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The Below information is from a booklet that was handed out at the Chandlers Valley, and Vicinity, Summer Reunion of 1970. The following is 163 years of history compiled for the Chandlers Valley, and Vicinity, Summer Reunion 1970. All information is accurate up to the year of 1970.
History of Chandlers Valley and nearby vicinity (Chandlers Valley, Warren County, Pa.
William Brooks, who was born in 1818, gave most of the early facts and figures to Maybelle Darling (now Mrs. Ira Johnson) in 1898 to be read at Chandlers Valley Literary Society Meeting held in Chandlers Valley Schoolhouse. Rewritten in 1916 and 1959.
The very first settlers were Messers PEELMAN and MURPHY, who came about 1807 and built a log cabin just below Valley Cemetery. A few years later JOHN CHANDLER came and bought it.
Charles Chandler was the first settler on the farm once owned by Alfred Lindstrom, now owned by Claude Greggs. Other members of the Chandler family located here and the village was named CHANDLERS VALLEY.
Other early settlers who followed Peelman, Murphy, and John Chandler were David Sturdevant, Randle Evans, John Littlefield, Simon Brooks, Abner Spencer, Levi Rogers, Mr. Olney, Ascee Gregory.
DAVID STURDEVANT built part of the Almindinger house. (Many years later) Alber Hutberg was a recent owner, bu it is now owned by Chester Brooks.
RANDLE EVANS built on the Gage lot. Later another small house was built by Mr. Peterson. Rev. O. J. Gage built a large house (Calvin Gage's place) on the site.
JOHN LITTLEFIELD came from Massachusetts in 1815, bringing with him some apple seeds. He had a nursery on the place now owned by Harry Brew. Mr. Littlefield raised the first apple trees ever raised in this section. The country was supplied with apple trees from his nursery. Property was later bought by SIMON BROOKS, who was also one of the early settlers. His wife's maiden name was Sarah Littlefield. They were great-grandparents of Mrs. Blanche Kelley and Fred Brooks. There were three generations of the Brooks family who lived on that farm. Fred said he remembered a log house back of Harry Brew;s house, also a log house across the driveway from Ira Johnson's garage. Thomas Gregg purchased some land of Simon Brooks. Then in 1917. Lynn King bought the place on the upper side of the road of Mrs. Gregg. Mr. King sold to Ira Johnson in 1948.
ABNER SPENCER located about 1820 on the Samuelson, Delamater place, now Eugene Eckert's. Mr. Spencer' built a residence in Chandlers Valley and William Brooks built across the road from Spencer's in the same year about 18 ?.
LEVI ROGERS built on the property of Rhinehart - then Peterson owned - now by Rulands. In the field across the road, Mr. Olney built a copper shop and made tubs, pails, etc., for the early settlers. The country was then all woods. Messers Sturdevant and Spencer made over 4,000 pounds of maple sugar. In 1823 DAVID STURDEVANT gave the lot for a cemetery. The first ones to be buried there were a son of Mr. Studevant and a daughter of Abner Spencer. (Chandlers Valley Cemetery)
The very first settlers were Messers PEELMAN and MURPHY, who came about 1807 and built a log cabin just below Valley Cemetery. A few years later JOHN CHANDLER came and bought it.
Charles Chandler was the first settler on the farm once owned by Alfred Lindstrom, now owned by Claude Greggs. Other members of the Chandler family located here and the village was named CHANDLERS VALLEY.
Other early settlers who followed Peelman, Murphy, and John Chandler were David Sturdevant, Randle Evans, John Littlefield, Simon Brooks, Abner Spencer, Levi Rogers, Mr. Olney, Ascee Gregory.
DAVID STURDEVANT built part of the Almindinger house. (Many years later) Alber Hutberg was a recent owner, bu it is now owned by Chester Brooks.
RANDLE EVANS built on the Gage lot. Later another small house was built by Mr. Peterson. Rev. O. J. Gage built a large house (Calvin Gage's place) on the site.
