Minutes of Ward Church Old Home
Days
1940-1949
August 18, 1940
Old Home Coming at Ward was held in the Methodist Church
at eleven o’clock with song service led by Mr. Carl Vanderburg solo by Miss Lois Teeter, sermon by pastor of church,
Rev. L.A. Guiles.
There was dedication of the communion set given to the church by the family of Mr. & Mrs. W.C. Hill.
Due to bad weather the picnic dinner was held in the grange hall, after which as many as could, gathered in
the church for a program & election of officers.
The president Henry Breese presiding. Meeting opened with song Onward Christian Soldiers.
The Wilkinson family gave several selections, namely What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Open All the Doors and
the Windows and Let a Little Sunshine In, Jesus has Promised to Leave Us Never Alone, and Softly & Tenderly Jesus is Calling.
Duet by Henry Breese and Carl Vanderburg. Short talks were given by Mr. Guiles, Mr. Beers & Lowell Teeter. Solo by Mr.
Fletcher. Reading of minutes of last year. Election of officers:
Pres.
Seth Kniffin
Vis. Henry Breese
Sec.
Helen Hill
Treas.
Lloyd Kniffin
Bal. in Treas. From 1939
$15.97
Collection
9.11
Total
$25.08
Bill for cards & printing
$ 3.25
Cases roofing
9.97
Lumber
2.22
Total Bills
$15.44
Balance in Treasury
$ 9.64
We miss several who have passed away during the year among them are:
Nathan Woodward
Claud McCarrick
Fred Barrow
Elic Cease
Andy Preston
August 17, 1941
Annual Home Day was held at the Ward Methodist Church with services at eleven o’clock.
A good crowd listened to a splendid sermon by Benjamin Howe, District Supt. Of the Elmira District. A solo was given by Miss
Lois Teeter of Elmira.
At noon a picnic lunch was held under the trees.
In the afternoon we gathered under the trees for a program presided over by Fred Watkins, act. Chairman. Song
by Wilkins family. Song by congregation, Nearer my God to Thee, Solo – Song of the Bird by Miss Lois Teeter, Musical
selection by the Wilkins Family. Henry Breese spoke of the changes in Ward since he was a boy. He could count 50 families
within two miles where now there is only about seven. He then sang one of his father’s favorite songs “Silver
Threads Among the Gold.” Election of officers for ensuing yr.:
Pres.
Earl Hill
Vice Pres. Lloyd Kniffin
Treas.
Mort Williams
Sec.
Goldie Waters
Minutes of last year were read and approved. Collections $13.67
Musical selection by Wilcox Band
Song “When I take My Vacation in Heaven” by Mr. Fletcher. Song by Wilkins children. Reading “The
Editors Desk” by R.T. Beers
Remarks by Rev. L.A. Guiles
Closing Song, “God Be With You Until We Meet Again”
Bal. in Treas. 1940
$ 9.64
Collection in 1941
13.64
Total
$23.28
Bill for cards & printing to Helen Hill
$3.05
Helen Hill, Sec.
August 16, 1943
The annual observance of “Old Home Day” of the Ward M.E. Church. There were sixty five present
at the morning services which opened promptly at eleven o’clock with the congregation singing of hymns, O for a Great
Redeemer’s Praise and What a Friend We Have in Jesus. The 51st Psalm was read responsively. Followed by the
scripture lesson by the Pastor Rev. L.A. Guiles – singing of the Hymn Pass Me Not oh Gentle Savior was followed by words
of welcome by Rev. Guiles who also spoke of the newly decorated interior and mentioned that our forefathers worshiped in school
houses and even in caves in the early days. How much more devoted we should be who are privileged to worship in this little
church that has been made beautiful. A solo “Pilgrims of the Night” was given by Miss Lois Teeter. Rev. Guiles
gave a very interesting sermon the text being “Hath not the potter power over the clay.” At the close of this
service the picnic dinner was enjoyed by about one hundred people who had registered during the morning. At two o’clock
a meeting was held in the church for the election of officers. Rev. Guiles offered prayer , then turned the meeting over to
the president Earl Hill (Rev. Guiles left for the village to officiate at a wedding.)The minutes of the 1941 meeting read
and approved. Officers elected for 1943 as follows:
President
Lloyd Kniffin
Vice President
Gertrude Barrow
Treasurer
Mort Williams
Sec.
