Church: Dedication of Methodist Episcopal Church, Frugality, Cambria Co, PA

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A RED LETTER DAY.
Dedication of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Frugality.

  Sunday, February 15, saw some stirring scenes in Frugality, it having been 
set apart for the dedication of the beautiful new Methodist Episcopal church 
erected there largely through the exertions of Rev. L. L. Logan, the 
energetic pastor.  The day was a very pleasant one and the new bell rang out 
in clear tones an invitation to attend the experience meeting at 9 a.m.  It 
was well attended, was opened with prayer by Mr. John W. Ludwig, of Ebensburg, 
and was a very spiritual gathering.
  When the time arrived for the public services, at 10.30 a.m., there were 
present Rev. R. H. Colburn, pastor of the Fifth Avenue Methodist Episcopal 
church; Rev. Rishel, of Utahville charge; and Revs. W. A. B. Satterfield and 
Chambers, of Altoona, and Tait, of Vanormer, with representatives from 
Coalport, Fallen Timber, Vanormer, Dean, Condron, Richland, Ashville, Walls, 
Altoona and other places, to say nothing of Frugality, which was there in 
force.  The services began with an anthem by the choir, numbering fifteen 
voices, with Mrs. Martha Buddle presiding at the organ.  Rev. R. H. Colburn 
announced the 211th hymn, Rev. W. A. B. Satterfield led in prayer, Rev. 
Rishel read Isaiah liii, and the choir furnished some appropriate music.  The 
sermon of the morning was preached by Rev. R. H. Colburn from Psalm VIII:56: 
"And of Zion it shall be said, this and that man was born in her, and the 
highest himself shall establish her."  The people were delighted with the 
discourse; it was on the old Methodistic line, and elicited many hearty 
"Amens," while many hearts were touched and eyes bathed in tears.
  After the well time sermon the pastor stated that the cost of the church 
would be about $1,200 when the building was painted and the lot fenced.  
Without the aid of a board of trustees, Pastor Logan bought all the material, 
contracted with all the workmen, the Frugality coal company, through its 
efficient and genial superintendent, Mr. P. H. Walls, rendering assistance 
whenever needed.  The pastor received by contributions from the people and as 
the proceeds of festivals, about $200; donation from Hon John Dean, $275.  Mr. 
P. H. Walls, through friends in Altoona, covered the entire front platform of 
the church with beautiful carpet, and the altar and aisles with a superior 
quality of matting.  Additional donations were $40 from Mr. and Mrs. Walls, 
and from Messrs O'Hagan, McFarlane, Caldwell, Ounkst and Dr. Byron, amounting 
to about $20.  It was stated that the amount yet needed to provide for all 
claims was $465.
  After Rev. R. H. Colburn had sang a beautiful solo, which delighted all, 
the pastor appointed Mr. P. H. Buzzard, secretary, and Mr. Ludwig, Rev. 
Rishel, Rev. Chambers, Mr. James McManamy, Mr. P. H. Walls and the pastor 
waited on the congregation, Rev. Colburn taking charge.  The people gave 
willingly and when the time came for dismissing for refreshments, a good 
amount of the debt had been cancelled.
  At 2 p.m., a fine congregation assembled and after some good music by the 
choir and prayer by the pastor, Rev. R. H. Colburn sang the solo, 
"Handwriting on the Wall."  The people were so delighted that they requested 
another solo and Mr. Colburn gratified them.  After the pastor had baptized 
seven children he asked for a certain amount as the offering of the afternoon, 
and after Rev. Chambers had entertained the audience with some good music the 
school responded liberally, giving about the sum asked for.
  At 6 p.m. a well-attended experience meeting was held and at 7 p.m. a large 
congregation assembled and, after the choir had rendered some excellent music, 
listened to a well-timed sermon by Rev. Rishel, of Utahville charge, paying 
very close attention to the preacher.  The pastor then took charge, the 
people gave with a will and in a very short time, the secretary having 
announced the receipts of the day as nearly $300, the balance of the 
indebtedness was pledged, and the pastor, assisted by Revs. Rishel and 
Satterfield, proceeded to the dedication of the church.  Calling to the altar 
Messrs. Albert Thomas, P. H. Buzzard, James Waffenden, Samuel Hainly, Samuel 
Lowery and J. W. Ludwig, to represent the trustees, the beautiful ritual of 
the Methodist Episcopal church was carried out to the letter, the choir 
rendering music appropriate to the occasion.
  The church is a neat, one-story frame structure, with a seating capacity of 
nearly three hundred.  It is a very substantial building, well lighted with 
Rochester lamps, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. John Hamilton, Messrs. Sellers and 
Glunt, of Altoona, and Mr. Lorenz, of Roaring Spring.  The beautiful pulpit 
chair as well as the bell in the tower were the gift of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. 
Walls.  There is also a fine-toned organ, bought and paid for by the Sunday 
school, Mr. A. E. Thomas, superintendent.  On Sunday the front [of] the 
pulpit, inside the altar railing, was tastefully decorated with flowers.  The 
people of Frugality are to be congratulated upon the fact that they now have 
a very pleasant church house.  The contractor, Mr. J. B. McManamy, of 
Vanormer, and Mr. James Benn, of Frugality, deserve the praise of the whole 
community for the workmanlike manner in which they have finished the 
Frugality Methodist Episcopal church.  Nor must a word in commendation of the 
zealous labors of the pastor, Rev. L. L. Logan, be withheld.  He is building 
himself a good many enduring moments in Allegheny circuit.


Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Tuesday, February 17, 1891