Westover United Methodist Church † Westover - Morgantown, WV

<body> <table border="1" width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#800000"> <tr> <td> <address align="center">  </address> <address align="center"> <b><u><i><font size="6" color="#FFFFCC" face="Tahoma">Westover United Methodist Church</font></i></u></b></address> <address align="center"> <b> <i><font size="5" color="#FFFFCC" face="Tahoma">28 North St. Morgantown, WV  26501</font></i></b></address> <address align="center">  </address> <address align="center"> <i><font size="4" face="Tahoma"><b><font color="#FFFFCC">Church phone: 304-296-2375</font></b><font color="#FFFFCC"> </font> </font></i> </address> <address align="center">  </address></td> </tr> </table> <div align="center">  <table border="0" width="80%" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3" bgcolor="#FFFFCC"> <tr> <td><font face="Tahoma">     </font> <p><font face="Tahoma">     Our Sermon service is on Sunday. Please join our Methodist Churches service as we serve the greater Morgantown, WV area.  We welcome those who are from out of town and our Church offers Sunday school as well. (Please use the churches entrance at ground level for Adult Sunday School.) Call for times at 304-296-2375.  </font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma">     Our Church has United Methodist baptismal services for United Methodist members in the Morgantown, WV area. The times that our Churches Sermons meet for Morgantown, WV are at 10:30 am every Sunday. Our Church welcomes all and offers Communion to all in the Morgantown, WV area. Our Church can also host weddings for those wishing to be married in a United Methodist Church in the Morgantown, WV area. You do not need to be a member of the United Methodist Church to use the facilities.  The Churches Fellowship Hall may be used to host various activities.  </font> </p> <p><font face="Tahoma">     The Church itself was built in 1904, which replaced our old Morgantown, WV United Methodist Church. Photos of our Church Staff and Churches stained glass windows photos are available. The Churches photos are available by clicking the photo link on our church / churches website.  We have some of the most beautiful windows in the Morgantown, WV area when compared to other area United Methodist Churches.</font></p> <p><font face="Tahoma">     Our Churches choir practices are usually held on Wednesdays at 6 pm., in the Sanctuary of the Church.  Please use the Churches front door to attend our Churches Choir rehearsal. Parking for all United Methodist Church services is either located behind the Church or behind the Westover fire hall adjacent to the Church. Hearing impaired assistance is available for United Methodist Churches sermon service. </font> </p> <p><font face="Tahoma">     Morgantown Church Sunday School for children of all ages in the greater Morgantown, WV. are welcome.  The Church also has a United Methodist  Summer Vacation Bible School for Children in the Morgantown, WV vicinity.  The Church offers a supervised nursery during Sunday Churches sermon.</font></p> <p> </p></td> </tr> </table> <p><strong><font size="5"><a href="http://www.freewebs.com/jae101"> Morgantown Area Weather</a></font></strong></div> <p align="center"> <img border="0" src="images/easter.jpg" width="122" height="111">     <img border="0" src="images/cornercleartmb.jpg" width="83" height="112"></p> <div align="center"> <table border="0" width="80%" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3" bgcolor="#FFFFCC"> <tr> <td> <p align="center"> <u><font size="5" face="Tahoma"><b><i>Directions/Location</i></b></font></u><div align="center"> <dt><font face="Tahoma"><b><i><u>From Downtown Morgantown</u>:</i></b>  Approximately 1/2 mile.</font></dt> </div> <div align="center"> <dt><font face="Tahoma">Follow 19 South across the Westover Bridge.  When you are nearing the top of the hill, turn <u>right</u> onto Highland Ave.  Westover United Methodist Church is located on the left at the first intersection, (North St. & Highland Ave.)</font></dt> </div> <div align="center"> <dt> </dt> </div> <div align="center"> <dt><font face="Tahoma"><b><i><u>From I-79</u>:</i></b>  Approximately 2 miles.</font></dt> </div> <div align="center"> <dt><font face="Tahoma">Follow 19 North.  Take the 3rd left onto Highland St. after passing the "Dairy Mart" convenience store. Westover United Methodist Church is located at the first intersection, (North St. & Highland Ave.)</font></dt> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <p align="center"> <img border="0" src="images/southtmb.gif" width="190" height="142"><img border="0" src="images/jesussgtmb.gif" width="142" height="190">                    <img border="0" src="images/marysgtmb.jpg" width="142" height="191"><img border="0" src="images/easttmb.gif" width="190" height="142"></p> <div align="center"> <table border="0" width="80%" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3" bgcolor="#FFFFCC"> <tr> <td> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><u><i><b><font size="5" face="Tahoma">Church History </font></b></i> </u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <FONT class="txt" face="Tahoma">Until 1902, Westover was part of a district compromising eight square miles of the most populous and wealthiest part of Monongalia County.