A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH
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The early history of Methodism in East Bangor is almost inseparable from the history of the Bangor Methodist Church. For a long time, the Bangor and the East Bangor Churches formed a circuit, including Pen Argyl, known as the Bangor Circuit. The first Methodist preachers who visited East Bangor, or Delpsburg as it was then called, were the Reverends William Magee and F. Illman, both members of the Philadelphia Conference.
Timeline of Important Events
- 1865: Services were held in the old schoolhouse, which was later converted to a private dwelling. In this building, the first Sunday School was organized by Joseph Bray. Prayer meetings were also held in private homes, notably in Mr. Jacob Weidman’s. Jacob Weidman and his wife were the first Methodists of East Bangor.
- 1873: In the first discussion to erect a church building it was decided to build only in Bangor with East Bangor being canvassed for that church. However, shortly after this, it was concluded to build in both communities.
- 1889: East Bangor became a separate charge as the need for a new church grew. The property on Central Avenue was given by James Masters. On October the 5th, the cornerstone was laid in East Bangor.
- 1890: In May, the church was ready for occupancy and enough money was raised to cover the entire cost of the church and furniture. The early history states, “It is hard to exceed East Bangor for liberality when a just or good cause is present.” On October the 18th, the church was dedicated.
- 1900: In February, fire badly damaged the edifice of the church, but the building stood (much praise was given to the local fire department). The damages were repaired, along with some improvements made, including the installation of electricity.1902: A contract was signed with Charles F. Durner of Quakertown, Pa. to build a suitable organ for $1500.00. Mr. Andrew Carnegie was contacted and his generous promise was obtained to pay half the cost of the organ.
- 1903: On June the 7th the organ was dedicated, free of debt.
- 1905: The membership of the church was 340 and the Pastor’s salary was $1000.00.
- 1907: The Official Board was established to aid in the governing of the church.
- 1908: The church school under the auspices of Superintendent William P. Bray had a membership of 400.
- 1938-1941: Basement quarters was the next major improvement to the church. This was done by a group of men known as the “Bull Gang”. Excavation was done by pick and shovel, since there was only crawl space under the Sunday School Quarters.
- 1942-1943: The basement was completed.
- 1944: The kitchen was moved and installed in the rear of the basement and an addition was made to the rear of the church that houses the Primary Department during Sunday School.
- 1957-1958: A nursery, a classroom, balcony, and hardwood flooring in the nave of the church was provided. A parking lot was also constructed at the rear of the church.
- 1972: East Bangor / Portland United Methodist Parish was formed.
- 1986: A new parking lot was extended and black topped in the rear of the church.
- 1990: New stoves for the kitchen were purchased and new lights were purchased and installed in the sanctuary.
- 1993: East Bangor / Salem United Methodist Parish was formed.
- 1995: A new chair lift was purchased for $13,100.00 from Stannah Stairlifts, Inc., Hopkinton, MA. The stained glass windows in the sanctuary at East Bangor UMC were re-leaded and cleaned.
- 1997: On June 30th, a new Yamaha 45” Studio Piano was purchased from the Grafton Piano and Organ Co., Inc. for $3,785.00 for use in the sanctuary.
- 1999: East Bangor formed a single church parish. New Carillons were purchased by members of our church and were installed. Painting the outside of the church was completed by Bennett Painting at a cost of $9,496.00 and a new chandelier light fixture was installed in the downstairs narthex. Scott Landon purchased a Compaq computer for our church office.
- 2000: New louvers were installed in the belfry of the church.
- 2002: In November a large new electric Church sign was installed outside the front of our church.
- 2003: The church made a “leap of faith” and decided to move into full-time ministry. The Rev. Janet L. Saddel was appointed as our first full-time Pastor. An office was made for the secretary directly across from the Pastor’s office. That summer Air Conditioning was installed by Lessig Oil Company at a cost of $13,600.00 in the church sanctuary on August 10th.
- 2004-2005: The Trustees, under the direction of Tom Josephson, made a number of improvements to the building to bring it up to code. These included installing new smoke detectors, proper fire extinguishers, panic bars on all doors, doors changed to exit outward, exit signs over every entrance and evacuation route, a railing and new stairs going up to the balcony, and emergency lighting. Other improvements include new carpeting in the basement, repainting the Sunday School room, purchase of a storage shed, and resurfacing of the parking lot and driveway, expanding the parking by four spaces and adding handicap parking spaces.
- 2006: The Church purchased property at 661 Locke Heights Road to serve as a parsonage, and made settlement on June 27, 2006.
- 2010: A land swap was made with a neighbor, allowing us more property that can be used in the near future for more parking. As part of the agreement, when we are able, we have promised to give him access to his property from our driveway.
- 2011: Volunteers gave hundreds of hours of work to clear the new land of weeds, trees and garbage. It was determined that the small building was not usable as a storage shed, however it would function beautifully as a pavilion. Once cleared, it was obvious that with the brick fire pit, the pavilion will serve as a nice picnic area for the church. Work will continue to make additional parking spots available. The land and the pavilion were officially dedicated to the Lord on June 5, 2011.
- 2012: Under the direction of Pastor BK several new community ministries were started. These included the free monthly dinners & weekly manna ministry. These ministries have benefited the members of our community and reaffirmed our presence as a community church.