Hickory United Methodist Church

Continued

Erie Conference Rev. Newton H. Swanson was appointed its first minister. Here was a case where a minister was appointed to an area without congregation, church or parsonage. Truly a “start from scratch.” But Newton Swanson was equal to the occasion, as we shall see

Rev. Newton Swanson, pastor of this church-to-be, was born in Jamestown, New York, and attended Chicago Training School, North western University and the Garrett Biblical Institute. He served churches in the state of Indiana for eight years, coming to Pennsylvania in 1940, and coming to Hickory from Brookville.

When the Swansons arrived in Hickory to take charge of their new appointment they lived in the home of Mr. and Mrs. M. V. DeForeest until the 21st December. These first two and a half months were spent in calling; seeking, finding and preparing rooms for services; ordering folding chairs, hymn books and other necessary supplies; working with committees to plan services, secure Sunday School teachers, and the many other numerous tasks that needed to be done when you start from scratch.

The first church service was held September 13, 1953, in a building on Sharon-Mercer Road and the first sessions of Sunday School and the 

evening MYF were held on October 4th. Charter Membership Sunday was held on October 18th and under the leadership of the District Superintendent, Dr. Bruce L. Middaugh, the church was duly organized. There were 84 charter members. During the winter months a W.S.C.S. and a Men’s Group were organized. Sunday School classes were conducted in four different buildings.

The excavation crew moved into the site on Monday the 4th [April 4, 1955] and actual work on the church building was started.

The Consecration of Hickory Methodist Church took place on Palm Sunday, March 25, 1956, when the first service was held in the Sanctuary of the new edifice. Dr. Bruce Middaugh delivered an inspiring sermon, his appropriate topic being “The Triumphant Entry.” The church was filled to capacity for the impressive service and heard the newly organized choir under the direction of Harold Faulkner sing for the first time. Their anthems for the occasion were “The Palms” by Faure, and “God So Loved the World,” by John Stainer.

During the afternoon many members and friends of the church attended “open house” and toured the building.

Prior to the day of Consecration, worship services were held in the Fellowship Hall in the church basement, which would later serve as a fine recreation room.

The basement contains class rooms in addition to the Fellowship Hall, and facilities for preparing lunches in a small kitchen. A modern kitchen is equipped on the first floor and adjoins the social room.

Rev, and Mrs. Newton Swanson were in the receiving line to extend hospitality to all guests and accompany them through the building.

About two weeks after Consecration Sunday, Dr. Virgil E. Turner, a member of the National Board of Missions of the Methodist Church, came to Hickory to help plan and direct a $40,000 building fund campaign for the new Hickory church.

The church Crusade Committee included Joseph R. Bentley, Chairman; Charles H. King, Martin L. Bright, Wallace Heiges, and Charles Sikora.

The Crusade was conducted by seventy “selected visitors.” April 15, 16 and 17 were designated as “Church Loyalty Days.” When the final report was made at the end of the Crusade, the pledges received assured the success of the campaign. They had achieved their goal of $40,000 to be paid over a period of 100 weeks.

When completed the church building will be “U” shape—when consecrated only one wing, the educational unit, had been 

constructed. It is a brick structure and the estimated cost of the building alone will be about $100,000. The auditorium will seat 320, with room for an over flow of 100.

Newton Swanson rejected a good appointment in Erie Conference to accept the challenge of establishing a church at Hickory at a much lower salary. He came to his new charge filled with enthusiasm and determination. He participated in every phase of activity from the hour the first shovelful of earth was turned at the ground-breaking ceremony until he stood before his congregation at the consecration service in the newly constructed building.

Much of the labor in the construction work was donated by the men of the congregation. “Newt” Swanson never hesitated to don overalls and take part in all of the really “tough” jobs. He worked untiringly both spiritually and physically with his fellow members, taking part in good-natured jokes and conversations. The men say he is a “down to earth pastor and can talk a man’s language.” He is called “Uncle Newt” by the young people for whom he is advisor and teacher.

The church’s fifth anniversary was observed by special services on October 18, 19, 1958. Dr. A. B. R. Colley, District Superintendent, de livered the anniversary sermon and Rev. M. E. Lindstrom, pastor at First Church, Sharon, brought greetings.

On this occasion the Hickory Methodists could point with pride to their accomplishments over the first five years. From the 84 charter members the church membership had grown to over 500 and the Sunday School attendance average to 200. The value of the church property had increased from the original cost of $102,000 to its present valuation of $140,000.

Future plans call for the present sanctuary to become a Fellowship Hall, construction of a new large sanctuary south of the present structure, and the addition of Sunday School class rooms, church office, and parlors.