A look back: Duke Center United Methodist Church unveils its cornerstone

DUKE CENTER The Duke Center United Methodist Church marked its 50th anniversary on Saturday afternoon by unveiling the contents of its cornerstone placed 50 years ago.

Parish members and previous pastors all gathered for the celebration.

For 12 months preceding the celebration, church members had selected 12 different organizations they wanted to support to commemorate their 50 years. They set a goal each month to collect and donate 50 items to the selected organization for that month.

We were so surprised that we not only met our goal each month, but we exceed the amount every month, Sue Bennett said.

The 12 organizations the church selected were the Second Harvest Food Distribution, Genesis House, Duke Center Angel Tree, The Friendship Table, McKean County SPCA, Otto Township Fire Department Auxiliary, Ruth M. Smith Center, Camp Penuel, Bright Alternatives, To-Fill-A-Backpack, Boy Scout Troop 413, and the YWCA Bradford.

Guests and members of the church were welcomed to the celebration with tables of past news articles, photographs, and letters from members.The church also displayed the items saved from the previous church before it burned in 1962. Some of those items include a bible and cross that leans from the intense heat of the fire, but never melted completely. The bell from the old church was placed in the front lawn of the current church along with the cornerstone in 1964.

Pastor Gary Sheesley began the ceremonies by thanking all in attendance for being a part of the special day.After an opening hymn and scripture reading, Sheesley asked those in attendance to share their experiences of the church over the past 50 years.Many members recalled their memories and took turns telling their stories.

Pastor Robert E. Goode, who served as pastor from 1962 to 1968, was in attendance with his wife, Vera. He was the churchs pastor during the fire and rebuilding of the new church.

Ive reached the age where memories are hard to recall sometimes, but our hearts will always be here, because this church has meant so much to us, said Goode.He recalled the times they spent at the Masonic Building, which is where the church held services until the new church was built. Goode also talked about the planning and preparation of building and opening the new church, and also about the day the cornerstone was placed.

Also in attendance was pastor Seth McClymonds, who served in that role from 1999-2004.McClymonds shared his fondest memories of his time at the church, and jokingly talked about the time he almost burned the church down after an advent candle was placed directly under the large cross in front of the church.This story produced many chuckles throughout the congregation.

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A look back: Duke Center United Methodist Church unveils its cornerstone