by Ruth Schwalm

Members of the Bicentennial Committee set aside April 30th, 2000, as "Heritage Sunday," the date on which to celebrate the lives and contributions of thirty-three persons who had been members of the Shiremanstown congregation for fifty or more years. In addition to the honorees, many of their family members and friends, as well as the congregation and guests brought the attendance at the morning worship service and celebration to 367. In addition to Rev. John A. Ile, the presiding pastor, other ministers present included Rev. Guy Baer, Rev. Theodore Mefferd, Rev. Martin Trostle, District Superintendant Rev. Sharonn Halderman, Rev. Robert Reasey and Rev. Thomas W. Guinivan.

Mrs. Carol Wilson, daughter of Vera and Gary Glasgow, and co-chair of the Bicentennial Committee, suggested the preparation of the booklet, Celebrating our 50-Year Members, which contains transcribed interviews of the honorees. Vera and Gary Glasgow spent numerous hours gathering memories of participation in the congregation’s activities; of this church’s contributions to the community and to the denominations of which it was a part; first, United Brethren in Christ; second, the Evangelical United Brethren, and presently, the United Methodist Church. Each person being honored was asked to provide a picture for the booklet and was given an opportunity to review a draft of the interview before the data went to press. According to Vera Glasgow, she and Gary had interviewed 38 persons, three of whom have died (Helen Meck, Lloyd Sultzbaugh, and Theodore Mefferd). She reported the total combined years of service to the congregation by these 38 members as 2192! How great their gift!

During the tribute to these 50-year plus members, Vera Glasgow read the name of each honoree; gave a brief excerpt from his/her printed interview, and had the person come forward to receive a "Certificate of Honor," a copy of Celebrating our 50-Year Members," and to be photographed during these presentations. The number of years of membership for each was also stated beginning with 50 through 79 years; the latter celebrated by Margaret Koch.

Persons honored were: Caroline Sultzbaugh, Bernice Konstant, Janet Walters, Clare Seely, Betty Seely, Sara Tritt, Marlin Emlet, Freda Emlet, Hulda Kinsey, Gladys Townsend Ensor, Mary Whitcomb, Mary Jane Hiner, Thelma (Sipe) Grove, Romayne Rupp, Paul L. Cressman, Jr., Thelma Cressman, Mary Sheely, Margaret Koch, Verna Zerbe, Leroy Meck, Clyde Miller, Violet Mefferd, Naomi Morgret, C. Freeman Grosz, Virgia Grosz, John Wolfe, Evelyn Heffner, Ray Prowell, Pearl Prowell, and Dorothy Browand. (Five additional persons and their years of membership who chose not to be interviewed were: Alva Dentler (50 years), Lyman Orr (54 years), Phyllis Shaffer (52 years), Betty Stephenson (51 years), and Harry C. Stephenson (63 years)).

The Bicentennial theme, "Hope for the Future through Faith from the Past" rang increasingly true as all shared in singing the familiar hymns "Wonderful Words of Life," "Hallelujah! What a Savior," and "Faith of our Fathers." The choral congregational response following Pastor Ile’s benediction and written by Charles (Chip) Custer was sung with expectancy.

"God has blessed all His people since times long ago

He has shown if we trust Him His mercies will last

We can live with assurance that our church will grow

For there’s hope for the future through faith from the past.

Oh there’s hope for the future-there’s hope for the future

We can live with assurance that our church will grow

For there’s hope for the future through faith from the past."

Following the taking of a group picture of the honorees, the congregation enjoyed the opportunity to fellowship around beautifully arranged tables with silver service, flowers, and delicious refreshments.

Beginning promptly after the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service, the 50-year plus member honorees, their family members and friends joined them in the Fellowship Center of Shiremanstown United Methodist Church to enjoy the Celebration Dinner to which they were invited by the Bicentennial Committee.

Tables were beautifully decorated by Ann Seidel, Vera Glasgow and the committee using the theme of purple, lavender, yellow, and multi-colored pansies. The honorees each wore hand-made pansy pins/boutonnieres and were quickly guided to the pre-designated/numbered tables in the Center.

The family-style dinner, served to more than 200 persons, was prepared by Esther Crawford and numerous church members who volunteered to assist her. The menu was as follows:

Fruit Cup-Appetizer

Jello Salad

Roast Beef

Chicken Casserole

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Peas

Corn

Rolls and Butter

Chocolate or White Cake

Coffee and Hot Tea

Not only was the food delicious, but in great abundance. Perhaps equally important was the opportunity which this event afforded for the renewal of friendships and the fellowship among families being feted.

Numerous photographs were taken by family members, the Bicentennial Committee, and friends who shared in this Heritage Sunday Celebration.

As a momento of the dinner, honorees received a parting gift. Women were given a crystal bud base containing a stem of silk pansies. The men received a lead crystal toothpick holder containing toothpicks. Copies of the booklet Celebrating our 50-Year Members were also distributed to the families and guests of the honorees.

All who attended "Heritage Sunday" continue to express appreciation for both the worship service and the celebration dinner. We of the Bicentennial Committee and the congregation are blessed by the dedicated service and witness of these 33 members during the years of 1921-2000. Truly, there is "Hope for the Future through Faith from the Past."

Back to events page