</FONT></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <FONT class="txt" face="Tahoma">This area was rich in coal, gas, and other minerals.  Yet up to that time, this territory contained not one United Methodist Church edifice of any denomination.</FONT></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1904, Mrs. N. E. Shaffer began a Sunday school on the Westover side of the Monongalia River.  It was called “The Union Sabbath School” because it was made up of so many denominations.  It was held in a public school.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">When it reached an attendance of 150, the United Methodist Churches Conference, seeing a great opportunity, sent Rev. C. B. Meredith who held many revivals and got a successful group going.  A Ladies Aid Society was formed and they were on their way, but still no church.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">They were given permission to build a <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>church on our current parsonage lot.  As the foundation stones were assembled, an opposing group was organized and secured a court injunction.  When Mr. Nathan Shaffer went to work on the <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>church, he was arrested.  A law suit followed that eventually ended up in the Supreme Court.  The Court’s decision was in favor the Westover class.  By the time the suit was settled, the congregation was not interested; so the building was delayed.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Several ministers were assigned to the Westover class from 1912 to 1920.  In 1920 Rev. Perkins managed to pay some money toward buying the old school building where they were having their meetings.  The building cost $2,500 and was located on the lot across the street from where our church now stands.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">From 1920 to 1922, no more money was paid, but a new minister, Rev. James Schultz, was appointed to the Monongalia Charge.  Thirty-five people were members on the churches records, but only 12 to 15 were active.  They still owed $1,200 on the building, but the minister had faith in this group.  In January 1923 he held a revival and encouraged the people to finish paying for the building.  This was accomplished in April 1923.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Rev. Schultz eventually saw the need for a larger church.  The population in Westover was nearly one thousand, and the building only seated 75 people.  He proposed a larger church building.  Several meetings were held to discuss plans and designs for a new <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>church that would seat at least 200 worshippers.  Plans were accepted and on April 11, a meeting has held by the Board of Trustees to appoint a building committee.  This group met with a contractor, E. Reese Baker, to draw up specifications.  The estimate was $35,300.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">On May 11, another committee was appointed to sell the old building and secure a building permit.  On May 17, the old building and lot were exchanged with Noah Moore for the lot where the Westover  United Methodist Church now stands.  The contract for this transaction was signed on May 19.  On that same day, stakes were set for the new church building.  Because of disagreements with one of the <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>churches members who was on the bank board, the loan was not granted.  Stonewalled again, but not giving up, in April 1924 a new board member was able to persuade five of the six banks in Morgantown, WV to lend a total of $22,500 with a deed of trust.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">On May 4, 1924, grading began.  The church was completed and dedicated on Sunday, July 6, 1924, with Bishop Joseph Berry officiating.  An additional $14,000 was raised and pledged at the dedication.  It was described as a “faith project”!  Total cost of the churches parsonage was $58,000.  But when everything was done, it was valued at $70,000.  Dedication named the Church Westover United Methodist Episcopal Church, but for the purpose of soliciting funds, they called it the Community Church and money was subscribed in that manner.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The church had a water well dug.  After drilling 107 feet and no water was found, they wanted to quit, but Noah Moore wanted to dig further to see they could find gas.  Gas was found at 123 feet and they drilled deeper to 132 feet.  This gas well turned out to be the best one in Morgantown, WV.  They considered it a “God Send” because it furnished free gas for the churches heating needs.