JOHN LITTLEFIELD came from Massachusetts in 1815, bringing with him some apple seeds. He had a nursery on the place now owned by Harry Brew. Mr. Littlefield raised the first apple trees ever raised in this section. The country was supplied with apple trees from his nursery. Property was later bought by SIMON BROOKS, who was also one of the early settlers. His wife's maiden name was Sarah Littlefield. They were great-grandparents of Mrs. Blanche Kelley and Fred Brooks. There were three generations of the Brooks family who lived on that farm. Fred said he remembered a log house back of Harry Brew;s house, also a log house across the driveway from Ira Johnson's garage. Thomas Gregg purchased some land of Simon Brooks. Then in 1917. Lynn King bought the place on the upper side of the road of Mrs. Gregg. Mr. King sold to Ira Johnson in 1948.
ABNER SPENCER located about 1820 on the Samuelson, Delamater place, now Eugene Eckert's. Mr. Spencer' built a residence in Chandlers Valley and William Brooks built across the road from Spencer's in the same year about 18 ?.
LEVI ROGERS built on the property of Rhinehart - then Peterson owned - now by Rulands. In the field across the road, Mr. Olney built a copper shop and made tubs, pails, etc., for the early settlers. The country was then all woods. Messers Sturdevant and Spencer made over 4,000 pounds of maple sugar. In 1823 DAVID STURDEVANT gave the lot for a cemetery. The first ones to be buried there were a son of Mr. Studevant and a daughter of Abner Spencer. (Chandlers Valley Cemetery)
Schools
A schoolhouse was built in 1824 in the filed across from Perry Rulands. The teacher was Miss Mandy Morley, an aunt of Mrs. James Falconer, Sr. She was a very pious woman, rarely if ever, did she punish a scholar. Miss Morley would not allow the scholars to kill toads, butterflies, etc. She told them they were mad to live as well as the children. The second schoolhouse was built on land now owned by Mrs. Max Gage, (Dorothy Gage Martin) nearly across from Harry Brew's farm (just this side from where a creamery was operating in 1898).
One schoolhouse was built by Ascee Gregory across the road from the Ramburg residence occupied by Beedles now. Another schoolhouse was built in 1830 in front of the present Kelley Tutmaher barn. The fifth schoolhouse was built opposite the former Buck, Hultberg, Davenport, Edward Easton farm now. After a few years, it was moved across up on the other road north of the Lyons, Kelly house, now owned by Ralph Braley. The present school building was erected in 1876, a one-story, two-room structure. Another story was added in 1899. In the fall of 1901. the Sugar Grove Township High School was organized as a two-year high school with George R. McIntosh as principal. In the spring of 1903, Sadie Darling received the first diploma. The largest graduating class was in 1907. There were eight in the class. Many students from Chandlers Valley attended the Sugar Grove Seminary, started in 1884.
Then in 1910 the course of study was lengthened to three years and the fourth year added in 1913. In 1930, the Sugar Grove Township High School consolidated with the Sugar Grove Vorough High School. The Valley school was again a grade school until the Northern Area jointures. (1956)
One schoolhouse was built by Ascee Gregory across the road from the Ramburg residence occupied by Beedles now. Another schoolhouse was built in 1830 in front of the present Kelley Tutmaher barn. The fifth schoolhouse was built opposite the former Buck, Hultberg, Davenport, Edward Easton farm now. After a few years, it was moved across up on the other road north of the Lyons, Kelly house, now owned by Ralph Braley. The present school building was erected in 1876, a one-story, two-room structure. Another story was added in 1899. In the fall of 1901. the Sugar Grove Township High School was organized as a two-year high school with George R. McIntosh as principal. In the spring of 1903, Sadie Darling received the first diploma. The largest graduating class was in 1907. There were eight in the class. Many students from Chandlers Valley attended the Sugar Grove Seminary, started in 1884.
Then in 1910 the course of study was lengthened to three years and the fourth year added in 1913. In 1930, the Sugar Grove Township High School consolidated with the Sugar Grove Vorough High School. The Valley school was again a grade school until the Northern Area jointures. (1956)
First Mill
The first mill was built in 1830 by Ascee Gregory near the Ramburg barn with a dam above the mill; later owned by Alfred Spencer. At one time the dam gave way, and John Spencer, then a barefoot boy, was sent to warn Fay Brothers two miles below (just below Jacksons Valley Country Club) that the water would be coming into their dam and mill site. Needless to say, he beat the water by quite a bit. The first blacksmith was a Mr. Moer, who started a shop in 1845. In a few years, Stephen Darling bought it, and other blacksmiths were William Brooks, Mr. Samuelson, Alber Hultberg, and Perry Brooks.
