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HISTORY OF FAITH
By LINDA M. LINONIS
austintown
Robert “Bob” Bishop has witnessed history in the making at the church where his mother took him as a “babe in arms.” And as historian at West Austintown First United Methodist Church, he’s documented what he could.
On Nov. 20, the 90-year-old will participate in the Thanksgiving-Homecoming Day to celebrate the church’s 170-year history as a faith community. “Every church needs a bishop,” he said with a laugh.
Bishop said the heritage goes back to 1841, when settlers in Austintown Township first gathered as a church that met in homes including that of Jacob Haroff. Bishop said in 1859 the United Brethren Church was organized. In 1899, West Austintown Grace Evangelical United Brethren Church was built west of the current church at the corner of Mahoning Avenue and Turner Road.
Bishop said he believed his great-great-grandfather, Simon Foos, was a contemporary of Haroff and also owned property in the west Austintown area. “I have his Bible,” the 90-year-old said of his ancestor.
That’s not the only tie to the past that the church historian has. He also was there Jan. 1, 1968, when the congregations of West Austintown Methodist Church and West Austintown Grace Evangelical United Brethren Church worshipped as one; they had agreed to a merger in December 1967. Bishop said the West Austintown church has the distinction of being the first such merger in the East Ohio Conference, recognized by the “first” in its name, and it is believed this merger was the first of its kind for the denominations in the United States.
Recently, the Rev. Dr. George L. Lee, pastor; Leslie Reedy, lay leader; and Bishop talked about church history and activities.
Pastor George, who prefers that reference, said the dedication of the church bell from the former Methodist Church on Russell Avenue took place Nov. 6, and was an event leading up to the anniversary. The dedication recognized the significance of the merger of the churches and denominations.
Pastor George, who had been retired, was asked by the district superintendent to pastor at West Austintown about four years ago. “It’s a joy to be here,” the pastor said, and Bishop noted, “It’s a joy to have him here.”
Pastor George said the church of about 186 members, with Sunday attendance about 110, is dedicated to its faith, the faith community and is faithful giving to mission outreach. “They’re adamant about their faith and stand by the word of God,” Pastor George said.
The pastor also said he and the church have been buoyed by some 50 new members who have joined over the last three years. “We’ve had about 33 baptisms in the last four years,” Pastor George said.
He noted that through financial donations, the church supports the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, Salvation Army, United Methodist Community Center and Protestant Family Service. Some members, he added, do volunteer service with the agencies.
The church is working on Operation Shoebox, in which small toys, hygiene products and other small gifts are packed for distribution worldwide to needy children. “Our goal is 75 boxes,” he said.
And, over the years, it has offered a free clothing giveaway that was very successful. A project of United Methodist Women has collected gloves, scarves and hats for distribution through the Methodist center at Christmastime.
“The church is mission minded,” Pastor George said, noting that it supports world missions through the East Ohio Conference. “These aren’t wealthy people, but I’ve never seen such generosity.”
The church also is community-minded; it serves as a polling place and meeting place for Alcoholics Anonymous and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s safe-boating classes.
The church also sponsors a vacation Bible School, which usually attracts about 40 children. Gay Blackann is director.
Pastor George noted that the church belongs to Greater Austintown Ministerial Fellowship, hosting its Good Friday service at noon. For the last three years, the church has joined with Smith Corners United Methodist Church for combined Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday services. “It’s a good way to bring people together,” Pastor George said. The church also sponsors a family event that evening, screening a religious movie.
Earlier this year, Pastor George celebrated 45 years in ministry with a hymn sing at the church. The minister, who has recorded two albums with the Gospelaires, has had a life-long love of music. “Music is 40 percent of our worship,” he said. “Music is a gift.” The pastor said he believed that if music were removed from worship, something important would be missing ... and "it would be awfully boring.” “It sets a tone ... an atmosphere,” he said.
“I believe music helps you sense the presence of the holy,” Pastor George said. “It adds to the meaning.”
The pastor added that “Methodists are known for their singing.”
Reedy, who plays keyboard, added, “Being led by music is extremely important to worship.”
She added that visitors often are “astounded” at the caliber of music and musicianship at West Austintown. “They don’t expect that at a small church,” she said. John Blackann is choir director. On Dec.18, the choir will present “Mary, Did You Know?”
Reedy, a member for 11 years, said she and her husband attended a Christmas Eve service and never left. As lay leader, she is the liaison between the pastor and congregation. Pastor George said he looks forward to the candlelight Christmas Eve service when he tells one of five special stories.