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">They had another revival in 1924 and received some new members to help pay the debt for the church.  It turned out to be a 25-year struggle to finish paying the debt.  With the transfer of ministers, the members became discouraged.  The Rev. Job Jones was optimistic and held three successful revivals and doubled the <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>churches membership.  The debt was $51,000; so, in May 1926, there was a financial campaign to raise $25,000.  This campaign resulted in more than $25,000 in pledges and cash.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The District Superintendent thought the church was moving well and provided a full-time minister in October 1927.  On February 6, 1927, Rev. Shultz—the man who had initiated the idea for a new and larger church died.  Rev. Job Jones preached his funeral.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">A funny story took place while Rev Jones was at the church.  Mrs. O’Gilvie, the churches treasurer, played what she thought was a joke on Rev. Jones during the presidential campaign of Al Smith, who was in favor of rescinding prohibition.  She placed an empty whiskey bottle with a government stamp on it in Rev. Jones’ study.  This was no joke to him; so on the next Sunday morning, he brought the bottle out and preached a sermon about it.  Mrs. O’Gilvie was offended and resigned as treasurer.  Mrs. John Lough took her place and served for many years.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">On January 1, 1928, the church applied to the State Board of Education for a $40,000 bond issue.  They were able to pay off the bank note, and the indebtedness of the church was placed on a 20-year basis.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; margin-right: 11.95pt"> <font face="Tahoma">With the interest of the Westover <FONT class="txt">United Methodist</FONT> Church in mind, on February 23, 1930, Rev. Jones began broadcasting on radio station WMMN in Fairmont.  This program brought in hundreds of dollars.  Rev. Jones should always be remembered for his faithful labors for the six years he served the Church.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">On October 1, 1932, Rev. Jones was appointed to the Highland Avenue <FONT class="txt">United Methodist</FONT> Churches in Fairmont, but he continued to keep in touch with Westover United Methodist Church.  As he aged, he spent his last few years at Sundale Rest Home in Morgantown, WV where he died on June 28, 1958.  His funeral was held in Westover United <FONT class="txt">Methodist </FONT>Church with Rev. W. J. Kerr and a number of local ministers officiating.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The Rev. W. D. Swan was appointed to Westover <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>Church on October 1, 1932 and served two years.  Then Rev. Bernard Gibbs was appointed on October 1934 and served seven years.  Rev. Rolla Metheny was then appointed for three years, which was during the Depression.  The minister was loyal and labored to save the churches from being taken over by a growing debt, which at that time was $40,000, but the bound indebtedness now stood at $62,000.  The State agreed to allow credit for the amount paid in interest and compromised the entire debt to $25,000 if paid in cash.  The <FONT class="txt">United Methodist</FONT> church set out to raise $10,000 and asked the Conference Board of Home Missions for a loan of $15,000.  The 1944 Conference sent Rev. Metheny to Webster Springs and Rev. C. C. O’Neill came to the Westover <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>Church which was made a station appointment with Drummond Chapel.  In 1944-1945 Rev. Joseph DeBardi was sent to Drummond Chapel and the salary for each church was $1,500.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In November, the loan came through and the Board of Home Missions donated $1,500.  The state was paid $25,000 and the bonds were redeemed.  The loan from the Board of Missions and <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>Churches Extension was to be paid back at $3,000 a year over five years with four percent interest.  Special offerings were taken at Easter.  After the first payment, it became easier because of the faithful service of the Ladies of the Women’s Society of Christian Service.  In 1948 the final payment was made with $700 left over.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">On Sunday June 27, 1948, a “Bond Burning Jubilee” was held.  The celebration was a glowing event.  This must have been a great day for Rev. O’Neill (who served from 1944-1953), the officers, and the congregation to finally see the end of the financial struggle.  The remaining $700 was turned over to the trustees and they redecorated the sanctuary and built a complete floor for the junior department.  In addition the Women’s Society put new carpet in the sanctuary.