Written by Gladys Gunsauls

Of great significance in Methodist history was the merger in 1949 of the Methodist Protestant, the Methodist Episcopal and the Methodist Church South. In 1968 the union of the Methodist Church and the United Brethren (Evangelical) was accomplished, adopting the title The United Methodist Church. At this time, the fiscal year was changed and at present runs from January to December. However, the program was left unchanged with the Conference meeting in May of each year. This was later changed to early June for convenience of Pastors having school age children.

In the format of the new United Methodist Church some changes must be noted: Charge Conference, Administrative Board, Council of Ministries, Work Areas, Worship, Ecumenical Affairs, Education, Evangelism, Missions, Social Concerns, Stewardship, Age-Level Coordinator, Family-Children, and Youth - Adults.

• In 1957 - Church members numbered 1,147
• In 1970 - Church members numbered 669
• In 1957 - Pastor's salary was $4,800 plus $300 travel expenses
• In 1971 - Pastor's salary was $6,500 plus all utilities and $600 travel expenses. (In 1973 - $800 was added to salary.)
• In 1957 - the Church Budget was $20,055.91.
• In 1971 - the Church budget was $28,964.00.

In 1971 the Trustees of the First United Methodist Church are: Mr. John Stoddard, Mr. Harry Stephens, Mr. Alvin Roberts, Mr. David Stephens, Mr. Ralph Dunn, Mr. Carl Camin, Mr. Edwin Stoddard Mr. Robert Vandenberg, Mr. Robert Reeves (deceased 1/72) and Dr. John Keyes.

The Sunday services have been broadcast for many years over radio station WCDL of Carbondale, four times per year, along with all other Churches in the Carbondale - Honesdale area in their turn. This service has been made possible by a substantial donation and through the courtesy of the personnel of the radio station, thus giving the shut-ins and indisposed fold the opportunity of hearing and responding to the reading of the Scriptures and Hymns.

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Under the Committee on Membership and Evangelism, evening services in the autumn were conducted by Rev. Hulslander and followed by Rev. Hubbard, with speakers from various out-of town churches, to emphasize these spiritual "Nights for Christ". They are especially needful and most rewarding in their prayerful atmosphere of meditation, prayer and song.

Released time week day religious instruction was discontinued in 1959. Junior and Senior students time being held in the churches and the elementary grades being instructed in the schools.

The Fellowship Room has been the meeting place at times for Scout activities, The Brownies and Boy Scouts as well as Girl Scouts have been most welcome for their regular meetings when desired.

On November 10th, 1957, the Rev. T. V. Philipos from India, who came to this country to study at the Russian Orthodox Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania was the guest speaker at the morning service. He had been engaged for eighteen years in Missionary work for the Syrian Orthodox Church in a movement known as "The Servants of the Cross". He expected to remain at St. Tikhon's for four years.

Programs for Children's Day and Student Day add much to the life and interest of our youth. Offerings on these days increased the benefits and interest of our youth and are used for the Conference Student Fund loan as well as the conference Ministerial Loan fund. The last Sunday in December each year is especially worthwhile, when college students on vacation preside at the podium throughout the service with the sermon as an essential production. At graduation time many of our youth find themselves at the end of their carefree high school days. Always the group is honored at the morning service on the Sunday before Commencement by the minister, and all who attend and hear the congratulatory remarks made to them will long remember the service. A token of pride and joy in their success is given to each one as well as a warm reception at the Chancel.

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At the morning service November 12th, 1957, we were honored to have as guest, Mr. Wallace Jones with Tommy. After appearing in the church School and talking to the Youth, they attended Church and preached the sermon of the hour. Mr. Jones was a former night club entertainer, but after conversion became a consecrated ventriloquist, working in this manner for the Lord with a real gospel message.

The gift of a tape recorder was presented to the Rev. T. I. Hubbard, by Mrs. H. F. Clark, to be used for recording sermons for the benefit of our shut-in members and friends. The worship service was first recorded on November 29th, 1958.

The Church office was removed from the parsonage and in January 1960 was formally opened in the church edifice, off the Assembly room on the south side of the Church, thus giving the resident of the parsonage a room to be used as a study.

Another service of the Church, to be employed by the members, originated and supervised by Dr. D. Deane Maxwell, is the endowment fund of the First Methodist Church of Carbondale, Pennsylvania, established in May 1960 by purchasing shares of the Wellington Fund as the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees was instructed to do. On January 5th, 1961, one hundred and twenty-two shares were purchased. Dividends and Capital Gains returned to the fund amounted to $121.58 and by December 28, 1961 the total shares reached 129.801. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees on January 10th 1962, a motion was passed that, when the fund reached $5,000.00 or at the expiration of five years, the assets should be reappraised and reconsidered. The principal of this fund to be held intact, the interest to be used at the discretion of the Trustees. The pledges the first year amounted to $2,085.00. The consideration of all members for this fund will be appreciated. At the January 1971 meeting of the Board of Trustees, it was voted to transfer the $3,000.00 which had accumulated in this Wellington Fund to the Windsor Fund for quicker growth and better returns. This transfer was accomplished January 29th, 1971.

