1840-1855
From a Bible Study Group in the home of Catherine Lawrence, daughter of the preacher at the Bensalem Methodist Episcopal Church, grew a new congregation, which was chartered as the Neshamony Methodist Episcopal Church in 1840. The first house of worship for this new congregation was built between the villages of Newportville and Hulmeville and is still located in the 600 block of Main Street in Hulmeville. The Church took its name from the Native American tribe that lived along the nearby creek years earlier.
Trustees from the Bensalem M.E. Church acted as Trustees for the new congregation. Neshamony was one of the several churches on the Attleboro Circuit along with Bristol, Holmesburg, Bensalem , and Attleboro (Langhorne). In 1843 Neshamony, Bensalem, and Bristol became a single charge sharing one pastor. Over the first 15 years of Neshamony’s history the configuration of the Circuit was often changed but Neshamony was often a part of the Attleboro Circuit.
A Sunday School has also been begun in the late 1830’s for the young people in these communities.
1855-1870
In 1859 Sunday Schools were officially appointed on the circuit which at that time included Langhorne, Bensalem, Neshamony, and Morrisville. A Miss Redman and Miss Olden held classes in their nearby homes at the beginning. Sunday School was later held in the home of the first Sunday School Supertintendent, Mr Randall Curl, on Main Street in Hulmeville. This residence would later belong to Professor Edwin W. Martindell. Rev. William B. Wood served as the pastor of the circuit from 1850-60. During the years of 1858-60 there was a “great religious awakening” on the circuit under his leadership, resulting in the conversion of some 100 souls!
The configuration of the circuit continued to change over the years. The Langhorne and Bensalem churches were incorporated in 1859. From 1865-1869 Rev. C.H. McDermott was the pastor in charge of the circuit along with several assistants who preached at Langhorne, Emilie, and Neshamony.
1870-1885
From 1869 to 1873 there were a total of 7 pastors appointed to the Charge. In 1874 Neshamony and Bensalem became one Charge. In the late 1870’s a large revival was held as a result, many new members were added to both the Neshamony and Bensalem congregations.
During the second year of the pastorate of Rev. Franics Asbury Gilbert (1883-85) a parsonage was built for the pastor. He and his family moved in before Conference that year. This is the first parsonage of the Church and it was located on South Main Street. Before the building of this first parsonage the ministers lived in different homes in the community. The cost of the building this first parsonage for the pastor of the Charge that included Neshamony was $3,000!
1885-1900
During this period, pastors changed as often as the configuration of the Circuit! In 1886 Rev L. B. Hughes became pastor for a year. He was followed in 1887 by Rev L. M. Hobbs. It was in the 2nd year of Rev. Hobbs’ ministry that the Cornwells Church was built. Rev Hobbs preached there in the afternoon. Rev. Hobbs served us for 3 years. In 1890 Rev T. Asher Hess became pastor and also served 3 years. In 1893 Rev. Hiram Illick became the pastor. This would be an important event in the Church*
*Rev. Hiram Illick, his wife Helen and their family were well known in Hulmeville. They raised 8 children on a preacher’s salary!
Samuel was the local grocer for years. Grace returned to Hulmeville and served as Borough Treasurer for 40 years. Clara was our Church organist for over 40 years and taught piano to some 400 students in the area. Raymond was a missionary doctor in Mexico and Theron a missionary to China and Taiwan. Mary, Anna, and Walter rounded out the Illick family history whose own history was very tied to the history of Hulmeville and of Neshamony Church.
Three years later, in 1896, Rev. Illick and Rev. A. A. Thompson changed pulpits with Rev. Iliick going to Dauphin. In 1987 another pastor, Rev. Samuel Johnson came and at this time a change was made in the circuit. Bensalem and Cornwells became a circuit with Emilie and Fallsington. That arrangement lasted until in 1899 Fallsington asked to be removed from the circuit which left Neshamony and Emilie together. A year later, at the turn of the century, in 1900 the circuit was re-arranged again. At this time Emilie and Fallsington went together; Cornwells went on its own; and Bensalem came back to Neshamony! The Rev. Wilmer Coffman was pastor.
1900-1915
Rev. R. J. McBeth became pastor of Neshamony in 1902. In the 2nd year of his pastorate the construction of a new church building was begun. The property for this new church building was purchased from Mr. Lash Praul who owned the farm Where Harriet Black now lives. The lot was purchased by funds from the Epworth League (young people’s group). The cornerstone was laid on November 19,1904. The building was built by Cyrus E. Smith, the great uncle of Donald Haefner, a local carpenter.
