The Presbyterian Story, 1958

The Presbyterian Story Presbyterian Church, Marion N. Y. AS TOLD AT THE... 150th Anniversary SEPTEMBER 7th, 1958 Price $1.00

It was a bright Sunday morning, that September 7, 1958. This was the celebration of our 150th Anniversary. The old bell that has sounded for 108 years called all to worship.

Some of those who gathered there had to start early to make the 10 o'clock service. The reception committee were John Davis and Ruth Walker who greeted all comers and asked each one to sign the register. Floyd Ameele, head usher and his assistants escorted all to seats.

Scripture was read by our pastor, Rev. Devello Haynes - the anniversary prayer by a former pastor, Rev. Maurice Verduin. After the prayer a selection by the Junior choir, ably conducted by Lucinda Hance. The anthem was sung by a town, youth group - Brenda Kooman, Carolyn Curtis, Lucinda Hance, Paul Russell and Gordon Walker. The morning sermon was preached by another former pastor, Rev. Samuel McKinstry on the topic, 'Courage'.

There were about one hundred and eighty in attendance at the morning service and a list of those names will be found in the register.

At 3:30 P.M. the sound of the old bell again the meeting came to order. The chairman welcomed the guests and announced that the same hymn that was used at the 100th and 125th anniversaries had been chosen, NO-330, 'The Church's One Foundation'. A prayer was offered and then the chairman, John S. Rich, described the old church as follows:

This church was built in 1830 - the builder was Edmond Hosmer. His granddaughter, Mrs. Carl Gurnee is with us today; also his great granddaughter, Sara Sage Travers. The seats ran lengthwise with the women on the north side, the men on the south with a stove in the center with a huge pipe. The preacher had to walk back and forth to keep the attention of his congregation as the pulpit was in the east and near the doors. In 1850 a bell was purchased - it has rung for 108 years and still is in good condition. It was the first bell to ring in the town and has called six generations to worship.

In 1850 the church was remodeled - the seats were placed crosswise facing the West with the pulpit in the West and the choir in the East. A few years later there were complaints that the seats were too hard so the ladies of the church decided to make cushions. There was a minister then who had had experience in making cushions and he showed the women how to cut out the pattern. To the West of the town lived a man and his wife with their two sons who came to church regularly and were interested in all church activity. This lady came to work on the cushions and was an expert with a needle. The women all enjoyed working with her, but little did they know that this woman who came to this church to work and worship would some day have a great-grandson who would be one of the most widely known men-in the world.

Marion, N. Y. , Aug. 1. 1958 Sir Winston Churchill London, England Honorable Sir: My church, the First Presbyterian Church of Marion, New York is to celebrate its 150th anniversary on Sept. 7 of this year.

As chairman I have been going over the old records of the church. I find a history written in 1892 that states in the early 60's Isaac and Aurora Jerone lived on a farm west of this village, came to this church regularly, were workers in the church. They had two sons, Leonard and Lawrence, who were leaders in the activities of the town. The boys went to Rochester and took up newspaper work. The history says that later they went to New York; one in the horse business, the other in the stock market. Leonard had a daughter, Jennie who married Randolf Churchill and who, I think, are your parents.

If these are true facts, our church would like it very much if you would send greetings to the church your ancestors attended.

Respectfully yours, John S. Rich Chairman Sesquicentennial President Marion Historical Society

On August 15th the following reply was received: 11 August, 1958 at La Capponcina, Cap d'Ail A. M. Dear Mr. Rich: Sir Winston Churchill has asked me to thank you very much for your letter which it gave him pleasure to receive. He was very interested to hear of the association of the Jerome family with your church.

Yours sincerely, Anthony Montague Browne Private Secretary Mr. John S. Rich, Chairman of the Sesquicentennial President Marion Historical Society

I present this picture of the old church to this church in the hope that in years to come it may hang in the Sunday School room and that it be knows that through these doors the great grandparents of Sir Winston Churchill came to worship.

The windows of this church were purchased in Buffalo for $25.00 and each of the poor men who went to purchase them was snowbound on a train for a day without food. These windows are now in our Sunday School room.

This church had a vestibule on each end - the north one was used by the town people, the south one by the people from the country as it was nearer the sheds. The country people wore big coats and shawls to keep out the cold as they rode to church in open rigs in winter. Under one of these big coats one Sunday in winter a ferret was hidden during the service. Uncle Dwight lived across the flats and he had a grandson who sometimes spent the winter with him. What a morning to hunt rabbits - but, Uncle Dwight had a different idea, the boy must go to church. On the way to church he passed his ferret coop. He thought, 'I can take him to church and hunt on the way home'. All the way the boy tried to find a place to hide his ferret until he came back, but he found no place, and when he reached church decided to leave him under one of those big coats. During the service he could look out and see the coat move and he knew his ferret was still alive. After church and on the way home, he caught four big rabbits, but he did not tell his grandfather; so hid them in the wood pile. Next morning he got up early and when his grandfather came down the boy said, 'See the fine rabbits I just caught'. Uncle Dwight saw the rabbits were frozen and said, 'Roscoe, those rabbits were caught on Sunday, and took his grandson out in the shed and used a paddle. Sometimes we wonder if it was the right thing to do, for from that day on Ross has been shy of Sunday morning service.

Behind the window, next to the south vestibule Mrs. Norris had her Sunday School of boys. She had a vision that Marion should have a library, and if her boys could raise money she knew a library could be formed. The boys set to work with ice cream socials and in a short time books were purchased and the library was placed in the hall of the manse. The state soon came to assist in forming the Marion Public Library. The boys in Marion today who had a part in this were John Moon, Elmer Morrison, Stanley Allaart and myself.

I first entered this church in 1900. My father's family were all Presbyterians, but he was not a church goer. My mother's father had preached in the Christian Church, so she took her flock there. One Sunday at breakfast my father said, 'My family were all Presbyterians, and it seems a pity that none of my family go there'. On the way to church that Sunday I asked my mother if I could stop off at this church. She said I could, and little did I realize the fellowship I would receive down through the years. First in this church, then the Lyons Presbytery, then Geneva-Lyons, Council of Presbyterian Men, the founding of Camp Whitman, the General Assembly, and the Palmyra Men's Group. It has been a wonderful experience -life would have been dull without it.

The only people I knew in the church were the Smith sisters. There were seven of them, and at least five went to church every Sunday. When we lived in the north house, they would come up across the field single file on the way to church and if it rained Leah, who was the horse woman of the group, would hitch Old Charlie on the democrat wagon and we would ride to town.

There were some fine families in that church: the Russells, Whites, Pullmans, Trumbulls, Pratts, Parsons, Malcolms, Henions, Coles, Youngs, Peter and Hattie, DeWolf, Hosmers, Edith Gurnee who was not married then - she is our oldest member now. A little later the Rogers came from Arcadia, also VanDorris, Steyaarts, and LeRoys. Fannie Horn came when the weather permitted from Sodus Township - she loved her church and made many fine gifts to it.

