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First UMC
112 Greeves St.
Kane, PA 16735
Ph: 814-837-7120
Fax: 814-837-8047
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Visitor's Information
The History of
First U. M. C.
In the
summer of 1864 the Reverend George A, Reeser came to Kane from Sheffield
and preached to a small group at the home of Charles P. Marsh. After this
initial meeting, services were held in the little log school house and
later in a new and larger frame school building. Kane was served by
Methodist preachers from Sheffield until 1871 when the Reverend M. V.
Stone came to Kane to serve a joint pastorate with the Reverend L. F.
Merritt here and at Sheffield. It was during this joint pastorate that
the Methodist Church was organized with 24 charter members and in 1872 erected their first
church building of Fraley Street on a lot donated by General Thomas L. Kane. In 1889 plans were made to
build a new church and a new structure was built on the front, and in 1900
further structural changes and improvements were made. On
April 8, 1905 the church, with
all its contents, was destroyed
by fire. Immediate steps were taken for the erection of a new church and
on September 15, 1905 the cornerstone was laid for the stone church on
Greeves Street, which was completed and dedicated in June, 1906. In 1931
an extensive remodeling, refurnishing and rebuilding program was carried
out. In 1956 the Memorial Chapel within the church was completed and
dedicated. The membership in 1968 was 932.
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"United
Methodists Are..."
| A covenant people |
When you join a United Methodist
congregation, you become a member of the total United Methodist
connection. Members promise God and the congregation to uphold the
church with their prayers, presence, gifts and service.
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| A diverse community |
United Methodism was formed when the
Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged in
1968. United Methodists trace their spiritual heritage back
to18th-century leaders including John and Charles Wesley, Jacob
Albright, Philip Otterbein, Martin Boehm and Francis Asbury.
All persons are welcome in the United Methodist
Church. We are firmly committed to inclusiveness. We celebrate a
diversity of people, ideas and cultures and are enriched by our broad
history.
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| Biblical in faith |
United Methodists trust free inquiry
in matters of Christian doctrine. Our faith is guided by Scripture,
tradition, experience and reason. Of paramount importance is
Scripture. For United Methodists, the Bible is the record of God's
people living out God's promise.
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| Sunday Schoolion-oriented,
socially conscious |
United Methodists are
mSunday Schoolion-oriented and socially conscious. This is important in our
faith. We are aware of world events and strive to help those in need.
United Methodists are one in faith and tradition with Methodist
Christians around the world.
Through the World Methodist Council, Methodists
from 68 member churches cooperate in support of ecumenical, educational,
evangelical and other ministries.
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| Ecumenical |
For generations, United Methodists
have cooperated with other churches to spread the gospel, care for those
in need, alleviate injustice and foster peace. In national and
interfaith groups, United Methodists reach beyond our own churches and
our own communities to express concern and to share God's love with
people of many faiths.
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| Involved |
For more than 200 years, The United
Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies have expressed concern for
the worker, the sick, the poor, the orphaned, the aging, the impaired,
the oppressed and the imprisoned.
Our church participates in the struggles of
women, people with physical and mental impairments, and racial - and
ethnic - minority persons, helping them attain equality in the church,
the economy and society.
United Methodists positively influence society
through responsible social action.
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| Connectional |
United Methodism took form as an
organized church in this country during the revolutionary period of our
history. Its structures parallel those of the United States
government. Church leadership is shared by executive, legislative and
judicial branches. Representative bodies carry out church functions at
local, regional and churchwide levels.
The highest legislative body - the only
organization that can speak for the church - is the General Conference.
An assembly of up to 1,000 delegates, it is composed of equal numbers of
laity and clergy and meets once every four years. Delegates are chosen
by regional unites (annual conferences) throughout the United States and
in 15 other nations. Non-voting representatives come from affiliated
churches in 25 other countries.
Annual conferences respond to the needs in their
regions by developing programs and ministries that carry out the work of
Christ and support the policies set by General Conference.
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| Evangelical |
The United Methodist Church
continues its strong evangelical heritage. Within each congregation is
a vital center of biblical study and evangelism - a blending of personal
piety and discipleship.
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| ...a
happening people! Involved, committed, diverse, open. A people who try
to be accepting, caring, hospitable and inclusive. Family- and
community- oriented. A people who are concerned about those beyond
their communities, around the world. Active in mSunday Schoolion, responsive. A
people who love music, church suppers and fellowship. Initiators, with
a history of creating ministries related to education, employment,
health and other Sunday Schoolues. A people who like to tell the story of God's
redeeming grace. |
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How do I Join
The First United Methodist Church?
We
invite your participation and membership in
the First
United Methodist Church
of Kane.
You
may unite with us in one of several ways, as outlined below. Regardless
of the way you come to join our church, part of the process of membership
in First United Methodist Church will be your participation in an
orientation with others in a New Members Class that is led by the pastor.
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By Profession of Faith & Baptism |
If
you are not now a baptized Christian, the minister will be happy to
discuss the meaning of the Sacrament with you in your home or in his
office at your convenience.
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By Transfer from another united methodist church |
Simply mark the attendance registration sheet at a Sunday service “Wish
to Join” and the minister will get in touch with you. You may request
that we write for your letter of transfer. It is not necessary for you
to write your former church; we will handle the details for you.
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By Transfer from another Christian denomination |
The
process is very much like the one above. Since you are already baptized
and confirmed, these steps will not be repeated. You will be asked to
take the one vow taken by all members of the United Methodist Church:
“Will
you be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your
prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service?”
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By Transfer from a denomination which does not accept transferal
across denominational lines |
Your
baptism is accepted. You will be reconfirmed in a process called
Renewal of Vows.
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Affiliate membership |
If
you are a United Methodist temporarily living in the Kane area and you
wish to retain membership in your “home” church, you can become an
Affiliate Member of First United Methodist Church. This grants you
pastoral care, fellowship and participation at First United Methodist
Church. You will be counted on the rolls of your “home” church.
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The lord's supper |
Many
persons ask about taking communion if they are not a member of this
church. The United Methodist Church believes that the Communion table
is open to all who can accept the invitation, regardless of any church
membership.
The
invitation is to all who are truly sorry for their sins and intend to
lead a new life.
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