Donald’s grandfather, Charles, Sr. worked for Mr. Smith. Some of the workmen donated one or two weeks of their time in the construction of the Church. The total cost of the lot and construction was $4,500!. Ladies of the Church sold aprons and sun bonnets and Epworth sold ice cream, to raise money for the Church. Whereas the original Church building was located between Newportville and Hulmeville, to serve both communities, the new building would be located in the village of Hulmeville.
The first pews in the new building were curved and made special for use in this Church. The new Church has a steeple unlike the original building. Mr. Thomas Carey donated the bell for the steeple. It took many men, horses, and much scaffolding and rope to get the bell in place. Charles Haefner, Sr. supervised the installation of the bell. The first time the bell was run, two men were in the steeple an one of them was almost knocked out of the tower! The Service of Dedication for the new Church building was held on May 14, 1905. As we celebrate our 175th Anniversary of our congregation (as of 2015), our Church building is now 110 years old (as of 2015). Visiting preachers conducted Sunday morning services for a while as the pastor was preaching at the Bensalem Church. Six pastors served Neshamony between 1906-1915.
1915-1930
In 1916 the Bensalem and Neshamony Churches decided to separate, each going on its own. Rev. Warren Smith was sent to pastor Neshamony. He stayed a year and was followed by Rev. Donald Hockman in 1917. World War I was underway and Rev. Hockman left the pulpit to serve in the war. The following is a list of men from the Neshamony congregation who also in World War I: Arthur Spicer, William C. Blessing, Thomas Schatt, George Russell Harrison, Hugh B. Webster, Ewald R. Henry, George W. Bennett, Frederick A. Williams, C. Wesley Haefner, William Harrison, Harry H. Claus, Edwin W. Henry Jr., John LeCompte,, and Dr. R. Randolph Paxon.
Rev. Harry B. Robinson served from 1917 to 1919. During his pastorate a new parsonage was built for the pastor. It was located e doors away from the Church on Main Street. The old parsonage has been sold to the Rev. Robinson and his family lived in a home at Main and Hulmeville Streets until the new parsonage was completed.
In 1922 Rev. Henry G. Main was appointed pastor. He served us til his death in September of 1925 after a long illness. He was a father of Nellie Main a future leader in our Church Rev. Main presided over the 20th Anniversary Services of our new Church building for two weeks in October 1924.
Rev. Walter H. Canon was sent to fill the pulpit in September of 1925 and officially appointed in March of 1926. He served Neshamony til 1928 but that was long enough for him to meet Miriam Haefner, the aunt of Donald Haefner. Rev. Canon and Miss Haefner would marry. Miriam would serve as an able partner throughout his ministry. Rev. Canon was invited back to preach 2 services on the 115th Anniversary of our Church in 1955.
Rev. W. Vernon Middleton became pastor in 1928 and served us till 1930. He would later be elected a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church and served as such in the Pittsburgh area.
1930-1945
Following W. Vernon Middleton’s pastorate 1926-30, Rev. Francis Walz served us from 1930-31. Rev. T. William Smith was pastor from 1932-37. During that time an addition was built onto the Church building. Ground was broken at the rear of the building in May 1933. Many Church officials, members of Church organizations along with the pastor participated in the ground breaking. As with the building of our Church in 1904, men of the congregation gave time and talent to this new building project. The addition was a 2 story structure of 2700 square feet. The upper story was called Epworth Hall and was used by the Sunday School. The lower floor housed the Primary Department and Dining Room for suppers and other activities. The original Church building from 1840 had become the property of Jesse C. Everitt a member of the congregation. He gave the cornerstone from that building to be used in the new addition and the date of 1933 was added to it.
In 1937 Rev. Robert H. Comley, who had served Neshamony in 1906, returned as pastor for 2 years. Rev W. E. Harkness served as pastor when the congregation celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 1940. Two weeks of special programs and services were held from September 29th thru October 13th. In March of 1943, 100 people gathered for a welcoming reception for new pastor, Rev. Adolph G. Cloud and his wife. Mr Sam Illick served as Master of Ceremonies.
As World War II raged on in Europe and the Pacific, the following members of Neshamony served their country: Harry “Lefty” beck, John Becker, S. W. Buckman, Wallace Davis, Aldridge Everitt, George Kimbel Faust, Elwood W. Buck, Don LaCompte Haefner, Harry C. Smith, James Halk, Charles S. Headley, Wilson Hibbs, Robert McCarthy, Henry U. Miller, Walter Prickett, Harry Cooper, Franklin H. Everitt, Russell L. Brown, John H. Abbott, Jr., Mark Shapcott, Jr., John R. Spicer, Jr. Harold D. Miller, J. Horace Cox, H, Wendell Woolman, George W. Wood, Harold Winder, Edwin H. Webster, Albert B. Tomlinson. Wallace David and Harry C. Smith gave their lives.
