St. Marys UMC History
Methodist Protestant Church– 1843 > St. Paul's Methodist Church - 1940 >
>St. Marys Methodist Church - 1958 > St. Marys United Meth. Church - 1969
Methodist Episcopal Church - 1885 > Trinity Methodist Church - 1940 >
Methodist Episcopal Church South - 1851 > George Street Church of Christ
METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCHES
Methodist Protestant Church - 1843
It appears that the Methodist Protestants organized a society in St. Marys in 1843, as a part of the Tyler Circuit. It is thought that services were held in private homes and in the Union school house. In 1858 the Rev. Isaac Holland held a revival, after which a church was built at the corner of Second and Washington streets (facing Second St. ) on a lot purchased from A. H. Creel for $50. David Gregg, P. H. Hudkins, and William T. Sharp were named as trustees. The parsonage was located beside the church facing Washington Street.
The 1913 flood damaged the church and parsonage as well as much of St. Marys. Rev. B. M. Mitchell was sering the church at this time. He travelled by canoe and entered the parsonage from the roof. The family lived with the Dotson family while the parsonage was being restored. The wood work in the church had to be refinished. Rev. Mitchell worked so hard and breathed turpentine fumes so long that he became ill and was sent for six weeks to Borland Springs to recuperate. He reported his salary in 1914 to be $485.
Among the preachers who served this church were Dr. I. A. Barnes, Rev. B. M. Mitchell (wife Elilzabeth, daughters Wanda and Kathleen), Dr. Daniel H. David (daughter Mildred Ireland). All three served as president of their conference, the highest honor in their denomination.
St. Paul's Methodist Church - 1940
In 1940 the Methodist Protestant Church became St. Paul's Methodist Church. This name change came about because of the uniting of the 3 streams of Methodist---Methodist Episcopal South, Methodist Episcopal, and Methodist Protestant. This action took place in 1939 in general conference and with the first West Virginia United Annual Conference in Fairmont. In the uniting of the three major branches the followers of John Wesley discovered anew one of the primary laws of the spiritual life--the power that is released through the united fellowship of the people of God.
St. Paul's Methodist Church struggled with this union as they felt they were swallowed by the larger church.
In 1952 an organ was dedicated at St. Paul's, that organ is now in the chapel of the present church. At a meeting on Thursday, May 22, 1958, a resolution was adopted to merge with Trinity Methodist Church. The St. Paul's Church and the parsonage were used for primary and youth Sunday School classes. Sunday evening services were also held in this church.
On July 7, 1964, at 9:15 pm St. Paul's Methodist Church was destroyed by fire. This forced all services and Sunday School classes to move to the other church (formerly the Trinity Church).
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES
Methodist Episcopal Church South - 1851
The Methodist Episcopal Church South was one of the first to erect a building for worship in St. Marys. The building was erected on George Street in 1851. During the Civil War the society was greatly disrupted and the building fell into disrepair. Because of small numbers the society gradually united with the Methodist Episcopal Church on Washington Street.
The building was purchased by the George Street Church of Christ on January 20, 1935 for a sum of $1200.00.
Methodist Episcopal Church - 1885
It appears that the first branch of Methodist in Pleasants County organized in 1829 at Beech Run near Arvilla and was known as the Methodist Episcopal stream (society). It was not until 1885 that the St. Marys Methodist Episcopal Church was created from a society organized at Bethesda Chapel (1850) near Grape Island. In 1885, upon recommendation from the annual conference, a lot was purchased from Silas Gallaher on Washington Street for the establishment of a Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Marys, It was dedicated on September 18, 1885 (cost - $1500) and was a part of a large river towns circuit with headquarters at Sistersville (Pittsburgh Conference). In 1893 this church was made a separate charge with a resident minister, the Rev. R. B. Ward. Around 1901 a parsonage was established on upper Second Street.
In 1906 the original building was torn down and taken to Clay Point where it was rebuilt for the use of that community. On May 22, 1906, the cornerstone was laid for a new brick structure on Washington Street (cost - $8500). The basement was not finished until a later date. The basement kitchen was built when the additional space was constructed for placing the pipe organ, presented to the church by Adda Sellers and daughters, Ruth and Doris, as a memorial to Dr. Ezra M. Sellers (probably 1910-1911 and at an approximate cost of $10,000).
For several years the building suffered from floods and general disrepair. The Great Depression years made it difficult to launch a program of improvement. In the late 1930's funds were accumulated for an extensive renovation project, which included a redecorated sanctuary, floor heating system, new lighting system, tile wainscoting in the basement (for easy clean-up after flooding), basement fireplace and worship center, and structural framework replacement (because of termite damage). A rededication service was held May 31, 1942, with the Rev. Ottis R. Snodgrass serving as minister.