In 1905 Mrs. Jennie Seeley gave her home to the church for a parsonage, if the church would pay $600 to Home and Foreign Missions. The church did this and acquired a nice home. In 1910 a man in Rochester purchased the stone building next to the manse and started to remodel it for a furniture store. In digging the cellar, the building toppled over, nearly crushing the manse. This is the only church that ever had a trustees meeting in the street. They met, bought the building, and had it torn down - there is a nice lawn there now. This manse was sold in 1946 and in 1950 one was purchased on Buffalo St. This church has owned other property - in 1844 to the south of this church was a lot owned by a man named Sutton. He had no respect for the church and on this lot kept pigs, ducks and chickens. He would not feed them on Saturday and then during church next day he would tend his animals. One could hear the squealing of pigs, honking of ducks, and one day Melvin Eddy could stand it no longer. He took his big hat and took up a collection. With the $50 he received he went over and offered it to Sutton who took it. After purchasing this lot, it was rented for a tin shop and later a grocery store. Each year the church realized from $35 to $50 in rent. It was sold about 10 years ago, but it made the church money.

In 1911 the old church was torn down and the present one built at a cost of about $20,000. It was dedicated in 1912 and the only reminder of the old one is the bell and the windows in the Sunday School room, It is now 46 years old and the trustees and ladies have kept it in fine shape. Soon after Mr. Norris left and Mr. McWilliams came, a drive was put on to pay off the mortgage.

After this the church went into a dull time and needed someone to put some life into it. A man was called who was different from anyone they had ever had. He was short, single and a democrat, and worst of all he was a ball player. Who ever heard of a men of the cloth with a catcher's mitt on? Mac, you have traveled a long way to be here - without you, this meeting would not be a success.

Mr. McKinstry speaks. Among other things Mr. McKinstry spoke of the organists, who played during his pastorate here. It is nearly always hard to find an organists but Marion had five. There was Alice Bush, Clara Scutt, Lucile Rogers, Mrs. Seybold, and Dorothy McKenna. They alternated, each playing a month or if one could not take her turn, one of the others did. What workers there were among the men, especially Charles Seybold and Dick Rogers. Sometimes a minister likes to hear a little praise, and Mr. Rogers always told him how much he enjoyed his sermons.

The next man I really never became acquainted with, as I was too busy trying to make a dollar when he was here. But, in 1956 I was delegate to General Assembly from this Presbytery. He was a delegate from the North Country, so we became buddies and attended all those meetings in Philadelphia together. We heard Billy Graham, Dr. Ellison, Ike's minister, and took the tour to Valley Forge - in fact, attended all the meetings we were supposed to, but in the evening me could do as we pleased, and took the subway out to Connie Mack's field to a ball game. Oh, we were not alone, there were laymen and ministers from the southern states who had never seen a big league game. One night Pittsburgh was playing the Phillies Pittsburgh had three men on bases when Dale Long came to bat. My buddy rose up and said, 'Don't throw that man a good one - he hits a long ball.' He had no more than spoken when Long hit the ball out of the park, and my buddy did not speak to us the rest of the evening. Maurice Verduin, I will never forget the good times we had in Philadelphia.

Mr. Verduin speaks. He also spoke of the good times he had had at ball games. While he was in Marion there was a basketball league, and also a soft ban one. As umpire he remembered how Dick Witter used to argue when he called a strike when Dick thought it was a ball. The big depression was on at that time and he had to take milk tickets sometimes for his pay. He is up near the great St. Lawrence Seaway, and it has been a great experience to watch its development. The winters are very cold, but there is not as much snow as we have. One of the things that was very enjoyable while he was here was the fine voice of Thomas Young - he liked to sing and everyone loved to hear him. Mr.Verduin's daughter and son sent greetings to the Marion Church.

We then had supplies - some never came, some were an hour late, others could not find their way out of town. But the man who always came through ice and snow was William McKee. Bill, I welcome you here today.

Mr. McKee speaks. It was true that it was a hard winter when he supplied the Marion pulpit. One Sunday Paul Russell met his train and got him to church in time for Sunday School. The reason he lost his job here was because the Baptist Church had a minister, and the Presbyterian Church had coal they decided to form a marriage for the winter season. Later, this marriage was annulled.

This was the time we talked of federation - we spent the summer at it first with one and then with two churches. Then we voted to stay Presbyterian. The night we voted my partner in all church affairs and I were left to turn off the lights. As we went out into the vestibule, I stopped under the big window and said the shortest prayer of my life. 'Please Lord, send us someone to help'. My prayer was answered for the next day I heard of a man in a nearby town who might come. I called him, and he agreed to come the next Sunday. Let us go back a little - Mr. Norris had gone to Massachusetts from here and because of failing health he wanted to finish his pastorate in York State. He accepted a call to Little Valley. Now, Little Valley is in Cattaraugus County near Alleghany State Park - it's a friendly little town, I know, for four years they hired me to come down there and help sell their surplus cattle. It so happened I stayed in a tourist home where the man was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and his wife played the organ, so we could talk the same language. They told me that when Mr. Norris' health began to fail, he asked the session to call a younger man. This they did, and the young man who came bought Mr. Norris' library and became very popular with everyone, especially the young people. On Saturday afternoons we would load up his car with boys regardless of color or creed and take them over to St. Bonaventure to a football game. The church grew, but he was soon called to a larger parish. How strange it was that the man who went to help Mr. Norris out in Little Valley would be the man to come to us when we needed him most! That man is Harold Shaw. Mr. Shaw was unable to be with us, but he wrote us a nice letter which Ivan Johnson will read.

Mr. Shaw's Letter in brief: To all the officers, members and friends of the First Presbyterian Church of Marion, New York Greetings - This day must be a pride and joy for each one of you who are privileged to reach this anniversary of the Church. Many of you will be thinking today of the years you have had under the tutelage of the church of God, that found its birth many years ago. How the Lord has blessed you all in the service of Christ and has given you new courage when it was needed and hope for the days when things might have looked the darkest. You must have remembered that Christ has said, 'Lo, I am with you always. Be not afraid.'

At about this time a young lady joined our congregation - she, like her mother, grandmother and aunts, has gone at church work wholeheartedly. Her interest was in music she sang in the adult choir then directed it, then she took up the junior choir. You may have noticed how well they have sung the last few weeks. We will miss her when she leaves for college in a few days. It is a pleasure to introduce Lucinda Hance who will render a solo at this time accompanied on the piano by Carolyn Curtis.

Lucinda sings. The next man to come to our aid was a city man. We could never understand how a man of his caliber would come to us when his services were in such demand in many other places. He must have like us. I will never forget one Sunday when he was at our house at dinner. He spoke of how quiet it was with no excitement like the city. Just then a calf in the barn jumped the gate, and ran around the yard with it tail over its back. My friend said, 'What can I do to help you?' I said, 'Get an empty pail from the barn, and I will go out by the road to keep it out of traffic'. When I got the pail, the calf came to me and I put my fingers in its mouth and slowly led it to the barn. When my friend left that afternoon, he said, 'There is excitement in the country after all'. Mr. Trost, I feel it is an honor to have known you.

Mr. Trost speaks. One of the things he said was that there was a young girl just coming to Sunday School when he was here. Today she is a beautiful young lady with a fine voice. Referring to Lucinda Hance. It was always a pleasure to come to Marion. It is a church with a determination.