William Jewell, brother-in-law of William Brooks, was the first Postmaster. He also had the first store in the valley in the year 1855. Five years later Stephen Darling bought the store for his sons Francis and Lewis on the corner lot now owned by Gerald Snad. L. H. Darling, was the first druggist.
In 1846, a few Swedish immigrants settled in Chandlers Valley and nearby vicinity. Many others came in 1848, 1849, and soon after. Amon the first were Mr. and Mrs. Germond Johnson, followed shortly after by Samuel Dahl, Me. and Mrs. Frederis Johnson. Peter Johnson, Lars Larson, A.P. Peterson, C. J. Peterson, John Peterson, Samuel Samuelson, etc.
William Jewell, brother-in-law of William Brooks, was the first Postmaster. He also had the first store in the valley in the year 1855. Five years later Stephen Darling bought the store for his sons Francis and Lewis on the corner lot now owned by Gerald Snad. L. H. Darling, was the first druggist.
In 1846, a few Swedish immigrants settled in Chandlers Valley and nearby vicinity. Many others came in 1848, 1849, and soon after. Amon the first were Mr. and Mrs. Germond Johnson, followed shortly after by Samuel Dahl, Me. and Mrs. Frederis Johnson. Peter Johnson, Lars Larson, A.P. Peterson, C. J. Peterson, John Peterson, Samuel Samuelson, etc.
Grange Building
About 1870, Alber Hultberg established a Meat Market and later he built the present Grane Building. The Valley Grange was organized in the spring of 1888, and they bought and finished the second story of the Albert Hultberg building. The Grange Hall was dedicated October 17, 1888. There were 30 charter members. Alfred Samuelson was the first Master. The Valley Grange purchased the first floor of building about 1950.
Business Enterprises
In 1878, there were three stores operated by William Brooks, S.S. Darling and Son, and A. N. Jones. Three mills run by Civilian Chase, C.J. Gregory and A.L. Spencer. C.J. Sagerdahl was a wagon maker and John Almindinger, a shoemaker, meat market, etc. George Lyons, Sr. was one of the early carpenters.
Wm. Buck's brick yard was a thriving business for many years. (now Oliver Swanson's)
Doctors Whitcomb and Fisher proceeded Dr. Kelley. Dr. Fisher didn't keep a horse, he walked to see his patients. Dr. E.J. Kelley came to the Valley about 1890. His first office was in a large house almost across from the store now owned by G. L. Sands.
The first oil well was drilled in 1897 on Gust Jones' farm below "Valley Water Supply Spring." Water was first piped to the Valley residents in 1929.
An apple dryer was started by Ezra Duell about 1908, then sold to George Whitomb. The first three autos owned in the Valley were those of Ezra Duell, Fred Engstrom and Alber Anderson. Sugar Grove Township picnic was held in Peterson's Grove for many years.
The Lutherans bought brick from the Buck Brothers Brickyard in Chandlers Valley at sixty cents a thousand for their new church in the Valley. This was in 1883, and the brick for the "John Buck" Store at North Warren was bought from Buck Brothers about that time. The Brickyard was a thriving business for many years. After George Buck's death, Will Buck carried on the business until about 1905.
Charles F. Quillian was the creamery butter manufacturer. He superintended the erection of Chandlers Valley Creamer at the cost of $1,600 in 1885. In 1898, a creamery across from Harry Brew's farm, was operated by A.P. Griggs (Claude Grigg's father). Later George Whitcomb operated a creamery located on land now owned by Gerald Sands next to the Edmund Ellis residence.
Wm. Buck's brick yard was a thriving business for many years. (now Oliver Swanson's)
Doctors Whitcomb and Fisher proceeded Dr. Kelley. Dr. Fisher didn't keep a horse, he walked to see his patients. Dr. E.J. Kelley came to the Valley about 1890. His first office was in a large house almost across from the store now owned by G. L. Sands.
