The History of Washington Boro United Methodist Church
The first ‘congregation’ – seven women and one man - met in private homes in 1834. At some point an old stone house was turned into a place of worship and the congregation was joined by Pastor T. B. Tibbals. A lot was purchased for $1.00 between Rockfish St. and Charlestown Road and a frame church was built in 1838, naming it the Methodist Episcopal Church of Washington Boro. It is unknown when this building was demolished.
Another property was purchased for $150.00 in 1854 and the current brick church was built. During 1872 – 1875, the building was restored as Pastor Thomas Jackson stated that He could look through the holes in the roof and see the stars.
The stained glass windows were installed at some time during the 1910’s at a cost of $37.50 per window.
The Susquehanna River overflowed its banks with both water and ice in the 1959 Flood. Many river front homes were demolished along Water St. While the church building escaped damage, the water and ice destroyed the front electric sign and two large trees.
In the early 1950’s – men from the church and the community created a bucket brigade, so called because they hand dug the basement and carried out many buckets of dirt to create Sunday School rooms, a small fellowship room and kitchen. It was no longer necessary to walk to the spring for water due to the addition of the kitchen.
A well was dug in the early 1960’s and an inside bathroom replaced the original ‘his and hers two-seaters’ behind the church.
The church’s name was officially changed to Washington Boro United Methodist Church in 1968 even though the stained glass window above the front door reminds everyone of its history as Washington Boro Episcopal Methodist Church.
Pastor Jo Ann Enders led the membership to purchase additional land and build the Fellowship Center in 2008 – again with the help of the community.
The many years have seen 75 different pastors come and go, each with his or her own unique gifts and teaching styles. Some of the most recent were: Pastor Jerry Reifsnyder (2012-2016), Pastor Chris McLaughlin (2010-2012), Pastor Curt Dotson (2009-2010), and Pastor Jo Ann Enders (2000-2009). Not to leave out our current pastor, Pastor Carlene Wolf, who is truly an inspiration and dedicated leader in her own right.
We at WBUMC, who have experienced the many births, deaths, joys, sorrows, and blessings that the Lord has entrusted to us, are truly humbled to be a part of it all.
The first ‘congregation’ – seven women and one man - met in private homes in 1834. At some point an old stone house was turned into a place of worship and the congregation was joined by Pastor T. B. Tibbals. A lot was purchased for $1.00 between Rockfish St. and Charlestown Road and a frame church was built in 1838, naming it the Methodist Episcopal Church of Washington Boro. It is unknown when this building was demolished.
Another property was purchased for $150.00 in 1854 and the current brick church was built. During 1872 – 1875, the building was restored as Pastor Thomas Jackson stated that He could look through the holes in the roof and see the stars.
The stained glass windows were installed at some time during the 1910’s at a cost of $37.50 per window.
The Susquehanna River overflowed its banks with both water and ice in the 1959 Flood. Many river front homes were demolished along Water St. While the church building escaped damage, the water and ice destroyed the front electric sign and two large trees.
In the early 1950’s – men from the church and the community created a bucket brigade, so called because they hand dug the basement and carried out many buckets of dirt to create Sunday School rooms, a small fellowship room and kitchen. It was no longer necessary to walk to the spring for water due to the addition of the kitchen.
A well was dug in the early 1960’s and an inside bathroom replaced the original ‘his and hers two-seaters’ behind the church.
The church’s name was officially changed to Washington Boro United Methodist Church in 1968 even though the stained glass window above the front door reminds everyone of its history as Washington Boro Episcopal Methodist Church.
Pastor Jo Ann Enders led the membership to purchase additional land and build the Fellowship Center in 2008 – again with the help of the community.
The many years have seen 75 different pastors come and go, each with his or her own unique gifts and teaching styles. Some of the most recent were: Pastor Jerry Reifsnyder (2012-2016), Pastor Chris McLaughlin (2010-2012), Pastor Curt Dotson (2009-2010), and Pastor Jo Ann Enders (2000-2009). Not to leave out our current pastor, Pastor Carlene Wolf, who is truly an inspiration and dedicated leader in her own right.
We at WBUMC, who have experienced the many births, deaths, joys, sorrows, and blessings that the Lord has entrusted to us, are truly humbled to be a part of it all.
