Written by Gladys Gunsauls

On April 19th, 1959, a music conference in two sessions was held in this Church sponsored by the Scranton District Conference with Dr. Bliss Wyant, Director, Minister of Music of the General Board of Education, Nashville, Tennessee. Persons interested in music attended. Inspiration and knowledge were the result of the Hymn Sing, Workshop Session, instruction and interpretation in the use of the Hymns in worship by Wyant. Dinner was served at five thirty o'clock by WSCS. On March 15th, 1959, a sacred concert, sponsored by the MYF was rendered by the Choraleers, a group of women from Scranton and vicinity. This splendid program was directed by Miss Virginia Froster, Great Neck, New York.

During 1959 and 1960, a special thrill and enjoyment was given by the choirs from Embury Methodist Church of Scranton, Pennsylvania composed of seventy-five members in a Gymanfu Ganu, with all the singing of the wonderful Welsh hymns and songs. The Director, Mr. Sidney Lewis and the Organist, Mrs. Evelyn Camp were from Scranton. Favorite Welsh Hymns and sacred music were rendered by choirs and congregation.

On April 23rd, 1960, The Drew University Chorus of forty voices, from Madison, New Jersey rendered selections at the morning service. Mr. Lester Berenbroich was director. Malcom Hulslander, son of Rev. and Mrs. Paul J. Hulslander, and a student at Drew was a member of the group. Dinner was served to the group following the service by the Triple M's.

On March 14, 1967, a program with a Welsh background was enjoyed, sponsored by the WSCS as a regular program. Mr. Ivor Price, harpist, vocal solos by Miss Mary Morris and Mr. Albert Thorne, accompanied by Miss Marion Williams were presented. A social hour followed, highlighted with a Welsh atmosphere.

On October 24th, 1969, an organ recital by Miss Jean Rizzo, organist, added much to the inspiration and appreciation of this talented young artist educated in the areas of music here and abroad. Miss Rizzo charmed all by her selections and performance at the King of Instruments. Following her forty-five minute recital the Junior and Senior choirs were hostesses at a tea in the fellowship room. Proceeds from this affair were donated to Berean Baptist Building Fund, since they had suffered a devastating fire.

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In the spring of 1969, we were privileged to hear the choir from St. John's Russian Orthodox Church of Mayfield, Pennsylvania. Numbers of the selections were announced by Rev. Hubbard. Standing in the choir loft, the group was most impressive in their renditions of chosen selections without any accompaniment. Fellowship hour, with certain Russian delicacies was enjoyed by all present. The decorations and the tea table were most attractive with an Easter motif, arranged by the WSCS fellowship committee.

We have always been exceptionally proud of one of our Carbondaleans who has achieved great success as a coloratura soprano, Mrs. Elsie Widman Belascio, of Moosic, Pennsylvania, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Max Widman, Carbondale. On an evening in December 1969, Mrs. Belascio presented a varied program of solos, accompanied by Mrs. Beatrice Bloomer of Forty Fort. Pennsylvania, Organist and Choir Director of the Presbyterian Church, Forty Fort. This concert was held as a regular meeting of the WSCS with refreshments in a holiday mood following. As a Christmas program, this was a memorable and delightful occasion.

On Palm Sunday March 30th 1969, an impressive candlelight service "Tenebrae" was observed with Miss Nan Seigle at the console and Mrs. F. W. Reinfurt directing. This service portrayed the Holy Week Passion with seven musical selections, by the combined choirs in commemorating the shadows of our Lord's suffering from His betrayal through His crucifixion on His Way to the tomb. The acolyte was Miss Mary Ann Rushworth.

On Palm Sunday evening 1970, the Berean Baptist, First Presbyterian and United Methodist Churches enjoyed an evening of choral numbers presented by the Catholic Choral Group from Scranton, consisting of thirty voices, directed by Mr. Norbert Bette, of Scranton. Refreshments were served in the fellowship room by members of the Senior Choir.

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In December 1969, a Christmas dinner was served in the fellowship room to the elderly and lonely retired folks of our town. About eighty persons were present and thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship meal, provided by the merchants, townspeople and workers from the Carbondale Community Center.

From the earliest days of the institution of the Methodist Church in Carbondale, there has always been an understanding and interest in the services and programs of other denominations. For many years the congregations of the First Methodist, First Presbyterian and Berean Baptist have joined in worship services during a special week of prayer in the New Year and during Holy Week, with services, also, at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, these three churches have followed a plan of three weeks preaching and responsibility of all members, thus giving vacation and rest to each leader of his flock during July and August, for a period of six weeks each. A ministerium of a pastor and a layman from each church is responsible for all yearly plans.

In later years, the Lenten period, up to Holy Week, specialized in a Thursday evening service with other Protestant Churches: St. Paul's Lutheran, Trinity Episcopal, Assembly of God and Salvation Army; with the ministers and leaders participating in pulpits other than their own. These very satisfying interfaith movements in our community were augmented by a Thanksgiving service with the parishioners of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church. The first annual ecumenical service was held on Thanksgiving morning November 23, 1967 at ten o'clock in St. Rose Church. Five clergy participated. The address of welcome was given by Rev. William Fleming, and the Thanksgiving message by Rev. Charles Starzer, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. Scripture was read from the Old and New Testament, each followed by quiet meditation. Hymns by choir and congregation were rendered with Miss Elaine Coggins at the organ. Combined Choirs were directed by Sister Miriam, IHM. Other ministers participating were Rev Arthur Meneely, Baptist; Rev. Theodore Hubbard, Methodist; Rev. William Culnane, St. Rose.