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">On Sunday April 2, 1944, Mrs. Edmond Collins organized the Youth Sanctuary Choir.  The choirs have made a great contribution to the worship services ever since.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">At the Conference in Buckhannon on June 1, 1953, after nine years of faithful service to our churches, Rev. O’Neill was assigned to St Mary’s United Methodist Church.  The Rev. William J. Kerr was assigned to Westover <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>Church.  We have made steady progress since then.  One of our outstanding accomplishments was the purchase of an electric “Two Manual Wurlitzer Organ” priced at $4,700.  The organ fund was launched on Sunday, March 21, 1954, and on that day $954 was contributed in pledges and cash.  The Service of Dedication was on November 5, 1955, which included an organ dedication recital.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Again the interest in music was demonstrated when on January 25, 1957, at a “Choir Robe Sunday Service,” $600 was presented to Mrs. Eleanor Collins for the purchase of 30 beautiful light blue robes for the choir.  At this time the choir was comprised of many young boys and girls.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In the autumn of 1958, the churches kitchen was installed for $3,200.  The cabinets were constructed of birch wood with all sliding doors.  It was considered the finest kitchen in the district.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Rev. Kerr reflected on the future as a new generation of faces began to appear as the older ones passed on.  He wondered if they would be as faithful and loyal as the previous “Building Generation” had been.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The Rev. W. J. Kerr and his family came to Westover <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>Church in June 1953 and were with us for eleven years.  The congregation enrollment was around 150 for church school and 200 for worship service.  Rev. Kerr brought to the different ages a talent for teaching the Bible and the ability to provide music as well.  The Kerr family was an integral part in every facet of church life.  Even though the parsonage needed many repairs, they told the church to wait until they retired to Farmington, West Virginia.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">“The History and Word of the United Methodist” was a program required for the children.  This program helped them to understand the meaning of baptism, being born again, and membership in the body of Christ.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Rev. Kerr made weekly visits throughout the community.  Home visitations were also made by membership and evangelism teams and reached as many as 200 homes.  Bible study was on Wednesday evenings, and worship services were also held on Sunday evenings.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Mrs. Rissa Clawges’ concern for the children left its mark on the church.  She was determined for the church to have a kitchen, but it was finally installed the year after her death.  Mrs. Kerr designed the kitchen.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">A large area of plaster fell in 1961.  This meant renovation time.  Also in 1961, Noah Moore replaced the coal boiler with the present gas system for $3,980.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The slate roof was repaired in 1962 by Rexroad Heating and Roofing for $1,310.  At this time the Wildman Estate gave $9,498, which was placed in an interest account.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The Trustees under Jack Loar reported an estimate of about $4,000 to lower the ceiling and remodel the chancel area.  Baker and Coombs did the work.  The Pittsburgh Acoustical Corp. lowered the ceiling ten feet at a cost of $2,205.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">At this time the chancel area was changed to the way it is now.  The wooden cross was made by Mr. Robert Fox and the dossal curtain was bought by donations of $469.  Buseman and Kennell painted the walls and ceiling for $920.  Electrical work was done by Ralph Clear for $249.  In May of 1963 the sanctuary was carpeted by Sanders Floor Coverings for $3,000, and the chimes were given in memory of David Cain for $1,752.  Total cost of these changes was $16,757.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The United Methodist Men began having their delicious bean dinners in 1959.  The proceeds from these dinners help them to accomplish many projects:  the original oak doors on North Street were replaced with stainless steel doors in 1970, stairs to the second floor were covered, and the vestibule floor was also recovered in 1979.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Rev. Dewayne Lowther and his family arrived in the midst of renovations to the parsonage in June.  Under Ed Bowlby’s supervision, a major renovation consisted of furnace replacement, refinishing all of the walls, new lighting fixtures, and sanding and refinishing oak floors.  