Montgomery Square United Methodist Church Information

The 150th anniversary of the Montgomery Square United Methodist Church is an event to be celebrated joyfully - an accomplishment of note for a small country church situated at the crossroads of two busy highways. The history of our church from the inception in 1842 was well documented by Florence Knoll in 1967, with a brief update in 1982. We quote freely from her first presentation adding a few interesting facts which further research has revealed. The small hamlet of Montgomery Square was founded at the intersection of State Road and the Bethlehem Turnpike in Montgomery Township, Montgomery County. At the turn of the century there were only 8 houses, a post office, a school and a few stores, shops and taverns. Fifty years later, the township had grown to 179 families living in 163 houses. Most of the population was living on the Township's 112 farms. By 1870, the township maintained three public schools. The one of interest to us was the "free" school at Montgomery Square. Later known as the Blue Jay Tavern, the structure was used as a public school until 1925. Recent owners of the tavern claim that it was connected to our church across Bethlehem Pike by a secret passage used when the "free" school served as a "station" on the Underground Railroad. Much of the tunnel was destroyed when the roadway was widened in the late 1940's. The first religious meeting held at Montgomery Square took place at the birthplace of Major-General Winfield Scott Hancock, a famous general of the Civil War and the Democratic nominee for the presidency in 1880. The building was first used as a schoolhouse where the General's father was the schoolmaster. Sunday School worship was held in the schoolhouse for many years by Reverend Charles Nassau, a former Presbyterian minister who was superintendent of these religious meetings. School was always held Sunday morning in order to enable worshipers to attend the previously established church services of the Society of Friends at Gwynedd and the Montgomery Baptist Church. The small group of people who gathered early each Sunday morning saw a need for a new church at Montgomery Square. They were able to fill this void when a two (2) acre tract of land on the southern corner of the crossroads was practically donated to them on January 6, 1842 by Charles Woodward, a Philadelphia tobacco dealer. The grantees for the church were John Griffin, Esq., Charles Knox, Louis Stanger and Simon Kulp. The price was $100 for 80 square perches (a perch being equal to 30 ¼ square yards). This was a fragment of a 140 acre farm that William Nassau had sold to Charles Woodward in 1841. A special meeting was called to decide whether or not there was sufficient interest in the community for the erection of a church at this time and if so, subscriptions would be solicited. Sufficient funds were made available to justify the beginning of construction of a church edifice. Those unable to contribute money contributed labor and others their teams of horses to haul building materials. The doors of Montgomery Square Methodist Church were officially opened and the church dedicated in October of 1842. The preacher of the day was Reverend Harmer assisted by Reverend Roach. In the spring of 1857, the church became a separate charge after having been connected with the Bethel Hill-Evansburg circuit. It is presumed that about 40 persons joined the church between 1857 and 1859. Throughout the period of the Civil War, the Montgomery Square Methodist Church held fast to the teachings of the Bible and remained strong because of the firm foundation which it was built. Upon the assassination of President Lincoln, minutes of the church of April 16, 1865, called for the draping of the pulpit in morning for a period of 90 days in memory of the beloved President Abraham Lincoln. During the formative years, the Discipline of the church was governed by the Presiding Elder, one of whose duties was to issue the license to preach. Such licenses were bestowed upon qualified layman or students dedicated to the preaching of Jesus Christ. In this manner the church received its leaders who came to be greatly respected in the community. Because the church was unable to support a full-time pastor, there was a constant change of pastors, some of whom remained less than one year. Through periods of war, peace, prosperity, financial distress, lack of spiritual enthusiasm or amid joy of revival freshness, this small church stood in principle as well as structure. It was a white painted stone edifice with a frame vestibule at the entrance. On May 2, 1879, the trustees were given the authority to purchase a plot of ground adjoining the church property for $500. This ground is now the cemetery. The Montgomery Square church has always been an active community force. It has performed many services and sponsored many events throughout it's long history. Some of these activities and traditions remain today. Montgomery Township graciously permitted the church the use of the Town Hall and the school for many church activities enjoyed by the community. Bean suppers, later chicken barbecues, Thanksgiving dinners with entertainment following, plays, shows and festivals are just a few of the events that were so popular. The Ladies Aid Society now the United Methodist Women, increased their scope of activities by aiding the Youth Group and a Girl Scout Troop. Contributions to the Methodist Home For The Aged, Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets are still a part of the ladies' activities. So we see that the Church was not spiritually active, but worked in and for the community to draw individuals into the knowledge and loving care of God. The early expansion policy of the Montgomery Square