Written by Gladys Gunsauls

Then there are the ushers, who like the Choir members, brave the elements each Sunday to assist in the service, while so many parishioners relax in the comfort of their homes. The ushers are members of the Men's Club and assist in all worship services and communion. These men are responsible to a Chief Usher who works out all details attendant to the services. Chief Ushers over the years have been: Harry Atno, Richard Llewellyn, Frank Wilcox, Alvin Roberts, Willis Snedeker, Robert Avery, Donald Ely and Edwin Stoddard.

The faithful sextons deserve special mention. Over the years they have done such a splendid housekeeping job. Special mention must be made of Mr. James Stephen. He was sexton back in the hand fired furnace days, when there were morning and evening services, Junior League, Epworth League each Sunday with Thursday evening prayer meetings, not to mention all the other stated meetings. Incidentally, Mr. James Stephens was an Uncle of Alvin Roberts. Following Mr. Stephens and serving valiantly over the years were: Theodore Sperl, who helped out so much with plumbing problems; Austin Barrows, Lewis Roberts, and Morgan Thomas, who, after leaving the church and arriving home for his lunch period, suffered a fatal heart attack. There was also Ernest Evans, who resigned to work in New Jersey; and Earl Rogers, who for some time was ably assisted by one of our younger members, John Griffiths. Earl Rogers retired June 1st, 1975, so now the search is on for a Sexton.

The men of the Church have been organized for many years and have been brought together in meetings with interesting speakers at various times. One of the main projects of this group is the annual pancake supper with the host Mr. David Stephens and Chief Pancake Maker, Mr. Alvin Roberts.

The "Master's Call" comes to the men of the conference each year. This is a dollar a year plan which the laymen of the church have adopted, with the hope each man will contribute his dollar to the fund, which will aid worthy young men in their ministerial preparation. Visitation of the members of the church for the annual budget is also an important performance of this group, and they are to be commended for their untiring efforts in this respect year after year. The President in 1971 is George Wallis.

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In October each year, a Communion Breakfast of participating churches, Methodist, Berean Baptist and Presbyterian men, enjoy the fellowship communion held at seven thirty in the morning in one church, followed by breakfast in another. The Protestant Men's Lenten Communion Service is planned for men of Peckville, Jermyn and Carbondale, rotating in the various churches. Laymen's Sunday in this Church each October finds the Church service, in its entirety carried out with our own members, including an all male choir, with the address given by one of our own members or an invited guest. At one of these Lay Sunday Services, Mr. Rexford Evans, who grew up in this Church and was a one time Binghamton District Lay Leader, brought the message which was well received. In 1969 the speaker was Mr. Robert Avery, who grew up in this church, being active in all branches. He was one time Chief Usher and who is now Assistant District Attorney in New York State. He is the son of Mr. Raymond Avery, a most active member. It is most gratifying to see these splendid young men, who received their early Christian training in this Church, making their mark in the world. Featured in the Church for many years, is the annual Men's Rally, held on Layman's Sunday in October, with an evening service. This meeting includes all churches in the Scranton District, the attendance reaching, some years, six hundred men. The District Lay Leader presides and a choir of thirty-five to forty men render special music. Lunch is served by the Host Church Men's Club. These meetings help strengthen the ties of brotherly love and kindness in our midst.

During the ministry of Rev. Paul J Hulslander, an organization was formed to highlight the year 1955, called the Triple M's, so named to include Mr., Mrs. and Miss as Members. This group has been most active in various ways and have added much to the social, economic and spiritual welfare of the church. One feature of their response was their gift to the sanctuary of five sets of beautiful pariments; red, white, green, purple, and black antependice, typical colors of the religious seasons of the year. These were for the altar, pulpit and two flower stands. Another gift at Christmas season was the erection of a Nativity Scene on the lawn of the Church Edifice, displayed for the first time in 1959. Projects they have sponsored are auctions; rummage; cookie and candy sales and sea food dinners each spring and fall. Their President in 1971 is Donald Perry, who with his wife Beverly are avid workers. In 1965 this group purchased and installed an electric water fountain in the dining room. This equipment is greatly appreciated. They have also remodeled the kitchen and make generous donations to church expenses and any worthwhile cause. They are a most active group.

