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Trainer Methodist Episcopal Church

3705 W 9th St.
Marcus Hook,  PA 19061-5296

Phone: 610 494-9528

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Trainer Methodist Episcopal Church 1923

Former Pastors  |  Church History  |  Sports Teams |  Browse the 1923 Membership Directory

Former Pastors through 1923:

Rev. Samuel Pancoast (February 1893 - August 1893)
Rev. John D. Rigg (September 1893 to March 1894)
Rev. Benjamin F. Miller (1894 - ?)
Rev. A. D. Geist
Rev. W. F. Ewing
Rev. Thomas S. Minker
Rev. Edward Devine
Rev. George W. Bradley
Rev. Theodore W. Bare
Rev. Benjamin F. Stull
Rev. J. E. Gallagher
Rev. W. F. Ewing
Rev. Henry Clay Turner
Rev. Harry D. Robinson
maconaghy.jpg (7125 bytes)Rev. A. Maconaghy (1923)

Rev. Gordon L. Clark (1956 - 1962)
Rev. Albert N. Frank (1962 - 1968)
Rev. William McClain (1970-1975)
Rev. Afred Vardell (1975 - ?)

Church History: The following historical sketch of the church was taken from the Trainer Bicentennial book published in 1976 by the Trainer Bicentennial Committee, courtesy of Jack K McCall,:

TRAINER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
From the writing of the late Howard Ash much of this following article has been gathered.

The Methodist Church at Trainer, Pa., had its beginnings around 1890 and was the result of cottage prayer meetings held in various homes in the mill village. These meetings were led by Methodists from South Chester and Marcus Hook. A Sunday School had been established and had regularly conducted meetings in a small chapel on Main Street which belonged to the Trainer Family and was sponsored by David Trainer and Mrs. William E. Trainer, Sr.

While Rev. E. H. Isett was pastor at Cokesbury Methodist Church in Marcus Hook, where the Trainer Methodists worshipped, a stirring revival was held in which a great number of people were added to the communicants from Trainer. Their number having increased they began to wish for a local place where they might worship. At that time they had no sidewalks and no streetlights. Therefore, persuasion was so strong, that Rev. Isett was successful in completing the purchase of a small section of land for the Methodists in Trainer at Main Street and Post Road. In the meantime a pastor was secured whose name was Rev. Samuel Pancoast who was a retired member of the Philadelphia Conference who lived in Chester. He served from February 1893 to August of the same year. He died as a result of an accident and was succeeded by Rev. John D. Rigg who served from September 1893 to March 1894. The Sunday School had been formerly organized during the pastorates of these two men and services were held in the chapel. A class also had been organized and a stalwart Methodist by the name of James T. Gill was appointed leader.

At the session of the Philadelphia Conference in 1894 Rev. Benjamin F. Miller was appointed to Trainer Church as the first resident pastor. Services were still being held in the chapel. But the growing congregation began to work towards a home for themselves. Land having been purchased, they had plans drawn for a frame structure and parsonage. Ground was broken for the church building April 29, 1895 and the work was completed in August of that year. The congregation worshipped there until 1927.

The Sinclair Oil Co. purchased land around the church property and began preparations for refining oil. This made it necessary for the Methodists to look around for another site. Under the pastorate of Rev. Alexander Maconaghy, a piece of land about 2 acres in extent was purchased from Miss Henrietta Johnson at Ninth and Price Sts.

In November of 1925 Rev. Maconaghy began erection of a concrete block building where a Sunday School was organized among the families in Buckman Village and Lennox Park. It was used for 2 years for an afternoon Sunday School and for evening worship.

On March 6, 1927, the offer of Sinclair Oil Company of $40,000 for the Post Road property was accepted by the congregation and plans were ordered drawn for a church and parsonage on the lot at Ninth and Price Streets. The plans of the Bureau of Architecture of the Methodist Episcopal Church were accepted. On July 2, 1927 a congregational meeting awarded the contract for the new church home to William Provost, Jr., of Chester and the ground was broken August 23, 1927. Rev. Clarence B. Felton was pastor during the sale of the Post Road property and the erection of the church home on Ninth Street.