Goldie Warters
Those of our number taken by death since last meeting:
Mrs. Nathan Woodward
Williams Wightmare
Mrs. Seth Kniffin
At the close of the business meeting a group of eight former school teachers were reminiscent of their experiences
at the little red school house. Bertha Teeter had a roll call of 53 pupils. Jella Wilkins reported 72 under her guidance.
The others, Ross Beers, Euphemia Hill, Gertrude Barrow, Nettie Segur, Gertrude Hill and Alberta Neal. Etta Becker told of
her memories of the old church choir. At the close of this discussion the meeting was adjourned and the remainder of the P.M.
was given over to visiting.
Goldie B. Warters, Sec.
Treasurers report:
Bal. in Treas. 1941
$17.71
Collections 1942
$20.00
Bal. in Treas. Aug. 30, 1942 $37.71
Checks drawn in 1942:
Goldie Warters
$ 2.55
Helen Hill
3.00
Earl Hill
30.00
$35.55
Bal. in Treas. Aug. 1, 1943 $ 2.16
August 15, 1943
The 14th annual Home Day at the Ward M.E. church Sunday, August 15, 1943 was given over to a “Preaching
Mission” with a schedule of two religious services to
comply with O.P.A. regulations.
In spite of war conditions and restricted travel an audience numbering fifty was present at the beginning
of the eleven o’clock morning session at which the Pastor Rev. L.A. Guiles opened the meeting with the congregation
singing hymns “Whole Hearted, True Hearted” and “Come Thos Fount of Every Blessing”. Scripture reading
from Psalms 90-93.
Rev Guiles delivered an excellent sermon to an attentive audience. His subject being “God’s Power”.
Preceding this address a selection, “Rock of Ages” was beautifully rendered by Miss Lois Teeter, soloist. Hymn
“O Master Let Me Walk With Thee” followed by the benediction brought to a close the morning service.
The picnic luncheon at noon was an enjoyable affair. Fair weather prevailing and tables under the trees were
available for all.
The afternoon meeting opened at 1:45 with a song service, “Lead on O King Eternal”, “I Love
to Tell the Story”, and “Come Thou Almighty King”. Prayer by the pastor, a musical number by the Wilkins
sisters – entitled “Gods Love Will Never Grow Old.”
Athis time Rev. Guiles introduced his son Rev. Fred Guiles of Mansfield
as guest speaker of the afternoon. His text, “I delight to do the will of God.” Was taken from Psalm 40 verse
8. Another excellent sermon and we welcome him to our church. The closing hymn “Love Devine” and the benediction
by the pastor.
The business meeting at 2:45 was presided over by the president Lloyd Kniffin. He called on Forrest Gregory
for remarks. He spoke of his earliest recollections of the homestead where he was born. Church and school and pioneer settlers.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Snell of Pasadena Cal.
were honored guests of the day. They were visiting in the community after an absence of thirty four years. Mrs. Snell expressed
pleasure at being present and reported her father T.L. Hill also a resident of Pasadena
and one of the pioneers of this place as being 94 years of age and in good health.
Remarks by Rev. Guiles who made the motion that the date of this annual meeting be changed to the last Sunday
in July due to conflicting dates with other reunions and vacations. Motion seconded and carried.
The minutes of the 1942 meeting read and approved.
The following officers were elected for thr year 1944:
President
Gertrude Barrow
Vice President
Euphemia Hill
Tresurer Nettie Segur
Secretary
Harriet Parter
Entertainment Committee: Lynn
Kniffin
Frances Segur
Gertrude Hill
Collections for the day $24.00. No bills. Advertising paid by returning sec. Goldie B. Warters
July 30, 1944
The 15th annual Home Coming of Ward was held July 30, 1944. The morning service was opened at 11:00
by congregational singing of several songs. Apostles Creed repeated in unison followed with prayer by the pastor L.A. Guiles, who also brought us the message of the morning service.
Passages of scripture were read from Isaiah 9th chpt. Luke 24 chpt. 24 verse.
Following the offering the congregation sang “Carry Your Cross with a Smile” preceding the address
a solo “Were You There” by Manning was pleasingly rendered by Miss Lois Teeter. The text for the morning was taken
from Esther 4th chapter 14th verse.
After a very interesting sermon, the meeting was closed for lunch hour by singing “I Walk with the King”
followed by benediction.