The ceilings were changed to block type.  The kitchen received a built-in range, garbage disposal, and refrigerator.  Sanders Floor Coverings carpeted the dining room, living room, and stairs for $600.  The living room got new furniture and new sheer drapes.  The sun room became a breakfast room and laundry room with new washer and dryer.  Then came the piano, freezer, and other belongs that had been in storage.  The parsonage was in tiptop shape by October.  A loan was secured for $5,000.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In December 1964, came the death of James Crockett who had thrilled all the children by telephoning them disguised as Santa Clause.  His funeral sermon was titled, “A Prince Has Fallen.”</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In Spring 1965, more work needed to be done because attendance had increased with small children.  Teaching equipment and furniture were needed for classrooms, and the social rooms needed completely repaired.  Forty-five workers were divided up into two groups.  Dinners were served to all the workers during this project.  With all the effort put forth in this campaign, $43,200 had been pledged.  This proved to be one of the most challenging efforts since the original building of the church.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1966,100 new hymnals were given in memory of James Crockett.  At this time, Mrs. John Lough resigned as the churches treasurer after 34 years of service.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The churches benevolences began to suffer and $2,000 was borrowed from the Building Fund.  In January 1967, Mrs. Eleanor Collins resigned as organist and choir director.  She directed as many as 30 youths and was a real mentor to all of them.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In May 1967, Rev. Lowther announced his intensions to transfer to Parkersburg, and in June Rev. W. V. Powell and his wife Ala came to Westover.  At this time a sizeable number of young married couples with small children started coming to church again.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1968, renovations began in the Fellowship Hall even though all pledges had not been received from the 1965 campaign.  The campaign date was changed and extended to June 1969.  John Camp submitted a bid of $18,000 for the project.  It was accepted and $10,000 was transferred to the trustees account to begin work.  During this renovation a cement floor was replaced and the oak floor was covered with carpet.  The plastered walls were covered with paneling, and the ceilings with enclosed lighting were lowered.  The stage was improved and a huge hand-hewn wooden cross was placed on the wall.  The bathrooms and nursery were redesigned and paneled.  An additional gas-fired furnace was added for supplemental heating.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In April 1969, Rev. Powell announced his intentions to be relocated.  In June 1969, Rev. Charles Parrish and his wife Naomi were sent to Westover.  All renovations had been completed; so Rev. Parrish devoted much of his time to visitation and preaching.  In one year he traveled 8,000 miles in service, and had made 245 hospital calls and home visits.  Youth members again decreased, but the <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>churches membership remained at 552.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In the spring of 1972, Rev. Parrish was replaced with Rev. Hughllyn Wilson and his wife Sara.  He found a remaining debt of $5,000 and he soon erased that with the help of the congregation.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">On January 14, 1973, a celebration-of-bond-burning was held with Rev. Ramsey Bridges, District Superintendent, officiating.  But in a few short months a defective wall on the Highland Avenue side of the church showed signs of buckling--believed caused by the weight of the slate roof and deteriorating crossbeams and trusses.  We then had to move to the Westover Fire Hall for all services.  The church paid $100 per month rental on the fire hall from September 1973 to June 1974.  It was later found the wooden trusses would not have to be replaced with steel or the wall rebuilt, but the removal of the slate roof had to be removed and the wooden trusses repaired.  Reinforcement rods were placed from the outer wall through the sanctuary and tied into the other outside wall.  In December 1974, $15,000 was received from the Conference.  To get the work started, an $8,000 loan was applied for at the Westover Bank.  By July 5, 1977, the “Deed of Trust” dated June 29, 1974 was paid in full.  A gift of $1,000 from Ted Mullins paid for new wall coverings and the painting of the ceiling and reinforcement rods.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Weight Watchers rented Fellowship Hall on Monday mornings and evenings at $50 per day.  This money was used for the building fund.