At this time we bought a parsonage and called a man. I think of him on an Easter Sunday a few years ago. I was in a hospital for a minor operation - I sat alone feeling sorry for myself for it was the first Easter Sunday I could remember that I had been away from my family. A knock came on my door and there was my pastor - my wife had told him at church, and he had driven 16 miles out of his way without dinner to see me. Mr. Brock, you deserve the best there is in this life.

Mr. Brock speaks. He said that he came here as a part-time minister. The men and women of this church were such an ambitious lot that it tired him to see them work. These are serious times, and the churches of today will meet the challenge. He did not say that during his stay here it was Mrs. Brock who organized the children's choir, but this has carried on and today is a strong part of our church.

Down in Steuben County there was a pastor about to retire. He was not quite satisfied as there was a man in Wayne County who needed working over some more before he finished his life work. When he received a call to come back to Marion, he came willingly. However, things were different. There were a lot of black top roads, and he was lost all the time. One night, he, Bob Cowley and I went to Geneva to a men's supper - we were lost 4 times and got there just in time for the pie. After that, I drove and he was always willing to go any place with me, church or even ball games or hockey. We traveled many miles. That last week when his wife was trying to get him to pack, there was a ball game every night. She was discouraged, and one day said, 'Where tonight?' He answered, 'Williamson'. She continued, 'As long as you are going to Williamson, you may as well take this Bible you promised Mrs. LeRoy, and that will save us a trip.' That night when he came out with a Bible in his hand, I said to the rest of the men in the car, 'I have taken a lot of men to sports events, but he is the first one to carry a Bible'. Sam, as they know you in Steuben County, what a good time we had together, and, oh, how I miss you!

Mac speaks. He said how sorry he was for us last winter during all our big blizzards. He would read about it in the paper and think of all of the folks in York State, and how pleasant it was in Florida. He told about a man giving him a load of wood when he was in Marion - he had to draw it himself and even split it.

The chairman then said, 'We have an honored guest with us today, the moderator of Geneva-Lyons Presbytery. As a rule, this office is held by one of the pastors, and it is a high honor when a layman is chosen. It is an office of dignity, but it is hard to be dignified for me when I know this man so well. We were officers in the Presbyterian Council of Men for several years. We visited nearly every church and our budget was small for the work we were supposed to do. One night in Penn Yan he told me to pay the speaker - I asked how much to give him, and my friend said, 'Oh, $25.' I said, 'We have only $18 in the bank'. He replied, 'We will get part of the supper money, and the money will be in the bank before the check'. At this time, I would like to introduce James Alsdorf, Moderator of our Presbytery -Jim, it is a pleasure to have known you and worked with you.

Jim speaks. He spoke of the pleasure of being there to enjoy the program. He felt assured that the Church would go forward to have many more anniversaries.

Our present pastor has been here only a short time, and we are not really acquainted, but from what I have observed, he is a smooth operator. Last spring when we had to change our clocks for daylight time he suggested to the Session that we have a 10 o'clock service for the summer. So when the rest of the people in the country were getting up one hour earlier, we in this church had to get up an hour and a half. More than that, he did not know just how his congregation would take the changes so that first Sunday he decided to change pulpits with his son.

Mr. Haynes speaks. He thanked the chairman for the framed picture of the old church. He said his topic was, 'Looking Forward'. He spoke of the day the Wright Brothers first flew the Kitty Hawk. People would not believe it - they said some day someone may fly, but it won't be one from our town. The news item next morning said that the Wrights had been away and were returning to town the next week.

After a day like this in our church he knew they would go forward to meet any challenge, and would be looking back on this day with happy thoughts. After the closing hymn the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. McKee. There followed a social hour. Everyone was interested in the exhibit of historical photos and papers pertaining to the church, neatly arranged by Esther Emmelkamp. Old friends gathered and visited with former pastors. Soon the line was formed for the buffet luncheon which was served by Marjorie Vanderburgh and her assistants. It was very thoughtful of Jane Crane and her helpers to serve the children in the primary room in the basement.

Promptly at 7:30 P.M. the evening service began. After the opening hymn, Gloria Witter as leader for the March of the Decades entered with Lisa Hance and Susan Reynolds. These youngsters were wearing dresses that were over one hundred years old, and they looked very prim and proper. Then came five young people who were descendants of the first families of the church. They were accompanied by an old song recorded for the occasion by John Walker. Laurie Nortier was wearing a simples cotton dress of the early period - women of these times worked and had little relaxation. These were the days of the covered wagons practical dresses were a necessity.

Laurie reads the Caldwell-Rich history Granny Prentice, as she was known, was the mother of Samuel Caldwell. She joined this congregation in 1810. A few years later in 1820 her son, Samuel and his wife joined, and in a short time their son, Joseph became a member. Joseph was deacon for 50 years, and his daughter, Amanda Caldwell Rich was active in this church.

My great grandmother, Blanche Rich, joined this church in 1920 and is the oldest, living person in our congregation. My grandmother joined in 1926 - my mother and father are members, and I am the eighth generation of this family represented in this church.

The Caldwell Family have other descendants in this church, the John Rich Family. John joined this congregation in 1900, Myra came from the Newark Presbyterian Church in 1924. Their son, Harry, joined in 1929, his wife Ellen Young Rich, came here in 1946 from East Palmyra Presbyterian Church. Angie Rich Hermanet joined in 1939, and after being active in church work here transferred to Webster where he is ruling Elder in the Webster Presbyterian Church.

Gloria describes Lucinda Hances' dress. Lucinda Hance is wearing a simple cotton dress of early period. Although it had been about 200 years since the Pilgrims set foot on American soil there was very little leisure time for our women. The beautiful ball gowns worn by ladies of Europe were very much out of place here.

Lucinda reads the Young Family. Thomas Young came here from Connecticut, cleared land and became interested in the new church. He married Phoebe Durfee and their son, Nelson D. Young, was the leader of both church and community affairs. He was Supervisor of the town for many years and a staunch worker in all growth of the early town.

Nelson had 6 children. One son and two daughters left Marion at an early age and lived in the west. Thomas, Conway and Durfee spent most of their life around Marion.

Thomas married Laura Farrell, the music teacher in the school and they had a son, Tom, as we all knew him. Laura Young and Tom spent their entire life working in the church choir - she as organist, while Tom sang and played musical instruments.

Conway graduated from Hamilton College in 1860, came back to Marion to live on Pidgeon Hill and later in the homestead on Palmyra St. During this time he took up the ministry, supplied our pulpit for many years and also those in surrounding towns. Conway had 8 children - all workers in the church until they moved to East Palmyra in 1901. George B. Young, still living in East Palmyra, was Sunday School Supt. in this church in the early 90's. His granddaughter, Ellen Young Rich, is now a member of this church.

The Durfee Young Family, his children and grandchildren have all been active in this church. Bessie Young Hemmings was interested in the choir, her daughter, Doris helped in the Primary Dept, and her son, Edwin was willing to do his part before they moved away to become active in the churches where they now live.

The Arthur Young Family attended here until they moved to Newark. Natalie and Oliver took part in Youth activity.

The Roy Young Family were all members of this congregation. Elsie and Grace joined this church in 1919 - my mother, Florence, in 1930. My grandmother, Mrs. Roy Young, or Mate as many knew her was a member of the Friendly Bible Class and always willing to do her part. Florence, my mother, is active in the choir, the Honor Bright Class, and all branches of church work.