The first oil well was drilled in 1897 on Gust Jones' farm below "Valley Water Supply Spring." Water was first piped to the Valley residents in 1929.
An apple dryer was started by Ezra Duell about 1908, then sold to George Whitomb. The first three autos owned in the Valley were those of Ezra Duell, Fred Engstrom and Alber Anderson. Sugar Grove Township picnic was held in Peterson's Grove for many years.
The Lutherans bought brick from the Buck Brothers Brickyard in Chandlers Valley at sixty cents a thousand for their new church in the Valley. This was in 1883, and the brick for the "John Buck" Store at North Warren was bought from Buck Brothers about that time. The Brickyard was a thriving business for many years. After George Buck's death, Will Buck carried on the business until about 1905.
Charles F. Quillian was the creamery butter manufacturer. He superintended the erection of Chandlers Valley Creamer at the cost of $1,600 in 1885. In 1898, a creamery across from Harry Brew's farm, was operated by A.P. Griggs (Claude Grigg's father). Later George Whitcomb operated a creamery located on land now owned by Gerald Sands next to the Edmund Ellis residence.
Churches
Churches were United Brethren, Lutheran, Swedish Methodist and Mission, Five Point Church - Stephen Darling, Sunday School Superintendent.
The Wesleyan Methodist Church was located at Five Points (Sugar Grove-Lander Road). This information is from Mrs. Frances Ramsey of the Warren County Historical Society-"David and Frederick Miles worked together and furnished means to build the Wesleyan Methodist Church some 8 or 10 years before Frederick Miles death. Frederick Miles did July 13, 1863. His will left the interest on $1,000 for the benefit of the Wesleyan Church in East Sugar Grove for sustaining preaching, and keeping up repairs on house and sheds."
In early days there were fewer churches. At that time there was a large attendance at the Five Points Church. On Sunday they took a lunch when they went to morning service and had afternoon service also.
The Wesleyan Methodist Church was located at Five Points (Sugar Grove-Lander Road). This information is from Mrs. Frances Ramsey of the Warren County Historical Society-"David and Frederick Miles worked together and furnished means to build the Wesleyan Methodist Church some 8 or 10 years before Frederick Miles death. Frederick Miles did July 13, 1863. His will left the interest on $1,000 for the benefit of the Wesleyan Church in East Sugar Grove for sustaining preaching, and keeping up repairs on house and sheds."
In early days there were fewer churches. At that time there was a large attendance at the Five Points Church. On Sunday they took a lunch when they went to morning service and had afternoon service also.
Hessel Valley Lutheran Church
A few people from Chandlers Valley attended the Hessel Valley Lutheran Church. S.S. Darling was Sunday School Superintendent about 1865. Sunday School picnics were held in the woods across the road from the church.
The Hessel Valley Lutheran Church was organized in 1854. Incomplete records of that time prevent us from knowing the number of charter members. The first church building was located at what is now the junction of State Routes 69 and 27. The Lutheran Cemetery is at this location. The first pastor, Rev. Jonas Swensson, came from Sweden in 1856. In September 1883 it was decided to build a new church building in Chandlers Valley which was growing into a village." The last service in the old building was held August 16, 1885.
Since 186 the congregation has been served by 13 pastors and several vice-pastors, students and lay ministers. At the present time Rev. Nelson in Warren is our Vice-Pastor and Rev. A.A. Fant, retired, is serving as Supply Pastor.
The Hessel Valley Lutheran Church was organized in 1854. Incomplete records of that time prevent us from knowing the number of charter members. The first church building was located at what is now the junction of State Routes 69 and 27. The Lutheran Cemetery is at this location. The first pastor, Rev. Jonas Swensson, came from Sweden in 1856. In September 1883 it was decided to build a new church building in Chandlers Valley which was growing into a village." The last service in the old building was held August 16, 1885.
Since 186 the congregation has been served by 13 pastors and several vice-pastors, students and lay ministers. At the present time Rev. Nelson in Warren is our Vice-Pastor and Rev. A.A. Fant, retired, is serving as Supply Pastor.
Chandlers Valley E. U. B. Church History
United Brethren ministers held services and organized classes in school houses in the vicinity of Chandlers Valley before the organization of the Erie Conference.