The cornerstone was laid on October 16, 1927. Work progressed without interruption and the beautiful church and parsonage was finished by the end of April, 1928. Dedication of the artistic church entirely furnished together with a pipe organ was on Sunday, May 6th, 1928 when the sermon was delivered by Rev. Alpha G. Kynett, D.D., Philadelphia.

The building committee consisted of Harry E. Grubb, Olin R. Plummer, Sr., William G. Nealy, Addison T. Wells, Frank H. Leake, all trustees. The pastor, Rev. Clarence B. Felton, assisted the committee.

This beautiful edifice with its parsonage is built of Cynwyd stone and is considered one of the beautiful churches in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church.

So much was thought of it that officials in December 1928 sent pictures, plans and specifications and entered into competition with other churches in the first annual church building competition sponsored by the Christian Herald. There were 44 entries from 20 states. The jury of three outstanding architects of the country awarded the first prize of $1,000 to Trainer Church, the amount divided equally between church and architects.

No major additions were added until December 1953, when several garages and the room known as the Upper Room were built.

Plans for the proposed Educational Building were begun under the leadership of the Rev. Gordon L. Clark, Pastor of the Church from 1956 to 1962. The building was completed around 1964 during the ministry of Rev. Albert N. Frank who served the: church from 1962 to 1968. The mortgage for this building, which is now known as "Wesley Hall," was paid off in 1975 during the ministry of Rev. William McClain, who served the church from 1970 to 1975. The mortgage burning ceremony was held in April of 1976 during the pastorate of Rev. Afred Vardall, the present pastor.

The present [1976] officers of the church are:
Pastor-Rev. Afred Varndell
Lay Leader-Milton Wood
Lay Member-Olin Plummer, Alternate Lay Member-Josephine Braidwood
Chairman of Council on Ministries-Pauline Chandler
Chairman of Work Area on Ecumenical Affairs-Mary Swenson
Chairman of Work Area on Education-Dorothy Books
Chairman of the Work Area on Evangelism--Richard Nichles
Chairman of Work Area on Missions-Elva Plummer
Chairman of the Work Area on Stewardship-Howard Plummer
Chairman of Work Area on Worship-Barbara Wood
Chairman of Children's Ministries-Ruth Ann Heacock
Chairman of Youth Ministries-Dorothy Books
Chairman of Family Ministries-Gwendolyn Myers
Young Adult Member of the Council on Ministries-Charles Books,, Jr.
Recording Secretary of the Administrative Board-Helen Meyers
Secretary of Enlistment-Dorothy Books
At Large Members of the Administrative Board-Dorothy Books, John Braidwood, Grace Calise, Verne Creighton, Robert Books, Raymond Fitzsimmons, Florence Hamilton, Helen Meyers, Elva Plummer, Olin Plummer, Howard Plummer, Anne Simpson, Mary Swenson, Barbara Wood, Robert Sakers, Raleigh Heacock, Carl Jackson, Charles Books, Sr., Richard Nichlos, Pauline Stark, Ruth Ann Heacock, Herbert Walton, Gwendolyn Meyers, Charles Books, Jr., Cheryl Kinch, William Kinch, William McKenna, Beverly Marker, Robert Hind, Mary Hind, Kennedy Dawson, Henry Johnson, Emily Manna, Leo Manna, Pauline Chandler, Jo Braidwood, Milton Wood
Health & Welfare Representative-Elva Plummer
Chairman of Pastor-Parish Relations-Henry Johnson
Pastor-Parish Relations members: Olin Plummer, Charles Books, Jr., Pauline Chandler, Barbara Wood, Kennedy Dawson, Helen Meyers, Herbert Walton
Finance Committee-Chairman-Howard Plummer
other members-Herbert Walton, Ruth Ann Heacock, Elva Plummer, Emily Manna, Anne Simpson, Verna Innis
Board of Trustees Members are: Kennedy Dawson, Milton Wood, William McKenna, Charles Books, Sr., Herbert Walton, Leo Manna, Olin Plummer, Leroy Phillips, Raleigh Heacock
Church Treasurer-Emily Manna
Church School Treasurer- Ruth Ann Heacock
Financial Secretary-Barbara Wood
Membership Secretary-Helen Meyers
Representative of United Methodist Youth Ministries-Robert Books.

