Bedford Forge UMC
384 Jack's Corner Road
Hopewell, PA 16650
814-977-3027
Worship - 9:00 am
S.S. - 10:00am
Methodism has existed in Yellow Creek since the late 1700's through the Home Class Meetings. In the year l851 a little white church was built and was called the Bedford Forge Methodist Church. Pastors serving in that church were Frances Ritchey and James Stevens.
Forty six years later, the small weatherboard church was torn down by George P. Hall and sons so that a larger church could he built of brick. Services were held at the Presbyterian Church, located on the James McIlnay property, while the new church was being built.
The cornerstone for the new building was laid at a service on Sunday, July 1,1900. The sermon was preached by Rev. C. Karns of Coalport, PA who spent his boyhood days in this community and attended church and Sunday School in the old Bedford Forge Church. The sermon was based on Isaiah 28:16 - “Therefore thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am laying in Zion a foundation, a Stone, a tested Stone, a precious Cornerstone of sure foundation; he who believes will not he ashamed or give way or hasten away in sudden panic."
Marshall Fluke was in charge of the new building project. A brick kiln was built by Andrew Creps on the Hall farm (later owned by John Hall, a member of the present congregation) near where the pond is now. The brick kiln was operated by Andrew Creps, his brother Benjamin and Joe Bollman, The bricks were hauled to the church foundation by George Hall and his sons, Harry, Chester and Lloyd. This was all done by wagon of course.
Brick layers were David Snyder, Harry Markey, Milton Gates, Roy and Ira Creps, Ben Creps and possibly Charles Hall, Charles McIlnay and Norman Kegarise.
The church was heated with small wood stoves one on each side. They were later replaced with coal stoves. Oil lights were used.
The cost of the church building was $1,200.00, and all the money was provided for except $225.00 which was donated at the dedication service on November 10, 1900 - plus $150.00. Sunday School was at 1:30 and Worship Service at 2:30 PM. The minister was paid $800.00 a year on the Martinsburg Charge.
The new Bedford Forge Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated on November 11,1900 by Rev. J.R. Dunkerly, assisted by Pastor J. K. Lloyd. Rev. C Karns preached this sermon as he did the service at the laying of the cornerstone.
(There are no records from this point on until the 1950’s)
An educational wing, with four church school rooms, was built in the 1950's. Most of the work was done by the men of the congregation.
In l959 the organ was purchased at the cost of $1,392.00. New windows had been installed somewhat earlier, and a dedication for both was held on May 3,1959 with Rev. Donald Hurley conducting the service.
In the Spring of 1960, new indirect lighting was insta1led in the sanctuary, new pulpit chairs were ordered - one chair was paid for by the Kegarise family in memory of Alma Kegarise.
In the 1960's, another addition was started in the back of the first addition which would provide four more Sunday School rooms. The second addition included restrooms and a kitchen in the basement. Lavoratories for the bathrooms were donated by Rev. & Mrs. Skillington’s son-in-law. Progress was slow, as the men were doing the work evenings and Saturdays. Completion was in 1967.
New hymnals were purchased in 1965 & the Skillington family donated 3 dozen.
A new oil furnace was installed in 1968 at a cost of $750.00. A special offering day was designated to help defray the cost.
A new organ was purchased in 1971 at a cost of $2,650. A new piano was donated in 1975 by Roy and Mary Carbaugh. The congregation was most appreciative of their generosity.
Proceedings to form a “Cemetery Association” and also obtain more land started in 1972. In 1973, the deed was drawn up for land constituting "Bedford Forge Cemetery” and turned over to the newly formed association.
The W.S.C.S. donated money to build a new vestibule. The work was contracted out and completed in 1973.
In 1974 the M.Y.F and the W.S.C.S. donated money to have the sanctuary paneled.
A four day celebration was held for the 75th Anniversary in the fall of 1975. Much planning and work was involved in making this a very nice affair and well attended.
In the Spring of 1978, Mary Hoenstine placed "seed money" on the altar and encouraged young and old alike to take this money and make it grow. Thus was the beginning of what we called our "seed faith program", and the money was used to help children attend summer camp.
In 1979, a church softball team was formed. The league was made up of other churches in the community. In order to play on the team, you had to attend two church services per month. This team continued to play for several years, and games were enjoyed by players and fans alike.
New carpet was installed in the entire sanctuary in 1981, and new padded pews were purchased in 1982. The pews were ordered in January, and by the time they were installed in April enough money had been collected to pay for them.
In the fall of 1981, the church was broken into and collection plates, pewter baptismal pitcher and fire extinguishers were stolen. One of the collection plates was found when the Woodbury dam was dredged in 1993 and is now in a glass enclosure in the vestibule. This enclosure was made by John Fluke.
Rev. Blake Anderson was instrumental in the formation of our Deer Haven Family camp in the summer of 1981. This “Family Camp" has been held in August of each year since then, and many children from the community have enjoyed the Bible Studies, craft classes, entertainment, games, food, etc. thanks to the generosity of John and Effie Hall. The Hall's have opened up their picnic area and have spent many hours making improvements to the area so that we can have camp for any child wishing to attend without any cost to them. Our Spring Oyster Supper profit is used to offset the cost of the camp. The adults have also been known to admit to having a good time!!!
Bedford Forge has been participating in the Wesley Forest Winter Retreat since it began in 1984 during Rev. William Olewiler's service on the charge. Many adults and youth have enjoyed the Bible Study, games, sledding and fellowship.
In 1984, Ralph Hiquet Jr. was authorized by the Administrative Council to see to repairs on the roof as a Scouting project with approval from his Scout Council. The members of our church were happy to be a part of Ralph's efforts in obtaining his "Eagle Scout" award.
The congregation at Bedford Forge has been a supporter of the NBC Food Bank since its inception in 1984. The third Sunday of each month is set aside for donations, and many special donations have been made over the years.
An emergency fund was set up in 1985. The second Sunday of each month a special collection is taken and monies from this fund are used as needed for community members in need - solely at the discretion of the fund’s caretaker.
In 1991, a handicapped ramp was built on to the front porch to accommodate those with wheelchairs and other physical disabilities.
The old tin roof was replaced by a shingled roof in 1998. Soffit and spouting were also replaced at that time.
A plan to refurbish Sunday School rooms and the sanctuary started in 1999. Several class room were painted, wallpapered or paneled and new carpet was installed in three rooms. New shrubbery was planted by several members, and the sanctuary was brightened by new plants, alter flowers and window votives. New basement stairs were poured, and sidewalk and side porch were replaced. All of this was made possible by hard work, monetary contributions and dedication. More renovations are planned for the future.
The past and present congregations of the Bedford Forge United Methodist church have worked hard to maintain the church building and to provide a good sound Christian Foundation for young and old alike.