History of Springville First United Methodist Church, incorporated April 11, 1827

Introduction to the historical booklet prepared in 1984:  

It seemed appropriate during the Bicentennial Year of Methodism in America (1784-1984) to put together a commemorative overview of the history of our own Springville United Methodist Church.

The year 1984 is significant to us for another reason.  In November, we had been in our present church building twenty-six years.

1984, our year of celebration, has been preceded by a year of planning and preparation.  Our committee has met on a regular basis to plan monthly events for church member’s participation.

We began the year with John Wesley’s Covenant Worship service.  In February, church members enjoyed an Authentic Early American Dinner “with foods prepared using recipes from the 1700’s…"  Our March celebration included viewing of the film “The Moving of the Bell: from the old church to the new, narrated by Emil Feuz, a participant in that event.  For the month of April, a Seder Meal was served in observation of Maundy Thursday.  A movie on the life of John Wesley was shown during the Sunday worship service on May 20^th.  During June we had a report on Camp Meeting ’84 held in Syracuse, New York.  In July a report on General Conference in Baltimore was given.  September was celebrated with coffee and cookies after church.  In October we had a multi-media presentation given by Rev. Drew Heitzenrater.

In November, the 26^th year in our new church, was commemorated by a special music program by the choirs of this church and the Arcade Methodist Church.  Music pertinent to Methodism at various time in its history was used.

On December 30^th, a Christmas Conference Service, using John Wesley’s Order of Morning Worship was held.  

Thus, we present to you bits of history, pictures and interesting documents which have been preserved through the years.

We are proud of the fact that early Methodism reached Springville by circuit rider as early as 1814, and just thirteen years after Springville was settled by John Albro and Christopher Stone, a Methodist Church was established.

We praise God for the blessings He has bestowed upon our local church in the past, and we pray that He will guide us in the future allowing us to bring honor and glory to His holy name.

The Bicentennial Committee--Ruth Adams, Marie Allan, Betty Dedrick, Rev. W. Drew Heitzenrater, Mary Irish, Tom Irish, Rev. Wesley Kofahl, Marge Little, Don Orton, Lois Wink

Ministers Since Founding 1814

(Note: although not included in the 1984 history copied here, David C. Derk became pastor after Wesley Kofahl and is the current pastor.)

Wesley F. Kofahl (1983-1987? )
W. Drew Heitzenrater (1973-1983)
Raymond E. Risden (1970-1973)
Norman E. Douglas (1962-1970)
Simeon M. Berney (1949-1962)
Glen Alty Crafts (1946-1949)
R. Van Duren
R. N. Draffin
W. H. Smith
G. R. Williamson
W. W. Ayres
B. M. Clark
Je. E. Manning (around 1923 when rooms were added to Buffalo St. building)
J. W. McGavern
R. T. Doherty
H. L. Brockway
F. W. Berlin
F. L. Wemett
H. R. Williamson
Ira T. Walker
P. A. Crow
E. G. Helms
Ray Allen
E. C. Swartz
F. M. Cole
S. D. Milward
J. B. Countryman
E. B. Williams
B. Copeland
A. F. Colburn
G. H. Dryer
L. L. Rogers
H. J. Buylin
C. H. Eddy
H. W. Annis
E. M. Buck
C. R. Pomeroy
S. Y. Hammond (around 1863 when new brick building was dedicated)
J. Latham
A. F. Curry
G. W. Terry
J. McClelland

As early as 1814 Methodists were holding regular church services in a farm house on Lord’s Hill about 8 miles east of Springville on the Springville Sardinia Road.  After a period of two years, the meetings were held at the “well known Richmond Stand” about three miles from the village.

In 1820, there was a deep interest in religion in what is now the village of Springville, and the Methodists moved still nearer to town. The first services were held in a school house at Liberty Pole Corners (Liberty Corner – Rts 39 & 240).  The first church members on record were:  James and Phoebe Hinman, Charles G. And Susan Wells, Salmon and Phoebe Shaw.

The services attracted a large number of people and in 1824 a great revival took place.  As a result more than a 100 people were added to the rolls of the Boston and Springville Methodist Churches.  This revival led to the erection of a new church building on Chapel Street, opposite the Buffalo Street Park (Fiddlers Green) in 1825.  This was accomplished by much sacrifice under the leadership of the presiding elder, Rev. Loring Grant.