1945-1960
Rev. Richard Gay was appointed pastor of Neshamony and served from 1944-46. Rev. Walter Humphrey came in November of 1946. Rev. John C. Kulp served from 1947-50 and Rev. Edward Steiss from 1950-53. Hamilton Reeve served as interim from January thru May 1953. In 1953 Rev. Merritt Godshalk was appointed pastor. During this time here, in 1954 from November 14th-21st, the congregation observed the 114th Anniversary of the establishment of Methodism in the community ( with the chartering of Neshamony in 1840) and the 5oth Anniversary of our current building built in 1904.
Over a period of time, from after the war through the early 1950’s, improvements were made on our Church facility. Restrooms were installed in the lower floor of the educational building in 1948! An new kitchen equipped with the latest appliance (probably including the old cast iron stove/oven unit which we just replaced in the fall of 2009!) was installed. Transformation of a large room on the lower floor provided space for Sunday School and a meeting a room for Church organizations was completed. In 1944 a Hammond electronic organ was added to the Sanctuary. In 1950 electronic carrillonic bells were installed from Memorial gifts. And in 1952 a new heating plant was installed. A Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) group was begun along with a Youth Choir. This Choir hosted annual concerts. IN 1950 the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) was organized with 50 members. A Cherub Choir of boys and girls ages 5-9 was organized by Mrs. Charles Whittaker, n 1957 during her husband’s pastorate. Some of the 16 members of this group were Jane Buckman, Barbara Glass, Diane Richman, Kathy Campbell, and Donna Schuler.
By the late 1950’s there were often 60 children from cradle to 3rd grade in the Primary Room, which often had a cold floor. This caused the congregation to begin to dream of a new Educational building. A committee was formed to explore this in 1958. In 1959 a financial campaign for this building project yielded $20,000. In the summer of 1960 architects drawing were ready for contractor bids. The one bid that was received was for $43,000 which was far too high for the congregation to consider. But the dream lives on.
1960-1975
The dream of a new educational building continues, as in the winter of 1961 the architect met with the committee and began to re-work drawings and specifications. In May and June bids were brought with eight being received. The lowest was submitted by William A. Gaul of Feasterville. Bids were opened on July 10th and the contract was awarded to Mr. Gaul on July 18th, 1961.
The committee then arranged for demolition of the current educational building. All furniture from this building was removed and stored in Midred Moyer’s garage next door. Construction began on August 23, 1961 with projections of being finished by January 1, 1962. A date stone with the date of 1961 but with no box of momentos was placed in the wall of the new building which faces the parking lot. The date stone from our original Church building, which had been in the old educational building was now installed in the wall of the new stair tower. The new building was dedicated in 1962, Rev. William McLachan was pastor during this building project, serving us from 1959-62.
Rev. D. Guy Carrigan was appointed in 1962 and served until 1968. During his time here a Worship Center was added to the first floor room of the educational building and Church office was added to second floor of the building.
Rev. Albert Frank was appointed pastor n 1968. Renovations continued during this term, mainly the removal of the old pews in the Sanctuary and installation of newly purchased ones, which were procured by Roy Edwards and Frank Harper for $25 each after some contentious Administrative Board meetings. New red carpet was also installed in the Sanctuary and throughout the second floor of the educational building.
During this period of our history our very active Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) unit held a Birthday Party Banquet and Country Fairs featuring cooking and crafts.
In June of 1971 we celebrated the dedication of a Chime Tape System presented in loving memory of Clara and Grace Illick by Adeline Reetz and others.
Rev. David Heberling became our pastor in 1973 and stayed with us until 1975.
1975-1990
Through Worship and Sunday School attendance was higher than current numbers reflect, there were times in the 60’s and 70’s when the check book balance was low and even showed a deficit at times! So the congregation engaged in a variety of fundraising projects over the years, from selling ice cream and sunbonnets, to “Tom Thumb” Weddings to public dinners. Some of the funds raised were designated fo special projects, others were used to pay the bills.
In 1975 Rev David Pierce was appointed our pastor. Also that year, in August, former pastor, Rev. Walter Canon, returned to Neshamony, with his wife, Miriam Haefner Canon, to celebrate his 50 years in ministry. Rev Ralph Stevenson was appointed as our full time pastor in 1976, coming right out of Seminary. Having a full time pastor increased our Budget by $7,083.00. He was with us til 1980.