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One very important part of the Methodist Church is the Church or Sunday School, organized in 1840, just twelve years after Methodism came to Carbondale. It has been from the first, a real live progressive organization, presided over by many dedicated men who have watched it expand and develop over the years to meet the growing needs of the Church. Since 1957 the Superintendents have been Mr. Carl Camin and Miss Mary Hall, who, passed away suddenly after arriving for a meeting at the Church December 1968. Since the reorganization and the new format of the United Methodist Church, the Church School became the responsibility of the Work Area on Education. The program has been carried out in an impressive manner by Mr. Donald Perry and Mr. Walter Bartholomay. In 1971 Mrs. Robert Dietz is Superintendent. The position of Secretary of any organization is often considered as negligible, but when taken seriously, it involves plenty of careful and painstaking work. We should mention Mr. Raymond Reynolds, who for twenty-one years (1970) has, through rain or shine, with no thought of praise or pay, carried on as Secretary of the Church School, ably assisted by Mr. Robert Fasshauer for thirteen years until 1970 when he resigned. Other officers of the Church School besides Raymond and Robert are Treasurer, Mr. Haydn Llewellyn and Assistant Secretary, Mr. Charles Crocker. In the area of education, the Church School has been the means of bringing Christian training and Christian living to every age. In 1970 statistics show the membership of one hundred and sixty-eight, with an average attendance of eighty. Though the classes became fewer in number, there was no lessening in the ability, quality and character of those who committed themselves to direct instruction in the Holy Word each Sabbath. Raymond passed away July 1969.

The vacation Bible School has been an important factor of the Church School since 1925. Following the service of Mrs. Harvey Williams, for three years and Mrs. Clarence Drake for twenty-eight years, Miss Dorothy Nichols became the director, then Mrs. Stanley Shellhammer and Mrs. Jennie Collins who is acting in that capacity in 1970. Due to lack of leadership, when at one time the School numbered one hundred and twenty-five, from Kindergarten through eighth grade, the roll in 1970 has been reduced to fifty-three from kindergarten through sixth grade. Bible school has not been held since 1970.

The Cradle Roll has been discontinued. For many years, Miss Mable Jadwin gave wonderful service to this department as Director. This was no small job, listing each new born baby whose parents were affiliated with this Church. After her passing it was continued for ten years under the direction of Mrs. Robert Reeves.

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Throughout the years many dedicated women have aided in the distribution of the magazine, formerly called the Home Department, but later changed to the Mature Years. For a great many years this group was headed by Superintendent, Mrs. Maria Thompson who gave yoeman service. After her death the work was most efficiently carried on by her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson Bryden until she moved to Florida. This Mature Years is a service to our shut-in members, thus keeping in touch with those who are interested in news of the church, but unable to attend services. In 1971 the gracious Capable Superintendent of this branch is Mrs. Henry Lee, who is also President of the Friendship Circle, a group of women who are active in many ways and especially with shut-ins. It has been said that our daily lives and our association with people is the magic mirror that reveals what lies within and that is true of Mrs. Lee.

The Methodist Youth Fellowship was organized in September of 1940, at the time of the merging of all women's societies into one group. At this time all the children up to twelve years, and youth from twelve to twenty-four, including Junior and Senior High School boys and girls were members of this group. The MYF have been most active in the Harvest Festival, wherein they collect gifts and money to be divided between the Binghamton Children's Home and Sky Lake. The Sky Lake summer program is advantageous for Juniors through adults for various camps and study opportunities. The MYF occasionally visit the Children's Home for supper, including a devotional service. They have sponsored the Consistory Choir from Scranton, who presented a sacred concert of Christmas Music for several years. They organized a Missionary rally and have been most active, and for fun, have as a group, journeyed to Lake Como for a roller skating party. Each year at Christmas time, regardless of weather, they visit shut-ins, hospitals and nursing homes, bringing gifts and cheer to those confined, and filling the air with their Christmas carols. They are, also, very active in UNICEF. They have sponsored the Consistory Choir rendering the Messiah, a wonderful musical service. The MYF members are to be commended for their energy and enthusiasm for any project they attempt, including a spaghetti Supper, prepared and served by this active group of young people, who are the Church of tomorrow. The latest project to be undertaken is the painting in 1970 of the dining room, which will be supervised by the Property Committee.