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1974 and 1975, a new experience was introduced in lay witnessing.  This began as new reconciliation and bible study.  This fellowship intermingled with all age groups met in the home of Nancy Cain and other leaders.  Bible school was held as it had been for many previous years, and was attended by children of all denominations.  One hundred bibles were placed in the pews by members of the congregation so there could be responsive readings on Sundays.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">At the 1978 Annual Conference, Rev Wilson was reassigned to the Guyandotte Charge in Huntington.  Rev. Charles Potts and his wife Mary came to Westover.  The parsonage was recarpeted, and Mary brought more beauty to it with her decorating and beautiful flowers.  The original cement steps to the Highland Avenue entrance had to be replaced as the old ones had begun to draw away from the building.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma"> <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>Church membership dropped and also attendance in worship and church school.  The attendance at worship averaged 55 to 75.  The total membership was 354, but increased to 364 in 1979.  On October 1979, the first homecoming was held with Rev. William Kerr delivering the sermon with 225 in attendance.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1980, Rev. and Mrs. Inner Basinger were invited for five day of a singing and preaching evangelism.  Nancy Cain was so impressed that she began to reach the little-ones with a Sunday Morning Sermonette.  Incorporating this into the regular worship service caused children to be in worship—something that had not happened for some time.  Attendance at churches school began to increase again.  Special music and guest speakers also helped to increased overall church attendance.  Mrs. Dottie Csamer revived the youth group.  A chancel choir was organized by Mrs. Mabel Howard.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The year 1981, was a very busy and blessed year for our Church.  In 1981, renovation of the second and third floors was begun—new ceilings, paint, and carpeting.  Many gifts were donated:  a kneeling bench, new sound system, memorial table, speakers’ podium, carpeting, kitchen floor, commercial dishwasher, and tables and chairs.  Other items were added to the Churches inventory:  stove, range hood, exhaust fan, registration table, coat rack, baby grand piano, communion bread trays and linen napkins, brass Bible missal stand, nylon American flag, and paraments in white, green, red and maroon.  On August 27, a fire occurred in the prayer room.  Major damage was done to the piano.  The insurance company took care of all the damages.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1982,, the stained glass windows needed repairs and protection against the elements.  Mr. John Phillips of Pennsylvania repaired the lead and covered the large windows with Lexan.  He recommended storm windows be placed on the rest of the building.  The estimated cost was $6,835.  John Bowers took on the task of raising the funds.  Through his efforts, the money was donated in full to complete the project with funds left over.  John dedicated his life to this task.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In the fall of 1982, Gary and Nancy Cain presented the church with five ceiling fans for the sanctuary and also provided an electrician who had the help of Glenn Newbraugh and Ed Rancjik.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1983, after five years service, Rev. Potts was assigned to the Cedar Grove <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>Church in Parkersburg.  While he was here, efforts were made to build attendance in worship and church school.  It was during this time that we lost many of our elder roll models through death.  The Rev. Chester Chaney came to Westover <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>Church in June 1983.  The introduction of a singles group began.  A Tuesday morning bowlers group was active with about 15 attending.  Mr. O. J. White, at age 86, was the oldest bowler.  The young-married-adult class began to grow and through their various projects, they secured funds for new choir robes; but most funds were raised by a committee headed by Nancy Cain with help from Betty Brock by selling whole robes and parts of robes (such as sleeves, fronts and backs). Many choir members purchased their own robes.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>Church participated in the intergenerational UNICEF Halloween drive that brought all age groups together collecting money for starving children.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In November 1985, a group of acolytes began to serve and we continue to use acolytes in Sunday worship.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">A new bedroom suite was purchased for the parsonage.  