The Young Family down through the years have had a part in keeping the Church alive.

Gloria spoke of the suit Arnold Deyo was wearing. Arnold Deyo is wearing a suit of the type his ancestors wore in the early part of the nineteenth century. Remind your husband of this outfit when he says men's styles never change.

Records show that the Thompsons were members of this church in the early 80's, also that in 1889 Alexander Thompson attended Sunday School every Sunday for one year.

Later they moved to New Jersey, their daughter, Jessie, married Richard Rogers, they lived in Arcadia and had two children, Lucile and Stanley. Early in 1900 they moved to Marion and became real active in the church. Mrs. Rogers was a member of the Friendly Bible Class and active in all church work. Mr. Rogers or Dick as every one knew him was a trustee and looked after the church for many years. He was noted for his friendliness to all new members.

Lucile joined the church in 1911. She was interested in music, sang in the choir or played the organ most of the time for many years. She has been treasurer of the Sunday School and Missionary Society for 15 years, and was president of the Help U Class for 5 years.

Stanley joined in 1911 - he enjoyed singing in the choir, was choir director, and has been Assistant Treasurer for many years. Mrs. Stanley, or Marian, as we all know her joined in 1926 and has taken an active part in all branches of the church - president of the Help U Class, president of the Missionary Society and Secretary - Treasurer of Benevolences and Deaconess, also a member of the choir.

Mrs. Rogers' brother, John Thompson belonged to a club in New York of which Andrew Carnegie was a member. At that time Mr. Carnegie was making gifts to churches and Mr. Thompson suggested Marion Church. Through his efforts our church received a substantial gift for our organ.

In 1899 Herbert Deyo and Mary Rogers were married and became a part of our church in early 1900. They had 3 children - Esther, Dorothy, and Morris. Esther joined this church in 1922 and has spent more time for the good of the church than any other one of the congregation. She has been treasurer for 26 years - many times the account has been low and things looked real dark, but money always came from somewhere. She has successfully managed our money. She has been a teacher of the Honor Bright Class, active in Missionary and Presbyterial, holding offices in Lyons Presbyterial and Geneva-Lyons. Dorothy while she lived in Marion was active in this church and upon marriage moved to Webster to take up the work in the Presbyterian Church there. Morris is my father and has always been interested in the church and helped support it. My mother is a member of the Honor Bright Class and the Missionary Society, always willing to help when needed. The Skinner Family came to this church in 1909. Raymond was an officer in the church and his wife was a member of the Friendly Bible Class. They had two daughters, Frances and Agnes. Frances joined the church in 1913 and her husband, Evert Vande Walle joined in 1921. Frances is interested in the Help U Class and the Missionary Society and also takes part in the work of the Presbyterial. Agnes was active until she married and moved to another section.

Civil War Song sung by John Walker. Mr. Gloria describes Nancy Bush's dress. Although Nancy Bush's ancestors were active in our church as early as 1831 she is wearing her great great grandmother's wedding dress on her mother's side, which was worn in 1856. We hope the wedding took place on a cool day because this gown was worn over many petticoats and came complete with undersleeves.

On March 17, 1831, Samuel Smith joined the Congregational Church of Marion. He was a worker in the church and when the church was remodeled he took an active part. His son, Dwight, was a member and always interested in its betterment. He had 3 children Hastings, Eva, and Elizabeth. Elizabeth had one daughter, Edith and she and her daughter were both workers. However, after Elizabeth's death Edith moved to the west.

Hastings married Elizabeth Negus whose people joined this church in Jan. 1821. They had 7 daughters - all members of this congregation at one time. During the last 50 years Leah Smith Howell, and Eva Smith Croucher have hardly missed a Sunday in being in their regular place. Both are serving as Deaconesses, and both have been workers in Sunday School, Missionary and the Help U Class. Three other sisters Cassie, Mabel, and Mildred are always willing to do for the church when called upon.

Dwight's daughter, Eva married William Bush - they had one son, Roscoe, my grandfather. Sometimes he stayed with his grandparents and attended Sunday School here. In 1917 he married my grandmother, Alice Clark of East Palmyra. The Clarks were life long Presbyterians, and the Fosters were the back bone of that church. A stranger once attended a church social in East Palmyra in early 1900. There were 65 people there and he was the only one not related to a Clark or Foster.

My grandparents went to live in Pennsylvania, but in 1914 returned to Marion and grandmother brought her letter from Coudersport. She has been organist, trustee, President of the Missionary Society, taught Sunday School President of Lyons Presbyterial, delegate to Synodical 3 times and member of the Friendly Bible Class. My grandparents had 3 children - Sanford, Harold and Florence. Sanford and his wife, who was Myrtle Hodge joined this church in 1924. He is chairman of he Board of Trustees - Myrtle taught Sunday School and is willing in all organizations. Florence was active in the church while living here, and upon her marriage moved to Williamson to have a part in that church. Harold, my father and my mother joined this church in 1943, Mother has been interested in Primary work and the Missionary Society and Women's Guild.

The Smith and Clark Families have spent a full life in the church of their choice.

Gloria describes Norma Ameele's dress. Norma Ameele is wearing an attractive costume which was made shortly after 1860. These dresses were all hand made and it was quite impossible to pick one up at a bargain counter for $14.95.

Norma reads the Russell White History The Russell family were early settlers of the Town of Williamson. The White family came to the eastern part of Palmyra from Massachusetts early in 1800. Early in 1860 Henry Russell and Helen White were married and came to Marion to live and joined this church. They were both workers; he acted as elder and she as a teacher. Their daughter, Alice, was a Sunday School teacher who married Lloyd Hollister in early 1900 - he later was trustee. Their son, Clesent, was in the church until he moved to Newark. Their daughter, Ruth, joined this church in 1921, has been a worker in the Honor Bright Call, had charge of the Birthday Box for several years, and is always willing to work at any project.

Asa Russell at an early age became active in the church and Sunday School. In the late 80's he attended Sunday School for 4 years and one month without missing a Sunday. He was a teacher, Supt. of the S.S., and an Elder for many years. In 1904 Asa married May Van Cruingham who became active in the Friendly Bible Class, has served as Deaconess, and always a regular attendant in church. From their marriage 3 sons were born - Paul, Donald and David. Donald and David were members here until they moved away to be workers in their new homes. Paul remained in the home church and became a member in 1920. He was trustee, Elder, Supt. of the S.S., clerk of the session, and all around church worker. After his marriage to Lula Henderson she joined the church in 1932 and has been active in all departments -teacher, officer of the Honor Bright Class, Pres. of the Missionary Society, and presently of the Guild. Their daughter, Barbara, was active with the Young People -their son, Paul, joined the church in 1950 and has been a member of the choir.