On January 24, 1858, a class was organized on Brown Hill with 27 members, and the Rev. N. Shellmadine was pastor and the Rev. Amos Brooks as Presiding Elder. This was the beginning of the Sugar Grove Circuit which consisted of Brown Hill, Rounds Hill, Matthews Run and Stilson Hill.
The Chandlers Valley Church was built in 1875 with Rev. W. R. Allan, Pastor, and was dedicated in 1876 with Bishop Jonathan Weaver presiding. Fourteen members were transferred from the Brown Hill Church and several from Rounds Hill. Among the charter members were:
The Sugar Grove Circuit was changed to Chandlers Valley Circuit in 1892. At that time Rev. O. J. Gage, grandfather of Calvin Gage and the late Max Gage, was pastor. He preached in four churches and his salary for that year was $457.92.
The church was struck by lightning three times, being badly damaged twice. In 1908 the steeple was so badly damaged it had to be removed.
In 1927 the church was remodeled at the cost of $5,418.00. On Re-dedication Day, October 14, 1928, the amount of $1,595.00 was raised. The present membership is seventy. Mrs. Ira Johnson is the oldest member at the present time. She joined the church in 1898.
On January 24, 1858, a class was organized on Brown Hill with 27 members, and the Rev. N. Shellmadine was pastor and the Rev. Amos Brooks as Presiding Elder. This was the beginning of the Sugar Grove Circuit which consisted of Brown Hill, Rounds Hill, Matthews Run and Stilson Hill.
The Chandlers Valley Church was built in 1875 with Rev. W. R. Allan, Pastor, and was dedicated in 1876 with Bishop Jonathan Weaver presiding. Fourteen members were transferred from the Brown Hill Church and several from Rounds Hill. Among the charter members were:
- Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Almendinger, grandparents of Miss Olive Spencer of Jamestown, who gave the Bulletin Board in front of the church. At her death she left the church $1,000.00
- Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gregg
- Mr. J. W. Fidler
- Mr. Arza Skinner, great grandfather, and
- Mr. and Mrs. Ashley Skinner, grandparents, of
- Mrs. Edgar Hanson and Sherwood Skinner
- Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Brown, grandparents of
- Mrs. Burt Schoonover.
The Sugar Grove Circuit was changed to Chandlers Valley Circuit in 1892. At that time Rev. O. J. Gage, grandfather of Calvin Gage and the late Max Gage, was pastor. He preached in four churches and his salary for that year was $457.92.
The church was struck by lightning three times, being badly damaged twice. In 1908 the steeple was so badly damaged it had to be removed.
In 1927 the church was remodeled at the cost of $5,418.00. On Re-dedication Day, October 14, 1928, the amount of $1,595.00 was raised. The present membership is seventy. Mrs. Ira Johnson is the oldest member at the present time. She joined the church in 1898.
Mission Covenant Church, Sugar Grove, Penna
The Mission Covenant Church of Sugar Grove can trace its origins back to another long-standing church of this community, the Hessel Valley Lutheran Church of Chandlers Valley. This church was organized in 1856 by Rev. Jonas Swenson. The first meetings were held in private homes in different parts f the town, and were conducted by missionary ministers. The first house of worship was a frame building erected at an expense of $2,000 and stood one mile north of Chandlers Valley village, where the Lutheran Cemetery is now located. This first structure was superseded by the present edifice, built of brick, in 1884.
This move to Chandlers Valley explains in part, but not fully, why a group of about 30 persons met on the evening of November 15, 1883 in a one-room public school house which stood at the foot of Ghost Hill in Swede Hollow to explore the possibility of taking independent action to organize a church separate from the parent church. The record of that meeting shows that 30 persons affixed their signatures to the constitution of what was to become the Evangelical Free Church of Sugar Grove Township.
Within six weeks after the above-mentioned meeting the new congregation had conducted its first annual meeting. Besides the election of officers, that meeting also made the following important decisions:
In addition to a long list of names of those who donated labor building the church, there have been a number of other reports concerning the actual construction. One concerns an elderly lady who was much disturbed when she learned that it was not intended to construct a steeple with the main building. She is reported to have donated $50 out of her life savings with the stipulation that it be used for a steeper. This gift was supplemented by one from Mr. Andrew Holm, and the steeple became a reality. Mr. Holm also constructed the original pulpit and presented it as a gift to the church.
