and sorrow, as the sacred marriage covenant has been entered into; children consecrated to God and His church; the forgiveness of sins experienced; and last rites for loved ones said. First Sunday in the New Sanctuary First, there was the need and desire for a more adequate church edifice to serve the community; then came the plans and the sacrifice. Opening Day was on Easter Sunday morning, March 28, 1948. Much work was still to be done, but it was a joyous day. For many people this new house of worship made the words of the Psalmist live anew in their own lives--- Let us go into the House of the Lord....Let us enter into His courts with praise and with thanksgiving................ It was truly, a "Great Day in the Morning" of Opening Day in the New Westmoreland Methodist Church, on that Easter Sunday with Bishop U.V.W. Darlington preaching the morning service at 11:00 o'clock and the Rev. F.S. Pollitt, D.D., in charge of the christening of children at 4:00p.m. Then at 5:00 p.m. the Easter Cantata "Hosanna'' was presented by the Choir under the direction of Mrs. Taylor Bing, and Miss Joanna Sandmann, pianist. Following the Cantata, the evening service was held at 8:00 p.m. Rev. J.M. Helm, D.D. the District Superintendent of the Huntington District preached the sermon. This day will long live in the hearts of those who attended. Indeed many people count the experiences of that day among the most meaningful of their lives. The opening services were continued on through the week with such noted speakers as Rev. H.E. Kelso, D.D., Rev. C.W. Ambrose, Rev. J.H. Parks, Rev. D.L. Snyder, D.D., Rev. Rolla Kenaston, D.D, Rev. V.C. Cutright, Rev. M.W. Castle, Rev. Howard Hall, Rev. A.E. Beckett, D.D., Rev. W.A. Debarr and Rev. Russell Lowther. Mr. Lowther was appointed to Williamstown before the dedication of the church and then on to Glendale, but he will always hold a very dear place in the hearts of the people of Westmoreland and we were always glad to see him come back even if just for a day's visit with us. The Gothic Nave of the New Church with its open beams and Rose Broadloom Carpeting will seat 230. At the back of the Nave is the Pollitt Chapel, used for small weddings, funerals and an Adult Bible Class. It may be opened in the Sanctuary, seating an additional 50 people. Above this chapel is a balcony used by the Crusade Class which also seats an additional 50 making a total seating capacity of 330. Under this wing is Lowther Hall with a kitchen which will seat 250 at tables. In the Education Wing of the building consisting of three floors, there are 17 rooms including 3 assembly rooms, choir room, pastor's study and the nursery. The new church was designed by architect Albert F. Tucker, A. I.A., of Huntington. It is in keeping with the best church architectural tradition and combines beauty with utility. As one looks at this building, the beautiful picture window that faces the much traveled Auburn Road, one is reminded again of the time when Jesus welcomed all who were weary and heavy laden to come unto him and rest. It is hoped that everyone who sees this will take it as a personal invitation to come in and worship. Each night this window is lighted so the invitation of the Master may be made known to those who pass by. All the stained glass windows were provided by individual families or classes as memorials, which are designated by engraved bronze plaques that are placed upon the window sills. Each window portrays some part of the Gospel story which is appreciated by children and adults alike. The Westmoreland Methodist Church made great strides with the opening services less than one year from the ground breaking ceremonies, but the work and sacrifice was not yet complete. Walks had to be laid and landscaping completed. Sunday school rooms needed to be completed and furnishings for practically the entire church needed to be secured, as the furnishings were not included in the original cost of the construction estimates. The final steps of this building campaign were consummated under the leadership of the Rev. William Woods who was appointed to this church in 1949. Under Mr. Wood's leadership the indebtedness of the church was reduced considerably and many of the projects mentioned above were completed. The same spirit of sacrifice and determination continued to prevail under the guidance of Mr. Woods, as evidenced through the whole-hearted cooperation of the entire membership. Mr. Woods not only assumed the duties of his appointed church but also participated in many community activities such as assuming duties as Chaplain at the Veteran's Hospital and leadership in the District Young Adult Programs. Mr. Woods, too, will live in the hearts of the people of Westmoreland. The following men assisted materially, spiritually and physically in this entire building program of the Westmoreland Church. Rev. Rolla Kenaston, S.D., minister of the Johnson Memorial Church will never be forgotten at the Westmoreland Methodist Church for he was among the first to start the building program of the church. His church observed the first "Westmoreland Day" in order to raise pledges and cash towards the new church. Rev. Kenaston not only assisted in the above manner but also by delivering messages of encouragement and leaving us with thoughts such as "What ought to be done, by the grace of God, can be done." To this great man, preacher and friend, the people of Westmoreland Church will always be thankful. Rev. M.B. Phillips, retired