Clearfield County PA Archives - Church: Dedication of Centre Grove Methodist Church - 1976 Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Claire White , Jun 2010 Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/ ________________________________________________ Transcription of Dedication Ceremony Program for the Dedications of the Centre Grove Methodist Church, near Hyde, Clearfield County, PA * * * * * * * * * * * * * image of old Centre Methodist Church Building can be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/photos/centremethodist-old.jpg CENTRE CHURCH In 1815 a Methodist Society was organized at Centre. This was the first regular appointment in the County and this Church was one of the Churches of the Clearfield Circuit. This Circuit is the oldest Methodist Circuit in Clearfield County. The Centre Church was located just above where the village of Hyde is now situated. The first meeting house as far as can be ascertained was a log cabin which stood below the road from where the site of the old Centre Church now stands. This was built about 1827 on the land donated by Donald Antes. Among the early members of the society there can be recalled the families of Philip Antes, Moses Boggs, Elisha Schofield, Isiah Goodfellow, Moses Norris and others. In 1827 a move was made for a new meeting house for the Centre Society and a new church was built on the land donated by Philip Antes, Sr. This was hewn of timber and logs. On September 20, 1834, when the Church was completed, it had a remaining indebtedness of $69.96. In the year of 1860 a new church was started on the same site as the one that was built in 1834 and the cost of this was $10,200.00. This was during the war, in fact, one man climbed down from the roof and went to join the famous "Pennsylvania Buck Tails". The man was Fred Lawhead's father. The dedication service for this church was in the spring of 1862. The text was Haggai 2:9 and the sermon was preached by Rev. Joseph S. Lee. On October 4, 1959 Centre Church and the Pleasant Grove Church merged their worship services and started making plans to buy land and build a new church together. * * * * * * * * * * * * * image of new Centre Grove Methodist Church Building can be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/clearfield/photos/centermethodist-new.jpg On January 1960, to alleviate crowded conditions at Centre Methodist Church, there was talk of a new church. At February's Meeting the Official Board accepted the proposed church site; to be later approved by the congregation. The name Centre Grove Methodist Church first appeared in the April minutes of the Official Board. In June, Howard Withey, treasurer of the building committee, received a check for $5500 from the conference treasurer. Papers were signed at this time to make the name Centre Grove Methodist Church official. In July the first building fund project was started with Dr. Elvin Clay Myers as campaign director. The results: $20,000 surpassing the goal by $7,000. In February 1961, the trustees were named as the building committee. They were: Hugh Lawhead, Edward Moyer, Robert Barr, Sr., Boyd Vokes, Joseph Peters, Sherman Kephart, Dean Triponey, Robert Shunkweiler, Blake Hertlien, and Norman Dale. In August plans for the new church were not accepted by the Board of Missions. In September the plans met with the requirements and were approved. Because of run down conditions of the Pleasant Grove building, at a special meeting of the Official Board it was decided to merge with Centre Grove Methodist. October 22, 1961 Pleasant Grove Sunday School and Centre Methodist Sunday School met together for the first time. Due to additional overcrowded conditions it was urgent that a new church be erected as soon as possible. November 5, 1961 ground was broken for the new Centre Grove Methodist Church of the Clearfield Circuit. Rev. Gilbert L. Bennett, Superintendent of Williamsport Methodist District and leaders of the church participated in the afternoon ceremony. The new building is located * * * * * * * * * * * * * on Legislative Route #17098; it is to have a seating capacity of 190, an educational room, a social room, modern kitchen and rest rooms. May 1962, Lawdan Inc. was awarded the $42,000 contract for the erection of the building on land purchased from Crown Crest Cemetery, Inc. for $5500, with an option to buy adjoining ground. $40,000 was borrowed from the County National Bank, with the addition of $9400 from the building fund, construction was started in June. The corner stone was laid October 12, 1962. Rev. Earl N. Rowe, Superintendent of the State College District, delivered the principal message at the afternoon program. Other visiting clergy included The