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The uniting in the USA, in the year 1946 of the Evangelical church and the United Brethren in Christ, brought into being the Evangelical United Brethren or EUB. In 1940, three Methodist branches, the Methodist Episcopal, the Methodist Protestant, and the Methodist Church South, became the Methodist Church and the Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS) was organized with 19,468 charter members, and 1,113,000 total members. The merger of the Evangelical United Brethren and Methodist Church in 1968 brought into focus the United Methodist Church and the WSCS with 33,500 societies and 1,500,000 members. Carbondale Methodist became one of these societies and a new charter replaced the former one. In 1971 the name of the WSCS was changed to United Methodist Women. In 1960 the twentieth anniversary of the WSCS was observed with the reading of the first minutes in 1940 and all one hundred seventy-five member names. Mrs. Eva Carpenter and Miss June Butler, the two oldest living members at this time were presented with corsages, as were eight past Presidents. In 1965 the twenty-fifth anniversary was held, highlighted with a sketch, "This is your life Mrs. WSCS." This skit portrayed the workings of the society with various parts played by officers. At this occasion all past President were presented with a red rose. From 1957 to 1971 the Presidents have been; Mrs. Gerald Alexander, Mrs. Raymond Eathorne, Mrs. Willis Snedeker, Miss Dorothy Nichols, Mrs. Paul Swan and Mrs. John Keyes. Treasurers for this same period have been: Mrs. David Stephens and Mrs. James Reynar. Appreciation is extended, also to the Vice Presidents, who have given thought and inspiration to promote the presentation, cultivation and adaptation of the many programs presented over these years. The WSCS budget for 1970-1971 is $1,481.00. Officers elected for 1971 are: President, Mrs. John Keyes, Vice President, Mrs. Wilmont Mather, Secretary, Mrs. Robert Mitchell and Treasurer, Mrs. Jamey Reynar. In January 1958, at a Quarterly Conference the WSCS turned over to the Official Board and the Property Committee, the responsibility and care of the parsonage home, which for years had been under their jurisdiction. In lieu of this care, the WSCS offered to pay fifty dollars per month, which was increased to seventy five dollars in 1971. In April 1961, a committee, composed of members of the WSCS, Triple M's, the current Building Committee and the Property Committee, were appointed to consider plans to renovate the Church kitchen. The Official Board approved the plan of using the current building fund of $4,000.00 to pay for the new Church Office and the balance as a nucleus for the renovation of the kitchen, which was approximately $10,000.00 Unique projects have been one teaspoon of dirt, church soil, plus one dollar to the Methodist Church at Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1956; and one teaspoon of dirt, church soil, plus one dollar to a Methodist church in Oregon in 1958. Many and varied have been the projects of this dedicated group of women, including rummage and sample sales; food and candy sales; bazaars, the last one being held in 1966. Also the sale of Zip Code Information, Calendars, religious books, household items and other things which all add to the coffers and benevolences of the church. The bazaars were renewed in 1973 and 1974.

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Special mention must be made of the sale of three hundred cookbooks of the WSCS in 1962, containing one hundred recipes and three miniature folders in 1951, all recipes guaranteed for quality by expert cooks, who have received their experience from the original Methodist cookbook of long ago, published by the Young Lady workers in the early days of the Church. The first output was five hundred books in 1898 followed by six editions, making 18,000 books in all. Requests have come in from time to time, from far and near, for this cookbook, but it was not considered feasible to reorder it in this day and age. To the best of our knowledge, Mrs. John Stoddard and Mrs. S. T. Burnard are the only owners of a copy of the first edition. The last edition was printed in 1924. Of great interest to Carbondale Methodists is the fact that this cookbook has been printed in Chinese and sold through the Sanghai Recorder. The ad read as follows:

Truly this cookbook has reached around the world.

In April 1962, Holy Communion was served to the WSCS and members of the Church, one hundred and five in all, by Rev. T. I. Hubbard, at a special "Meet With the Master". The food partaken of was similar to that of the time of Jesus. Other spiritual retreats have been needful and inspiring to all present, with programs including Meditation, Communion and Prayers requested by those desiring spiritual messages and loving concern for those in need of prayer.

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