New York May 1872

We have seen Rev. Alexander McLearn's plan of a comprehensive church record and esteem it worthy of very general use.

T. A. Morris

Edmund S. James

Levi Scott

Matthew Simpson

Edward R. Ames

Thomas Bowman

William L. Harris

Randolph S. Foster

Isaac W. Wiley

Stephen M. Merrill

Edward G. Andrews

Gilbert Weaver

Jesse T. Peck

The history of Methodism in Homer City written by H. J. Hickman in 1897, Introduction.

The origin and growth of a religious society is always of interest to the Universal Christian Church; and especially to the Denomination of which it forms or part, and to those who live or have lived in the community where such society has come into being and continued, and it is to be seriously regretted that in many cases Pastors in the M. E. Church, for reasons best known to themselves, have failed to write up the history of the societies committed to their care, usually the incumbent hesitates to commence because a beginning was not made by his predecessors. And in this very many important historical facts have been lost to the church. And it is as true as it is strange that the history of Methodism in Homer City has never been written until now. Although it has reached its seventy second anniversary. In the compilation of this historic sketch, the minutes and manual of the Pittsburg Conference, and the several histories of Indiana County have been found helpful and necessary, diligent inquiry has been made of the Methodist fathers and mothers in the neighborhood, their testimony taken, compared, sifted, and the desired or its obtained and verified. The task of a historian is ever and always very difficult, even if he would approximate correctness. And therefore perfection is not claimed in this sketch. But after great care, effort and research, we are persuaded that is as nearly accurate as can be made at this late date.

The first preaching and other religious services of the Methodist Episcopal persuasion in Homer City or near thereto where conducted by the Rev. Conly, a local preacher, commonly called Father Conly, at the home of William Bracken, in 1825. Brother Bracken was the first class leader of the society, and he held that office until relieved by death, April 25, 1825. The year that the Pittsburg Conference was formed, subsequently services were held in the home of Mrs. Mary Bowman, a widow, living on the Mechanicsburg Road east of town; and who with her daughters had previously come from east of the mountains, bringing her methodistic religion with her. Later services were held near the same place, on the Mechanicsburg Road, east of town, in a schoolhouse, where the present building was erected in the years following. Prayer and class meetings were sometimes held from house to house.

"The log meeting house," the first church in Homer. Still later, services were held in the "log meeting house," in Homer built and dedicated in 1840. It still stands on the ground now owned by B. F. Wineman, and is occupied by Henry Rupert, who outwardly at least dwells in the house of the Lord. The brick church, was commenced in the fall of 1855, T. J. Higgins, Pastor, G. D. Kinnear, P. E. and it was completed and dedicated in May 1856, H. L. Chapman, Pastor, D. L. Dempsey, E. P., William Wilson, contractor, price, $1,000.00.

William Bracken and wife; Mary Bowman and her daughters, Elizabeth and Jennie; Robert Montgomery and wife, and his two sisters, Jane and Margaret; John Mullen and wife, and his sister, Jennie; William McKee and wife; William Dickey and wife; Robert McKesson and his sister, Sarah; William McKesson and wife; Michael Kissinger and wife; Bernard Williams and wife; in all twenty four in all believing souls, all in glory now.

Rachel Bonar; Nancy Smith; Asbury Bracken; Samuel Dixon and wife; James Wakefield and wife; Hugh Devers and wife; William Drenning and wife; John Hays and wife; Robert McGee and wife; Isaac Killen and wife; Mother Lomison; Joseph Gilbert and wife; Robert Craig; Robert Wiley and wife; Mary Risinger; William Wilson and wife; Mary McConnaughey; George Dicke, Sr. and wife; Evaline Risinger; Elizabeth Kerr; Matilda Plornet; Elijah McKesson and wife; William, Sara, and Evaline McKesson; Mary Ellis; Jane McNutt; Margaret Risinger; Anna Pershing; John George and wife; Luman Gilbert; S. H. Drenning; and many others,perhaps, whose names have not been recorded and are lost to memory. And time would fail us should be attempt to enumerate the names of the much greater number who united with the Church after those pioneer or earlier years of Methodism in Homer City. Many of whom have gone to the eternal reward.

It is uncertain as to by whom the Homer appointment was served in ministerial service from the beginning in 1825 to 1829. But it was probably associated with Somerset Charge, and served by the preachers of that charge and some local preachers during the first four or five years. In 1830 to 1833, it was connected with the Blairsville Charge, and served as follows: 1830 - 1831, C. Thorn, 1832, J. G. Sanson and J. Martin, 1833, N. Callendar. 1834-1835, Homer was associated with the Indiana Charge and served as follows: 1834, T. Thompson. 1835, E. W. Worthington. In 1836 to 1842, Homer was connected with the Blairsville Charge and served as follows: 1836, G. D. Cinnear and H. Bradshaw. 1837, S. Eliott and J. McCloskey. 1838, J. Coil and D. Gordon. 1839, J. Coil and J. Ray. 1840, J. S. Williams and J. Graham. 1841, J. L. Williams and J. Shaw. 1842, C. Foster and D. S. Welling. In 1843 to 1868, Homer was associated with the Indiana Charge and served as follows: 1843, A. C. Gallahue and R. J. White. 1844, R. J. White and R. W. Barnes. 1845, J. White and G. W. Cranage. 1846, J. White and E. B. Griffen. 1847, M. L. Weekly and H. L. Haines. 1848, M. l. Weekly, J. Woodroff, and D. B. D. Campbell. 1849, J. Shaw. 1850, J. Shaw and one to be supplied. 1851, D. B. Campbell and J. R. Means. 1852, D. B. Campbell and one to be supplied. 1853, Joseph Horner. 1854, 1855, T. J. Higgins. 1856, H. L. Chapman. 1857-1858, James Bracken. 1859-1860, S. Burt. 1861, J. C. High. 1862-1863, R. Morrow. 1864-5-6, M. W. Dallas. 1867-8, J. B. Uber.

