Lycoming Christian Church – The Church Journey
November 6, 2020 – http://mynetzone.com/
I had the privilege to visit Lycoming Christian Church, in which the congregation was founded in 1834, and many years ago was called the Emery Church. Reviewing a newspaper article from June 1909 it was stated “Children’s services on account of bad roads and weather would be canceled at the Lycoming Christian Church better know as the Emery Church.” [3]
Henry EMERY was born 23 of June 1789 in New Jersey. Henry came from New Jersey to Central Pennsylvania as a farmer. Henry was married Sarah HORN. It is not clear if Henry Emery built the original church called the Emery church, but it is possible he donated the land for the church and the Emery cemetery located beside the church.
Following my family tree Henry Emery and Sarah gave birth to Catharine Emery on the 26 of July 1822. Catharine then married Robert A Martin who was born in 1824. Later Robert Martin and Catharine gave birth to a baby that was named James Charles Martin born on 14 of April 1859 in Piatt Township Pa. James Charles had a child named Henry Emery Martin who was my grandfather. Years later my father was born and named Henry Martin Jr. As a result of my family tree that I have traced back to Henry Emery my family was left with a large plot in the Emery Cemetery now called the Woodard Cemetery.
The current Lycoming Christian Church was dedicated June 26 1966. The church is located on a country blacktop road in between the Anthony township and Woodard township line about 3 miles north of Linden’s Level Corner aera. The new church was erected on the same property as the old church. The new church is made of brick and the interior pews can accommodate 250 worshipers. The old church was demolished at a later date. [2]
The present Christian church is on the right, opposite the eastern terminus of W. Emery Church Road. The “Little Old White Church” of the Christian church was erected in 1887 and stood in front of the lower entrance to the present building, below the “Lycoming Christian Church” letters on the wall. The cemetery pictured above, and also known as Emery Cemetery, is across the road from the present church and may or may not have been the site of the original pre-1887 church. [3]
The Emery Church, named for the area’s Emery family, appears to have been in existence since about 1830 and predates the 1887 Christian Church at the site, but its exact origins and ownership has not been determined. There is evidence that the Methodists had a class there for several years, but the appointment does not appear in the comprehensive 1915 list of all appointments. One likely scenario is that the original building was open to all denominations but that the Christian Church erected their own building in 1887 and thus became the prevailing denomination. [3]
MY JOURNEY:
My journey began with a visit to my father’s gravesite located in the Woodard Cemetery (Formally Called Emery Cemetery) next to the Lycoming Christian Church. Visiting the cemetery holds memories and reminds me of my family’s link in a chain that stretches many generations back in time.
Walking around this country church the vistas are breathtaking. The church which was built in 1966 is surrounded by hilly farm land providing a landscape that looks about the same it did 100 years ago. I finished my time praying and appreciating the peaceful surroundings of the countryside.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The landscape of Pennsylvania has a rich history driven by devoted Christians. I’m a little bit of an historian and enjoy when my writings take me down the path of history. I am truly amazed how quickly the way we live our life changes decade after decade. I believe life is made up of many phases or segments. Each of the phases has beginnings and endings. Life has strange twists and turns; some people believe in destiny and fate, while others believe you determine your fate by decisions you make through life. Some choose to climb Mount Everest, while other chose a simpler life. I believe with hard work and caring for others, along with good ethics, you can make something of yourself that will be respected by your family and peers.
It’s called leaving a legacy that is summed up with what will you be known for when you leave this earth. “Carve your name on heats, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you” – Shannon L, Alder
The most important advice I can convey to you on leaving a good legacy is the following: The best way to live your life is to turn it over to God’s control and have a personal relationship with him. He loves you and has not forgotten you.
FELLOWSHIP:
With the National emergency for the COVID-19 virus many churches have a reduced schedule. At the time of my visit the church was closed, so I spent time outside the church in meditation and prayer.
DETAILS:
Church Website: http://www.lycomingchristianchurch.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lycoming-Christian-Church-252647224132/
Date Visited: 2020 September 18
Location: 20 Chapel Hill Rd. Linden, Pa
If you would like to learn more about this church, upcoming events, or listen to a sermon I encourage you to visit the church website listed above.
May our Lord continue to bless this church in Jesus name.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Please Pray for all our churches as they continue to face challenges in the year 2020.
May this find you well and happy, God Bless
PICTURE GALLERY: The old church picture and the Inside picture are from the church website.
REFERENCES:
- Lycoming Christian Church website, “About LLC” (2020, November 1) Retrieved from http://www.lycomingchristianchurch.org/about-lcc.html
- Newspaper.com, “Lycoming Christian Church to be Dedicated Sunday” (1966 June 24 11, Page 6) The Express, Lock Haven Pa.
- Newspaper.com, “Children’s Services at Emery Church” (1909 June 17, Page 5) Williamsport Sun Gazette, Williamsport Pa.
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