By: Tammy H. Marchewka

The history of the Owensdale United Methodist Church, originally known as the Owensdale United Brethren Church, is also the history of a patch town and the people who lived and worked there. Owensdale, which also went by the names of Tintsman and Summit Mines, was settled around 1872 by people who worked in the local coal mines and coke ovens.  It is situated in a valley surrounded by hilly farm land.

It was these people, farmers, miners and laborers who got together to form the Owensdale Class, as it was first known.  It was recorded that the church was organized under God by Rev. A.L. Funk in the year 1884. They met in the Owensdale school house.  In the fall of 1884 a church building was erected. This has been the only church in the village.

The original members were: Frank Chain and wife, Nathaniel King and wife, J.D. Porter and wife, William Owen and wife, Joseph Ragon and wife, William Hybarger and wife, Mrs. R. O. Keister, Mary Owen, Anna K. Owen, Maggie Porter, G.W. Porter and Norman King.

In the year 1885, Mt. Nebo and Owensdale churches became a circuit, first named Mt. Nebo Circuit, then later changed in 1890 or 1891 to the Westmoreland Circuit.

The early members were a lively and sometimes rowdy group as was evident by bills that were printed and posted in the church during March 1891. On these were rules for conduct such as “No spitting tobacco on the floor.”  Also, “All persons must keep good order during service hours” and “Persons are requested to kneel during prayer.”

During the late 1890′s there was a bitter struggle between the coke workers and the H.C. Frick Coke Co.  The church was torn by strife. Many left the church as a result.

Through the years membership either increased or decreased due to families moving away for work or marriage.

The church was not only a place of worship but of fellowship and sometimes entertainment in the early days. It still is today.  Picnics, church dinners, musical groups, and even movies were part of the fun times.  There has been active teen groups throughout the years and currently Bible school draws many children from the community that otherwise never attend church.

One tradition the church has maintained through the years is children’s day.  This is when the children recite speeches and sing songs in place of the regular worship.  Long ago during children’s day it was a packed church where people actually stood outside and watched through the windows.

Prayer meetings and Bible studies were, and still are, held by various ministers.  Sometimes crowds were over twenty or as few as four were in attendance.

Revival meetings were once held frequently during the early days of the church.  Not only were they a source of inspiration to the church, but also an opportunity for a social activity.  They were led by visiting ministers or evangelists who preached on repentance and hell, often scaring young people to the point that walking home at night after revival was frightening for some.  During the winter of 1884-1885, a revival was conducted by Rev. A. L. Funk which resulted in over one hundred conversions.  Today, revivals are not attended by many and are not held for years at a time.

Church records of April, 1890 show that active members were diligent about paying their tithes.  A committee was formed to go door-to-door and encouraged those who were delinquent to “pay up their assessments.” Such practices would not be acceptable today.

Even though there have been times the church was low on funds, they always supported missions, charities and local people in need realizing this is what Jesus would have them do.

Another active ministry of the church is the choir.  Dedicated choir members and pianist have served the congregation and ministers for years with their uplifting music.

Many changes and improvements have been made on the church building over the years.  Electricity was installed in 1916 replacing messy kerosene lamps.  A coal furnace was added in 1903.  Stone sidewalks were purchased in 1904.  Considering the fact that most people walked to church on a dirt and sometimes muddy road in cold weather, these were welcome improvements to the building and the care thereof.

The basement was dug out and stone walls and cement floor poured in 1920.  Talk of adding on to the building began in 1910, then 1937, before becoming a reality in the late 1950′s.  The additional classroom space and enlarged sanctuary were greatly appreciated.

During a board meeting of June 1913, it was reported that a contractor stated that “the building was not hardly worth repairs” and insisted on replacing it with a new one.  At the August 1913 board meeting it was discussed building a new church and naming it the “Solomon Keister Memorial Church” of Owensdale, provided the Keister family approved. Trustees visited the Christian church of Connellsville for plans for the new church.  The trustees were pleased with the Christian church but left the decision up to the congregation.  For reason unknown, the plans for the new church were dropped and we worship still today in the original but improved building.

The most significant change to the church was in April, 1968 when the Evangelical United Brethren church merged with the Methodist church, forming the United Methodist church.  Not all members were in favor of the merger but the church survived the change.

At one time Alverton and Wesley Chapel were part of the circuit. We were also aligned with the East Connellsville and Greenwood Churches in Connellsville  Today with Jacob’s Creek Church, we for the Jacob’s Creek and Owensdale United Methodist Charge.

As we know, the church is not the building but the body of believers who worship the risen Savior.  This tradition will never change though buildings, worship styles and congregations do.