During Rev. Stevenson’s time with us our nation was celebrating its Bicentennial in 1976. The community of Hulmeville and our Neshamony Church participated in special celebrations of this historical event. The Borough of Hulmeville was declared a Bicentennial Community at a special meeting at the William Penn Fire House on February 11, 1976. Our Church participated in a community Bicentennial celebration Service on Sunday, July 4th at the Fire House.
There were many great lay persons in leadership in our Church during this time among them Erda Schatt who helped to record our history. Miss Nellie Main, Leroy Edwards and Frank Harper. We lost Nellie Main in 1973. She’d been a staple of this congregation for a long time.
Also in 1976, Rev. Robert Kohler, son of Fred and Mary Kohler and ministerial son of our Church, went to serve on the denominational Board of Higher Education in Nashville, TN. He has served several congregations in our Annual Conference since 1961. Our Pastors during this period were: Rev. John Stott 1980-83, Rev. Larry Light 1983-89, and Rev. Tom Robinson 1989.
During Rev. Light’s tenure the congregation built a new parsonage for the pastor in nearby Langhorne Gables at 501 Longview Drive. Up til this time, for many years, the parsonage was located several doors down from the Church at 333 Main Street in Hulmeville.
In the summer of 1985, our Neshamony United Methodist Church went somewhere it had never gone before, as one of our former Sunday School students, John David Francis Bartoe climbed aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. John David was an astrophysicist and served as civilian Navy Payload Specialist on the 8th flight of Challenger. Five and a half months later this same Challenger Shuttle exploded before our eyes on lift off killing all 7 astronauts aboard. John David would go to become the Research Manager for the International Space Station and he served as Chief Scientist for the Space Station from 1987-90. John is the brother-n-law of Rev. Robert Kohler.
1990-2010
This last historical minute, covering a 20 year period of our history, begins with a big celebration. November 1990 was the 150th Anniversary of our Church. Special activities were planned for each month from January through November. Dr. Menno Good, our District Superintendent, kicked off this special year at a Service in January. Other special guest preachers through the year included ministerial sons, Rev. Charles Martindell and Rev. James McIntire as well as former Pastor Rev. Jack Kulp. Bishop Susan M. Morrison presided over a special afternoon Service our Anniversary Sunday, November 18th.
In the early 90’s the congregation began a Contemporary Worship Service in the basement Chapel, addressing the changing needs of the Church.
The congregation came full circle from its beginning by Catherine Lawrence with the appointment of Rev. Lorelei M .Bach in July 1996, as our first full time female pastor. Shortly after her arrival, our inactive United Methodist Women’s unit was activated and continues. In the late 90’s our Church opened a Pre-School program for our children age 3-5 under the leadership of Sandra Faust.
The congregation celebrated the end of a century and the beginning of a new millennium in 2000.
The parsonage, which had been built in 1985, was sold in 2002. In 2004 we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of our current Church building with a variety of activities including a march form our original building up on Main Street to the current one. We also opened the cornerstone and removed its contents which were replaced with many new items. Bishop Peter Weaver preached our Anniversary Service the year.
Our Church was honored in the 2009 Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Parade in which Rev. Bach was Grand Marshall. We entered a float presentation of our history as the kick off of our 170th Anniversary celebrations.
During this period of our history repairs, renovations, and improvements continued to be made to our Church and Educational Unit including new windows in both floors of the unit, roof repairs, the purchase of a new electronic organ, repaving the parking lot, new carpet in Wesley Hall and then later new flooring throughout the lower level of the Unit and installation of a donated heating and air conditioning system for the Sanctuary.
The Church has been active in Mission efforts including support of Aiding Our Neighbor and a local Motel Feeding Program, a Woman’s Place, the American Red Cross Homeless Shelter, adopting Christmas families from the Church and community, the Newportville Food Bank and others. The congregation also supports and participates in many Hulmeville community activities including the Memorial Day Parade and Service, Christmas Tree Lighting, Senior Luncheon, Community Picnic, Playground Soup Cook-Off, and a Bike Rodeo.
As we mark our 170th Anniversary this year of 2010 we have lost many key members of our Church who contributed much to our history: Leroy Edwards, Evelyn Brown, Frank Harper, Jane Moss, and Jim Campbell. But life goes on and so does the Church of Christ known as Neshamony United Methodist of Hulmeville.