Homer City was laid and given its present name in honor of the ancient poet, by William Wilson, in 1854, one year before the Indiana branch of the P. R. R. was completed to Homer. It was completed to Indiana June 5, 1856. Brother Wilson and wife quietly sleep in the graveyard at Homer, between the R. R. and Yellow Creek. John Mullen, of precious memory, was the first superintendent of the Homer M. E. Sabbath School and held that office for many years. The churches in Homer came in the following order. The M. E. United Presbyterian, Presbyterian, Evangelical Lutheran and Baptist. Not too many for the town, but too many for the church going population.

At the sessions of the Pittsburg Conference held at New Philadelphia, Ohio, March 17 - 22, 1869, Homer was taken from the Indiana Charge, and Black Lick from the Blairsviille Charge, and formed into the Homer and Black Lick Charge. Since that time the following pastors have been appointed: 1869-1870, J. S. Wakefield. 1871-1872, Richard Jordan. 1873-1874, T. J. Kurtz. 1875-6, A. C. Johnson. 1877-1878, C. W. Miller. 1879-80-81, S. Keebler. 1882-3-4, W. A. Stewart. 1885, W. Johnson. 1886-7, J. B. Uber. 1888-9-90-1 & 2, J. N. Pershing. Brother Pershing's health failing in the beginning of 92, he was excused from the charge and J. N. Bracken, a local preacher living at Homer, and J. L. Stiffy, a member of the Conference filled out the year. In 1893, H. J. Altsman was appointed. 1894, A. P. Leonard. 1895, J. E. Kidney. 1896 & 7, H. J. Hickman. In 1874, Coketon was added, and then taken off and formed into a charge bearing its name. In 1874 the parsonage at Homer was built and the church at Black Lick commenced. It was completed and dedicated in May 1875. The parsonage is owned by the Homer congregation.

It is well that those whom it may concern shall this day consider to what we are come. The seventy-second anniversary of Methodism in Homer City; the fifty- seventh anniversary of the log-meeting house, and the forty- first anniversary of the brick church. Many changes have taken place in the membership since the beginning of Methodism in Homer. All of the earlier pastors and members and some of the pastors and many of the membership of later years have gone to the New Jerusalem there forever to wear their scepters, palms and crowns. The M. E. being the first church in town, many of other religious persuasions on coming to the place united with Methodists, and as churches of their first choice were started in the town they united with them. Thus depleting the membership constantly reduced by death and removals from the town. And because of all these things the membership is not as strong numerically and financially now as in earlier years. But still it survives a thrifty parent hive. "And the best of all is God is with us." And the plucky membership hope to see the day when they shall have a new larger, better, and more commodious house of worship. It has long been needed. Its absence seriously retards the interest of the Lord's cause in Homer. Certainly a new building cannot safely be delayed much longer. During the year the parsonage has been repaired to the amount of more than $100.00 and other repairs are contemplated. Peace and prosperity reigns throughout our borders and all the interests of the Charge are in a flourishing condition. Souls have been saved and added to the church. Most of the members of twenty-five or thirty years ago have died, removed, or in some way been lost to the church membership is now 134.

Stewards: J. L. Nix, S. H. Drenning, H. C. English, J. A. Kerr, B. F. Wineman, C. W. Sutton, H. C. Sickenberger and Michael Risinger. H. J. Hickman, chairman, S. H. Drenning, secretary and treasurer of the board. Brother Drenning also being recording steward.

J. L. Nix, president. B. F. Wineman, treasurer, and Harry Flickinger, secretary. With H. C. Sickenberger, J. A. Kerr, and Luman Gilbert as additional members of the board. Date of anniversary, Sab., A. M. August 8^th, 1897.

Deaths 2

Baptisms of children 7, Baptisms of adults 19

Probable value of the church $3, 800.00, Probable value of the parsonage $1,800.00

Paid for improvement $65.00

Paid on old debt $52.00

Current expenses $87.00

Sunday School:

Officers and teachers 30, Scholars of all age 247

Total expenses $42.00

Benevolent collections:

Missions from the church $27.00

Missions from the S S $13.00

Church extension $5.00

S. S. Union $2.00

Tract Society $2.00

Freedom's Aid & Southern Education Society $3.00

Education $16.00

American Bible Society $2.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastors paid salary $767.00, Pastors rent $100.00

Paid presiding elder $35.00

Paid Bishop $5.00

Paid Conference Claimants $27.00

Full Members 202

Deaths 2

Baptisms of children 2, Baptisms of adults 2

Probable value of church $2, 800.00, Probable value of parsonage $1,800.00

Present debt $100.00

Current expenses $114.00

Sunday School:

Officers and teachers 25, Scholars of all ages 135

Total expenses of school $42.00

Benevolent collections:

Missions from church $35.00

Missions from S. S. $11.00

Church extension $3.00

Education $5.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastors salary $526.00, Pastors rent $100.00

Paid presiding elder $29.00

Paid Bishop $12.00

Paid Conference Claimants $25.00

Full members 199

Deaths 1

Baptisms of children 6, Baptisms of adults 4

Probable value of church $3,800.00, Probable value of parsonage $2,000.00

Improvements $100.00

Paid on old debt $50.00

Present debt $50.00

Current expenses $135.00

Sunday School:

Officers and teachers 28, Scholars of all ages 145

Total expenses $25.00

Benevolent Collections:

Missions from church $28.00

Missions from S. S. $18.00

Church extension $1.00

Freedom's Aid & Southern Education Society $2.00

Education $5.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastors paid salary $600.00, Pastors rent $100.00

Paid presiding elder $35.00

Paid Bishop $6.00

Paid Conference Claimants $15.00

Probationers 2, Full Members 215

Deaths 4

Baptisms of children 4, Baptisms of adults 2

Probable value of church $4,000.00, Probable value of parsonage $2,000.00

Improvements $100.00

Paid on old debt $10.00

Present debt $40.00

Current expenses $140.00

Sunday School:

Officers & teachers 21, Scholars of all ages 150

Total expenses $25.00

Benevolent Collections;

Missions from church $30.00

Missions from S. S. $20.00

Church extension $1.00

Sunday School union $1.00

Tract Society $1.00

Freedom's Aid & Southern Education Society $1.00

Education $8.00

American Bible Society $1.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastors paid salary $700.00, Pastors rent $100.00

Paid presiding elder $40.00

Paid Bishop $7.00

Paid Conference Claimants $16.00

Full members 186

Pastors rent $150.00

Probationers 7, Full members 198

Deaths 2

Baptisms of children 8, Baptisms of adults 2

Probable value of church $4, 000.00

No of Conversion in Sunday School 4

Ministerial Support:

Pastors paid salary $688.94, Pastors rent $200.00

Paid presiding elder $34.00

Probationers13, Full members 193

Deaths 2

Baptisms of children 6, Baptisms of adults 1

Probable value of church $4, 000.00

Improvements $480.00

Paid on old debt $15.00

Present debt $60.00

Current expenses $154.00

Sunday school

Officers and teachers 25, Scholars 151

Average attendance of teachers and scholars 90

Total expenses S S $30.72

No of conversion in S S 7

Benevolent collections :

Missions from church $35.90

Missions from S S $33.10

Church extensions $9.00

Sunday School Union $4.00

Tracts Society $4.00

Freedom's Aid & Southern Education Society $6.00

Education $24.00

American Bible Society $5.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastors paid salary $750.00, Pastors rent $150.00

Paid presiding elder $40.00

Paid Bishops $9.00

Conference Claimants $20.00

Benevolent Collections $27.00

Probationers 7, Full Members 198

Deaths 3

Baptisms of children 7, baptisms of adults 4

Probable value of church $4,000.00, probable value of parsonage $2,000.00

Improvements $152.00

Paid on old debt $60.00

Current Expenses $115.00

Sunday School:

Officers & teachers 36, Scholars 155

Average attendance of teachers & scholars 100

Total expenses $115.00

Conversion in Sunday School 3

Benevolent Collections:

Missions from Church $81.00

Missions from SS $19.00

Church Extension $9.00

Sunday School Union $5.00

Tract Society $5.00

Freedom's Aid & Southern Education Society $6.00

Education $12.00

American Bible Society $5.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastors paid salary $810.00

Pastors rent $200.00

Paid presiding elder $50.00

Paid Bishops $10.00

Paid Conference Claimants $25.00

Other Benevolent Collections $175.00

Probable value of church $4,000.00, probable value of parsonage $2,000.00

Ministerial support:

Pastors paid salary $800.00, pastors rent $200.00

Paid presiding elder $50.00

Paid Bishops $10.00

Conference Claimants $25.00

Probationers 4, Full members 198

Deaths 4

Baptisms of children 13, baptisms of adults 5

Probable value of church $4,500.00, probable value of parsonage $2,000.00

Improvements $116.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastors paid salary $822.00, pastors rent $200.00

Presiding elder $50.00

Paid Bishops $10.00

Conference Claimants $25.00

Full members 200

Deaths 4

Baptisms of children 4, baptisms of adults 1

Probable value of church $4,500.00, probable value of parsonage $2,000.00

Improvements $155.00

Current expenses $128.00

Sunday School:

Officers & teachers 27, scholars 150

Average attendance of teachers & scholars 100

Total expenses $80.00

Number of Conversion in S S 3

Benevolent Collections:

Missions from the Church $100.00

Missions from the S S $18.00

Church Extension $2.00

Sunday School Union $1.00

Tract Society $1.00

Freedom's Aid & Southern Education Society $31.00

Education $30.00

American Bible Society $2.00

Women's Home Missionary Society $60.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastors paid salary $850.00, pastors rent $200.00