Acknowledgements were given to:
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Browse - gift of pulpit chairs, still being used today
Mrs. Adda Sellers - gift of pipe organ, still being used today
Oldest member in 1942 - T. Jefferson Taylor, age 85
Mrs. Ruth Tibbens and the Merry Maids class for leading the reconstruction project.
Trinity Methodist Church - 1940
In 1940, two years before the completion of the renovation project, the name of the church was changed from the Methodist Episcopal Church to Trinity Methodist Church. (At the same time the name of the local Methodist Protestant Church was changed to St. Paul's Methodist Church).
In 1952 the chimes were added to the pipe organ as a gift presented by the children of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Snodgrass in honor of their parents.
At a meeting on Thursday May 22, 1958, a resolution was adopted to merge with St. Paul's Methodist Church.
St. Marys Methodist Church - 1958
When each church (Trinity and St. Paul's) met on May 22, 1958 a merger was approved. The name of the new church was selected to be St Marys Methodist Church and these conditions were established:
--Both building would be used, with Sunday morning services in the Trinity building and Sunday evening services in the St.
Paul's building. Sunday Schools would be combined, with classes held in both buildings and the St. Paul's parsonage.
--Rev. D. J. Combs was retiring so Rev. William Wise was appointed as minister.
--Women's Society of Christian Service (later UMW) and Methodist Men would combine.
--All financial activities would be combined into one budget.
--The official boards would be combined into one board and a chairman elected.
--Commissions and committees would be joined and chairmen would become co-chairmen.
After the 1964 fire at the St. Paul's Church, all services were moved to the Trinity building and St. Marys Methodist Church truly became a united church.
In 1961 the church bought the Dr. Quillen building on Washington Street which was used for classes and office space. The building was later torn down and replaced by the educational wing.
In 1966 a dropped ceiling was put into the sanctuary, giving better heating and acoustic conditions. Also in 1966 the pipe organ was rebuilt.
In 1968 the Riggs property was purchased to make way for the educational building and chapel. In 1969 the interior of the basement was remodeled and furnished to be used for church social gatherings.
St. Marys United Methodist Church - 1969
Once again the general conference of the Methodist Church reorganized, this time merging with the United Brethren Church, and was renamed the United Methodist Church and thus the St. Marys United Methodist Church.
There was a great need for expansion in the growing church. Plans began to be made for the construction of a chapel and educational wing. The opening fund raising dinner was held April 12, 1971 (Rev. George McCune, pastor). Ground was broken for the new building on June 17, 1973 (Rev. Charles Rogers, pastor) and the dedication was held Nov. 7, 1976 (Rev. Richard Atkinson, pastor). The total cost was $201,408.
Extensive renovations to the sanctuary began in June, 1981. The sanctuary was completely gutted and remodeled. The dropped ceiling was removed and the stained glass in the original ceiling was uncovered. Much of the renovation was made possible through the generous stewardship of Mrs. Sadie Way. A sanctuary consecration service was held on Oct. 11, 1981 (Rev. Maurice Miller, pastor). The work was completed at a cost of $64,000.
Two hundred years of Methodism was celebrated by the St. Marys United Methodist Church on April 15, 1984.
A new parsonage at 112 Donald Street was purchased in 1985. The Rev. Maurice Miller family moved into the parsonage in July, 1985. The purchase was accomplished with funds from the sale of the old Second Street parsonage (Nov., 1986) a trade with Rocky Hall for the Sadie Way property on Dewey Ave., and a extensive fund raising campaign. The note burning ceremony was held on April 17, 1987 (Rev. Dr. Crickard, pastor). Cost--$98,000.
In 1989 the slate roof of the church had to be removed and was replaced with a new shingled roof. Minor repairs were made to the interior because of water damage. Cost--$15,000.
In April 1992 a church facilities improvement campaign began-- to allow for several project to be completed:
(projected cost--$129,000)
--reconditioning of the pipe organ
--replacement of parsonage heating and cooling systems and roof
--upgrading of chapel air conditioning system
--addition of a new steeple and renovation of bell tower
--new concrete walks
--installation of an elevator and a new side entrance
--purchase of Frank Deem property (corner of Washington St. and Riverside Dr.) and creation of a parking lot
--separate offices for minister and secretary
--additional restrooms
By the end of 1993 the parsonage heating system and roof had been replaced, the organ had been reconditioned and the United Methodist Women were replacing the chapel and hallway carpet. The organ retained some of the original Moller organ that had served the church for 80 years. While all of the mechanical components were new, some of the pipework, casework and console shell were retained. The new "speaking" facade, the un-enclosed Great Principal, and the new Fagotto (Oboe) served to return the organ to a tonal structure much like the original turn-of-the-century instrument. It now has 519 pipes. The consecration service was held in early 1994.