Revs. Clyde Way, First Methodist Church, Altoona and H. Merle Saxman, Millerstown Methodist Charge. The first Sunday School and Church Services were held September 30, 1962 in our unfinished but new church. In July of 1963, Altar chairs and pews obtained from Trinity Methodist Church in Philipsburg were greatly appreciated since straight back chairs were used since 1860. In March 1964, a check for $3500 was received from the Board of Missions to be used in the Sanctuary. Work nights were instituted in the fall and winter; all work was done by volunteer labor and willing hands. Since 1964 the Centre Grove United Methodist Church has grown steadily. In leaving the circuit and becoming a separate appointment, Centre Grove launched a new and important outreach into our community. Now, numbering more than 400 members, Centre Grove is involved in community ministries in significant ways. In addition to providing new pews, organ, and the purchase of a parsonage, the congregation has reached out beyond itself to support local mission projects, a missionary family in Central America, and numerous outreach programs of great benefit to the people whom we serve. Currently, in light of congregational growth, new plans for expansion are being considered in the form of increased Christian Education facilities. As we grow, however, we are ever mindful of those persons who have gone before us to pave the way. We are reminded of that great hymn, the words of which stand as an inspiration to all, of us: For all the saints, who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed. Thy name, 0 Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia! Alleluia! * * * * * * * * * * * * * SCHEDULE OF EVENTS — SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 1976 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Mardi Gras at the present Centre Grove Church Parking lot. Old fashioned games, fellowship and fun for the entire family. Take advantage of the homemade candy, pies, baked goods, and arts and crafts demonstrations. Visit the antique display. 1:00 P.M. Judging of Ladies' and Children's old fashioned dress. 2:00 P.M. Parade to Old Centre for dedication service. 2:30 P.M. Dedication Service at Old Centre. 4:00 P.M. Judging of Men's "face-growths" .. whiskers, beards, etc. 7:00 - 10:00 P.M. — — — Square Dance and Ice Cream Social on Parking Lot. SERVICE OF DEDICATION FOR OLD CENTRE PLAQUE Saturday, June 26, 1976 -- 2:30 P.M. Call to Worship *Celebration Hymn "The Church's One Foundation" *The Invocation and Collect Leader: In the memory of our forebearers in faith, we come to Thee, 0 God our Father, to seek your presence in the midst of your people. We are gathered here to pay tribute to those who have prepared the way for us through the giving of themselves in faithful discipleship to our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for Your continued love and guidance upon the ministry carried out in the same tradition of those who have preceded us. People: We come before Thee, Lord, to reaffirm that we too are yours in Faith and Discipleship, With those saints who have preceded us we renew our commitment to serve in the Master's name. Through Your Spirit empower and enliven us to be good stewards of the mysteries of Christ that, as we labor in His name, we might continue to build the foundation of Your Kingdom. Amen. *The Affirmation of Faith The Apostles Creed Choral Anthem Bicentennial Theme Remarks Rev. Henry Hopkins, State College District Superintendent The Scriptures Read Mr. Raymond Smay Prayer Hymn "Near to the Heart of God" Prayer Mr. Raymond Smay Introduction of Bishop John Warman, Resident Bishop, Central Pennsylvania Conference United Methodist Church Message Bishop Warman Choir Anthem "The Old Country Church" Dedication Remarks Mr. Blair Way Dedication of the Plaque Bishop: Rejoicing together that we are sons and daughters of God through Christ, we give thanks for this holy moment of dedication. We rejoice with all the saints that He has called us to be His. Supt. We acknowledge that we stand in the great tradition of men and women who have gone before us, freely giving themselves in dedicated service to our Lord. Bishop: In so remembering them and their labor, we affix and dedicate this plaque that whosoever may gaze upon it will likewise be reminded of the on- going witness of Old Centre. People: In gratitude /or the labor of all chose who have given themselves in His service, we establish this memorial and dedicate ourselves anew to the high calling of Jesus Christ. Dedication Hymn , "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" *Closing Prayer Supt. Henry Hopkins *Closing Hymn "0 For a Thousand Tongues" *Benediction Rev. Ed Zieders