Site Created and updated by the Media-Technology Ministry
04/02/2008
"Lest We Forget"
Let's begin with the year the parsonage was built 1912 - 94 years ago. Until then, the parsonage was the house Where Simons live, you know. Dr. Thomas Hooker was the pastor; Few remember him, I fear. A young people's Christian Endeavor was formed For the very first time that year. The Christian Endeavor continued for years; On Sunday Night, young and old Gathered in Whiteside Chapel Testimonies given, that brought tears, I am told. Some remember Howard L. Schilincke, A man 6 feet, 4 inches tall, Outstanding in helping the farmers When they could scarcely get help at all. Not only 'twas the years of World War I, But the flu epidemic, too. One of his famous quotations: "Go to bed, I'll take over for you." 1920 - '24 - Frank A. Holland, A fine man - good minister, too. Tis said whate'er he didn't get done, His talented wife was able to do. Avery Donovan - '25-27 Charles McCaslin - '28-'29 Not much noted in these years Tho’ I'm sure things were going just fine. All these years, and more, the organ was played By faithful servant Uncle Irv (Herbert); While for many year Gemmil Strawbridge As choir director, did serve. Rev. Karl Wareheim came The years '30 to '34. By this time the church needed improvement: Light fixtures, paint, carpet, new floor. During the redecorating, church services Were held in Morris Hall. A reopening service in 1932 Sometime in early fall. Rev. Jesse G. Eaton served Just one year - '35 -'36. The Women's Auxiliary was organized Causing the Aid and Missionary Societies to mix. Rev. Edgar T. Read was pastor From 1937 to '43. We celebrated our 60th Anniversary: From Whiteside to Fawn Grove M.P. The Methodist Protestant and Methodist Episcopal United in 1939, And the Fawn Methodist Church We were, for quite some time. Rev. Eugene R. Ackerman - in '44: They enlarged the basement room then To make a choir robing room And a classroom for the men. Helen Trout sat at the organ now, And for church services did play. In '44 Phyllis Wales helped out Phyllis (Warner now) plays to this day. The brick wall constructed in 1947, Dedicated in December As a memorial to 58 persons Whom many of us remember. They were the boys who served With the armed forces in World War II. As we gaze upon the wall, We ought to think of them too. Rev. Herbert Weaver's term From '48 to '51, During which the cemetery was enlarged, And much other work was done. Rev. Weaver became the Scout Master For a newly formed Boy Scout Troop. The sanctuary was redecorated, And we founded a young adult group. Rev. Earnest Hummer came to preach In 1952. He had the Lord's Acre Project, And encouraged missionary giving too. In 1953 Helen Trout resigned. Minnie Lowe was at the console While Miss June Keener, now Herbert, Had the choir under her control. Tom Stewart was our pastor From '55 to '61 As I gaze upon the records, A lot of work was done. New shrubbery was planted, The outside bulletin board erected, A parking lot across the road, And for all - money collected. The most outstanding project: The Education Building erected. Plans called for $70,000, But cost $5000 more than expected. Rev. Karalfa came – 1962. For $4000 plus, parsonage renovated. Back in 1912, when built, At $5000 was evaluated. Our "country church" was honored that year: After being duly observed, They were asked to sing at our Conference, A privilege they rightly deserved. That was the first year of the Christmas pageant, 50 new choir robes were bought, A choir loft built and donated, And other projects wrought. Rev. Carl Helt and Vera From '68 to '75. He was a very good pastor, But as a hunter - animals ceased to survive. During his stay - to our delight A carillon was installed; As it chimes the beautiful hymns Those who hear them are enthralled. In ’62 a governing transfer and in ’68 a name change: From the Baltimore to Central PA’s conference we converged. Following the merger of the Methodist & the E.U.B. churches, The Fawn United Methodist Church emerged. Pew Bibles, communion cups, bread plates, Dedicated while Rev. Myron Jones was here, His acting surprised everyone In our town’s Centennial Play that year. (1981) Next came Phillip Moore ’81 – ‘ 84 To preach and serve our people. Those were the years we struggled To renovate the steeple. Pastor Ted Corcelius - '84 - '88 New choir robes, pews padded, Other contributions made. For taking good care of everything, Credit goes to Carroll and Jean Wade. The Education Building had a new facelift: The big glass front erected. While a most active youth group formed, Which Judy Shelley and John Jacoby directed. Thru the years - our church has been noted For its music - one of the best. Some remember "Sunbonnet Suz" Followed by "Belle of the West." "Let's give another," someone said, "For 6 nights let it run." Thus "Hello Dolly," "Sound of Music," And "Annie, Get Your Gun." Rev. Charles Salisbury in '88 – ’96: Parsonage redone for thirty thou, With Vicky and their little ones, It was much lived in, and how! A youth group quite outstanding, Pastor Charlie led it well. And after 30 year of silence, Again we heard the bell. Through the generosity of Edgar Merryman Whiteside chapel was carpeted in '89. In '90 a computer purchased, Education Building, air-conditioned. Sublime! Stage curtain and new drapes were hung In '88 and '89. The church parlor refurnished in '90; Thus the Education Building looked fine. Central air and a Pastor’s study. In ’95, a crowning achievement: Fellowship Hall completed our church complex, A glorious place to gather for many an event. Mike Druck – 96 to 2002 Contemporary services were new, Men’s monthly breakfast – a huge success! The Youth had a new meeting place, too. New roof on Education Building, Fans in Fellowship Hall, New bathroom in the parsonage, Sanctuary – a newly painted wall. Choir loft was extended, Two lights placed overhead. Cemented the basement in Fellowship Hall. Praise God! We are out of the red! Steeple was repaired, Painted social room and Fellowship Hall. New sidewalks all around, Now we shouldn’t fall. 45 voices in adult choir Praise Band going strong, Junior and Cherub choirs All praised God in song! Then came Pastor Jim Kremer – 2002-2005. For their debut, the Chime Choir heralded Yuletide. Tho’ he didn’t stay long, Jim and “Jeremiah” gave us quite a ride. “Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice,” Poet Frost contemplated. 2005 – on a cruel, wintry March morn, In both fire and ice, our beloved sanctuary evaporated. “A mighty fortress is our God!” Armed with Faith and Trust, His people will survive. Up from the ashes F.U.M.C. will rise, Her bell pealing glad tidings of a church alive! And now we are blessed with Pastor Jane Harrison: She loves one and all. Just like our budding hi-tech agenda, you can really say, she’s always on the ball! At the time of this writing, Our members are filled with elation; Looking forward to an inspiring year: In our 140th, a new church celebration. Postlude: February 2006 Our forefathers and mothers gave of their time For service and to share. So we, as a church continue to give And to labor, to love, and to care. This church stands as a tribute to the faith And living service of many in the past. May we have the faith and the courage To carry on - and to last. As we stand in the threshold of future years May we all so live That future generations may say, We, too, had a lot to give. 
Conceived and written in 1991 by Mary B. Devilbiss
1991-2006 Collaborator – Marlene B. Manifold