Paid presiding elder $50.00

Paid Bishops $10.00

Paid Conference Claimants $25.00

Full members 190

Deaths 3

Baptisms of children 3, baptisms of adults 2

Probable value of church $4,500.00, probable value of parsonage $2,000.00

Improvements $10.00

Current expenses $154.00

Sunday School:

Officers & teachers 29, scholars 155

Average attendance of teachers & scholars 100

Total expenses $60.00

Benevolent Collections:

Missions from Church $102.00

Missions from S S $25.00

Church extensions $2.00

S S Union $1.00

Tract Society $1.00

Freedom's Aid & Southern Education Society $9.00

Education $18.00

American Bible Society $2.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastor paid salary $806.00, pastors rent $200.00

Paid presiding elder $50.00

Paid Bishops $12.00

Paid Conference Claimant $28.00

Probationers 7, full members 207

Deaths 3

Baptisms of children 3, baptisms of adults 8

Probable value of church $4,500.00, probable value of parsonage $2,000.00

Improvements $485.00

Current expenses $160.00

Sunday School:

Officers & Teachers 29, scholars 175

Average attendance of teachers & scholars 145

Total expenses $65.00

Conversion in S S 22

Benevolent Collections:

Missions from Church $112.00

Missions from S S $26.00

Church extensions $2.00

S S Union $1.00

Tract Society $1.00

Freedom's Aid and Southern Education Society $14.00

Education $18.00

American Bible Society $2.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastors paid salary $;800.00, pastors paid rent $200.00

Paid presiding elder $50.00

Paid Bishops $12.00

Paid Conference Claimants $25.00

Probationers 12, Full members 250

Deaths 2

Baptisms of children 5, baptisms of adults 21

Probable value of church $4,000.00, probable value of parsonage $2,000.00

Improvements $1,061.00

Current expenses $175.00

Sunday School:

Officers & teachers 34, scholars 180

Total expenses $75.00

Conversion in SS 50

Benevolent Collections:

Missions from church $65.00

Church extensions home $57.00

Education $32.00

Ministerial support:

Pastors paid salary $800.00, pastors paid rent $200.00

Paid presiding elder $50.00

Paid Bishops $5.00

Paid Conference Claimants $12.00

Probationers 3, Full members 262

Local preachers 1

Deaths 7

Baptisms of children 4, baptisms of adults 5

Probable value of church $2,300.00, probable value of parsonage $4,000.00

Improvements $5,600.00

Present debt $10,400.00

Current expenses $229.00

Sunday School:

Offices & teachers 26, scholars 282

Average attendance 174

Total expenses $184.00

Conversions in SS 30

Benevolent Collections:

Missions from church foreign $37.00

Missions from S S foreign $10.00

Church extensions, home mission $25.00

S S Union $3.00

Education $5.00

American Bible Society $1.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastors paid salary $1,400.00, pastors paid rent $200.00

Paid presiding elder $50.00

Paid Bishops $7.00

Paid Conference Claimants $25.00

Other benevolent collections $25.00

Probationers 37, Full members 269

Deaths 2

Baptisms of children 8, baptisms of adults 9

Probable value of church $2,300.00, probable value of parsonage $4,000.00

Improvements $700.00

Paid on old debt $500.00

Present debt $9,986.00

Current expenses $282.00

Sunday School:

Officers & teachers 38, scholars 300

Average attendance 180

Total expenses $125.00

Benevolent Collections:

Missions from church $43.00

Church extensions $31.00

Sunday School Union $5.00

Freedom's Aid & Southern Education Society $12.00

Education $15.00

American Bible Society $2.00

Women's Foreign Missionary Society $4.00

Women's Home Missionary Society $49.00

Ministerial Support:

Pastors paid salary $1,400.00, pastors paid rent $200.00

Paid presiding elder $50.00

Paid Bishop $16.00

Paid Conference Claimant $26.00

Other Benevolent collections $59.00

Official Members for year beginning October, 1895

(1) Homer

Stewards: W. H. McConnaughy, R. P.

C. W. Sutton

G. L. Nix

George B. Stahl

Daniel Risinger, D. S. (resigned Dec. 26, 1895)

James B Grover

Trustees: Jeddediah Grover

G. W. Wineman

John A. Kerr

Daniel Risinger (resigned Dec. 26, 1895)

B. Frank Wineman

George B. Stahl

Class Leaders:

B. F. Wineman

Mikel Risinger

(2) Black Lick

Stewards: Jacob Gearhart

James Dixon

Charles L. Graff

Alex Hildebrand

William J. George

Trustees: Henry Graff

James Dixon

Jacob Gearhart

Alex Hildebrand

Sumner Graff

Class Leader: Alex Hildebrand (dismissed by letter Feb. 1, 1897)

President. League

Emma Berry (term expired)