Methodist Church was to establish new churches in the surrounding communities. On July 18, 1870, at a quarterly Conference Meeting held at Montgomery Square (which was know as the Montgomery Square-North Wales Circuit) the pastor, the Reverend R. U. Sebring, stated that there was a need for two new churches in the neighborhood. The Presiding Elder, William Cooper, D. D., then appointed a Board of Trustees to build a church in North Wales. Further expansion was noted in the records of the Pastor's report of October 23, 1870: "the North Wales Church has been dedicated and the Lansdale Church is going up rapidly. A few years later the Ambler Methodist Church was also established. Because of her expansion policy, , the Montgomery Square Methodist Church became the Mother Church. The small church stood practically unchanged for over 100 years. The physical properties were the church itself and two sheds to shelter vehicles on Sunday. Extensive improvements were made to the sanctuary in 1897. The beautiful stained glass windows, which are probably the church's greatest physical attraction, were received through the efforts of the Rev W. P. Haas. Most of the present furnishings were also purchased during this period. The Reverend G. R. Oglesby, who served from 1919 to 1926 compiled the first written history of the church in December 1924, as related to him by Mary A. Knapp in her 98th year, a Sunday School teacher and resident of Montgomery Square. "Aunt Mary", as she was affectionately know by the community and friends, lived to be 108 years old and is now at rest in the church cemetery. In October 1942, when the United States was engaged in World War II, the church marked its first 100 years of service to God. Under these sober conditions the church found time to be thankful and observed here Centennial celebration with special Sundays set aside for this event. On October 18 the morning service was devoted to reception of new members with the Reverend Frank J. Prentzel, Jr., D.S., bringing the message. In the evening, a historical pageant was presented. October 25 was Harvest Home Sunday. The morning sermon was given by the Reverend A.P. Hodgson of the Bethesda Methodist Church and the evening service conducted by the Reverend C. T. Isenberger. November 1 was Homecoming Day. The Reverend Frank E. Davis of the Halifax Methodist Church preached and at the evening service the Reverend Williard Amthor, Lansdale Methodish Church brought the message. A second history of the church was written at that time by the pastor, the Reverend Robert Lang. After leaving Montgomery Square Reverend Lang became a chaplain in the U. S. Navy, returning to deliver the sermon for the 120th Anniversary of the church. The congregation also rejoiced and shared many memories with the Reverend Frank E. Davis who delivered the evening sermon on that same day. The Reverend Davis had served as pastor during the years 1937 to 1939. During the Second World War, because of social and economic changes, the church was forced to "go the circuit" with the Chalfont Methodist Church. This meant the two churches had to share the same pastor. The circuit continued until May 1954 when Montgomery Square became a separate charge with its own pastor, the Reverend Burgess Gordon. Under this indepence, the church again became an active, forward-moving congregation. A new type of expansion policy was begun in 1955. The church began to extend its own facilities at the same site. An addition to the rear of the church was dedicated in October 1955. This project added a pastor's study and lavatories to the building. Extensive renovations to the interior of the church were also made during that year. In June 1956, the one remaining shed was destroyed by an electrical storm. A stone parking lot was laid where once the two old sheds had stood until the lot was paved some twenty-five years later. In the early 1960s the attendance at the church increased steadily. As the sanctuary became overcrowded, some classes had to be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Irvin K. Moore whose home was located across the road from the church. This need initiated another expansion step. The education building and kitchen was started in March 1964 and on September 27, 1964, with 60 members in attendance, the church school met for the first time in the new annex. The addition was consecrated November 22, 1964 with formal services conducted by the Reverend Hans W. Schroeder, District Superintendent C. Paul Felton delivered the message, with the Reverend Charles W. Phillips participating. Over 200 persons attended the service and over 500 attended the open house which followed. Sunday, October 15, 1967, began the celebration of the church's 135th anniversary with the Chaplain Robert F. Lang, USN bringing the morning message. Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. Was an hour of fellowship honoring church members of 40 years or more. Following musical selections, the message was brought by Pastor Hans W. Schroeder. Sunday, October 25, was designated as Homecoming and Harvest Home Sunday. The speaker was the Reverend C. Paul Felton, District Superintendent, with further remarks by the Reverend Harry M. Buchanan, of the Clifton Methodist Church. That evening, after music by the Ambler Calvary Methodist Church Choir, we were honored to have as speakers, the Reverend Ellsworth A. Lindenmuth of the Bristol Methodist Church and the Reverend Herbert S. Dewees from the Gulph Mills Methodist Church, all former pastors of Montgomery Square. On October 22, 1972, the 130th anniversary of our church was celebrated with the Reverend Thomas Buttimer, D. D., District Superintendent, delivering the morning sermon. The afternoon service was comprised of a hymn sing, reading of the