From a Bible Study Group in the home of Catherine Lawrence, daughter of the preacher at the Bensalem Methodist Episcopal Church, grew a new congregation, which was chartered as the Neshamony Methodist Episcopal Church in 1840. The first house of worship for this new congregation was built between the villages of Newportville and Hulmeville and is still located in the 600 block of Main Street in Hulmeville. The Church took its name from the Native American tribe that lived along the nearby creek years earlier.
Trustees from the Bensalem M.E. Church acted as Trustees for the new congregation. Neshamony was one of the several churches on the Attleboro Circuit along with Bristol, Holmesburg, Bensalem , and Attleboro (Langhorne). In 1843 Neshamony, Bensalem, and Bristol became a single charge sharing one pastor. Over the first 15 years of Neshamony’s history the configuration of the Circuit was often changed but Neshamony was often a part of the Attleboro Circuit.
A Sunday School has also been begun in the late 1830’s for the young people in these communities.
1855-1870
In 1859 Sunday Schools were officially appointed on the circuit which at that time included Langhorne, Bensalem, Neshamony, and Morrisville. A Miss Redman and Miss Olden held classes in their nearby homes at the beginning. Sunday School was later held in the home of the first Sunday School Supertintendent, Mr Randall Curl, on Main Street in Hulmeville. This residence would later belong to Professor Edwin W. Martindell. Rev. William B. Wood served as the pastor of the circuit from 1850-60. During the years of 1858-60 there was a “great religious awakening” on the circuit under his leadership, resulting in the conversion of some 100 souls!
The configuration of the circuit continued to change over the years. The Langhorne and Bensalem churches were incorporated in 1859. From 1865-1869 Rev. C.H. McDermott was the pastor in charge of the circuit along with several assistants who preached at Langhorne, Emilie, and Neshamony.
1870-1885
From 1869 to 1873 there were a total of 7 pastors appointed to the Charge. In 1874 Neshamony and Bensalem became one Charge. In the late 1870’s a large revival was held as a result, many new members were added to both the Neshamony and Bensalem congregations.
During the second year of the pastorate of Rev. Franics Asbury Gilbert (1883-85) a parsonage was built for the pastor. He and his family moved in before Conference that year. This is the first parsonage of the Church and it was located on South Main Street. Before the building of this first parsonage the ministers lived in different homes in the community. The cost of the building this first parsonage for the pastor of the Charge that included Neshamony was $3,000!
1885-1900
During this period, pastors changed as often as the configuration of the Circuit! In 1886 Rev L. B. Hughes became pastor for a year. He was followed in 1887 by Rev L. M. Hobbs. It was in the 2nd year of Rev. Hobbs’ ministry that the Cornwells Church was built. Rev Hobbs preached there in the afternoon. Rev. Hobbs served us for 3 years. In 1890 Rev T. Asher Hess became pastor and also served 3 years. In 1893 Rev. Hiram Illick became the pastor. This would be an important event in the Church*
*Rev. Hiram Illick, his wife Helen and their family were well known in Hulmeville. They raised 8 children on a preacher’s salary!
Samuel was the local grocer for years. Grace returned to Hulmeville and served as Borough Treasurer for 40 years. Clara was our Church organist for over 40 years and taught piano to some 400 students in the area. Raymond was a missionary doctor in Mexico and Theron a missionary to China and Taiwan. Mary, Anna, and Walter rounded out the Illick family history whose own history was very tied to the history of Hulmeville and of Neshamony Church.
Three years later, in 1896, Rev. Illick and Rev. A. A. Thompson changed pulpits with Rev. Iliick going to Dauphin. In 1987 another pastor, Rev. Samuel Johnson came and at this time a change was made in the circuit. Bensalem and Cornwells became a circuit with Emilie and Fallsington. That arrangement lasted until in 1899 Fallsington asked to be removed from the circuit which left Neshamony and Emilie together. A year later, at the turn of the century, in 1900 the circuit was re-arranged again. At this time Emilie and Fallsington went together; Cornwells went on its own; and Bensalem came back to Neshamony! The Rev. Wilmer Coffman was pastor.
1900-1915
Rev. R. J. McBeth became pastor of Neshamony in 1902. In the 2nd year of his pastorate the construction of a new church building was begun. The property for this new church building was purchased from Mr. Lash Praul who owned the farm Where Harriet Black now lives. The lot was purchased by funds from the Epworth League (young people’s group). The cornerstone was laid on November 19,1904. The building was built by Cyrus E. Smith, the great uncle of Donald Haefner, a local carpenter.