The P.M. session opened at 2:15 with cong service. “America
the Beautiful”, “Beulah Land”.
“If Your Heart Keeps Right”. Prayer by Rev. L.A. Guiles. Singing by congregation “Brighten the Corner Where
You Are”. After which the pastor L.A. Guiles introduced his son Floyd Guiles of Mansfield who took for his text “Faith the Necessity of Life”.
After the benediction the business meeting was opened by the Pres. Gertrude Barrow. Lynn Kniffin entertained with songs and
music on the harmonica. Also music by Lynn Kniffin and Leslie Wilson on accordion.
Songs Shelby Palmer
Say a Prayer for the Boys Over There
Jesus Loves Me This I Know
Solo Henry Breese
Take Up Thy Cross
Duet Dorothy, Florence Segur
Poem and remarks by R.T. Beers
Talk by Mrs. Lorrin Breese Selleck
Poem and remarks by Mrs. Margaret Boyd Mosher
Remarks by Lydia Smith Wilson
Talk by Winfield Vaseline
Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
The collection for the day was $24.15.
-
4.03 paid for cards and printing
$20.12
The election of officers was turned over to Rev. L.A. Guiles. Following officers elected:
Pres.
Henry Breese
V. Pres.
Gertrude Hill
Secty.
Harriette Porter
Tres.
Helen Hill
The pres. Was to appoint his own committee. He later appointed entertainment comm.: Lloyd Kniffin, Viola Coons,
Mrs. Fay Coons
The meeting was closed by singing “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”. Prayer and benediction
by the pastor.
Owing to the epidemic of polio and the quarantine on N.Y. state, the crowd was smaller than usual. Many families
faces were missed.
July 29, 1945
The 16th annual Home Coming was held Sunday, July 29, 1945. The morning service was opened with
singing.
Blessed Assurance
Rock of Ages
The apostles creed was repeated in unison, followed with prayer by the pastor L.A. Guiles.
Solo, Pilgrim, Lois Teeter after which Rev. Guiles introduced Dr. Harold Swayles, who read the 14 chpt. of
John beginning at the 7th verse.
Offering followed by singing.
Dr. Swayles took for his text “Going Home” emphasizing the following thoughts:
(1) That the family is the foundation of human fellowship
(2) Everyone is important in the family, a fact we should not fail to recognize
(3) The only hope of the world tomorrow is the foundation of the human faith
(4) We all are important in the family of the Living God
And last,
(5) May this Home Coming mean an Eternal Going Home. This inspiring sermon was closed with prayer and benediction
by Dr. Swayles.
After a picnic lunch the afternoon service was opened at 2:15. The president announced Dr. Swalyes congregational
singing.
Oh Happy Day
Take the Name of Jesus With You
Responsive Reading
Prayer by Rev. John Mackay.
Dr. Swayles expressed the fact as he drove up the mountain his thoughts turned to 121 Psalm 1st
verse “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.” Our help coming only as we trust in
God, who made the hills. At this time, the president turned the program over to entertainment committee. Lloyd Kniffin introduced
Gordon Lloyd director of Canton High
School band with a few of his members, who played several numbers. Mrs. Margaret Boyd Mosher recited
two poems.
Solo, Shelby Palmer
After which Mr. Kniffin announced the Wilkins family who gave the following numbers
Why Do I Sing About Jesus
On the Jericho Road
This World is Not My Own
When I Come to the End of the Road
Wonderful Peace
When They Ring the Golden Bells for You and Me
The meeting was turned over to Pres. Henry Breese. Business meeting followed. Fay Coon was nominated for president.
This nomination was cancelled owing to his ill health. Fay died Aug 5, 1945. The following officers were elected:
Pres.
Delos Williams
Vice Pres. Seth Kniffin
Sect’y
Harriette Porter
Tres.
Helen Hill
Collection
$19.38
Cards and Printing
2.75
Bal. $16.63
Rev. Guiles asked everyone to register giving address of head of family. Also name and address of any friend
who might by interested in attending Ward Home
Coming. Benediction by Dr. Swayles.
July 28, 1946
The 17th annual HomeComing was held at Ward Church Sunday, July 28, 1946.
The morning service was opened at 11:15 by Dr. Swayles.
Hymn Holy, Holy, Holy
Apostles Creed was repeated in unison, followed with prayer by Dr. Swayles.