Mamie E. Kidney

Elmer Parsons

James S. Nix, trustee, President of Board in 1898, 1899, and 1900

H. C. Sickenberger, trustee, removed June 16, 1902, withdrawn

B. F. Wineman, trustee

B. B. McConnaughey, trustee

John A. Kerr, trustee

Luman Gilbert, trustee, removed July 6, 1900, expiration of year

Harry Flickinger, trustee

C. S. Graff, trustee

E. E. Parson, trustee, removed November 20, 1901, removed before……….President of Board 1899 to 1900

Sumner Graff, trustee

Jacob F. Gerhard, trustee

Harry K. Graff, trustee

Harry Kinnan, trustee, removed July 18, 1903, removed to Hillside

J. S. Nix, steward, removed July 6, 1900, end of year

B. F. Wineman, steward

S. H. Drenning, recording steward, removed July 6, 1900, end of year

H. C. English, recording steward, removed July 6, 1900, expiration of term

John A. Kerr, recording steward

H. C. Sickenberger, recording steward, removed July 6, 1900, expiration of term

G. H. Dobson, recording steward

H. H. Risinger, recording steward

Jacob F. Gerhard, recording steward

Charles S. Graff, district steward

James Dixon, district steward, removed July 6, 1900, expiration of term

Sumner Graff, district steward

Sam R. Mock, district steward, appointed October 1898, removed March 22, 1904, moved to Brush Valley

S. F. Clark, district steward, appointed October 18999, removed July 6, 1900, expiration of term

J. S. Nix, S. S. Superintendent

C. S. Graff, S. S. Superintendent, removed at end of term

H. C. English, trustee, appointed July 6, 1900, removed by certificate in 1906

Scott Wiley, trustee, appointed July 6, 1900, removed March 29, 1901 to Hebracken(?) elected President of Board in 1900

S. S. McFeaters, steward, elected July 6, 1900

E. J. Kunkle, recording steward, elected July 6, 1900

Annie Nix, president of Epworth League, removed at end of term

S. K. Mock, president of Epworth League, removed at end of term

E. E. Parson, S. S. Superintendent, expiration of term

E. E. Parson, president of Epworth League, expiration of term

Revised List as of November 1, 1906

George Wiley, president of Epworth League, appointed in 1900, removed at end of term August 11, 1906

H. H. Risinger, class leader, appointed December 28, 1906

B. F. Wineman, class leader, appointed November 1, 1906, at Homer appointment

S. H. Drenning, class leader, appointed December 28,1906

G. H. Dobson, class leader, removed November 1, 1906, successor appointed

J. S. Nix, class leader, appointed December 1899, removed November 1, 1906, successor appointed

E. J. Kunkle, class leader, appointed December 1899, at Homer appointment, re-appointed November 1, 1906

Charles S. Graff, class leader, removed November 1, 1906, successor appointed

Emma C. Berry, class leader, appointed 1899, removed by certificate March 14, 1905

Elmer E. Parson, class leader, appointed 1899, removed November 10, 1901 to New Florence

Sarah Palmer, class leader, appointed 1899, removed November 1, 1906, successor appointed

J. F. Gerhard, class leader, appointed November 1, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Abbie Mock, class leader, appointed in 1899, removed in 1904 by letter

Gertrude E. Stephens, class leader, appointed July 1900, removed March 1906 by letter

George Wiley, trustee, appointed July 24, 1901, removed August 11, 1906, successor elected

Lucy Graff, S. S. Superintendent, appointed May 1, 1901, removed May 1, 1902, end of term

Mrs. J. E. Inskeep, Epworth League president, appointed January 1, 1901, removed

J. F. Gerhard, S. S. Superintendent, appointed May 1, 1902, at Black Lick appointment

Samuel McFeaters, Epworth League president, appointed January 1, 1902, removed January 1, 1903, end of term

James Grover, trustee, appointed July 24, 1902, removed August 11, 1906, successor elected

Jacob George, trustee, appointed July 24, 1902, and August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Herman Wiley, trustee, appointed July 18, 1903, and August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

A.M. Welshonce, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, at Homer appointment

George Rager, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

John Kerr, class leader, appointed November 1, 1906, at Homer appointment

Mrs. James Gardner, class leader, appointed November 1, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Jacob Gerhart, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Charles L. Graff, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Sumner Graff, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Harry Graff, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Herman Wiley, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Jacob Gerhart, steward, appointed August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Charles Graff, steward, appointed August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Sumner Graff, steward, appointed August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Samuel McFeaters, steward, appointed August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Jacob George, steward, appointed August 11, 1906, at Black Lick appointment

Lucy Graff, class leader, appointed November 1, 1906

James L. Nix, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, at Homer appointment

James L. Nix, S. S. Superintendent, at Homer appointment

Harry Flickinger, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, at Homer appointment

James Grover, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, removed September 11, 1907 by Conference, at Homer appointment trustee,

John Kerr, trustee,appointed August 11, 1906, at Homer appointment

Frank Wineman, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, at Homer appointment

Beamer McConnaughey, trustee, appointed August 11, 1906, at Homer appointment

J. D. George, trustee, appointed October 20, 1907, at Homer appointment

George Dobson, steward, appointed August 11, 1906, at Homer appointment

John Kerr , steward, appointed August 11, 1906, at Homer appointment

J. E. Kunkle, steward, appointed August 11, 1906, at Homer appointment

M. H. Risinger, steward, appointed August 11, 1906, at Homer appointment

Frank Wineman, steward, appointed August 11, 1906, at Homer appointment, removed September 11, 1907 by Conference

J. E. Kunkle, Epworth League president, at Homer appointment

Mrs. James Gardner, Epworth League present, appointed May 1906, at Black Lick appointment

D. L. Snyder, trustee, appointed October 1907, at Homer City

J. M. Carson, trustee, appointed October 1907, at Homer City

Dickson Stevens, steward, appointed October 1907, at Homer City

Harry Trusal, steward, appointed October 1907, at Homer City

George Welchonce, steward, appointed October 1907, at Homer City

William Masterson

Hannah Cromlish

Abraham T. Duryea, Jr.