Donald’s grandfather, Charles, Sr. worked for Mr. Smith. Some of the workmen donated one or two weeks of their time in the construction of the Church. The total cost of the lot and construction was $4,500!. Ladies of the Church sold aprons and sun bonnets and Epworth sold ice cream, to raise money for the Church. Whereas the original Church building was located between Newportville and Hulmeville, to serve both communities, the new building would be located in the village of Hulmeville.
The first pews in the new building were curved and made special for use in this Church. The new Church has a steeple unlike the original building. Mr. Thomas Carey donated the bell for the steeple. It took many men, horses, and much scaffolding and rope to get the bell in place. Charles Haefner, Sr. supervised the installation of the bell. The first time the bell was run, two men were in the steeple an one of them was almost knocked out of the tower! The Service of Dedication for the new Church building was held on May 14, 1905. As we celebrate our 175th Anniversary of our congregation (as of 2015), our Church building is now 110 years old (as of 2015). Visiting preachers conducted Sunday morning services for a while as the pastor was preaching at the Bensalem Church. Six pastors served Neshamony between 1906-1915.
1915-1930
In 1916 the Bensalem and Neshamony Churches decided to separate, each going on its own. Rev. Warren Smith was sent to pastor Neshamony. He stayed a year and was followed by Rev. Donald Hockman in 1917. World War I was underway and Rev. Hockman left the pulpit to serve in the war. The following is a list of men from the Neshamony congregation who also in World War I: Arthur Spicer, William C. Blessing, Thomas Schatt, George Russell Harrison, Hugh B. Webster, Ewald R. Henry, George W. Bennett, Frederick A. Williams, C. Wesley Haefner, William Harrison, Harry H. Claus, Edwin W. Henry Jr., John LeCompte,, and Dr. R. Randolph Paxon.
Rev. Harry B. Robinson served from 1917 to 1919. During his pastorate a new parsonage was built for the pastor. It was located e doors away from the Church on Main Street. The old parsonage has been sold to the Rev. Robinson and his family lived in a home at Main and Hulmeville Streets until the new parsonage was completed.
In 1922 Rev. Henry G. Main was appointed pastor. He served us til his death in September of 1925 after a long illness. He was a father of Nellie Main a future leader in our Church Rev. Main presided over the 20th Anniversary Services of our new Church building for two weeks in October 1924.
Rev. Walter H. Canon was sent to fill the pulpit in September of 1925 and officially appointed in March of 1926. He served Neshamony til 1928 but that was long enough for him to meet Miriam Haefner, the aunt of Donald Haefner. Rev. Canon and Miss Haefner would marry. Miriam would serve as an able partner throughout his ministry. Rev. Canon was invited back to preach 2 services on the 115th Anniversary of our Church in 1955.
Rev. W. Vernon Middleton became pastor in 1928 and served us till 1930. He would later be elected a Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church and served as such in the Pittsburgh area.
1930-1945
Following W. Vernon Middleton’s pastorate 1926-30, Rev. Francis Walz served us from 1930-31. Rev. T. William Smith was pastor from 1932-37. During that time an addition was built onto the Church building. Ground was broken at the rear of the building in May 1933. Many Church officials, members of Church organizations along with the pastor participated in the ground breaking. As with the building of our Church in 1904, men of the congregation gave time and talent to this new building project. The addition was a 2 story structure of 2700 square feet. The upper story was called Epworth Hall and was used by the Sunday School. The lower floor housed the Primary Department and Dining Room for suppers and other activities. The original Church building from 1840 had become the property of Jesse C. Everitt a member of the congregation. He gave the cornerstone from that building to be used in the new addition and the date of 1933 was added to it.
In 1937 Rev. Robert H. Comley, who had served Neshamony in 1906, returned as pastor for 2 years. Rev W. E. Harkness served as pastor when the congregation celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 1940. Two weeks of special programs and services were held from September 29th thru October 13th. In March of 1943, 100 people gathered for a welcoming reception for new pastor, Rev. Adolph G. Cloud and his wife. Mr Sam Illick served as Master of Ceremonies.
As World War II raged on in Europe and the Pacific, the following members of Neshamony served their country: Harry “Lefty” beck, John Becker, S. W. Buckman, Wallace Davis, Aldridge Everitt, George Kimbel Faust, Elwood W. Buck, Don LaCompte Haefner, Harry C. Smith, James Halk, Charles S. Headley, Wilson Hibbs, Robert McCarthy, Henry U. Miller, Walter Prickett, Harry Cooper, Franklin H. Everitt, Russell L. Brown, John H. Abbott, Jr., Mark Shapcott, Jr., John R. Spicer, Jr. Harold D. Miller, J. Horace Cox, H, Wendell Woolman, George W. Wood, Harold Winder, Edwin H. Webster, Albert B. Tomlinson. Wallace David and Harry C. Smith gave their lives.