In February 1961, the Commission of Membership and Evangelism inaugurated, for Ash Wednesday, a prayer vigil from noon to midnight with the congregation being assigned fifteen minute periods to enter the sanctuary for meditation, prayer and silent communion. On the first Sunday in October of each year, the Church participates in a World Wide Communion. What a privilege to know, that all over the world, on that day every Christian has the opportunity of partaking together of the Lord's Supper.

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Many and varied have been the Sunday service bulletin covers, depicting the architecture of the Church. The one being used in 1971 was first put in service September 18, 1960.

During the years of Rev. Hubbard's pastorate, it was his pleasure to have the Christmas tree in the sanctuary at the holiday season, with it's symbolism of life, light and beauty. At the close of the Christmas season, the tree was bereft of its beauty, and its branches and kept before the congregation as a cross, until springtime and Easter arrived to remind us of the rebirth and resurrection of all things alive and holy. On Good Friday the cross, crude and forlorn was wound with black, then on Easter Day appeared arrayed in beautiful white lilies as an emblem of the Risen Lord. This truly was a physical symbol of the Divine, that we, in Carbondale will always remember when a Christmas tree became a Cross.

In May 1968, from May until September a church pictorial album project was undertaken with a photographer and assistant from out of town. Information, relative to this project, was sent to each family of the church beforehand and sittings were arranged by a capable twosome. Mrs. Willis Snedeker and Mrs. George Tite made all the contacts and arrangements. This album proved to be a most attractive folder, with small inserts of the pictures taken and a complete list of all members of the Carbondale Church.

Congregational dinners have been a vital means of fellowship for all ages and groups of our Church members for understanding the yearly budget, for workers, for commitment and for the missionary trend of the study for the current year. One such meeting in 1966, sponsored by the Secretary of Missions assisted by the WSCS Secretary of Missionary Education was extremely interesting. A skit with characters portrayed by Miss Mary Hall and Mrs. Harry Cox was well received.

On April 10th, 1963 there was held for all a "Meal with the Master". This was a most unique meal including Holy Communion at the table and the meal very similar to that of which Christ partook with his disciples on that memorable night, so long ago.

In November 1956, the Christian Advocate, after one hundred and thirty years of publication for Methodist Constituents, was reborn as "together", the magazine for Methodist families. It has been hailed as the best all around religious magazine being published by Protestants. "Together" united the morals and ethics of the Church with everyday interests and problems of families. It serves the Church, while it inspires, informs and entertains. The Advocate became a counselor for the clergy and educators of Methodism.

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The "Upper Room" has been of service and inspiration to believers everywhere for many years. It is interdenominational, interracial, international, being published in forty-seven different editions around the world. Our constituents have been privileged in receiving this helpful, spiritual booklet for many years through the Committee on Membership and Evangelism for which we are deeply grateful.

Helping in the work of Missionaries and Church education Leaders in various places, "The Methodist Women" have been of great service to the WSCS. In 1968, when the new United Methodist Church came into being, this magazine was discontinued and "Response" became the guide and information Magazine.

In June 1969, the first issue of the "Grapevine" was coordinated in the church office by our efficient Church Secretary, Mrs. Ivan Mahady and mailed to all our church families. The editor was Pastor Frederick W Reinfurt, who received much commendation for his efforts in informing all the members of the activities and news pertaining to the Church, thus lessening the communication gap in our midst. Two editions were mailed in 1969 and two more in 1970.

In June 1964 the sanctuary floor was painted. The Property committee completed plans for this project, which was long overdue, during the summer vacation period at a cost of $400.00.

Many times, throughout the years, we have been privileged to hear and enjoy beautiful music. On October 10th, 1957 the Salvation Army Band of Binghamton, New York presented a program, under the auspices of the local Salvation Army corps. Refreshments were served by officers of the local group aided by the WSCS.

On November 24th, 1957, the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Charles Wesley was celebrated at the Morning service with Rev. Paul Hulslander as Pastor. Wesley Hymns were sung by the choir and congregation. Three special Hymns were sung which formed the keynote of the sermon and musical background by the organist, Mr. Tom Evans, whose ability at the organ added much to the Ministry of Music in the Church. His compositions and adaptability became an inspiration to all, along with the musical talent of his wife Jean. His composition " the Creation" was rendered many times as well as the beautiful song he composed "Thank Your God for Everything. "

Thank Your God for Everything

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Morning with the rising sun, Sees a new day just begun. Yesterday has come and gone, Leaving thoughts and cares behind. Weighing every thought and care Live to-day the best you can. Be Good- Be True - Be Kind. When the eventide shall come, At the Close of day, Cast your thoughts and cares aside Bend your knee and pray.

Thank you God for all the things That life's fullness to you brings, Thank Him for your friendships true, Like a vine around you cling. Thank Him for the stars that shine. Thank Him for His Love Divine. Say a prayer to Thank Your God For Everything.

Words and Music by Mr. Tom Evans, Scranton, Pennsylvania