Martha Williams

Ananias K. Pershine

Mary Onderdonk

Peter Perkins Cantrell

Montrose Sleight

Z. N. McMillan

Mary Ann Peterson

Peter Myers

Gonzales Francisco

Horace B. Moon

Catherine Young

Albert R. Graham

O. O. Rinehart

Marietta Joyce

Maggie T. Macfarlan

Dorothy Abrams

Mary Jane Twombly

George P. Unsworth

Maxwell McMichaels

Antoinette Husted

Sarepta J. Fish

John S. Yancy

Virginia Barr Tine

Clarence Underwood

James O. Isaacs

Nancy M. Queripel

Salina Jeanette Ellis

Mary A. Kerr

Isaac Nodine

Benjamin K. Simonson

Amanda Pierce

Valentine Drummond

Myers O. Lorimer

Horace M. Terwilliger

The organ was installed under the pastorship of Rev. F. A. Edmond, 1941 or 1942.

Pastor salary $1,200.00

District Superintendent $72.00

Bishops $28.00

Conference Claim. $120.00

Baptisms of adults 3, children 12

Preparatory Members received 4

Deaths 6

Full Members 328

Non Resident Members 45

Sunday School

Sundays Schools 1

Officers and teachers 23

Total enrollment 381

Value of Church $20,000.00

Value of Parsonage $5,000.00

Improvements $420.00

Paid on Old Debt $650.00

Current Expenses $650.00

Ministerial Support

Pastor salary $1,600.00, rent $400.00

District Superintendent $72.00

Bishops $34.00

Conference Claim. $120.00

Board of Home Missions & Ch. Exten. $359.00

Freedmen's Aid Society $25.00

Sunday School $2.00

Pub Ed. Col. $21.00

Childrens Day Fund $32.00

American Bible Society $10.00

Bord of Temp. Etc $10.00

General Deacon Board $3.00

W. F. M. Society $99.00

Total Discp. Benevo. $938.00

Home Benevolence $25.00

All other Benevolences $136.00

Total $1,099.00

Childrends Day Fund $26.00

W.F.M. Society $109.00

Total Discp. Benevo. $839.00

Home Benevolence $25.00

All other Benevolences $433.00

Total $1,297.00

Board of Foreign Missions Total $633.00

Board of Home Missions Total $633.00

Childrens Day Fund $56.00

Home Benevolence $45.00

Grand Total $1,367.00

Board of Foreign Missions Total $650.00

Board of Home Missions Total $645.00

Childrens Day Fund $11.00

Home Benevolence $85.00

A S League $39.00

Other $247.00

Circle S League $39.00

Other Items $244.00

Grand Total $1,674.00

Local Preachers 1

Deaths 3

Baptisms of Children 1

Probable value of Church $20,000.00, Parsonage $4,000.00

Improvements $5,600.00

Present Debt $10,400.00

Current Expenses $165.00

Sunday School

Officers and teachers 18, Scholars 207

Average attendance of teachers and scholars 139

Total expenses of school $156.00

Benevolent Collections

For Missions from Church $12.00

For Missions from Sunday School $12.00

Church Extension $3.00

F. Aid & S E Society $2.00

Ministerial Support

Pastor salary $900.00, rent $200.00

Paid Presiding Elder $25.00

Paid Episcopal Fund $4.00

Paid Conference Claimants $13.00

Other Collections $7.00

Probationers 4, Full Members 167

Baptisms of Children 2, Adults 3

Probable value of Church, $20,000.00, Parsonage $4,000.00

Improvements $500.00

Paid on Old Debt $400.00

Present Debt $10,000.00

Sunday School

Officers and teachers 19, scholars 241

Total expense of School $95.00

Benevolent Collections

For Missions from Church $21.00

Church extensions $15.00

F. Aid & S E Society $5.00

Education Children's Fund $6.00, other obi'ts $2.00

S. S. Union $2.00

Am. Bible Society $1.00

W. F. M. Society $4.00

Ministerial Support

Pastor salary $900.00, rent $200.00

Paid Presiding Elder $25.00

Paid Episcopal Fund $8.00

Paid Conference Claimants $13.00

Other Collections $16.00

James L. Nix - Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, elected Sept. 1908