The White Family came to Marion when Everard White and Sarah Negus were married. Their son, Salem, was a member. Another son, Pliny became a member in 1904 and was active in S.S. and served as Supt. for many years. He was trustee and also Elder. In 1911 he married Josephine Barclay who joined this church at that time. She worked in the Primary Dept., and was teacher of the Friendly Bible Class for a time. In 1904 Mabel Horton White brought her letter from Hornellville and became a worker in the church, a member of the Friendly Bible Class, also teacher. Her son, Kenneth, joined in 1923 and later married Gladys Barclay who joined in 1926. She became active in the Honor Bright Class, a great help in the choir and always willing to do her share. Gladys and Kenneth had 2 sons, Harry and David. David was in the church until he joined the Air Force. Harry was leader in the choir and a great help to the church - he was greatly missed when he went to Palmyra church. We are proud of the work he is doing there. Mabel White had a daughter, Theresa, who is my mother. She joined this church in 1926, became a great help in the Primary Dept., an officer in the Honor Bright Class, and interested in all church work. In 1935 my father joined this church - he has been Elder, Sec'y of the S.S. and always ready to lend a helping hand. I joined the church in 1958 and my brother, Bruce is a member of the congregation. I play the piano in the Primary Dept. and my brother and I both hope we can do as much for the church in the future as our relatives have in the past.

These young people leave the scene and 5 girls enter to a World War Tune. Gloria now speaks. Now we come to the 20th Century, a Century of hope and promise, but marred by World War 1. Valie Stewart is wearing a dress that must have been the envy of many at the turn of the century. It was made of heavy material - perhaps this accounts for the fact that women really needed help in getting in and out of a carriage.

Valerie reads the 1910-1920 Period. I represent the first 10 year period. These will be carried down to the present time. During this period the Christian and Methodist Churches closed and many from these churches joined our congregation. Mr. Norris was our pastor until 1913 - Mr. McWilliams came in 1914. During those years the church had many real workers - The Scutts, Le Roys, 3 De Right Families, Durfees, Allarts, Shermans, The Curtis, The Moons, The Benedicts, Garlocks, and Reynolds. The men's Sunday School Class had 60 members, The Friendly Bible Class had to be divided with two teachers.

It was decided to build a new church at a cost of $18,000. The old church was torn down in 1911 and services were held in Clark's Hall. The new church was dedicated in 1912. During these ten years the following joined us: Josephine White, Edith Van Ostrand returned from Rochester, Lucile and Stanley Rogers, Lena White, Leah Crane, Frances Vande Walle, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Seybold, Dora Westfall, Ethel Crane, Jennie Me Kenna, and Alice Bush. The work of some of the above names has already been described. Lena White through the years has been a member of the Help U Class and Missionary Society, always enjoying the work of the church. The coming of the Seybolds was a great help - Charley was an Elder, trustee, and S.S. Supt. and teacher - active in all departments. Mrs. Seybold was organist, teacher, member of the Friendly Bible Class and Missionary Society. Dora Westfall's work as a teacher was outstanding she spent long years for the good of the Help U Class, and during the last few years the class have been loyal to their teacher. Ethel Crane has been a regular attendant, member of the Help U Class and Missionary Society. Jennie Me Kenna sang in the choir, taught S.S. and rarely misses a Sunday service. Her daughter, Dorothy, and son, Walter, were active in the church while at home. Others who joined our congregation that were a help to the church were the Jacob Cook Family. He was trustee, Supt. of the S.S. and always willing. Mrs. Cook was always ready to help in any department. The Cooks had 4 daughters who were all real workers - Leona was in the Primary Dept. and choir, Myrna and Arlene were interested in S.S. These 3 girls were delegates to summer camp at Aurora - Viola is still with us - a member of the Honor Bright Class and interested in the church. Mr. and Mrs. Abram Cook and son, George, were interested in the church.

Leah Crane joined in 1918 and has held many offices. She was trustee, clerk of the congregation, President of the Help U Class, active in the Missionary Society and Geneva-Lyons Presbyterial. Since the forming of the Women's Guild she has arranged the schedule of Rotary dinners.

Mrs. Mary Brown, her daughter Edith Smith and granddaughter, Dorothy came into our church at this time.

Other girls who helped in the church at that time were the Goossen sisters, Glenna Morrison, Hazel Jorgensen. Mary Steams was helpful in the Primary Dept. Clara Perduyn has been with us since 1919 - she was a member of the choir, teacher, Supt. of the S.S., President of the Missionary Society and Help U Class, President of Lyons Presbyterial, and delegate to Synodical. Erminie White has had an active part in the women's groups as Primary teacher, Treas. of the Help U Class and church secretary, for 2 years. In 1916 a drive was made to pay off the mortgage. The mortgage was paid off and burned.

Allaart Family
Henry Allen Family
Bates and Reynolds Family
Anna Beals and Lena White
Mrs. Baetty
Geo. Benedict Family
Mrs. Blodgett
Mary Brown and Edith Smith
R. S. Bush Family
A. A. Clark and Sons
Orrin Cole Family
A. L. Cook Family
Jacob Cook Family
W. H. Curtis
Alice Curtis
Chas. Curtis
Erving Davis Family
Dan DeRight Family
Henry DeRight Family
Jessie DeRight Family
H. C. Deyo Family
John Deyo
Fred Durfee Family
Fred Eldridge Family
Albert Garlock Family
Engert Family
Bertha Geer
Goossen Sisters
Joseph Green
John Hemming Family
Henion Family
Abbie Heslor
Hodges Family
Mrs. Edward Horn
Hollister Family
Margrett Howell
William Howell
Mrs. Spencer Jeffery
Jacob LeRoy Family
Webster Lovejoy Family
Hazel Jorgenson
D. A. Luce

Ed. Luce Family
Elizabeth Malcolm
Walter McKenna Family
R. B. McOmber Family
Joanna Merson
Geo. Morrison
Glenna Morrison
Kate Natt
H. Negus and Mrs. Ray
Phelina Norton
Mrs. Radder
Frank Rich Family
John S. Rich
H. A. Robinson Family
Henry Russell Family
A. W. Russell Family
Jennie Ryckman
Rogers Family
Jacob Schaub
C. H. Scutt Family
C. L. Seybold Family
O. H. Sherman Family
Elizabeth Smith Family
R. B. Skinner Family
A. W. Spears Family
Geo. Spencer Family
Geo. Steams Family
Peter Styaart Family
Belle Trumbell
Mrs. Dan VanCloster
Frank VanCloster Family
John VanDorn Family
Merrett VanOstrand Family
Dora and Kate Westfall
A. A. White Family
P. G. White Family
T. A. Wilson
Cora Williams
Laura Young
Tom Young Family
Roy Young Family

Gloria describes Mary Johnson's dress and says: No, we haven't jumped to 1958. Mary Johnson is wearing an original chemise in all its beauty? America is booming now - in fact roaring. These were the fabulous roaring twenties.

Mary Johnson reads 1920 - 1930 period. During this period we had 4 ministers: Mr. McWilliams, Mr. Smith, Mr. and Mr. Verduin. The following people joined the church during this time: John Davis, Evert VandeWalle, Ruth Austin, Paul Russell, Esther Emmelkamp, Sanford Bush, Jennie Davis Luce, Kenneth White, Myrtle Bush, Gertrude Austin, Gladys White, Myra Rich, Blanche Rich, Marion Rich, Theresa White Ameele and Marian Rogers.

