Enter to Worship
345 College Avenue
724-775-2893 Phone Rev. Cathy Newport Poff
Pastor Cathy's Office Hours are :
"Jesus, united by thy grace, And each to each endeared, With confidence we see thy face, And know our prayer is heard." The words of this familiar hymn written by Charles Wesley in another century and another land also serve as a touchstone for the life of the Beaver United Methodist Church today. Methodism began in the hearts of the Wesley brothers in England and eventually spread to America. The Beaver United Methodist Church had its beginnings about 1820 when a little company of Methodists organized a class, meeting in a house known as Coulter's Tavern on Second Street near College Avenue. Eventually this class, a class in Bridgewater, and one in Sharon (the upper end of Bridgewater) met for worship in a church in Sharon in the vicinity of Route 51 and the P&LE railroad tracks. In 1829 a church building was begun on the southeast section of the central park in Beaver (now known as Irvine Square) and was completed in 1830. At the close of the Civil War, that building was torn down and a new church was erected on the site. During the interim services were held in the Court House. On June 19, 1870, the completed part of the church was dedicated. A collection of $2400 was taken. In the 1890's a lot was purchased at the corner of College Avenue and Turnpike Street. Ground for the present building was broken on April 4, 1904 and the cornerstone was laid July 17, 1904. An educational building was added and consecrated in 1961. The chancel was remodeled and dedicated March 3, 1968, and the church kitchen was renovated in 1970. New pews were installed in 1975, and a new heating system was completed in 1987. Beaver Church features one of the finest church libraries in the country. It also houses a preschool weekday program and ministers to many through the Prayers-in-the-Night telephone devotionals. From that original group of Methodists has grown a congregation with many activities for all ages, including active women's, men's and youth groups. There are also many opportunities for prayer, Bible study, music and fellowship. The United Methodist denomination and our local congregation live in the tradition of the assurance of salvation in Jesus Christ and the heartwarming experience of the Holy Spirit, based on the Bible and strengthened by reason and experience. Although it has been over 260 years since John Wesley had his heartwarming experience which led to the founding of the Methodist Church, the Spirit still works among us today. "Help us to help each other, Lord, Each other's cross to bear; Let each his friendly aid afford, And feel his brother's care."
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Beaver United Methodist Church