B. B. McConnaughey - Trustee, elected Sept. 1908

H. H. Scott - Trustee, elected Sept. 1908, died

Harry Flickinger - Trustee, elected Sept. 1908

J. B. Grover - Trustee, elected Sept. 1908

B. F. Wineman - Steward, Leader, Trustee, elected Sept. 1908

C. F. Jamison - Trustee, elected Sept. 1908, official relation ceased Sept. 1909

D. E. Risinger - Trustee, elected Sept. 1908

John Carson - Trustee, elected Sept. 1908

John Kerr - Steward, Leader, elected Sept. 1908

J. E. Kunkle - Steward, Leader, elected Sept. 1908

A. M. Welchonce - Steward, President E P League, elected Sept. 1908

C. Myers - Steward, elected Sept. 1908, official relation ceased Sept. 1910

H. R. Grumbling - Steward, elected Sept. 1908

Dickson Stephens - Steward, elected Sept. 1908

Harry Trusal - Steward, elected Sept. 1908, official relation ceased Sept. 1909

M. H. Risinger - Steward, elected Sept.. 1908

J. W. Evans - Steward, elected Sept. 1908

Simon Drenning - Steward, Leader, elected Sept. 1908

J. S. Evans - Leader, elected Sept. 1908

Jessie D. George - Trustee, elected May. 1911

George Dobson - Steward

Bishop - Lloyd C. Wicks

Church School

Officers and teachers 23, scholars 423

Average attendance of Sunday School 197

Baptisms of Infants 13, all others 16

Preparatory and Profession of Faith Members 38

Transferred Members 7

Deaths 6

Total Full Members on Roll 481

Ministerial Support

Salary of Minister and Associate Minister $4,000.00

OMS $900.00

ADM $225.00

Pension Fund $265.00

Special Offerings $315.47

W. S. C. S.

Local Work $685.00

World Service and Conference Benevolences $1,700.00

District Superintendent - Edward L. Bretticher

Bishop - Lloyd C. Wicks

Church School

Officers and teachers 22, scholars 432

Average attendance of Sunday School 197

Baptisms of Infants 16, all others 6

Preparatory and Profession of Faith Members 27

Transferred Members 3

Deaths 4

Total Full Members on Roll 501

Ministerial Support

Salary of Minister and Associate Minister $4,000.00

OMS $900.00

ADM $225.00

W. S. C. S.

Local Work $250.00

World Service and Conference Benevolences $1,800.00

Conference year 1956-57

Just prior to conference awnings for parsonage were purchased for $114.00. Also an 18" power mower was gotten for $79.00.

June - Parsonage ceilings and one small room were papered for $41.60, paper etc. cost $44.48.

June - New door bell, bathroom lights and lights above kitchen sink were gotten for $13.60.

June - Mineograph machine repairs cost about $34.00.

Aug. - Floor sanding in parsonage, one large bedroom and upstairs hall, $50.68.

Aug. - 4 screens for parsonage kitchen were made by Kunkle's also outside cellar screendoor.

Oct. - Living room rug purchased 23'1"X15' cash donations over $300 W. S. C. S. paid the rest

Total cost of carpet and pads was $540.00.

Oct. - stairpads for parsonage $20.10 (16 pads).

Oct. - Church and parsonage bricks were pointed and caulking done $1241.28.

Nov. - Mrs. Ross left the church $500.00. Less tax $425. This sum paid Rev. Ling for money he spent when the parsonage was built. By action of Official Board.

Feb. - Preparatory membership class started with 28 youth from 11 1/2 to 17 attending each Sunday

March - Week of dedication offering was $51.88.

April 7^th - 10 youth and adults were baptized.

April 14^th - Palm Sunday - 8 infants and young children were baptized. 2 adults joined the church by transfer; 12 adults on Profession of Faith; Preparatory membership class of 27 youths from 12-17 joined. Total 41.

Paid out for repairs to church and parsonage this year was $2,217.54.

April 21^st - Easter. Sunrise breakfast and service at 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. respectively.

Cantata by choir in evening. Wonderful service Lenten boxes $847 and some late boxes

April 28^th - Installation of official members of the church

July 2-6 - Parsonage bathroom had to have repairs to sink & tub. Done by Kunkle's. $51.00.

Oct. - Visitors book presented by Golden Gleamers Class

Jan. 19^th - Public address system presented by Church in memory of Mrs. Mary Ross.

Dec. 22^nd - Christmas dinner at 5:30 for all our church and church school. Mrs. Gordon Clark planned it all. 240 attended. Christmas program followed.

Dec. - Rev. Ling's salary was paid in full after 1/4 century. $1,179.00.

Feb. - Mar. - Organ pipes all cleaned and organ repaired.

W. P. McCune, minister

B. B. McConnaughey, Trustee, appointed Dec. 1919, official relation ceased when he died

J. D. George, Trustee, appointed Dec. 1919, term expired Dec. 1922

Harry Flickinger, Trustee, appointed Jan. 9, 1921, term expired Dec. 1923

B. F. Wineman, Trustee, appointed Jan. 9, 1921, term expired Dec. 1923

D. E. Risinger, Trustee, appointed Jan. 9, 1921, term expired Dec. 1923

J. M. Carson, Trustee, appointed Dec. 1918, term expired Dec. 1921

J. L. Nix, Trustee, appointed Dec. 1919, term expired Dec. 1922

F. A. Opdyke, Trustee, appointed Dec. 1918, term expired Dec. 1921

Charlie Myers, Trustee, appointed Dec. 1918, term expired Dec. 1921

J. E. Kunkle, steward, appointed Sept. 1920

Dick Stephens, steward, appointed Sept. 1920

G. W. Wakefield, steward, appointed Sept. 1920

J. W. Evans, steward, appointed Sept. 1920

H. R. Grumbling, steward, appointed Sept. 1920

Oliver McKee, steward, appointed Sept. 1920

A M. Welchonce, steward, appointed Sept. 1920

Gilbert Penman, steward, appointed Sept. 1920

Dan Harmon, steward, appointed Sept. 1920

Edward S. Potts, steward, appointed Sept. 1920

Mrs. Oliver McKee, President Ladies A. S., appointed Sept. 1920

Mrs. G. W. Wakefield, President W. F. M. S., appointed Sept. 1920

Miss Mary English, Epworth League President, appointed Sept. 1920

Dan Harmon, Trustee, appointed Jan. 2, 1921, term expired Dec. 1922

Miss Martha Myers, President of the Epworth League, appointed Jan. 2, 1921, expired Jun. 1921