John Davis has been a trustee, chairman of ushers, and worker in any department. His mother, Jennie Davis Luce was a member of the Friendly Bible Class and helped in church work. Gertrude Austin is a member of the Honor Bright Class and Missionary Society and helps when needed. Her sister Hilda Cornell and family were interested in the church while they lived here.

At this time we had Prof. Lewis Bradley and family. He acted as Elder and was a real help to the church as was that of Mrs. Bradley as teacher. The Claeysen Family joined our congregation during this period - Mr. and Mrs. John Claeysen Sr., John Jr., Cornelius, Levi and Levina. John Jr. was later married to Mildred Neale and this family is part of our church - John was trustee and usher. Levi and Virginia were interested in young people's groups, and Levina was with us until she moved to Webster. Corneil and Neva are regular supporters.

The Charles Clark Family were here then - Mrs. Clark sang in the choir and was a teacher of the Honor Bright Class - the boys were in S.S. The Witter Family joined our congregation and were active in S.S. Genevieve married Arthur Lent and now their family are represented. Dick married Gloria Ressue and he and his family are active in the church.

In describing Kathy Purchase's dress Gloria says: Depression - Roosevelt and his alphabet agencies, such as N. R. A., W. P. A., C. C. C. Kathy is wearing a suit which was becoming very popular although men were not too enthusiastic at first fearing women would appear too masculine.

Kathy Purchase reads the 1930-1940 period. Mr. Verduin came to us in 1929 and during his pastorate the following joined the church: Thelma Davis, Harriet Hodges, Florence Hance, Ethel Sherman, Lula Russell, Asa and Claire DeRight, Floyd Ameele, Alvah and Ruth Walker, Thomas Emelkamp, David Crane, Viola Cook, Harry Rich, Margaret, Donald and Catherine Allen, and Nevada Allen Viele.

As in other groups some of these people have been mentioned in past writeups. Thelma Davis is a member of the Honor Bright Class and Missionary Society, worked on Rotary dinners and interested in all church work. Harriet Hodges and Ethel Sherman are members of the Help U Class. Claire DeRight is also a member of the Help U Class, while Mr. DeRight has served very faithfully in the work of the church being trustee, elder and willing to do whatever asked. Their daughter, Ann, has been a great help to the music dept. Alvah Walker has been a trustee and helped in decorating, while Mrs. Walker has spent long hours serving in the Primary dept. and choir - capable wherever needed. Their daughter, Janet, was in young people's groups and son, John, has added much to the choir. Another son, Gordon, now is part of the choir. David Crane has been trustee and elder and very capable and willing to do repair work both in the church and manse. Harry Rich is doing his part in the support of the church and formerly was active in Estminister Fellowship and young People's groups. Margaret Allen and Catherine belong to S.S. classes and Donald although in armed service takes an interest in his home church and returns when possible.

Carl and Margaret Reynolds joined us at this time and have been active in all church work. Carl has been trustee and usher - now their entire family take an active part. The Park Weldon family were here then and interested in church work, as well as Charlotte and Madelyn Cook.

The Stanley Phillips family joined us and they and their two sons, Richard and Tom, have been a help to our church. The Fred Crum family and Clarence Collier family both had a part in church activity.

Gloria speaks: 'Roberts House is wearing a Dior inspired creation. Do you remember the new look which caused hem lines to drop 5 inches or more? These were dark years of the world involved in another World War'.

After another song Roberts House reads the 1940-1950 period. Many things happened during these ten years. We sold our parsonage on Main St. and purchased another on Buffalo St. Mr. Verduin accepted a call to Mt. Morris. We considered seriously federation with two other churches, but finally decided to remain Presbyterian. We had several supply ministers, among them Rev. William McKee, Rev. Theodore Trost, and Rev. Harold Shaw. Mr. Shaw, through his efforts really added the spark that kept us going during that period. The following joined the church during this time: Robert and Dorothy Purchase, Edith East, Harold and Margaret Bush, Bertha Geer, Jane Crane, Ann Verbridge, Allen Viele, Nancy Brooks, Ivan and Dorothy Johnson, Stanley Hance, Alta Peters, Eva Crane, Janet Walker, Marjorie Ocque, Harold and Dorothy Ocque, Mrs. Wayne VanHouter, Mrs.Edward VanOrman, Marvin and Gordon Hermanet.

Robert Purchase has served as elder and trustee - his wife and family have taken an interest in church work. Edith East has been a great worker in the Honor Bright Class, taking a special interest in the rummage sales that have brought a fine return to our finances. Bertha Geer and Jane Crane have worked in their separate classes and willing at all times. Ann Verbridge is willing and active in the Honor Bright Class. Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Johnson have played a major part in the working of the church. Mr. Johnson has been teacher of young people, supt. of S.S., elder and clerk of the board. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Honor Bright Class and a very capable treasurer of the Presbyterian Guild. Their daughter, Mary, sings in the choir and the other children are regular members of the Junior choir.

Stanley Hance has been supt. of the S.S., elder and trustee and willing and capable in all departments. Alta Peters is a member of the Help U Class and Missionary Society, served as deaconess and a regular attendant.

Eva Crane and Janet Walker were active in the choir and S.S. work while in town. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Ocque have taken an active part - Dorothy is a member of the Honor Bright Class and has acted as president. No church ever had a worker like Marjorie Ocque - active in S.S. and Missionary, a keen eye for bargains she is responsible for much of the material that goes into our Missionary boxes and sees that they are packed and reach their destination. She also makes the rummage sales a success. Mrs. VanHouter and Mrs. VanOman and Mrs. Vermeullen are better known as the Gobeyn sisters and they with their sisters were active in S.S. work.

It was during this period that we gained and lost the Epley family - Gil and Liz. He was elder and a great help and she was active in all department. They went on to Geneva where they are adding much to the success of that church.

The Temple family came to lend a very willing hand. Mrs. Temple is equal to any task however great. She managed the Farm Bureau banquet in 1945 when the ladies of the church cleared $225. Elsa Jagger was a member of the Help U Class and many pleasant gatherings were enjoyed at her home. The George Wiltsie family were a great help also - Mrs. Wiltsie's voice in the choir added much to the services. The Francis Reed family were with us for a time - Mrs. Reed was a great help in the Primary Dept. Mrs. Hazel Johnson is a member of the Help U Class and Missionary Society.

The Garlipp and Voorhees families have lent a helping hand - Herm as a trustee, Tom as a member of the choir and Mrs. Garlipp in class work. Mrs. Voorhees has been a worker in the Primary Dept. The Freeman Gobeyn family have been regular attendants and supporters during this time. The Lee Stewarts joined us, too, during this period-Valarie is active S.S. and a regular member of the choir.

'Lucinda Hance now appears in a brand new model of the chemise. Sputniks, atomic submarines, great stride in science and medicine all point to a brilliant future. The fashion designers seem to be looking to the past - will pantaloons be next?' says Gloria.

Lucinda reads 1950-1958 period. During this period we have had 3 pastors. Our new parsonage has been put in shape, the church has been redecorated, a new heating plant installed, the floor refinished, the organ remodeled and a new carpet on the floor.