In 1886 the congregation turned from the church edifice to other unfinished construction. A four acre tract was purchased from the nearby Swanson Farm and a parsonage for the pastor, a barn for his horse, and sheds to accommodate worshipers' horses were constructed. The record indicates that a Mr. Samuelson purchased two pine trees which were sawed into lumber for the dwelling.
Little construction took place for many years following the extensive initial period. In 1930, Mr. John McLean of Sugar Grove, acting on the authority of the surviving members of the Sugar Grove Congregational Church, presented that church;s bell to this church. In 1939 a gift of $1,000 unexpectedly received from Mr. Finney, trustee of the John Ley Estate in Bradford, supplemented by other contributions and much volunteer labor, made it possible to excavate a basement to accommodate kitchen, furnace room, and Sunday School facilities. The steeple was repaired and fully restored during the summer of 1940. The parsonage was remodeled in 1942, and in 1960 a new heating system was installed. A Baldwin Electronic Organ, complete with a set of Degen Chimes, was installed in the church in October of 1948; and the front of the church edifice was remodeled to accommodate a new set of steps, doors, a balcony, and a foyer in 1954.
At the present time a 90 foot educational wing, which will include choir facilities, Sunday School facilities, a fellowship hall, kitchen, pastor's study and rest rooms is nearing completion.
From 1883 until 1927 the new church struggled mightily to carry on its mission. Except for incidental assistance from the Congregational Church of America, in the form of financial aid to individual ministers, no assistance was received. The record indicates that during on meeting it was decided to allocate 23 cents, all of the treasury's balance, toward payment of interest on a note held by the Sugar Grove Savings Bank. Besides the meager salary given early pastors, members were asked to donate a cord of wood or $1.00 per year; and annual donation days, or festivals, were held each autumn when the minister and his family were showered with produce from members' farms.
The 44 year period was also a period of struggle toward Americanization. Until the summer pastorate of Rev. Leslie Ostberg in 1925, all services were conducted in the Swedish Language at the insistence of the original members. In 1925 English became the language for Sunday evening services, though Swedish still commanded the morning worship. Throughout this period the annual mission meetings, usually held in the latter part of June, were enjoyed as spiritual mountain-top experiences. Several ministers would be called to preach and services would be held on Friday and Saturday afternoons, and all day Sunday. At noon long tables were setup outside the church and abundant amounts of delicious food were served to all.
In 1927 the congregation joined the Evangelical Covenant Church of America. Since that time it has striven to maintain its support obligations and program commitments as a member congregation of that body. It has also attempted to shed the strongly Scandinavian characteristics which have tended to separate it from the changing nature of the population of this community and to become more fully involved in serving the people now within its area.
In reflecting upon the 87 years which have passed since its founding, the Mission Covenant Church gives grateful thanks to God for his sustaining grace, and his many and frequent blessings. As in the past, the congregation seeks to bear faithful witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ.
This move to Chandlers Valley explains in part, but not fully, why a group of about 30 persons met on the evening of November 15, 1883 in a one-room public school house which stood at the foot of Ghost Hill in Swede Hollow to explore the possibility of taking independent action to organize a church separate from the parent church. The record of that meeting shows that 30 persons affixed their signatures to the constitution of what was to become the Evangelical Free Church of Sugar Grove Township.
Within six weeks after the above-mentioned meeting the new congregation had conducted its first annual meeting. Besides the election of officers, that meeting also made the following important decisions:
- to purchase a one acre tract of land from Mr. Helm of Jamestown to be used for a building site;
- to appoint a building committee to develop and implement building plans for a church;
- to call Rev. C. A. Wicklund as their first pastor at a salary of $300 a year.
In addition to a long list of names of those who donated labor building the church, there have been a number of other reports concerning the actual construction. One concerns an elderly lady who was much disturbed when she learned that it was not intended to construct a steeple with the main building. She is reported to have donated $50 out of her life savings with the stipulation that it be used for a steeper. This gift was supplemented by one from Mr. Andrew Holm, and the steeple became a reality. Mr. Holm also constructed the original pulpit and presented it as a gift to the church.