Mrs. Martha Kunkle, President of Epworth League, appointed Jun. 1921, expired Sept. 1921

Virgil A. Chilcote, Local Preacher, appointed Sept. 1922

D. E. Risinger (3 years), elected July 21, 1924, Trustee

J. B. Cramer (3 years), appointed July 21, 1924, Trustee

J. D. George (2 years), appointed July 21, 1924, Trustee

Dick Stephens (2 years), appointed July 21, 1924, Trustee

Harry Flickinger (1 year), appointed July 21, 1924, Trustee

F. A. Opdyke (1 year), appointed July 21, 1924, Trustee

Record of official members September 21, 1927

Dick Stephens, President, Trustees, appointed Sept. 20, 1927 to Sept. 1930

J. B. Cramer, Secretary, Trustees, appointed Sept. 20, 1927 to Sept. 1930

J. D. George, Trustee, appointed Sept. 20, 1927 to Sept. 1930

D. E. Risinger, Trustee, appointed Sept. 1926 to Sept. 22, 1929 for 3 years

Harry Flickinger, Trustee, appointed Sept. 1926 to Sept. 22, 1929

John Carson, Trustee, appointed Sept. 1926 to Sept. 22, 1929

F. A. Opdyke, Trustee, appointed Sept. 1925 to Sept. 1928 for 2 years

Don Harris, 1934,

A A. Weaver, Trustee

Mrs. C. F. Jameson, Communion Steward, Sept. 23, 1934

Mrs. B. B. McConnaughey, Communion Steward

Stewards:

J. E. Kunkle

G. W. Wakefield

Thomas Jeffrey

John Evans

Samuel Welden

W. O. Dillinger

J. F. Watterson

H. R. Grumbling

E. S. Potts

David Ruddock

David Gilhouser

C. F. Jamison

Arthur A. Frederick

John Brilhart

A M. Welchonce

W. L. Hutchinson

Gilbert Pennman

Ralph Kunkle

Oliver McKee

Dan Harmon

Lile Kunkle

July 13, 1876, after the coalition of Homer and Phillips Mills the village was named Homer City

August 30, 1908 the church was dedicated and incorporated under the corporate name of "The Methodist Episcopal Church" of Homer City

In 1909 the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, The Methodist Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church united into The Methodist Church

In the 1930's the original kitchen downstairs was used for chicken and waffle dinners

In 1930 the present parsonage was built at a cost of $8,000. Ed Kunkle was the chief builder and the project was called "Ed Kunkle Baby" because only the best materials went into it.

In 1931 the old parsonage was sold to J. E. Kunkle and removed to the adjoining lot.

On July 31, 1940, an organ was installed with 353 pipes and 12 chimes from Wicks Organ Co., Highland, ILL, for $2,295

In 1942 the restroom's were added in the basement, the women's restroom was the original kitchen

In 1943 loafers on the front lawn was a concern and the church asked for police protection

In the 1950's there was no paid organist, choir director, treasurer, or secretary. All of these services were freely given.

In 1962 the Smith residence on Main Street was used for Sunday School classes and was named the "Asbury House"

In 1965 a grand piano was purchased for $1,700

In 1968 the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church united and became the United Methodist Church

In April of 1970 Roy and Theda Ginter tore down the Asbury House

In 1970 a 2 manual pipe organ console of stop-key design, complete with pedal clavier, music rack and organ bench was purchased for $2,946

In 1976 the stained glass windows were renovated at $21, 000, aluminum framing, releading and installation of plex-o-glass to replace the storm windows.

In 1985 a Joy Bells handbell choir was started

On May 3, 1992 the ground breaking for a 9,000 square foot Education/Social addition at a cost of $525,000. Also the old garage in the back corner of the lot was torn down.

On January 24, 1993 the consecration and dedication of the new building.

1900 to 1940's

- Epworth League (young people) met Sunday evenings.

1920 to 1940's

- Working Men's Bible Class

1930 to 1940's

- Adult Sunday School devotions were together except for the men which was held downstairs in the front room with the S S Superintendent having devotions. The Beginners class was in the choir room and young children in annex, behind the folding doors, room divide with a long green curtain.

- Ideal Class formed by Lorraine Jeffrey and others for women too young for Golden Gleaner Class. As attendance lessened, the Friendship Class (Mrs. Ruth Rhine, teacher) merged with Ideal to become the Ideal Friendship Class

- Sunday evening services were held even though not well attended

- Wednesday evening prayer meetings were well attended