The following joined our church: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cowley, Eleanor O'Connor, Paul Russell Jr., Richard Phillips, the Vanderburghs, Mr. and Mrs. Robert House, The Malones, Graffs, The Ed. Hotel family, and Mr. and Mrs. Neil Collier. In January 1955, the women of the church fed the G.L.F. district delegates in the school cafeteria - 400 were served with a profit of $596.92. The whole congregation turned out to help with the project and it was efficiently managed by Esther Emmelkamp.

The House family has taken an active part. Mr. House has been a trustee and Mrs. House interested in the Primary Dept., S.S. Supt. and teacher. Eleanor O'Connor has been president of her class and interested in visiting new members. Mr. Vanderburgh is an elder and worker, Mrs. Vanderburgh is in S.S., Missionary, and teaches a class as well as Christian Education.

Mr. and Mrs. Cowley, their sons and daughter are church workers. Mr. Cowley is trustee and always willing to do his part in keeping things in repair. Marian Cowley is in S.S., Missionary and helps with Rotary dinners. She is now president of the Honor Bright Class.

During this period Prof. Howard Austin and family were with us while he was in the school. He was trustee - Mrs. Austin sang in the choir and also led the choir for a time. The Walter Simpsons are a help to the church. Walter is a trustee while Grace is vice-president of the Guild and the girls are in the choir and other church activities.

Neil Collier has taken a real interest in the church - he is trustee and Mrs. Collier and their daughter, Doris, are regular attendants. There are 2 more Gobeyn families who are regular attendants, and supporters: The Hector Gobeyn family and the Morris Gobeyn family.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hall are faithful at service and Mrs. Hall is very interested in the Honor Bright Class and Missionary Society. The Jefferson Sherman family are willing workers and loyal supporters. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Merrick were a great help to us while he was in the school.

We could go on naming supporters of this church: the Henry Davis family, the Klavers, the VanderLindes, the John Ver Plank family, the Reubins, Mrs. Charles Benton. We know we will miss some, but these have been years that all have taken part in.

After Lucinda was finished they all walk off and the people then enjoy a solo by Harry White, 'The Savior Of Galalee', the church is real proud of Harry for he has gone forward both in the church and business world.

After the solo five young people enter - they represent the organizations of the church. Some would be surprised to learn that the Missionary had its beginning way back in 1839. Joanne Simpson is wearing an afternoon dress typical of those worn by the women who worked so continuously to establish a strong Missionary Solidarity in our church. This dress is a replica of the original made by Mrs. Angelo of Pultneyville who loaned many costumes for this program.

Joanne reads the History of the Missionary. I represent the Missions and Missionary Society of which the Marion Church has played a large part.

The first records show that as early as 1839, $88.00 was raised for missions; $48.00 for foreign; $15.00 toward a meeting house in Naples; $23.00 for a Bible Society. In 1876, 6 church members joined the American Missionary Association, paying $30.00 for a life membership. In 1876 the Marion Missionary Society was formed.

In 1883 seed was given to be grown and the produce to be sold at the fall harvest festival. This netted them $50.00. The next year, 1884, the same method was used and it netted $77.00. That same year $15.00 was sent for a scholarship in a school in India.

In 1887 2 barrels were sent to the Johnstown Flood Relief. In 1890 records show that the church had given $348.00 in the past 4 yrs.

In 1903 Mrs. Seeley paid $50.00 toward the yearly traveling expenses of a missionary in India.

In 1904, at Mrs. Seeley's death, her will stated $600.00 be given to Home Missions, and $600.00 for Foreign Missions by the church. For this the church was to receive her home on Main St. Later it was found that Mrs. Seeley had also paid $400.00 to Miss Woodside, a Missionary in India.

In 1910-1920 the Society sent money and boxes to a Colorado School, and also one in Arizona and India. In 1925, upon the death of Augusta Pulver, a member, the church was left $3,000. She left $3,000 to Home Missions and $3,000 to Foreign Missions. The will so read that if there should be any residue it should be divided between Home and Foreign Missions. The residue was $28,000.

In 1941 the Missionary Society pledged $100 per year, and this was done for 8 years. From 1949 to 1958 there has been a steady increase until this year the pledge was $165. The total given in the last 14 years is $2,277.50. Lucile Rogers has been treasurer for the Past 14 years. In the last 22 years $5,200 has been sent for Benevolences to the Central Receiving Agency in New York by Marian Rogers Treas.

During the past 10 years the following packages have been sent to different schools: January 1951 Eva Croucher had charge and packed 220 lbs. of clothing to be sent to Church World Service Center. In 1955 Marjorie Ocque took over and under her efficient and devoted supervision 542 lbs. of 2nd hand clothing has been sent to Jetersville, Virginia. In the past 5 years 68 lbs. to New York City and 8 packages were sent to Puerto Rico and the Philippines and other places where the need was greatest.

Gloria then tells about Nancy Bush's costume: Nancy Bush is wearing the wedding dress worn by her grandmother, Alice Bush, in 1907 and later by her aunt, Florence Bush Cooper. Nancy will read the history of the Friendly Bible Class written by Alice Bush'.

Nancy reads. In writing of this brief history I acknowledge my gratitude to the officers and members of the class, who through the years have so carefully preserved the class records.

From a history of the Class from 1906 to 1920 by its first president we quote the following: 'Go with me on the evening of March 26, 1906 to the prayer room of the old Church. You will find a company of ladies namely - Mrs. W. W. Moon's S.S. Class and herself seated at a long table filled with good things to eat. But the special object of the gathering was not solely to eat, drink and be merry but to become an organized class. Mrs. Moon, acting as chairman explained in a very clear way the need of so doing. She presented a Constitution. It was accepted and signed by 26 members. Officers were elected as follows: Teacher, Mrs. Moon, President Mrs. Blodgett, Vice President, Mrs. F.R. Engert, Secretary, Miss Edith House, Treasurer, Mrs. E.T. Luce'.

The constitution of the newly organized class is still in existence in the hand-writing of the new secretary. From its tan articles we quote the first two'.

Article 1- Name Friendly Bible Class. Article 2- It is the aim and purpose of this class to be and to remain loyal to the interests of the Sunday School and Church of which it is a part, and to continually work in harmony with them'. With such an aim and purpose it is perhaps no wonder that the class grew and prospered. In the next 5 years many names were added to those of the Charter members. These were the days referred to by our historian as 'the time of the old church', but it was also the time when Marion Presbyterians were talking of the need for a new church. Our historian tells us that at a special meeting of the Church called in 1911 to decide on the question of a new church some officers of the Friendly Bible Class got their heads together and came up with a pledge of $1,000, for the building. She goes on to say, 'The Class responded nobly and worked together faithfully to the end, and the money was pledged, earned and paid'.

Still the Class continued to grow. The attendance at S.S.was so large the Class had to be divided into 2 parts - sometimes 3. Monthly meetings were held at the home of the members whenever possible with occasional picnics. In 1934 the Presbyterian Church by the will of Mrs. Lena Norton was given $500 to be administered by the Friendly Bible Class. Mrs. Norton was a former member of the class. This enabled the Class to help the Church in many ways which would not have been possible without this gift.