Solo by Shelby Palmer
Responsive reading for the 43rd Sunday
Scripture lesson taken from Deuteronomy, 6 chp. 12 verses
Offering, followed by hymn Faith of Our Fathers
Following in the line of last years sermon Dr. Swayles took for his sermon “The Family is…”
Under this comes
(1) Problems
(a)
Most of them are man made
(b)Certain
elements must go into a man’s life
(2) Love
(a)Without
it life is not worth living
(b)We
are here that God might have someone to love
The way you complete the sentence “The Family is…”
(1) Place where we hang our hat.
(2) Place where we are treated best and grumbled at most
(3) Is the family just an accident or necessary that we might have someone to love.
(4) The family is the foundation of human fellowship. Everyone has a place in it.
(5)The foundation is crumbling
(6)The future of our civilization depends upon the restoration of the foundation
(7)Let us each try to be a part of the family
Dr. Swayles closed with prayer followed by congregational singing “Lead on O King Eternal”. After
the benediction, families and friends gathered around the tables for a picnic lunch with the thought impressed upon their
minds that the family is still something to be proud of.
The P.M. services opened at 2:30. The pres. Delos Williams presented Dr.
Swayles
Song Service:
In the Cross of Christ I Glory
He Leadeth Me
I Need Thee Every Hour
Sweet Hour of Prayer
Prayer by Dr. Swayles
Scripture taken from 19 chpt. Of St. John
25 verse
Two loves come together
Jesus and His mother was one love The message was closed in prayer by Dr. Swayles. The service was turned
over to the entertainment committee which presented the following program:
Quartette
I am Glad by Florence Segur, Eloise Palmer,
Cleora Bruce and Euphemia Hill
Solo by Henry Breese, A Mother’s Prayer in Memory of his parents
A reading and remarks by Mrs. Bruce.
The Wilkins family was missed for entertainment as well as our friends Lowell Teeter and the Segur Brothers
all which were extended an invitation to participate in entertainment. Lois Teeter was unable to sing in morning service owing
to laryngitis. Remarks and announcements by Rev. Guiles
Offering
Reading of the minutes
Report of Treas.
Nomination of officers
Pres.
Mrs. Zella Wilkins
V. Pres.
Nettie Segur
Sect’y.
Mrs. Marshall Boyd
Treas.
Mrs. Arthur Hill
Notice was called as to how well our church is kept up and Dr. Swayles congratulated the Trustees on the appearance
of the church, reminding us of the fact that this is not a thing of itself. It needs the help and influence of all.
Dr. Swalyes was invited back to bring us the message for the morning service at next year’s homecoming.
Scheduled to be held the 4th Sunday in July.
Morning Offering
$34.09
P.M. Offering
37.05
July 27, 1947
The 18th annual Home Coming was held at Ward church Sunday, July 27th, 1947.
At 11 o’clock the morning service opened with Rev. L.A. Guiles delivering the sermon. His text was taken
from the 10th chapter of Hebrews where Paul in the 25th verse warns that we “forget not the assembling
of ourselves together”. Following the sermon was a duet “Why Should
He Love Me So” by the Wilkins sisters and the congregation singing “My Faith Looks Up to Thee.”
At noon everyone present gathered under the apple trees for a picnic dinner.
The afternoon session opened at two o’clock with the following program:
Opening prayer by Rev. L.A. Guiles followed by a hymn by the congregation ”He Leadeth Me.”
Zella Wilkins spoke briefly of her memories at Ward.
Song by Shelva Palmer “Because I am a Little Girl.”
Duet “Sheppard of Israel”
by Mrs. Charles Palmer and Mrs. Theron McIlwain.
Reading “The Dog Wood Tree” by Mrs. Marshall Boyd
Solo “God’s Country” by Miss Delores Stome accompanied by Eileen Boyd
Recitation by Shelva Palmer
Reading by Margaret Mosher
An old timer Henry Breese was speaker of the afternoon and he recalled the changes that had taken place from
his time up to now. In the radius of a few miles could be found at least 50 families and now these once productive farms are
a wilderness. He closed his interesting talk by singing a favorite song of his “When You and I Were Young Maggie”.
Ross Beers made a few remarks concerning his early days as a school teacher at Ward and Bly Biddle spoke briefly.
Officers elected for 1948 are:
Lynn Kniffin
Pres.
Mrs. Earl Hill
Sec.
Mrs. Euphemia Hill Tres.
