The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-07-23
WEST SCRANTON

this time and still continues 10 sing good
music
As soon as a charter could be procured the
new society bought the old church property
for $3.50 from John II. Hail, who held the
title at that time. A debt of 500 which re-
msned was soon provided for. The church was
painted and other Improvements made The
old society presented to the new their library.
church organ and many other articles which
| cannot now be recalled.
The annual conference Of 1883 appointed a
young man by the name Of George e. Lewis.
lie Immediately came and went 10 work at
very difficult TASK, hut being a man full OF
Christian zeal and a faith that reached TO heaven
the church wonderfully prospcred. During the
pastorate Of this good brother, the church
doubled its membership, the mortgage was can.
celled, a parsonage erected at a cost Of 81, 100
and all paid for but 500.
In the midst Of the incessant toll his health
failed and the angels came and bore away one
Of the most earnest pastors in the vineyard
nj the Master In the year OF 1857 Brother
Lewis was succeeded by Rev. W II. Netherton,
who for two years proved himself a workman
Of the first magnitude a powerful preacher
and faithful pastor During this paStorlte many
souls were born into the kingdom some OF which
Ieman 10 this day
The conference Of 1899 appointed Rev. stephen
Elwcll, who for two years was earnest and
faithful in his work. lie succeeded in raising
the debt that still remained on the parsonage
and during the second year Of the pastorite
| assisted by Evangelist Kane, a most powerful
revival was conducted making necessary the
erection OF a larger house of worship; so in
| the year Of 1891 the work Of building new
church was begun and pushed TO completion
| under the pastorate Of Rev. n. n. Benedict.
In February OF 1892 the church was dedicated
| by Bishop McCabc, and every dollar Of the
4, ii dad ~
salary was raised TO $500 the first time in
| the history Of the church that it was able TO
| pay that amount
| In the spring Of lSao Rev e. H. IlavcS was
| appointed pastor. lie was an extraordinary
preacher. The year passed quietly away. resting
| from the terrible strain Of building the church
| IN the previous year. One thousand dollars was
| collected this year on the pledges of the church
| debt.
| There was also revival in the winter in
| which many souls we're converted 1t would
| be well TO mention here the valuable services
| rendered by X. W. Henderson who came 10 the
| church from the central city. lie was a will.
| ing worker in all departments of church work
| and especially along fnanca, lines. While he
was not able to give large sums Of money him
| self he had the faculty Of getting it from Others
| Another valuable man was James ShiAcr.
| There came a time in the history Of the church
when she was greatly embarrassed owing 10
! financial difficulties. The trustees were unable
| to procure money, ana Brother ShiTcr borrowed
5000 on his own responsibility and turned it to
| the church.
| Brother Henry, Smith, who is still an active
| member, must not he forgotten as a faithful,
conscientious servant Of God, faithful to all his
| duties and most liberal Giver
| The conference Of 1893 appointed Rev A. W,
| Cooper, who remained in the charge two wears.
| lie was amply endowed for tho work being 4,