In February 1949 Howard E. Ash was honored for 50 years of service as Sunday School Superintendent at Trainer Methodist Church.  Mr. Ash was a retired printer and a former official of Trainer Borough.

Sports: Basketball & Baseball Teams, 1920's
trainer_directory.jpg (72577 bytes) November 1923 Directory

A

Abrams, Grace ............................ Chester, Pa.

Abrams, Millie ............................ Chester, Pa.

Ambrose, Susan ............................ Chester Pa.

Ash. Esther ............................ 1108 W. 3rd St

Ash, Howard E . ....................... 11 E. Maple Ave

Ash, Marshall W . ........................ 1108 W. 3rd St

Ash, Susie May ........................ 1108 W. 3rd St

Ashby, Virginia .............................. Penna. Ave

Ashby, Dora ............................... Penna. Ave

Ashby, Lida ................................ Penna. Ave

Ashby M. Helen ............................ Penna. Ave

Ashby, Jean ............................ 47 Maple,Ave

Atkinson, Clarence ........ 12 E. Delaware Ave., M.H.

Atkinson, Lucy .. ........... 12 E. Delaware Ave., M. H.

B

Baker, Annie E . ...... .................. E. Center Ave

Baker, Carrie O . .......................... E. Center Ave

Baker, William .......................... E. Center Ave

Battis, Jeremiah .......................... Linwood, Pa.

Battis, Mrs. Jeremiah .................... Linwood, Pa.

Battis, Elizabeth .......................... Linwood, Pa.

Banjamin, Lillie B . ...................... E. Center Ave

Bennett, Jennie ..... .................... 8 Plaza, M. H.

Bird, Rev. George J . ........................ Penna. Ave

Bird, George F., Jr. .................. Penna. Ave

Bird Pauline ................................ Penna. Ave

Bird, Mrs. Ada ............................ 46 Cedar St

Boles, Mildred ............................. Chester, Pa.

Booth, Jeanette M . ... .......... ......... Linwood, Pa.

Bostwick, Mrs. Howard .................. 219 Irving St

Boulden, Eva ......... ..... Post Road and Main St

Boulden, Marion C . ...................... E. Maple Ave

Brown, A. J . ......................... Marcus Hook, Pa.

Bruner, Catharine ..................... Buckman Village

Bruner, Joseph ........................ Buckman Village

Bullock, Helen .............................. Post Road

Bullock, John A . ............................. Post Road

Burke, Mary L . ...................... Linwood Heights

Burke, Allen .......................... Linwood Heights

Burke, Curtis ........................ Linwood Heights

Burke, Edmund ...................... Linwood Heights

Burke, Tillie ............................ Linwood Heights

Burns, Addie O.  ................... Post Road

Burns, Budd  ......................... Post Road

Burns. Leah ............................. Post Road

 

C

Cannon, Emma ................................ Main St

Carr, Henry .............................. Chester, Pa.

Carr, Sadie ............................... Chester, Pa.

Chapman, John .................... 12 Walnut St. M. V

Cloud, Annie E. .......................... Chester, Pa

Cochrane, Edna A . .......... 1203 Keystone Road, B. V.

Cochrane, Robert W . ........ 1203 Keystone Road, B. V.

Cohee, Anna ........................ 6 Spruce St., M. V.

Comly, Dorothea .......................... Marcus Hook

Coppock, Blanche .............................. Main St

Coppock, George W . ... ........................ Main St

Cosgrove, Ruhamia ............................ Main St

Clendening, Florence M . .................. 214 Irving. St

Clendening, Mary ......................... 211 Irving St

Clendening William .................. 214 Irving St

D

Deemer, Mary ................................ Elm Ave

Dehner, Charles ............................ Post Road

Devlin, Ella M . ..................... Marcus Hook, Pa.

Devlin, Hannah ................................ Main St

Devlin, Luccy E . .................... Marcus Hook, Pa.

Devlin Mattie Marcus Hook, Pa.