Frances Segur
Vice Pres.
Balance in Treas. 1947 $53.66
July 25, 1948
The annual Home Coming of Wad church was held Sunday, July 25, 1948.
The service began at 11:30 a.m. with the pastor Rev. Lewis Bachman giving the call to worship. The first hymn
was “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”, followed by the apostle’s creed. Then a vocal solo, “Teach
Me to Pray” by Eloise Palmer. The responsive reading was Psalm 24 followed by the “Gloria”. Prayer by Rev.
Bachman. Rev Swayles was lat owing to the fact that he didn’t realize this was the Sunday but he finally made it after
breaking the speed laws and was warmly greeted by Rev. Bachman, who had been anxiously waiting. The second hymn was “The
Church’s One Foundation,” after which Rev. Swayles brought an inspiring message. His text was Matt. 18 –
the 16th verse, ‘Whom do men say that I the son of man am?” The service closed by singing “Faith
of Our Fathers” with the benediction by Rev. Swayles. After greeting old friends we all enjoyed a picnic dinner under
the trees.
The afternoon meeting opened at 2:15 by singing “I Love to Tell the Story”.” Prayer by Rev.
Bachman. Meeting was then turned over to the program chairman, Mrs. Euphemia Hill who presented the following program:
Solo “Beautiful Isle”, Mrs. Dorothy Woodward
Duet – “He Knows that Sparrows Fall” Shelva Palmer and Jerry Andrus
A talk by Burt Kiff telling about being attached by a bear at the foot of Fall Brook Mt.
when he was 12 years old.
Piano Solo – Shelva Palmer
Poem – “Home” Betty Boyd
Duet – “Show Us the Way” Eloise Palmer and Dorothy Williams
Talk, John Kniffin – memories of the building of Ward Church.
Music – Lynn Kniffin
Song – Gloria Wilkins, Virginia
& Norma Lyons
Remarks – Rev. Bachman
A bouquet of roses was brought by Mrs. Teeter in memory of Lois who passed on during the year.
The business meeting was then held by the president Lynn Kniffin. The minutes were read by Betty Boyd in the
absence of the sec. The treasurer’s report was then given.
It was voted to keep the same officers for another year.
President Lynn Kniffin
Vice Pres. Frances Segur
Sec.
Gertrude Hill
Treas.
Euphemia Hill
A letter was read from Rev. Guiles with regrets for not being able to be present. Closed by singing “Blest
Be the Tie that Binds”. Benediction Rev. Bachman
The following have passed on since last homecoming: Ira Wilcox, Lois Teeter, Fred Machmer, and Henry Breese.
Gertrude Hill, Sec.
July 31, 1949
The annual Homecoming of Ward M.E. Church was held Sunday, July 31, 1949. The eleven o’clock service
was opened by the Rev. Lewis Bachman, pastor of the church. Special music was given by Mrs. Charles Palmer, who sang “When
I Kneel Down to Pray,” accompanied by Mrs. Theron McIlwain.
The morning sermon was delivered by the superintendent of Elmira District. Rev. Harold G. Swales with the
theme “Going Home Day.”
After the morning service all gathered under the apple trees for a picnic dinner. Special guests at dinner
were Rev. Swales and Rev. and Mrs. John W. Faust of Solvay, NY. Rev. Faust was pastor at Canton and Ward from 1928-1931. It was during his pastorate that the first homecoming day
was held and we were very glad to welcome them back. The church was more than full for the afternoon service. The pastor led
in a song service of old beloved hymns after which Rev. Faust brought a very moving address in which he did some reminiscing
of the faithful members of the church who had helped it carry on. Also of some events of his pastorate here and the years
service.
A short business session was conducted by the President, Lynn Kniffin. The following officers were elected
for the ensuing year.
President Earl
Hill
Vice President Frances Segur
Secretary Mrs.
Earl Hill
Treasurer Seth
Kniffin
Following the business meeting a short program was presented.
Mrs. John Faust sang a solo “Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart” accompanied by Mrs. Gordon Stover.
Shelva Palmer gave two piano solos – “Melody in F” and “Moonlight Revels”
The Wilkins family sang “Trust in God”
This was followed by a trio composed of Mrs. Charles Palmer, Mrs. Jack Williams, and Rev. Bachman accompanied
by Mrs. Theron McIlwain.
The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting with old friends until home going time.
Gertrude Hill, Sec.
