A 1906 newspaper photo of the First Baptist Church of Wiconisco, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
On December 31, 1905, the First Baptist Church of Wiconisco, became debt fee and used the occasion to ceremoniously burn its mortgage. The occasion was marked a program that included prayer, music, and a recitation of the history of the Baptist presence in Wiconisco. The following was reported by the Lykens Standard, January 12, 1906:
December 31, 1905, will be a long-remembered day in the history of the First Baptist Church of Wiconisco, when the final mortgage was burned in the presence of a a large congregation. This mortgage of $2,100 was incurred nearly four years ago in the renovation of the church building, which is now one of the most beautiful churches in this valley.
After the introduction by the pastor, M. H. Jones, Mrs. Fred Hamelehle led in prayer, followed by a male trio composed of Rev. M. H. Jones, Julius Hamelehle and William West; a brief history of the church by George West; “Sinner and the Song” by Mrs. Rev. M. H. Jones, accompanied by an invisible choir; the pastor gave a lucid description of the strenuous efforts made in the face of many difficulties to pay off this mortgage, giving a retrospective, circumspective and prospective view of the work, emphasizing the disastrous effects of the strike which followed two months after opening their house of worship.
After singing a well known hymn, John C. Nissley, Esq., of Harrisburg, who has always been a friend of this church, gave a most interesting address upon the debt of love we owe one another. “Although,” he said, “you are out of debt for this beautiful debt, yet you still owe a debt of love to your neighbor in bringing them into the arm of salvation. Endeavor to pay this debt.”
“The Holy City” was then sung by the pastor’s wife with visible effects upon the audience. Then the pastor called upon Mrs. Asa Blackway, the oldest member of the church to come forward. After a few appropriate words by Deacon Hamelehle, the note was handed to Brother Nissley who examined it, after which Mrs. Blackway, who spoke a few expressive words, ignited the note, the large congregation standing. Brother John Bateman then started to sing the doxology, all joining heartily to “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” It was sang over and over, until the church rang with the music of joy. Brother Nissley then offered a prayer of Thanksgiving.
The pastor tendered thanks to the Official Board, the Ladies’ Aid Society, the individual collectors who traveled far and near soliciting funds, and to the good people of Wiconisco and Lykens for their hearty response in helping to make possible this day of gladness. Thus came to a close one of the happiest services in the history of the Baptist church of Wiconisco.
Then followed the text of the history of the First Baptist Church of Wiconisco, as read by George West, the church clerk:
The Baptist interest at Wiconisco was started, as far as we know, in the home of the late James Israel, and from there to the schoolhouses both east and west of town. On September 13, 1868, a meeting was held to consider the advisability of securing a lot suitable for the erection upon it of a house of worship. The following were present: William Hughes and wife; Jonah Morris and wife; William Davis; Henry George and wife; Rachael Davies; Mary Williams; Evan Jones; and L. D. Jones. At this church meeting Margaret Blackway was accepted as a candidate for baptism, which took place on October 25, 1868, by Rev. B. W. Thomas, then pastor of the Melton Baptist Church, and a distant relative of the present pastor, Rev. M. H. Jones.
The dedication of the church was held on New Year’s Day, 1870, when the following ministers officiated: J. R. Loomis, D. D., President of Lewisburg University; Theodore Jones of Mahanoy City; R. Evans of Pottsville; and Rev. Brady of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Lykens. During the next two years the pulpit was occupied by various Baptist ministers. August 1, 1872, Rev. B. E. Jones of Centralia, became pastor, serving faithfully for 25 years. He was followed by Rev. J. E. Saul of Lewisburg, who was pastor of the church from May 1898, to December 1900. From February 1901, Rev. T. L Jones served two years with earnest zeal. During his ministry the church building was completely renovated at a cost of $2,100. If time would permit I would like to speak of the struggle of pastor and people who worked mentally and physically in bringing this renovation about.
The building committee consisted of Frederick Hamelehle, president; E. J. Marks and John Bateman, Finance Committee; George West, clerk; and Edward Owens, treasurer.
The present beautiful edifice was dedicated March 3, 1902, when John C. Nissley, Esq., of Harrisburg, assisted pastor T. L. Josephs in conducting the exercises. The service continued during the following week, when other pastors took part in the services. After Brother Josephs came Rev. C. W. Teasdale, who served for ten months, leaving here for Evansburg, Pennsylvania.
On the 1st of November, 1904, came the present pastor, Rev. M. H. Jones, of Cleveland, Ohio, and we feel that the Lord has truly sent him to us, for which we are thankful. Today we celebrate the burning of the note which concludes the final payment of the debt on our beautiful house of worship. To have made this joyful day possible, much credit is given to the Ladies’ Aid Society, the Finance Committee, and individual collectors who traveled far and near soliciting funds. May the Lord bless the workers, collectors and directors is our prayer.
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The newspaper article was obtained from Newspapers.com.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.