In the early days all an organization needed to do to become incorporated was to meet for that purpose, and to have that meeting recorded in the county files.  This is a copy of our incorporation notation, recorded in the Erie County Clerk’s Office, April 11, 1827.   (need a better copy to scan, one in booklet won't reproduce well)

Contract for buying land in 1832 for $75.:

This indenture made the thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two between Carlos Emmons and Harriet, his wife, in the village of Springville of the first part Lemul Brooks, Truman White, Charles C. Wells, Joel White, Judson Brooks, Orrin Lewis, and Gustus Scott, trustees of the First Methodist  Society in the town of Concord, of the second part, witnesseth that the said parties of the first part in consideration of the sum of seventy-five dollars lawful money of the United States of America, to them in hand paid at the encealing and delivery of these presents by the said parties of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged.  Have granted, bargained, sold (aliened, removed) released, conveyed, and confirmed, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, alien, remise, release, convey, and confirm unto the said parties of the second part, and to their heirs and assigns forever – all that certain piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the village of Springville, Erie County, and State of New York, being part of lot N 3 in the sixth town and sixth range of the Holland Land Company’s land according to a survey of divers tracts and townships of land into lots made by Joseph Ellicott, for the proprietors; and a part of said land hereby conveyed, being part of a lot, distinguished as village lot N 20 according to a map of the village of Springville by Ge. W. Robinson for Rufus Easton beginning at the southeast corner of lot of land conveyed by Calos Emmons to Asa Cary; thence north seventy-five degrees, west one chain and eighteen links, thence south eleven degrees, west seventy-five minutes, east one chain and eighteen links, thence north eleven degrees east, seventy-five chains to the place of beginning containing fourteen perches of land, be the same more or less.  Together, with all and singular(s) the hereditaments and appurtenances, thereunto belonging or in any way appertaining; the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders, rents (issues) profits thereof; and all the estate right, title, interest, claim or demand whatsoever of the parties of the first part, either in law or equity, of, in, and to the above bargained premises, with the said hereditaments and appurtenances.  To have and to hold unto the parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns, that at the time of encealing and delivery of these presents, they are will seized of the premises above conveyed, as of a good, sure, perfect absolute, and indefeasible estate of inheritance in the law in fee simple, and that the above bargained premises in the quiet and peaceable possession of the said parties of the second part their heirs, and assigns against all and every person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim the whole or any part thereof, they will forever warrant and defend –

In witness whereof, the parties of the first part have thereunto set their hands and seals the day and year above written,

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of –

Otis Butterworth, Carlos Emmons, Harriet Emmons

At one time the Springville Academy and the Methodist Conference Commission agreed upon terms for the church to take charge of the school.  Dr. David Copeland was the first principal.  He became a member of the Methodist Quarterly Conference of First Church as did other principals until 1873.  The religious influence was said to have been good, and by 1865 the school was remodeled and enlarged.  Mr. Archibald Griffith gave money for this, and in 1886 the school was named in his honor.  In 1873, the Methodists released their supervision and Griffith Institute became a public school.

In 1833 another great revival took place in Springville under the leadership of Haywood and Coburn, evangelists.  About 170 were won for Christ and the membership of the Methodist Church was increased to 203.  There was fine cooperation between both the ministers and the people of the Baptist, Presbyterian and Methodist churches.  This cooperation was so unusual that it was noted in annual Conference Minutes of the Genesee Conference.

In the year 1863, under the leadership of the pastor, Rev. S. Y. Hammond (a man of vision in seeing future needs of the church), a new church building was dedicated.  The building was built of brick, located on a lot of ample size – so says Mr... Briggs in his history.  The membership on that date was 110 persons.  The Board of Trustees included Stephen E. Tefft, W. H. Pingrey, Byron Wells, B. A. Lowe, H. G. Leland, L. M. Cummings, Frank Thurber, William McMullen and Newcomb Churchill.

The Wilson and the Reese revivals quickened the religious life of the people in these years.

In 1908, the rear of the church was enlarged to meet the demands of its program of activity.  A beautiful memorial pipe organ was presented by Dr. Ralph B. Waite to enrich the spirit of the services of worship.  In 1923 additional rooms were added on the north side of the church as the result of the successful efforts of Rev. John E. Manning, D. D. who was then pastor.  In 1927 Dr. Joe R. Hanley held community services that quickened the interest of the people.  A baptismal font in memory of Lynn A. Thurber (who gave his life in World War I) was added.

By 1930 the membership of the church was 274 and the Sunday School had an enrollment of 245.  Graded work was done in 12 grades.  A Children's Church, the Vacation School Program and other Young People’s work made up the religious education activities.

By 1953 the need for more room, inside and out, became most acute, so the church officers began to plan for a new church with adequate space for present and future needs.

The years 1953 through 1958 were exciting and spiritually rich when, under the leadership of Rev. Sim Berney, sufficient funds were pledged to begin a new church building.  An architect, Earl Martin, was chosen, plans were made and bids were let.  The Ground Breaking Service on April 7, 1957 was a memorable occasion in which more than 300 members and friends, many of them equipped with shovels, formed a living cross and broke ground where the new sanctuary would rise.  Dr. Harold McIlnay, the District Superintendent brought the message for this service as well as for the Corner Stone Laying on October 20, 1957.

The building Committee was composed of Wendell Adams, Chairman, William Fisher, Alvin Folts, George Gundlach, Edmund Lawrence, Harry Richardson, Ronald Smith and Marion Van Volkenburg.  The whole fund raising/building campaign was based on Matthew 17-20 “If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed—nothing shall be impossible to you.”