The sidewalks on North Street had to be replaced to help control the flow of water into Fellowship Hall.  The parsonage garage was dismantled and extensive concrete poured to alleviate the same problem at the back side of the building.  The Churches ceiling was replaced and a new copy machine was purchased for the Pastor’s office.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In June 1986, Rev. Chaney was transferred to the Brandonville Charge in Preston County.  Rev. Michael Ognibene and his family were sent to Westover.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">A new outdoor illuminated colonial church sign was erected to replace the original sign that was 50 years old.  It was placed on order in October 1985 and received in January 1986.  A new brick base was built.  Total cost of the sign was $3,020.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The Church at this time was seeking an organist as Mabel Howard retired after 16 years of service</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1987,, Rev. Michael Ognibene and the United Methodist Men began a tape ministry for shut-ins by recording the worship service each Sunday.  The following week, the United Methodist Men or the United Methodist Women delivered these to the homes.  Rev. Ognibene was appointed coordinator of the West Parish.  To free him for this position, the Church hired a part-time secretary.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Plans were drawn up to make the Church handicapped accessible, to repair the roof, to build a garage, and to renovate the parsonage at an estimated cost of $40,000.  A loan was secured from the Westover Bank and projects began in 1987 and were completed in 1988.  The Administrative Board sold stock in 1990 and paid the loan telling all those who pledged money they did not need to finish paying their pledges.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">A new system of offering envelopes was started to urge people to be more giving.  Bazaars were held for three years to raise extra money; over $2,000 was raised each year.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Family nights were held once a month with games, entertainment, and covered-dish dinners.  These were held seasonally or holidays carrying out the themes.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1988, 200 new hymnals were purchased in memory and in honor of loved ones.  New programs were added for the children and youth.  The children’s sermon and children’s church were established and twice a month an activity was planned such as swimming, bowling, etc.  Physical fitness was offered twice a week.  The Churches began sponsoring many scout groups.  A nursery was established and a well-attended vacation bible school was started under the leadership of Debbie Koon.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1989, the “Christian Family Living” class presented a play, written by Martha Ognibene, to raise money.  Dana Keith planned a <FONT class="txt">United Methodist </FONT>church wide retreat at Chest Ridge Camp</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1989-1990, Rev. Ognibene received a Doctorate at a Pittsburgh seminary using our shut-ins by taking Sunday school lessons to them.  We then had two groups keeping the Churches programs going:  the Council of Ministries and the Administrative Board.  The Council of Ministries was dropped in 1993 and committees replaced the group to carry out the duties.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">A water problem was solved in Fellowship Hall by installing a pump outside.  This allowed the trustees to purchase new carpet for the downstairs area.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">The United Methodist Women were busy with mission work:  furnished one room at Ronald McDonald House; worked Red Cross blood mobiles; prepared kits for migrant workers; collected paper products for Rape and Domestic Violence; collected baby clothing and food for the Scotts Run Settlement House; and sent money for missionary work around the world.  The Church began serving the homeless at the Salvation Army every Thursday.  This continues on today.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In June 1993, Rev. Ognibene and his family went to serve Washington <FONT class="txt">United Methodist</FONT> Church near Parkersburg.  Our new pastor was Rev. Ruth Simmons and her family.  Her husband was assigned to Woodland United Methodist Church.  They chose to live in our churches parsonage.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Pastor Ruth, a title she asked the Churches people to use, brought a gift of music that helped the Church with choir and congregational singing.  She stressed prayer and Bible reading by her approaches to teaching, short-term courses, and videos.  The course in “Discipleship,” of studying the whole Bible in one year, was attended by 12 members.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">Air conditioning (after eight years of promotion) was installed in the Churches parsonage.  