Compiled: January, 2013
by Diane Braun
Methodist Protestant Church– 1843 > St. Paul's Methodist Church - 1940 >
>St. Marys Methodist Church - 1958 > St. Marys United Meth. Church - 1969
Methodist Episcopal Church - 1885 > Trinity Methodist Church - 1940 >
Methodist Episcopal Church South - 1851 > George Street Church of Christ
METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCHES
Methodist Protestant Church - 1843
It appears that the Methodist Protestants organized a society in St. Marys in 1843, as a part of the Tyler Circuit. It is thought that services were held in private homes and in the Union school house. In 1858 the Rev. Isaac Holland held a revival, after which a church was built at the corner of Second and Washington streets (facing Second St. ) on a lot purchased from A. H. Creel for $50. David Gregg, P. H. Hudkins, and William T. Sharp were named as trustees. The parsonage was located beside the church facing Washington Street.
The 1913 flood damaged the church and parsonage as well as much of St. Marys. Rev. B. M. Mitchell was sering the church at this time. He travelled by canoe and entered the parsonage from the roof. The family lived with the Dotson family while the parsonage was being restored. The wood work in the church had to be refinished. Rev. Mitchell worked so hard and breathed turpentine fumes so long that he became ill and was sent for six weeks to Borland Springs to recuperate. He reported his salary in 1914 to be $485.
Among the preachers who served this church were Dr. I. A. Barnes, Rev. B. M. Mitchell (wife Elilzabeth, daughters Wanda and Kathleen), Dr. Daniel H. David (daughter Mildred Ireland). All three served as president of their conference, the highest honor in their denomination.
St. Paul's Methodist Church - 1940
In 1940 the Methodist Protestant Church became St. Paul's Methodist Church. This name change came about because of the uniting of the 3 streams of Methodist---Methodist Episcopal South, Methodist Episcopal, and Methodist Protestant. This action took place in 1939 in general conference and with the first West Virginia United Annual Conference in Fairmont. In the uniting of the three major branches the followers of John Wesley discovered anew one of the primary laws of the spiritual life--the power that is released through the united fellowship of the people of God.
St. Paul's Methodist Church struggled with this union as they felt they were swallowed by the larger church.
In 1952 an organ was dedicated at St. Paul's, that organ is now in the chapel of the present church. At a meeting on Thursday, May 22, 1958, a resolution was adopted to merge with Trinity Methodist Church. The St. Paul's Church and the parsonage were used for primary and youth Sunday School classes. Sunday evening services were also held in this church.
On July 7, 1964, at 9:15 pm St. Paul's Methodist Church was destroyed by fire. This forced all services and Sunday School classes to move to the other church (formerly the Trinity Church).
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES
Methodist Episcopal Church South - 1851
The Methodist Episcopal Church South was one of the first to erect a building for worship in St. Marys. The building was erected on George Street in 1851. During the Civil War the society was greatly disrupted and the building fell into disrepair. Because of small numbers the society gradually united with the Methodist Episcopal Church on Washington Street.
The building was purchased by the George Street Church of Christ on January 20, 1935 for a sum of $1200.00.
Methodist Episcopal Church - 1885
It appears that the first branch of Methodist in Pleasants County organized in 1829 at Beech Run near Arvilla and was known as the Methodist Episcopal stream (society). It was not until 1885 that the St. Marys Methodist Episcopal Church was created from a society organized at Bethesda Chapel (1850) near Grape Island. In 1885, upon recommendation from the annual conference, a lot was purchased from Silas Gallaher on Washington Street for the establishment of a Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Marys, It was dedicated on September 18, 1885 (cost - $1500) and was a part of a large river towns circuit with headquarters at Sistersville (Pittsburgh Conference). In 1893 this church was made a separate charge with a resident minister, the Rev. R. B. Ward. Around 1901 a parsonage was established on upper Second Street.
In 1906 the original building was torn down and taken to Clay Point where it was rebuilt for the use of that community. On May 22, 1906, the cornerstone was laid for a new brick structure on Washington Street (cost - $8500). The basement was not finished until a later date. The basement kitchen was built when the additional space was constructed for placing the pipe organ, presented to the church by Adda Sellers and daughters, Ruth and Doris, as a memorial to Dr. Ezra M. Sellers (probably 1910-1911 and at an approximate cost of $10,000).
For several years the building suffered from floods and general disrepair. The Great Depression years made it difficult to launch a program of improvement. In the late 1930's funds were accumulated for an extensive renovation project, which included a redecorated sanctuary, floor heating system, new lighting system, tile wainscoting in the basement (for easy clean-up after flooding), basement fireplace and worship center, and structural framework replacement (because of termite damage). A rededication service was held May 31, 1942, with the Rev. Ottis R. Snodgrass serving as minister.