Devonshire, Emma ............................ Main St

DeNight, Lizzie ............................... E. 9th St

Downes,.Edith 17 Walnut St., M.V.

Downes. Hettie .................. 17 Walnut St., M.V.

Downes, . E . .................... 17 Walnut St., M. V.

Downes, Leon ..................... 17 Walnut St., M. V.

Dressley, Frank E . .......................... Chester.. Pa.

Dill, Martha .......................... Maple St., M. V.

Dingle, Howard J . .......................... Maple Ave

Dingle, Mary K . ........................... Maple Ave

E

Ewing, Margaret ............................ Center Ave

F

Fitzsimmons, Addie ............................ Main St

Fitzsimmons, Elva ........................... Main St

Fitzsimmons Raymond ........................ Main St

Fitzsimmons: William C . ....................... Main St

Foreman, Charles .......................... 3436 3rd St

Foreman, Mrs. Charles ... 3436 3rd St

Foster, Elsie St., M. V.

Fulton, Laura ......................... Detroit Mich

Forrester, Henrietta ..................... 650 Post Road

Furness. Olive M . ................ 46 Cedar St.. M. V.

G

Gaynor. Alonzo B . .................. 39 Cedar St., M. V.

Gaynor, Emma .................... 39 Cedar St., M, V.

Gilbert, George ..................…. . . . . . . . .Post Road

Gilbert, Mae ............................... Post Road

Gray, Ella ....................... .......... Center Ave

Gray, George W. .. .. i ................... 66 Post Road

Gray, Lillie ................................ Trainer, Pa.

Gray, Harold .............................. 6 Post Road

Gray, Ida M . ............................ 66 Post Road

Green, Mary ........................... 29 Ridge Road

Grubb, Carrie ............................ E. Maple Ave

Grubb, Catherine ........................ E. Maple Ave

Grubb, Harry ............................ E. Maple Ave

Grubb. John ........................... E. Maple Ave

H

Hancock, Gussie ........................ 26 Ridge Road

Hannegan, Rev. Elwood M . .......... Linwood Heights

Hardy, Jacqueline ...................... 1011 Yates Ave

Harper, Hiram ............ 1905 W. 4th St., Chester, Pa.

Harper, Katherine ........ 1905 W. 4th St., Chester, Pa.

Harris, F. M . ........................ Marcus Hook, Pa.

Harris, Ida ........................... Marcus Hook, Pa.

Harrison, Clara G . ...................... 7 Plaza, M. V.

Harrison, George E . .................... 7Plaza, M. V.

Harrison, Nellie B . ...................... 7Plaza, M. V.

Harrison, Norman F . .................... 7Plaza, M. V.

Hawkins, Emma ............................ Chester, Pa.

Hawkins. Frank .......................... Chester, Pa.

Hyde, Ida .......................... 9 Cedar St., M. V.

Hyde, Mrs. Amy .................. 36 Cedar St., M. V.

Hyde, Russell E . .................. 36 Cedar St., M. V.

I

Ingram, Helen ................ Center Ave. and Smith St.

J

Jacquette, Maggie ....…….….. Chester, Pa.

Jeffries, Clementine ................ 9th St., Lenox Park

Jenkins, Annie E . .......................... Trainer, Pa.

Jones, Mary E . .................. 6th St., Chester, Pa.

Jester, Annie ...................... 29 Cedar St., M. V.

Jester, Elijah M .................... 29 Cedar St., M. V.

K

Kiel, Agnes ............................... Bayfield, Wis.

Killen, Effie .............................. Kingston. Pa.

L

Lamplugh, Clayton ....................... E. Maple Ave

Lamplugh, Reba .......................... E. Maple Ave

Larkin, Mary E . ......................... 20 Ridge Road

Lawson, Robert ......................... 1827 W. 3rd St

Lehman, Anna .............................. Post Road

Lewis. Mrs. E . ............................. 201 Irving St

Lewis, Ida ..................... 16 Chestnut St., M. V.

Lewis, W. A . .................... 16 Chestnut St., M. V.