1945-1960
Rev. Richard Gay was appointed pastor of Neshamony and served from 1944-46. Rev. Walter Humphrey came in November of 1946. Rev. John C. Kulp served from 1947-50 and Rev. Edward Steiss from 1950-53. Hamilton Reeve served as interim from January thru May 1953. In 1953 Rev. Merritt Godshalk was appointed pastor. During this time here, in 1954 from November 14th-21st, the congregation observed the 114th Anniversary of the establishment of Methodism in the community ( with the chartering of Neshamony in 1840) and the 5oth Anniversary of our current building built in 1904.
Over a period of time, from after the war through the early 1950’s, improvements were made on our Church facility. Restrooms were installed in the lower floor of the educational building in 1948! An new kitchen equipped with the latest appliance (probably including the old cast iron stove/oven unit which we just replaced in the fall of 2009!) was installed. Transformation of a large room on the lower floor provided space for Sunday School and a meeting a room for Church organizations was completed. In 1944 a Hammond electronic organ was added to the Sanctuary. In 1950 electronic carrillonic bells were installed from Memorial gifts. And in 1952 a new heating plant was installed. A Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) group was begun along with a Youth Choir. This Choir hosted annual concerts. IN 1950 the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) was organized with 50 members. A Cherub Choir of boys and girls ages 5-9 was organized by Mrs. Charles Whittaker, n 1957 during her husband’s pastorate. Some of the 16 members of this group were Jane Buckman, Barbara Glass, Diane Richman, Kathy Campbell, and Donna Schuler.
By the late 1950’s there were often 60 children from cradle to 3rd grade in the Primary Room, which often had a cold floor. This caused the congregation to begin to dream of a new Educational building. A committee was formed to explore this in 1958. In 1959 a financial campaign for this building project yielded $20,000. In the summer of 1960 architects drawing were ready for contractor bids. The one bid that was received was for $43,000 which was far too high for the congregation to consider. But the dream lives on.
1960-1975
The dream of a new educational building continues, as in the winter of 1961 the architect met with the committee and began to re-work drawings and specifications. In May and June bids were brought with eight being received. The lowest was submitted by William A. Gaul of Feasterville. Bids were opened on July 10th and the contract was awarded to Mr. Gaul on July 18th, 1961.
The committee then arranged for demolition of the current educational building. All furniture from this building was removed and stored in Midred Moyer’s garage next door. Construction began on August 23, 1961 with projections of being finished by January 1, 1962. A date stone with the date of 1961 but with no box of momentos was placed in the wall of the new building which faces the parking lot. The date stone from our original Church building, which had been in the old educational building was now installed in the wall of the new stair tower. The new building was dedicated in 1962, Rev. William McLachan was pastor during this building project, serving us from 1959-62.
Rev. D. Guy Carrigan was appointed in 1962 and served until 1968. During his time here a Worship Center was added to the first floor room of the educational building and Church office was added to second floor of the building.
Rev. Albert Frank was appointed pastor n 1968. Renovations continued during this term, mainly the removal of the old pews in the Sanctuary and installation of newly purchased ones, which were procured by Roy Edwards and Frank Harper for $25 each after some contentious Administrative Board meetings. New red carpet was also installed in the Sanctuary and throughout the second floor of the educational building.
During this period of our history our very active Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) unit held a Birthday Party Banquet and Country Fairs featuring cooking and crafts.
In June of 1971 we celebrated the dedication of a Chime Tape System presented in loving memory of Clara and Grace Illick by Adeline Reetz and others.
Rev. David Heberling became our pastor in 1973 and stayed with us until 1975.
1975-1990
Through Worship and Sunday School attendance was higher than current numbers reflect, there were times in the 60’s and 70’s when the check book balance was low and even showed a deficit at times! So the congregation engaged in a variety of fundraising projects over the years, from selling ice cream and sunbonnets, to “Tom Thumb” Weddings to public dinners. Some of the funds raised were designated fo special projects, others were used to pay the bills.
In 1975 Rev David Pierce was appointed our pastor. Also that year, in August, former pastor, Rev. Walter Canon, returned to Neshamony, with his wife, Miriam Haefner Canon, to celebrate his 50 years in ministry. Rev Ralph Stevenson was appointed as our full time pastor in 1976, coming right out of Seminary. Having a full time pastor increased our Budget by $7,083.00. He was with us til 1980.