Many other repairs were made:  a new entrance to the choir loft; a freezer for the kitchen; a new piano for the sanctuary; a clavinova for Fellowship Hall; and a handicapped chair-lift for the basement.  The workers of the Church began selling submarine sandwiches once a month at $2 each to raise money to supplement the budget.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma">In 1994, a confirmation class of ten youths became members and twelve adults were added making our membership 338.  </font> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left"> <font face="Tahoma"> <b><i> More to come!</i></b></font></p> <address align="center">  </address> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <p> </p> <p> <div align="center"> <table border="0" width="80%" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="3" bgcolor="#FFFFCC"> <tr> <td> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center">  </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center"> <b><i><font size="5" face="Tahoma">Church Staff</font></i></b></p> <p align="left"> <font face="Tahoma">Pastor Rose Marie “Jo” McCartney was born August 20, 1953 in the farming community of Ten Mile, Upshur County, West Virginia.  She was the fourth of eight children born to Hayward Zane and Lillian Olive Wilfong Zirkle.  Pastor Jo’s father was a farmer and a coal miner.  He was killed in the mines February 25, 1970 when she was 16.  Her mother was a housewife and homemaker who died February 20, 1995.</font></p> <p align="left"> <font face="Tahoma">Pastor Jo attended school in Upshur County.  Her first and second grade was in a one-room school at Leonard Run.  This school then closed, therefore she attended grades three through six in a two-room school in Ten Mile, WV.  During junior and high school, she attended classes in Buckhannon where she graduated on June 10, 1971 from Buckhannon Upshur High School. At seventeen, she was the first in her family to receive a high school diploma.</font></p> <p align="left"> <font face="Tahoma">Eighteen years later in January 1989, Pastor Jo entered West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon as a Christian Education and Religion major preparing for ministry.  In June of 1990 she was appointed to the Ellamore Charge, a six-point student pastor charge a few miles East of Buckhannon.  She graduated from Wesleyan on May 17, 1992 Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree completing all requirements for both her majors.</font></p> <p align="left"> <font face="Tahoma">Pastor Jo began seminary the fall of 1993 at United Methodist Theological School in Ohio.  The school is located outside of Delaware, Ohio, which is North of Columbus.  She attended school three days a week, thirty weeks per year for two years while serving the Ellamore Charge Friday through Monday.   In June of 1995 she was ordained a deacon in the West Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Churches.</font></p> <p align="left"> <font face="Tahoma">In June of 1995, after serving the Ellamore Charge for five years, she was given a new appointment at the Sabra-Highland Charge, a two-point charge in Morgantown, WV.  Pastor Jo completed seminary her first year at this appointment, graduating with her Master of Divinity Degree on May 11, 1996.  She served as pastor of the Sabra-Highland Charge until June of 1997, when she was appointed to the Hodgesville Charge, a four-point charge a few miles North of Buckhannon.  She was pastor of this charge for two years, until 1999.  in June of 1998, while at the Hodgesville Charge, she was ordained an Elder in the West Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Churches.</font></p> <p align="left"> <font face="Tahoma">She was appointed to the Belington Charge, a two-point charge in Belington, Barbour County, in 1999.  She served the Asbury and Westside United <FONT class="txt">Methodist</FONT> Churches until June of 2005 when she was appointed to Westover UMC in Westover - Morgantown, WV.</font></p> <p align="left"> <font face="Tahoma">On a personal note, Pastor Jo was married for twenty years, has two sons and five grandchildren.  Her youngest son and his three children live in the Buckhannon area, while her oldest son and his two children lives in Michigan about an hour North of Detroit and about an hour away from his father and his stepmother who live in the Detroit area.  </font> </p> <p align="left"> <font face="Tahoma">Pastor Jo has two brothers and one sister living in the Buckhannon area, and a sister in Allentown PA.  Pastor Jo lives in the Westover United <FONT class="txt">Methodist</FONT> Churches parsonage with her cat “Precious”.  She is very much a homebody who loves God and loves people and greatly enjoys her life of ministry.</font><p align="left">  </td> </tr> </table> </div> <p align="center"> <font size="2" face="Tahoma">Copyright Westover United Methodist Church, Morgantown, WV</font><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left">  </p> </body>