Acknowledgements were given to:
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Browse - gift of pulpit chairs, still being used today
Mrs. Adda Sellers - gift of pipe organ, still being used today
Oldest member in 1942 - T. Jefferson Taylor, age 85
Mrs. Ruth Tibbens and the Merry Maids class for leading the reconstruction project.
Trinity Methodist Church - 1940
In 1940, two years before the completion of the renovation project, the name of the church was changed from the Methodist Episcopal Church to Trinity Methodist Church. (At the same time the name of the local Methodist Protestant Church was changed to St. Paul's Methodist Church).
In 1952 the chimes were added to the pipe organ as a gift presented by the children of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Snodgrass in honor of their parents.
At a meeting on Thursday May 22, 1958, a resolution was adopted to merge with St. Paul's Methodist Church.
St. Marys Methodist Church - 1958
When each church (Trinity and St. Paul's) met on May 22, 1958 a merger was approved. The name of the new church was selected to be St Marys Methodist Church and these conditions were established:
--Both building would be used, with Sunday morning services in the Trinity building and Sunday evening services in the St.
Paul's building. Sunday Schools would be combined, with classes held in both buildings and the St. Paul's parsonage.
--Rev. D. J. Combs was retiring so Rev. William Wise was appointed as minister.
--Women's Society of Christian Service (later UMW) and Methodist Men would combine.
--All financial activities would be combined into one budget.
--The official boards would be combined into one board and a chairman elected.
--Commissions and committees would be joined and chairmen would become co-chairmen.
After the 1964 fire at the St. Paul's Church, all services were moved to the Trinity building and St. Marys Methodist Church truly became a united church.
In 1961 the church bought the Dr. Quillen building on Washington Street which was used for classes and office space. The building was later torn down and replaced by the educational wing.
In 1966 a dropped ceiling was put into the sanctuary, giving better heating and acoustic conditions. Also in 1966 the pipe organ was rebuilt.
In 1968 the Riggs property was purchased to make way for the educational building and chapel. In 1969 the interior of the basement was remodeled and furnished to be used for church social gatherings.
St. Marys United Methodist Church - 1969
Once again the general conference of the Methodist Church reorganized, this time merging with the United Brethren Church, and was renamed the United Methodist Church and thus the St. Marys United Methodist Church.
There was a great need for expansion in the growing church. Plans began to be made for the construction of a chapel and educational wing. The opening fund raising dinner was held April 12, 1971 (Rev. George McCune, pastor). Ground was broken for the new building on June 17, 1973 (Rev. Charles Rogers, pastor) and the dedication was held Nov. 7, 1976 (Rev. Richard Atkinson, pastor). The total cost was $201,408.
Extensive renovations to the sanctuary began in June, 1981. The sanctuary was completely gutted and remodeled. The dropped ceiling was removed and the stained glass in the original ceiling was uncovered. Much of the renovation was made possible through the generous stewardship of Mrs. Sadie Way. A sanctuary consecration service was held on Oct. 11, 1981 (Rev. Maurice Miller, pastor). The work was completed at a cost of $64,000.
Two hundred years of Methodism was celebrated by the St. Marys United Methodist Church on April 15, 1984.
A new parsonage at 112 Donald Street was purchased in 1985. The Rev. Maurice Miller family moved into the parsonage in July, 1985. The purchase was accomplished with funds from the sale of the old Second Street parsonage (Nov., 1986) a trade with Rocky Hall for the Sadie Way property on Dewey Ave., and a extensive fund raising campaign. The note burning ceremony was held on April 17, 1987 (Rev. Dr. Crickard, pastor). Cost--$98,000.
In 1989 the slate roof of the church had to be removed and was replaced with a new shingled roof. Minor repairs were made to the interior because of water damage. Cost--$15,000.
In April 1992 a church facilities improvement campaign began-- to allow for several project to be completed:
(projected cost--$129,000)
--reconditioning of the pipe organ
--replacement of parsonage heating and cooling systems and roof
--upgrading of chapel air conditioning system
--addition of a new steeple and renovation of bell tower
--new concrete walks
--installation of an elevator and a new side entrance
--purchase of Frank Deem property (corner of Washington St. and Riverside Dr.) and creation of a parking lot
--separate offices for minister and secretary
--additional restrooms
By the end of 1993 the parsonage heating system and roof had been replaced, the organ had been reconditioned and the United Methodist Women were replacing the chapel and hallway carpet. The organ retained some of the original Moller organ that had served the church for 80 years. While all of the mechanical components were new, some of the pipework, casework and console shell were retained. The new "speaking" facade, the un-enclosed Great Principal, and the new Fagotto (Oboe) served to return the organ to a tonal structure much like the original turn-of-the-century instrument. It now has 519 pipes. The consecration service was held in early 1994.
Compiled: January, 2013
by Diane Braun