Hinsdale United Methodist Church
Hinsdale, New York
1849 to 1999
1999 Schedule of Events
January 17, 1999
Service of Rededication of Members and History of Church Presentation at morning worship
Church Dinner
February 7, 1999
Scout Sunday at morning worship
March 14, 1999
Youth Group Service at morning worship
April 11, 1999
Memorial Service honoring our members and families
Church Dinner
May 4, 1999
Mother's Banquet with special program - 6:00 p.m.
May 9, 1999
Mother's Day Service presented by Hinsdale United Methodist Women
May 14, 1999
Special Youth Program at Hinsdale Central School with the "Real Stuff Road Show"
May 30, 1999
Morning Worship with Don Ingram, Organist
Sesquicentennial Organ Recital presented by Don Ingram- 4:00 p.m
Reception for Mr. Ingram following recital
June 15, 1999
Father's Banquet with Civil War program and exhibit - 6:00 p.m.
June 20, 1999
Father's Day Service - Civil War Church Service
July 11, 1999
Homecoming Service inviting all past church members and the alumni of Hinsdale Central School to join us in our morning worship
Reception after Church in Town Park
August 1, 1999
Ecumenical Service with all churches of Hinsdale invited to participate
September 12, 1999
Morning worship with Missionary Freida Morris
October 17, 1999
Morning worship celebrating the Harvest with special music
Church Harvest Dinner
November 21, 1999
Pastor Appreciation Service of Thanksgiving at morning worship
December 5, 1999
Choir Christmas Cantata at morning worship
December 12, 1999
Sunday School Program at morning worship
December 19, 1999
Rededication of Church - Preparing for the next 150 years of Service
December 24, 1999
Christmas Eve Candle Light Service
Hinsdale Methodist Episcopal Church, 1900
In 1819, twelve years after the first recorded religious meetings in the area now the Town of Hinsdale, the first Methodist circuit was established. In 1820, the Town of Hinsdale was created from the Town of Olean and Hinsdale had its first regular Methodist preacher, Rev. Reuben Aylesworth. One year later the first religious association was formed.
By 1849, the Methodist Society was ready and able to build a church. At a cost of $2,500, the 110 families of the church built the first permanent home for Methodists in Hinsdale, our present church, which we now celebrate upon the anniversary of its 150thyear.
The Hinsdale Methodist Church has not been without a minister for its congregation since the Society was first formed. It was incorporated in 1848 and until 1863, was a part of the Cuba and Olean Charge. In 1927, we returned to the Cuba charge until 1965. In 1966, we became a joint charge with Ischua.
One hundred years ago at the 50th anniversary of the church, a beautiful communion service was presented to the church by the children of John and Sarah White, early members of the church. This set is still in existence, although not in regular use.
Our church has changed little since its construction. Originally there were three aisles and the choir was seated at the rear of the sanctuary in a semicircular area where the present day pipes for our organ are located. The church was electrified and central heat was installed. In 1930, the present stained glass windows were dedicated. The original windows were of the same look as those still in our Sunday School area. In 1949, our present pipe organ was dedicated at a Centennial Service with organist Donald Ingram, who will be back with us in May to help us celebrate 150 years of the church and 50 years of the pipe organ. The pipe organ was rebuilt in 1982 through a generous bequest of the late Inez Koehler.
Summer Vacation Bible School, 1998
In the late 1960's the current carpeting was installed and the interior updated. In the 1970's our church faced the energy crisis. As a result, the church was sided with aluminum siding and new, smaller doors were installed. Ceiling fans have also been added. Our church tower, once open, has been enclosed more and more until it is now totally enclosed. Railings at our front and along the steps have been added. Our current parking lot was added years after the construction as most early members were able to walk or ride their horse and buggy to church.
Our kitchen has been updated several times through the kind donations and hard work of our United Methodist Women.
In the past 150 years, our church has been a focal point of the community. Until the Central School was built in 1932, our church was used as a community center. Memorial Day services, school plays and programs, commencements, Lyceum programs and home plays found their way upon our grounds and in our church. School was held here after fire destroyed the school next door in 1906 until a new brick school was built.
Our church now has well over 150 members. We recently added a new fellowship hall. Also we remodeled the interior of the church. We are home to an active Sunday School for children and adults and our United Methodist Women's group. We sponsor a Boy Scout Troop, a Brownie Girl Scout Troop, and our Youth Group. Our church is also used as a meeting place for many other community groups.
Our current pastor, Dr. Carl Schultz has been with us as our minister since 1971. His wife Annalee is our organist and choir director. Dr. Schultz is a professor of Old Testament history at Houghton College, Houghton, New York.
He is also pastor at the Ischua Union Church. He has been our counselor, pastor, spiritual guide and most importantly, our friend, over these past 35 years. We are very fortunate for his leadership and example. Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Schultz.
After 150 years of providing our community a home for teaching the ways of Jesus Christ, the members of the Hinsdale United Methodist Church are committed to continuing this mission of providing a Christian life in Hinsdale. The tradition of United Methodism will continue. Please join us in keeping the light of Christ alive. Sunday morning worship starts at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School is during church service for children.
Hinsdale United Methodist Church
3838 Church Street
Hinsdale, New York 14743
(716)557-8812
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/hinsdaleny