Lewis, Lucy .............................. 201 Irving St

Lewis, William ............................ 201 Irving St

Lewis, Arthur ............................ 201 Irving St

Lilley, Arthur ............................ Ridge Road

Lilley, Mrs. Ellsworth .............. 40 Cedar St., M. V.

Lilley, Flora ................….............. Ridge Road

Lilley, Howard ........................... Ridge Road

Lodge, Laura ........................... E. Maple Ave

Logan. Bertha ................................ Post Road

Logan. Blanche ............................ Chester, Pa.

Logan, Caroline A . ............................. Main St

Longhurst. Lucy A . .................... 11 E. Maple Ave

Longhurst, Miriam E . .................. 11 E. Maple Ave

Longhurst, Verna ..................... 11 E. Maple Aev

M

McCay, Jennie ........ 206 Hillside Ave., Jenkintown, Pa.

McGainer, Hannah .............. Main St. and Maple Ave

McGainer, Lillian ............................ Pena. Ave

McNeal, Mary ............................... Post Road

McVey, Jermiah ......................... 104 Post Road

McVey, Mabel .......................... 104 Post Road

McVey, Wm. H . ............................ Post Road

McVey, Mrs. Ida M . ........................ Post Road

Major, John ..................... Main St. and Center Ave

Malcolm, Katherine ...................... 70 Post Road

Meade, Milda .............................. Chester, Pa.

Meade, Eva ...................... 20 Walnut St., M. V.

Middleton, Mrs. Mabel A .................... Post Road

Middleton, Walter M . ........................ Post Road

Miller, Laura J . .......................... E. Maple Ave

Minker, Mrs. F . .................................. Main St

Markuis, Beulah ............................... Main St

Marquis, Lillie ................................ Main St

Maconaghy, Mrs. A . ........................ Parsonage

Maconaghy, Rose E . ........................ Parsonage

Maconaghy, Rev. Samuel J . .................. Parsonage

Murphy, Lulu ................................ E. 3rd St

Murphy, Mae ...................................... Iowa

Muschamp, Ethel .......................... 68 Post Road

Muschamp, Frank .....…................. 68 Post Road

N

Nealy, Esther J . .......................... E. Maple Ave

Nealy, Laura A . .......................... E. Center Ave

Nealy, Wm. G . .......................... E. Maple Ave

P

Pangle, Lidie ............................. E. Center Ave

Pierce, Elmer N . .......................... Center Ave

Pierce, Julia ............ .................... Center Ave

Pinder, Sadie ..................... 23 Walnut St., M. V.

Pinder, Wm. 23 Walnut St., M. V.

Plummer, Howard Post Road

Plummer, Ketia .............................. Post Road

Plummer, Olin R . ............................ Post Road

Plummer, Olin R., Jr . ........................ Post Road

Price, Elizabeth . ............................ Ridge Road

Priest, Sarah A . .............................. Post Road

Pusey, J. H. 12 Chestnut St., M. V.

Pusey, Mary E. 12 Chestnut St., M. V.

Q

Quann, Nettie .................. 212 Irving St

Quann, Thomas ................ 212 Irving St

R

Reynolds, Harriet ...................... 3418 W. 3rd St

Riddle, Alphonza ............................ Post Road

Riddle, Paul .................................. Post Road

Reed. J. M . ........................ 620 10th St., M. V.

Reed, Orah ........................ 6 Spruce St., M. V.

Robinson, Grace .............. Main St. and Center Ave

Rothermel, Celia .................. 9th St., Lenox Park

Rothermel, Howard ................ 9th St., Lenox Park

Rothermel, Jesse .................. 9th St., Lenox Park

Rothermel, Lemar .................. . 9th St., Lenox Park

Rothermel, Pearl .................. 9th St., Lenox Park

Rothermel, Phoebe ................ 9th St., Lenox Park

Rue, Ruth ................................ E. Center Ave

Ross, Clara .................................. Post Road

S

Scone, Helen ................................ Post Road

Scone, Sallie J . .............................. Post Road

Scone, Stephen ............................ Post Road

Shropshire, Charles .......................... Post Road

Shropshire Margaret .................... E. Center Ave

Simpson, Anna .......................... E. Center Ave

Simpson, Edna M . ............... E. Center Ave

Simpson, Helen ................... E. Center Ave

Sipe, Catherine .............................. Haryland

Smith, Anna ........................ Yates Ave., M. H.