During Rev. Stevenson’s time with us our nation was celebrating its Bicentennial in 1976. The community of Hulmeville and our Neshamony Church participated in special celebrations of this historical event. The Borough of Hulmeville was declared a Bicentennial Community at a special meeting at the William Penn Fire House on February 11, 1976. Our Church participated in a community Bicentennial celebration Service on Sunday, July 4th at the Fire House.
There were many great lay persons in leadership in our Church during this time among them Erda Schatt who helped to record our history. Miss Nellie Main, Leroy Edwards and Frank Harper. We lost Nellie Main in 1973. She’d been a staple of this congregation for a long time.
Also in 1976, Rev. Robert Kohler, son of Fred and Mary Kohler and ministerial son of our Church, went to serve on the denominational Board of Higher Education in Nashville, TN. He has served several congregations in our Annual Conference since 1961. Our Pastors during this period were: Rev. John Stott 1980-83, Rev. Larry Light 1983-89, and Rev. Tom Robinson 1989.
During Rev. Light’s tenure the congregation built a new parsonage for the pastor in nearby Langhorne Gables at 501 Longview Drive. Up til this time, for many years, the parsonage was located several doors down from the Church at 333 Main Street in Hulmeville.
In the summer of 1985, our Neshamony United Methodist Church went somewhere it had never gone before, as one of our former Sunday School students, John David Francis Bartoe climbed aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. John David was an astrophysicist and served as civilian Navy Payload Specialist on the 8th flight of Challenger. Five and a half months later this same Challenger Shuttle exploded before our eyes on lift off killing all 7 astronauts aboard. John David would go to become the Research Manager for the International Space Station and he served as Chief Scientist for the Space Station from 1987-90. John is the brother-n-law of Rev. Robert Kohler.
1990-2010
This last historical minute, covering a 20 year period of our history, begins with a big celebration. November 1990 was the 150th Anniversary of our Church. Special activities were planned for each month from January through November. Dr. Menno Good, our District Superintendent, kicked off this special year at a Service in January. Other special guest preachers through the year included ministerial sons, Rev. Charles Martindell and Rev. James McIntire as well as former Pastor Rev. Jack Kulp. Bishop Susan M. Morrison presided over a special afternoon Service our Anniversary Sunday, November 18th.
In the early 90’s the congregation began a Contemporary Worship Service in the basement Chapel, addressing the changing needs of the Church.
The congregation came full circle from its beginning by Catherine Lawrence with the appointment of Rev. Lorelei M .Bach in July 1996, as our first full time female pastor. Shortly after her arrival, our inactive United Methodist Women’s unit was activated and continues. In the late 90’s our Church opened a Pre-School program for our children age 3-5 under the leadership of Sandra Faust.
The congregation celebrated the end of a century and the beginning of a new millennium in 2000.
The parsonage, which had been built in 1985, was sold in 2002. In 2004 we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of our current Church building with a variety of activities including a march form our original building up on Main Street to the current one. We also opened the cornerstone and removed its contents which were replaced with many new items. Bishop Peter Weaver preached our Anniversary Service the year.
Our Church was honored in the 2009 Penndel-Hulmeville Memorial Parade in which Rev. Bach was Grand Marshall. We entered a float presentation of our history as the kick off of our 170th Anniversary celebrations.
During this period of our history repairs, renovations, and improvements continued to be made to our Church and Educational Unit including new windows in both floors of the unit, roof repairs, the purchase of a new electronic organ, repaving the parking lot, new carpet in Wesley Hall and then later new flooring throughout the lower level of the Unit and installation of a donated heating and air conditioning system for the Sanctuary.
The Church has been active in Mission efforts including support of Aiding Our Neighbor and a local Motel Feeding Program, a Woman’s Place, the American Red Cross Homeless Shelter, adopting Christmas families from the Church and community, the Newportville Food Bank and others. The congregation also supports and participates in many Hulmeville community activities including the Memorial Day Parade and Service, Christmas Tree Lighting, Senior Luncheon, Community Picnic, Playground Soup Cook-Off, and a Bike Rodeo.
As we mark our 170th Anniversary this year of 2010 we have lost many key members of our Church who contributed much to our history: Leroy Edwards, Evelyn Brown, Frank Harper, Jane Moss, and Jim Campbell. But life goes on and so does the Church of Christ known as Neshamony United Methodist of Hulmeville.