The second ecumenical Thanksgiving service was held November 29th, 1968 in St. Rose Church with the following participating: Address of welcome, Rev. Charles Starzer; Scripture, Professor Leland Brunner, St. Paul's Lutheran; Rev. Cottone, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel; and Pastor F. W. Reinfurt, United Methodist. The message was by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas Horan, St. Rose and benediction by Rev. William Ellinger, Trinity Episcopal. The general chairman was Rev. Arthur Meneely, Baptist Church. The Holy Spirit was manifest in Scripture and Meditation, in the repeating of the Lord's Prayer in unison and singing of hymns by the joint choirs and the congregation. The ancient Christian custom of imparting the "Kiss of Peace" was manifested by all present. Miss Elaine Coggins was at the console and Sister Saracene, IHM was joint choir director.

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On November 27th, 1969 the ecumenical service was held at ten o'clock in the First Presbyterian Church. The address of welcome was given by Rev. William Ellinger, Trinity Episcopal and Scripture was read by Rev. F. W. Reinfurt, United Methodist; Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas Horn, St. Rose and Professor Leland Brunner, St. Paul's Lutheran. Each reading was followed by meditation. The Lord's Prayer was repeated in unison. Rev. Michael Zipay, Assistant Pastor of St. Rose, gave the message. The joint choirs, directed by Sister Joan Paskert, IHM, rendered an anthem. Mr. Donald Hoyle, Organist at First Presbyterian Church presided at the organ. Four hymns were sung by the choir and congregation. Benediction was pronounced by Rev. Charles Starzer, First Presbyterian, This was followed by the participation of the "Kiss of Peace" ceremony directed by Rev. Arthur Meneely, Baptist.

The fourth ecumenical service was held in the First United Methodist Church, November 26th, 1970 at ten o'clock with Rev. F. W. Reinfurt in charge. The Rev. Arthur Meneely delivered the sermon on the theme "For What". Other participants were Rev. William Ellinger, Rev. Charles Starzer and Rev. Michael Zipay. Music was furnished by combined choirs directed by Sister Joan Paskert, IHM.

In the fall of 1967, a crusade for Christ and His Church here at Carbondale was authorized by the Official Board, to initiate a crusade for funds for renovation of the Church property. In 1941, during the pastorate of Rev. John N. White, the sanctuary was redecorated with carpeting and painting. No other major improvements had been made since the installation of the boiler, more than sixty years ago, and the purchase of the present organ, costing $10,000, thirty-three years ago. So, in January 1968, six hundred and sixty-nine members embarked on a renovation and improvement crusade to finance necessary projects. The Methodist Board of Missions Office in New York City was enlisted for one of their staff of twenty-six clergymen who devote their full-time helping churches in fund raising. The Rev. Gordon Merritt was assigned to Carbondale for the appeal during January 18th to 31st, 1968. Plans were put into effect and by January 28th the membership, having been instructed and educated by many letters and by telephone and meetings of all canvassers, with a commissioning service at the morning worship service, the crusade reached its climax. Great enthusiasm was shown at the reports received, and at the report of the $50,000.00 mark all workers joined in singing the Doxology. However, the total kept climbing and at seven o'clock many lingered to discuss the fulfillment of the dream and the pledges reaching over the mark amount of Crusade Estimate $50,000.00; Total Canvas Pledge $71,986.00; Total amount paid December 31, 1969 $43,845.00. The Fund Raising Group was made up of the following: Crusade Director, Rev. Gordon Merritt; General Chairman, Carl Camin; Enlistment Chairman, Robert Vandenberg; Publicity Chairman, Ralph Dunn; Large Gift Chairman, Edwin Stoddard; Telephone Chairman, Mrs.. H. N. Lake; Refreshment Chairman, Mrs. John Stoddard; Crusade Secretary, Willis Snedeker; Auditor, William M. Davis; and the pastor Rev. Theodore I. Hubbard. The renovation program was compiled as follows; Installation of two new gas heaters; Repair organ; New bathroom in parsonage and redecorating where needed; complete redecorating of interior of sanctuary, assembly room, hallways and stairways; Artist's painting on divided doors; replacement of Choir Chairs; cleaning pew cushions; lowering ceiling in Assembly Room as a heat economy; renovating Men's and Women's Lounges; removing skylight and roof dome over the sanctuary; installing artificial lighting for dome (interior); repairing chimney; placing concrete basement drainage forms on north side of edifice; renewing front steps. All these were completed as of October 1st, 1970. Expected repairs are renew carpet in Assembly Room; new carpet for Sanctuary which was accomplished in 1972 while the carpet for the assembly room was completed in January 1974 in time for Bishop Ault's meeting. The money for this carpet was taken from the memorial fund depleting same and a bronze plaque was to be placed in assembly room denoting where the money came from.

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