Smith, Edna ......................... Yates Ave., M. H.

Smith, Mabel R . .................... Marcus Hook, Pa.

Snyder Mrs. Helen ........................ Center Ave

Snyder, Sherwood ........................... Center Ave

Sollers, Annie R . ............................ Post Road

Sparklin, Florence .................. 10 Maple St., M. V.

Sparklin, Helen .................... 10 Maple St., M. V.

Sparks, Malinda ............................ Ridge Road

Stewart, Kate ........................... Chester, Pa.

Stillie, Iva ........................ 39 Cedar St., M. V.

Straughn, Arthur ................ 22 Spruce St., M. V

Straughn, Leroy .................. 22 Spruce St., M. V.

T

Taylor, Mrs. M . .................. 34 Cedar St., M. V.

Townsley, Agnes R . ...................... Bayfield, Wis

Townsley, Eva .............................. Post Road

Townsley, Maggie .......................... Post Road

Townsley, Myrtle ........................... Post Road

Townsley, William ......................... Post Road

Trader. Charles B . .............. 29 Chestnut St., M. V.

Trader, Cornelia ................ 29 Chesntut St., M. V.

Turner, George ............. 10l Park Place, Chester, Pa.

Tyson, Bertha ........................... E. Maple Avve

Tyson, Gladys ........................... E. Maple Ave

Tyson, Herman ........................... E. Maple Ave

Tyson, John, Sr . ......................... E. Maple Ave

Tyson, John, Jr . ........................ .E. Maple Ave

Tyson, Mildred .......................... E. Maple Ave

W

Walls, Anna .............. Linwood Heights, Pa.

Walker, Elizabeth ................ 24 Walnut St., M.. V.

Walker, Rowland ................ 24 Walnut St., M. V.

Watkins, Carrie E . ....................... Post Road

Watkins, Earnest ................ Linwood Heights, Pa.

Watkins, Esther ...................…....... Post Road

Watkins, Wm. J . ........................... Post Road

Wallen, Morris E . .................... Marcus Hook, Pa.

Watson, Robert .................... Lenox Park, Chester

Watson, Mrs. Robert .............. Lenox Park, Chestr

Webb, Curtis ............................ 48 Maple Ave

Webb, Mrs. Curtis ....................... 48 Maple Ave

Whitby, Anna L . ........................... Post Road

Whitby, Chritina ............................ Post Road

Whitby, Howard ............................ Post Road

Whitby, Gertrude ........................... Post Road

Wolfe, Lillie ....................... Post Road

Wood, Elizabeth ........................... Plaza, M. V.

Wood, Margaret .......................... Plaza, M. V.

Wood, Samuel ............................ Plaza, M. V.

Willard, Rhoda ....................…........ Post Road

Y

Young. Reba .................. E. Delaware Ave., M. H.

 

List of Probationers

Clendennig, William
Robinson, Oliver, Jr.
Chambers, Mildred
Dingle, Mary
Scone, Mildred
Clendennig, Anna
Williams, Gertrude
Wright, Marion
Macklin, Mildred
McClain, Margaret
Fife, Margaret
Boyles, Ada
Wright, Mary
Stephens, Margaret
Clendennig, Myra
Lydia, Edna
Marquis, Ruth
Stewart, Evelyn
Louth, Eleanor
Gaines, Esther
Rue, Juan
Boyles, William
Gruden, Howard
Ritchie, Patrick
Deemer, Harry
Rue, John, Jr.
Townsley, Robert
Logan, Elmer
Logan, Irene
Coppock, NOrman
Scones, George
Lewis, Weston
McCauley, Russell
Omensetler, Alice
Mede, Lucey
Grier, Ralph
Williams, Hellen
Willard, Mrs.
Tate, Doris
Patton, Hilda
Murphy,
Murphy, Mrs.
Lister, Lillian

© 2000, 2002, 2004 John A. Bullock III.

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This page last updated 02/24/07