In 1886 the congregation turned from the church edifice to other unfinished construction. A four acre tract was purchased from the nearby Swanson Farm and a parsonage for the pastor, a barn for his horse, and sheds to accommodate worshipers' horses were constructed. The record indicates that a Mr. Samuelson purchased two pine trees which were sawed into lumber for the dwelling.
Little construction took place for many years following the extensive initial period. In 1930, Mr. John McLean of Sugar Grove, acting on the authority of the surviving members of the Sugar Grove Congregational Church, presented that church;s bell to this church. In 1939 a gift of $1,000 unexpectedly received from Mr. Finney, trustee of the John Ley Estate in Bradford, supplemented by other contributions and much volunteer labor, made it possible to excavate a basement to accommodate kitchen, furnace room, and Sunday School facilities. The steeple was repaired and fully restored during the summer of 1940. The parsonage was remodeled in 1942, and in 1960 a new heating system was installed. A Baldwin Electronic Organ, complete with a set of Degen Chimes, was installed in the church in October of 1948; and the front of the church edifice was remodeled to accommodate a new set of steps, doors, a balcony, and a foyer in 1954.
At the present time a 90 foot educational wing, which will include choir facilities, Sunday School facilities, a fellowship hall, kitchen, pastor's study and rest rooms is nearing completion.
From 1883 until 1927 the new church struggled mightily to carry on its mission. Except for incidental assistance from the Congregational Church of America, in the form of financial aid to individual ministers, no assistance was received. The record indicates that during on meeting it was decided to allocate 23 cents, all of the treasury's balance, toward payment of interest on a note held by the Sugar Grove Savings Bank. Besides the meager salary given early pastors, members were asked to donate a cord of wood or $1.00 per year; and annual donation days, or festivals, were held each autumn when the minister and his family were showered with produce from members' farms.
The 44 year period was also a period of struggle toward Americanization. Until the summer pastorate of Rev. Leslie Ostberg in 1925, all services were conducted in the Swedish Language at the insistence of the original members. In 1925 English became the language for Sunday evening services, though Swedish still commanded the morning worship. Throughout this period the annual mission meetings, usually held in the latter part of June, were enjoyed as spiritual mountain-top experiences. Several ministers would be called to preach and services would be held on Friday and Saturday afternoons, and all day Sunday. At noon long tables were setup outside the church and abundant amounts of delicious food were served to all.
In 1927 the congregation joined the Evangelical Covenant Church of America. Since that time it has striven to maintain its support obligations and program commitments as a member congregation of that body. It has also attempted to shed the strongly Scandinavian characteristics which have tended to separate it from the changing nature of the population of this community and to become more fully involved in serving the people now within its area.
In reflecting upon the 87 years which have passed since its founding, the Mission Covenant Church gives grateful thanks to God for his sustaining grace, and his many and frequent blessings. As in the past, the congregation seeks to bear faithful witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ.
Stilson Hill Church
The Stilson Hill Church was built in 1871. The story goes that Mr. Jonathan Sheldon had a wood lot and was willing to donate the timber for a church if someone would saw the logs. As soon as Thomas Kay heard of this offer, he got together with Mr. Sheldon and others to start a church. Mr. Kay seemed to handle the business and financial part of the organization. Eli Hopin split the stone for the foundation. Built on the James and Betsy Hudson farm, Henry Nuttall did a great deal of work on this project. Services were first held by Methodist and United Brethern ministers. The Rev. Sam MacKaliner and the Rev. Caman was Flossie Broughton's maternal grandfather. The original history tells that Me. Cadman was a stickler for promptness. He would begin his sermon on time, whether anyone was there or not. Frank Sheldon tells how he could hear Mr. Cadman preaching a mile away.