As we look back over the years we take pride in the fact that to the best of its ability the Friendly Bible Class has lived up to its oath of loyalty to the Church contained in its constitution. Much praise is due its faithful teachers - Mrs. Wallace Moon, Mrs. Warren Curtis, Mrs. Pliny White, and Mrs. Herbert Deyo, and to the capable and willing officers. At least 5 of the Charter Members are living- Mrs. Edith VanOstrand, Mrs. Ema LeRoy, Mrs. May Russell, Miss Dora Westfall, and Miss May Sherman. A few who joined the class later are among the living - many have gone to their eternal Home. I mention a few who have left sons and daughters well known to most of us - Mrs. Edna Scutt, Mrs. Clara Scutt, Mrs. Peter Steyaart, Mrs. Anna Beal, Mrs. Jessie Rogers, Mrs. Kate Skinner, Mrs. Mattie Rich and many others.

Like all earthly things, the Friendly Bible Class has to come to an end. As a Sunday School Class it has ceased to exist. Attendance at class meetings grew smaller and smaller. On May 22, 1957 a meeting with 5 members present was held at Mrs. May Russell's. After much consideration and a great deal of sadness the motion was made and carried that the Class disband. And still we were not bankrupt - we had $136.31 to be exact. The 5 members voted that it be turned over to the Church Trustees with the request that it be invested in a Church Bulletin Board in memory of the Friendly Bible Class.

Gloria continues ... 'Mary Purchase is wearing a shirtwaist and skirt outfit which was popular in 1912 when the Help U Class was formed. Quite a few brave women were now leaving homes and were found working in factories and offices - of all things'.

Mary reads the history of the Help U Class written by Lucile Rogers. The Help U Class was organized soon after this present church was built. During the years we have been an active Class, interested in many activities, and ways of earning monies to be used for Church benefits. Mrs. Peter Steyaart was first teacher and at her death Miss Dora Westfall took over as the teacher and continued for many years, only recently resigned. The class meets every month to discuss business and enjoy a social time. There are a number of the class who have been members since its organization, which is rather unusual in these changing times.

Soon after the Class was organized we voted to give $100 a year as a class contribution to the church budget, giving to other church projects too as we could. In recent years we have increased the yearly quota. The class members are active in all the church organizations, namely the Missionary Society, S.S. and the Presbyterian Guild and Choir.

Gloria adds, 'Kathy Purchase is wearing her great grandmother Nicheloy's dress. Her handmade beaded bag was an important accessory to this costume. Women all over the country were clamoring for the right to vote which was achieved in 1920.

Kathy reads the history of the Honor Bright Class written by Esther Emmelkamp... On May 17, 1914 the Honor Bright Class was promoted from the Junior to the Intermediate Dept. Mrs. P.G. White and Mrs. John VanDorn had been teachers of the class. Arvilla and Nevada Allen, Elsie and Grace Young, Delaphine Clark, Genevieve VanDorn and Esther Deyo were some of the girls in this group.

Among those fine women who have been our teachers are Glenna Morrison Eick, Bess Clark Moon, Ethel Crane, Lena White, Mary Clark, Edith VanOstrand, Frances Bradley, Clara Perduyn and Alice Bush.

During the years other groups have joined us. Now we are a large group of all ages. We think we are unique in having four mother-daughter sets: Marjorie and Dorothy Ocque, Ann Graff and Shirley Malone, Edith East and Betty East Marphy, Nevada and Wanda Viele.

Our first pledge to the church was for $20. In 1956 we gave $310. On Sundays we are no longer the Honor Bright Class, but an adult Bible Class, conducted by Esther Emmelkamp.

Gloria now says, 'Laurie Nortier will tell you about the most recent organization of the church, The Women's Guild, organized in 1955. Laurie's attractive dress speaks for itself and the styles look most familiar. It does not seem as if this will look odd in 1980, does it?'

Laurie reads the History of the Guild written by Leah Crane. On February 8, 1955 the women of the Church were invited to meet at the home of Mrs. Sanford Bush to discuss the advisability of forming an all- inclusive women's organization. There were about 40 present, all of whom agreed that such an organization would be helpful to the Church, unaware that its success would exceed their fondest dreams. A slate of officers was presented and with Myrtle Bush as President. On March 8, 1955 a meeting was held at the Church for the purpose of adopting by-laws and transacting other necessary business. At this meeting it was decided to name this newly formed group 'Presbyterian Guild'.

The first project undertaken was a roast beef dinner served on April 27th. While only a mild financial success, much valuable experience was gained. It was in August that 'opportunity really knocked' when the Marion Rotary Club asked us to serve their weekly dinners. Evidently our efforts were satisfactory for we are still serving them every Monday night, and we have done amazingly well financially.

The big annual project is the Christmas Fair and chicken pie supper which has now been served for 3 years. Receipts from this project, the Rotary dinners, and other sources of income have totaled $5,012.07 since February 8. 1955 to August 1, 1958.

Because our undertakings have been blessed with success, we have been able to do many things for the Church. In addition to a pledge of $50 per month for current expenses, we have purchased new carpets for the sanctuary, 2 gas stoves and other equipment for the kitchen. We have financed plumbing, remodeling, and painting projects in the basement, and had new cupboards built in the dining room and kitchen. All these together with many other contributions to the Church building and program account for total disbursements of $3,739.47 since the time of organization, leaving a comfortable balance on hand of $1,272.60.

This short history of the Guild would fail to serve its purpose if it aced all the emphasis on money earned and spent. Of equal importance is the increased interest, the closer fellowship, the opportunity to become better acquainted with one another, and the satisfaction of working together in harmony for a single goal, our Church. If time permitted, mention would be made here of all the women who have served as officers, executive committee members, committee chairman, and last but not least those who have faithfully worked on dinner committees week after week. Mrs. Alfred Temple, served as president through 1956 and 1957, and Mrs. Paul Russell, current president, would heartily agree with their fellow officers that the secret of success of the Presbyterian Guild lies in the splendid teamwork of all its women. It is this 'togetherness' that has made the Guild of such vital importance in the life of our Church.

Gloria now continues .... 'Last but not least is the Sunday School. Gordon Walker who is dressed as men did in early 1800 will tell you about it.'

Gordon reads the History of the S.S. written by Ivan Johnson. I represent the Sunday School of this church which was formed in a school house in 1827. Later it was moved to the new church. The average attendance was 65. The meetings were held between the morning and afternoon service, and sometimes in bad weather there was no service for several months. Records show that in 1835 the school averaged 113; in later years there was an average of about 50. During Mr. Norris' pastorate the Sunday School reached an all time high. The men's class had 60 members, with 25 attending each Sunday. The Friendly Bible Class was so large that it had to be divided with 2 teachers. It was Delia Nonis' Sunday School Class that was instrumental in the founding of the Marion Public Library.

Soon after this the Help U and Honor Bright Classes came into existence. They are the leading Classes in Church today. The Primary Dept. has played a leading part in the work of the Sunday School and at this time this department is overflowing. To name all who have worked in this Dept. would take too long - their names have been mentioned as they joined our congregation.

In 1948 our Church inaugurated a new course of study - this gave a rough background of the church history and an understanding of the basis Chrisfaith. The old saying., 'A successful Sunday School makes a strong Church', is true in our church.

After the closing hymn Rev. Samuel McKinstry pronounced the benediction. This closed the celebration of the 150th anniversary. The evening program was made possible by the efficient work of Margaret Bush.