church history by Mrs. Margaret Magee and greeting by Pastor Schroeder, a joyous occasion. The decade of the 70s found the church participating in may community projects; needy families were aided by money and gifts of clothing; many visits were made to nursing homes; new persons in the area were visited and encouraged to attend our services. Activities for the youth of the church were increased and the church made it possible for the young people to attend summer camp. For the comfort of the worshipers, air conditioning was installed in the sanctuary. Church suppers prepared by the ladies of the church were frequent; on several occasions the men acted as hosts to the ladies at dinner followed by entertainment. The custom of a luncheon or refreshments following the church service in June or July was established to welcome the return of our pastor each year to introduce informally any new members. In 1974 there were 177 church members and a notable increase in the number of those who participated in the work of the church. In 1975 women began assisting with the worship service acting as pastoral assistants. The men, too, were engaged in attending to the physical painting and minor repairs were accomplished. Outside, the shrubbery, grass and driveway were kept in excellent condition. As for the church itself, there was always complete cooperation with the projects of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church and our apportioned share of expenses was always paid in full promptly. In 1976, Montgomery Township celebrated the Bicentennial of our Nation. Our church was represented by Pastor Schroeder who rededicated the memorial to deceased service men and women which stands in front of the Township Building. A brochure of our church was prepared for distribution and the church was listed as a participant. The church provided refreshments. On May 30, 1976, our flag and pole was dedicated and on July 4 a patriotic sermon was preached by Pastor Schroeder, as the congregation rejoiced and gave thanks to God for the opportunity of living in a beautiful and free country. As far back as 1965, thoughts had turned to the possibility of obtaining and supporting a full-time minister, but it was not until 1977 that this idea was presented to the full congregation for action. Here is a note from the minutes of the Administrative Council of November 21, 1977, as recorded by the secretary. "After 135 years, this small church was taking the brave step forward of assuming its first full-time minister. Although the fall night outside was cool and dark, inside, the church was filled with the warmth of Christian fellowship as the 26 members of the Council joyfully expressed the will of the congregation to reap this opportunity for the advancement of God's work." The Reverend Hans W. Schroeder had been serving as supply pastor since 1960 and because of his faithful service, inspirational messages and loving care towards each individual, the hopes and prayers of all were that he would be the one appointed to Montgomery Square for full-time service. And so, on June 25, 1978, the congregation was able to express enthusiastic gratitude when during a special program with the Reverend Claude Edmunds as speaker, Reverend Hans W. Schroder was installed as our first full-time pastor. Shortly thereafter, a teachers' training class was formed; daily vacation Bible School was held each summer in conjunction with the Faith Lutheran Church in Montgomeryville; there was greater participation in the work of the church as the youth enjoyed picnics, bike hikes and other Christian activities. In November 1978, the Associated Master Painters and Decorators of Philadelphia, Inc., presented in honor of Reverend Schroeder, a complete audio and recording system. This gift was accepted with gratitude and was dedicated on Palm Sunday, April 18, 1979. Pastor Schroeder's sermon on that day was entitled "The Triumphant Christ". Also in 1979, the first edition of the Square Times, a bi-monthly church publication was issued. This tells of church activities, new members, church needs and other information which would be important to the members. And now we come to the 1980's. And what wonderful years they were. It was as though a new breath of spiritual air had entered the church. Sundays found more members in attendance; membership in the United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men increased along with their activities. Sunday School attendance improved, necessitating the need for more teachers. The choir sang more beautifully and the congregation expressed more loving care for one another and were more cooperative in furthering the ideals of Reverend W. Schroeder. The United Methodist Women helped support the Wyma family, missionaries in Taiwan, from 1980 to 1991, also helped support Jerry Kreisher, a church member, in his work with young people through the Young Life ministries while he was a member of that organization from 1989 to 1990. October 17, 1982 found us celebrating the 140th anniversary of Montgomery Square United Methodist Church. Words of assurance and pastoral prayer were given by a former pastor, the Reverend Robert F. Lang. There was special music, recognition of members of 30 years or more; greetings from Mr. Osborne Campbell, Lansdale United Methodist Church, Mr. Thomas Reilley, Calvary United Methodist Church of Ambler and Mr. Richard Schmidt, Sanctuary United Methodist Church. The sermon "What Does The Lord Require" was presented by the Reverend David L. Fife, District Superintendent. Luncheon was served after the church service, and an afternoon program was held in the sanctuary with a hymn sing, reading of church history and remarks and reflections from former pastors, James M. Haney, Frank E. Davis and Dir.