Reverend Evans walked 15 miles from Corry to preach. When the split came between the Methodist and United Brethern Churches, the Methodist Church in Sugar Grove took over. A minister from Sugar Grove, who already had two charges, tried to carry on but he could not do so much. Rev. Robinson, the minister about 1911, gathered some families together and began to meet at the Church for prayer meetings and talk about the need of an evangelistic meeting. About Christmas time of that year, Rev. McDerment and Peter Gailbraith came to hold revival meetings. Every night the church was full for six weeks. Sixty to seventy people attended the cottage prayer meetings. Rev. Hutley tried to get Wrightsville, Lottsville and Stilson Hill Churches to join together, but the pan did not work. Rev. Hunter and Rev. Mook were the last two preachers. After 1921 there was only Sunday School held at the Stilson Hill Church. The Union Sunday School was held there only in the Summertime. Frank Henderson, of the Free Methodist Church, held services there. Rev. J. B. Shaffer held services until the Vrotherhood of the Youngsville Church took over. The Chur5ch was in such poor condition that the church superintendent told them the church would have to be torn down. It could not stand there and fall down. The ladies could not consider that verdict so they banded together. The have restored the church and it is a credit to any countryside. Many ladies started quilting for customers and are doing that work today (1965).
Reverend Evans walked 15 miles from Corry to preach. When the split came between the Methodist and United Brethern Churches, the Methodist Church in Sugar Grove took over. A minister from Sugar Grove, who already had two charges, tried to carry on but he could not do so much. Rev. Robinson, the minister about 1911, gathered some families together and began to meet at the Church for prayer meetings and talk about the need of an evangelistic meeting. About Christmas time of that year, Rev. McDerment and Peter Gailbraith came to hold revival meetings. Every night the church was full for six weeks. Sixty to seventy people attended the cottage prayer meetings. Rev. Hutley tried to get Wrightsville, Lottsville and Stilson Hill Churches to join together, but the pan did not work. Rev. Hunter and Rev. Mook were the last two preachers. After 1921 there was only Sunday School held at the Stilson Hill Church. The Union Sunday School was held there only in the Summertime. Frank Henderson, of the Free Methodist Church, held services there. Rev. J. B. Shaffer held services until the Vrotherhood of the Youngsville Church took over. The Chur5ch was in such poor condition that the church superintendent told them the church would have to be torn down. It could not stand there and fall down. The ladies could not consider that verdict so they banded together. The have restored the church and it is a credit to any countryside. Many ladies started quilting for customers and are doing that work today (1965).
The Swedish M. E. Church
Ministers and early residents formed a denominational church class, organized and made the arrangements to build a church.
The church was located on the road to Matthews Run from Mission Church corners, and by the Swedish M. E. Cemetery, across the road from York farm (according to the 1878 Warren County Atlas on the Sugar Grove Township map).
Mrs. Charles (Sarah) Swanson, Ghost Hill road was a member of that church since 1869. She died on Feb. 5, 1904. Her funeral service was held at Chandlers Valley (as the Swedish M. E. Church was moved about 1880 to the former S. S. Darling farm, now Willard Ekdahl trailer lot, and church sheds were on lots across the road).
The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Lundeen of Warren, assisted by Rev. Gage and Rev. Miller of Chandlers Valley, also assisted by a choir - Mrs. Gage, Verna Gae, Margie Johnson, Mrs. Delamater, Will Buck and Emil Anderson. Three hymns Mrs. Swanson had selected were sung by the choir.
In 1905 the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Brown Hill bought the Swedish M. E. Church which was torn down and moved to Brown Hill, Brokenstraw Township, to be used in the building of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
The church was located on the road to Matthews Run from Mission Church corners, and by the Swedish M. E. Cemetery, across the road from York farm (according to the 1878 Warren County Atlas on the Sugar Grove Township map).
Mrs. Charles (Sarah) Swanson, Ghost Hill road was a member of that church since 1869. She died on Feb. 5, 1904. Her funeral service was held at Chandlers Valley (as the Swedish M. E. Church was moved about 1880 to the former S. S. Darling farm, now Willard Ekdahl trailer lot, and church sheds were on lots across the road).
The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Lundeen of Warren, assisted by Rev. Gage and Rev. Miller of Chandlers Valley, also assisted by a choir - Mrs. Gage, Verna Gae, Margie Johnson, Mrs. Delamater, Will Buck and Emil Anderson. Three hymns Mrs. Swanson had selected were sung by the choir.
In 1905 the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Brown Hill bought the Swedish M. E. Church which was torn down and moved to Brown Hill, Brokenstraw Township, to be used in the building of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.