In 1957, at the time of the Hungarian Revolt, the Springville Methodist church sponsored and oriented John and Emilia Meszaros to the United States.  John and Emilia enthusiastically joined in the fund raising efforts and building program.  They were useful, talented, self-supporting additions to the community.  John built our altar, the prayer desk, and the wooden screen in front of the organ pipes.

Each person who experienced the “Building of the new church" (1958) cherishes many memories of the events surrounding that exciting time.  Emil Feuz remembers that Harold Olmstead was the landscape architect and that Ed Lawrence watched over the laying of the walks and seeding of the lawn with help from Dick Wells – some of the work was even done after dark.  The stone for the patio came from Meinches (near the dam) and was done by Bill Benzing, Wes Chandler, George Fleckenstein, Emil Feuz, Ken Hesse and others.  Inside the painting was done by just about everyone who could handle a paint brush.

The hard work, the sacrifices of time and money, and the earnest prayers culminated in a glorious service of praise and thanksgiving in the new edifice on November 9, 1958.  Bishop W. Earl Ledden consecrated the building to the glory of God in the presence of a packed sanctuary.

The following Sunday, the Rev. Berney administered the sacrament of baptism to 14 infants, confirmed a class of 28 youth, and welcomed 70 new members.

Those events laid the foundation for the 26 eventful years that have followed.  Rev. Norman Douglas became our pastor in 1962—the same year the stained glass windows were installed and dedicated.  Later, panels of glass from the “old church” were restored and hung in other areas of the church.  Fragments of the old glass were fashioned into symbolic ornaments and given to members of 50 years or longer.

The moving of the bell from the old church to the new was a major project that finalized the move.  The bell was removed from the tower of the old church by a big crane operated by Joseph Ott and John Andrews.  En route to the new location the bell was taken to a weigh station and was found to weigh 1315 pounds.  The bell was then hung from the ceiling of the present belfry after having been maneuvered over the church roof on railroad ties under the able supervision of Emil Feuz and helpers Doyle Galbraith, Sim Berney and Wendell Adams.  The cost of the operation was $300. defrayed by Mark and Edna Bobseine.  The bell was cast in 1869 and is emblazoned with Springville M. E. Church.  It is rung frequently to call worshipers together.  A home movie was made of the "Moving of the Bell'.

After the move to the new church, it was necessary to make some disposition of the old building.  The building itself was sold and dismantled.  Stained glass windows were taken to the new church for storage.

The congregation purchased the residence adjacent to the church to be used as a parsonage.  This home has since been replaced by the parsonage on Rauch Drive.

Rev. Ray Risden was appointed to serve the Springville United Methodist Church in 1970.  In September of that year sufficient funds made paying off the remaining indebtedness on our church building possible.  A special 150^th Anniversary and Dedication service commemorated the burning of the note—a fitting tribute to sacrificial giving of time, talents, and means by all of the pastors and people during these 150 years.  Bishop Ralph Ward, Jr. did the honors.

Following the retirement of Rev. Risden, W. Drew Heitzenrater took over the leadership of the congregation.  The church, along with other aspects of society, celebrated the Bicentennial of the United States in 1976.  One memorable occasion was an old fashioned-type camp meeting at Chautauqua Institute.

Uplifting, inspiring, revival type programs such as the New Life Mission in November 1979 under the leadership of Paul Robinson, and Lay Witness Mission in October 1975 under the leadership of Ed Eldridge have enriched the membership.

An educational wing was rented to Griffith Institute for a time when the public school was over crowded.  One room has been used for several years as a cooperative nursery school.  

The Pre-School Learning Center, a school for handicapped children, has filled our educational facilities to capacity and will remain through the 1984-85 school year.

Hilda Lohrey served as church secretary for 22 years.

In 1962, Rev. Norman Douglas exchanged pulpits with Rev. Steel of Stratford-upon-Avon.  

William Jessop, Norman Parsons, Erford Daniels, Donald Langreck and Douglas Strong entered the ministry from this congregation.

Mr. and Mrs. Del Babcock celebrated 75 years of marriage and Edna and Mark Bobsiene renewed their marriage vows on the occasion of their 50^th anniversary and then had 16 more anniversaries.

Church wide retreats at either Silver Lake or Camp Findley have been an inspiration to many families.

The congregation is justly proud of Betty Gundlach who is serving a second term on the Judicial Council of the Methodist Church.

In June 1984 the membership numbers 536 and Rev. Wesley Kofahl is our pastor.  Under his direction we have chartered Explorer Post 452 of the Boy Scouts of America.   

Written in 1984 by the Bicentennial Committee--Ruth Adams, Marie Allan, Betty Dedrick, Rev. W. Drew Heitzenrater, Mary Irish, Tom Irish, Rev. Wesley Kofahl, Marge Little, Don Orton, Lois Wink.