minister, joined the Westmoreland Methodist congregation at the time they were starting to build a new church. After having completed over forty years as a full time minister, he graciously accepted the duties as teacher of the Adult Bible Class and willingly served in this capacity until his death. In honor of their teacher, the Adult Bible Class chose to change its name to the Phillips Bible Class, and one of the memorial windows in this classroom bears his name. Mr. Phillips also took an active part in morning worship services and will always be remembered as "Dean of Westmoreland.” Rev. F.S. Pollitt, D.D., retired minister, served as pastor of the old church in 1928 and as teacher of the Adult Bible Class from 1937 to 1942. Rev. Pollitt was loved by all who knew him; but to Rev. Lowther, he was a "Tower of Strength" in his hour of need. When Rev. Lowther became discouraged in his efforts to build the new church, he said Dr. Pollitt's love, understanding, and spiritual guidance were like a "Ray of Light in the Darkness" to him. Dr. Pollitt graciously accepted the invitation to officiate at the baptism of children at the altars of the church at the morning service on the day of the Laying of the Cornerstone and also on Opening Day on Easter Sunday. The chapel in the back of the new Sanctuary is known as Pollitt Chapel in honor of the loving service of Dr. Pollitt, whose interest and help during the period of the churches most trying experiences will never be forgotten. The final payment on the indebtedness was paid on March 24, 1954. This was done during the pastorate of Rev. Ottis Linger, who was appointed to the church in June of 1952. On April 25, 1954 a mortgage burning ceremony was held at the altar of the church. Assisting Mr. Linger in this joyous ceremony were members of the Trustees and Official Board of Stewards. The climax of all the efforts mentioned throughout this history was realized on Sunday morning, November 28, 1954 with the formal dedication of this church. The order of worship for this service was under the direction of the Rev. Ottis Linger, pastor of the church. He led the Call to Worship, Invocation and Collect. The Rev. Russell Lowther led in the Canticle of the Church and the Affirmation of Faith. The Rev. William Woods read the Scripture Leesson .which was followed by a prayer by Dr. T.M. Zumbrunnen. The Sermon for this Dedication Sunday was delivered by Bishop Lloyd Wicke, Resident Bishop of the Pittsburgh Area. Following the Sermon the presentation for Dedication was made by Mr. 0. R. McCoy, President of the Board of Trustees. Bishop Wicke and the congregation joined in the acceptance of this building to be known as the Westmoreland Methodist Church, "to dedicate it, and to set it apart for the worship of Almighty God and the service of all men." The Sanctus was then sung by the choir, the closing prayer was offered and the Benediction pronounced by Dr. William Knox, Superintendent of the Huntington District. The following response, which was part of the Dedication Sermon, sums up with vividness the thoughts and desires of the people: To the glory of God the Father, who has called us To the honor of His Son, who loved us and gave Himself for us; To the praise of the Holy Spirit, who illumines And sanctifies us; We dedicate this house. For the worship of God in prayer and praise; For the preaching of the everlasting gospel; For the celebration of the Holy Sacraments; We dedicate this house. For the comfort of all who mourn; For strength to those who are tempted; For light to those who seek the way; We dedicate -this house. For the hallowing of the family life; For teaching and guiding the young; For the perfecting of the saints: We dedicate this house. For the conversion of sinners; For the promotion of righteousness; For the extension of the Kingdom of God; We dedicate this house. In the unity of the faith; In the bond of Christian brotherhood; In Charity and good will to all; We dedicate this house. In gratitude for the labors of all who love and Serve in church; In loving remembrance of those who have finished their course; In the hope of a blessed immortality through Jesus Christ, our Lord; We dedicate this House. The history of the church from 1957 to the present is as follows: In June 1957- Russell Lowther started his second five year pastorate at our church. During his ministry the parsonage at 3707 Auburn Road was purchased. In June 1962 Rev. Charles Thompson began a seven year pastorate. During this time the parsonage debt was paid off and the sanctuary re-carpeted. In April 1968 on a national level the Methodist Church and Evangelical United Brethren Church merged and our church became officially Westmoreland United Methodist Church. In June of 1968 Rev. James Hilson became our minister, during his ministry here both the church and parsonage were air conditioned." In June of 1972 Rev. Parker Hinsman was appointed to Westmoreland. During his one year stay a new organ was purchased and the parking lot was paved and basketball goals erected. In June 1973 Rev. Alvin Guyon was appointed and in June 1974 Rev. Albert C. Van Reenen became minister. The education wing has been carpeted and nursery remodeled this year, plus 175 new church hymnals for the sanctuary, which were used for the first time Palm Sunday, March 23rd 1975. Webmaster's note: This article was written for our 50th anniversary. As we are able to confirm names and dates, we will update this article to the present time. |