History

The History of
New Hope Wesleyan Church
of New Castle, PA

By Pastor Ken Schulz

The Early Years (1906-1919)

In the southwestern side of the city of New Castle, Pennsylvania, in Neshannock Township, sits the current home of New Hope Wesleyan Church. Although New Hope Wesleyan Church is at a different location in New Castle than where it started and is now known by a different name, the mission remains the same for the congregation who worship within the walls of the current church building on Pulaski Road. That goal is to see as many people come into a relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior; to have a new life that springs forth based on the holiness of Jesus and a newfound hope in their eternal destination.

         It all started with Reverend L.H. McLeister back in 1905, who at the time was preaching for a completely different denomination in the southern part of New Castle. Rev. McLeister came to know the teachings of John Wesley, of which he became quite fond of over time. McLeister did what God called him to do, and that calling was to preach holiness doctrine to those to whom he was shepherding. The high officials of his denomination at that time did not agree with this action nor this doctrine, and charged Rev. McLeister with preaching holiness doctrine. Therefore, McLeister severed ties with that denomination and continued to follow his calling by gathering in the homes of those who supported him. He preached holiness and held prayer meetings, which by 1906 was about to become something even more organized.[1]

         In 1906, a special meeting was held at the home of Ross P. Fowler, who resided on Pearson Street in New Castle. Rev. McLeister, along with his supporters and “the” then President of the Allegheny Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of America, Rev. P.B. Campbell, came to an agreement to start a new church with this denomination. Rev. P.B. Campbell preached a sermon from 1 Timothy 3:15[2].

In that meeting were the first members and new leaders to help lead the charge with a unanimous vote that Rev. McLeister be given the call to be the pastor. In all there were 10 charter members that day, with one probational member of the new church, New Castle Wesleyan Methodist Church:  Ross R. Fowler, Margaret Fowler, George A. Ort, Laura Ort, James Carroll, Lucy Carroll, Florence Carroll Waters, Sadie Ort Shaffer, John Frazier, John Dunkerly, and Ethel Frazier (joined on probation). The charter members also took on various positions within the church. John Dunkerly was elected as the church clerk. He would also become the church secretary until he died in 1935. John held other offices over that tenure, led classes, and was a preacher in the local area. Ross Fowler became the first Class Leader along with his assistant George Ort. The ladies of the new church also took charge with Margaret Fowler, Laura Ort, and Ethel Frazier becoming the church stewards.[3]

A lot on 412 Lyndal Street on the south side of New Castle was purchased that year for $425. On February 24, 1906, which was their first quarterly meeting, the words that were heard from the Building Committee would spark movement within the foundling church. They directed everyone to “Erect a brick church on concrete foundations with a slate roof.”  And they did just that with a new building erected and dedicated by late fall that very year.[4]  Long time church member who is still with us today, Linda Steinheiser, says that “People carried the bricks from a downed building to the Lyndal Street location. They knocked the old mortar off them and built the building. There was a house next door where the janitor lived by the 1950s.”

In a brief history written during the 50th year celebration book “Fifty Years a Lighthouse: 1906-1956,” one of the class leaders filed a report that the church was in good condition with only one flaw. During the next quarterly meeting, he reported that “the complaint referred to at the last quarterly meeting had been settled and he requested that underneath it should be written in red ink” these words: “Under the Blood.”  As can be expected this motion passed and permission was granted to do just that.[5] 

The church continued to grow with new members. Rev. P.B. Campbell, who as mentioned was the conference president, held his membership at First Wesleyan Methodist until his death in April 1938. He joined the church in July of 1906 along with Noah Shaffer, Elizabeth Phillips, Lulu Lehberger (Intercessor and Mother in Israel), Mary McLeister (class leader), and her sister Elsie, who married charter member John Dunkerly. Elsie would go on to be a leader holding positions of class leader, teacher, advisory board member, and chairman of the Pulpit Supply Committee (also known as the Corresponding Committee).

By 1909, a new pastor was in place at New Castle Wesleyan Methodist Church. Rev. and Mrs. A.C. Hall took over for Rev. McLeister in April. However, they did not last but four months before being replaced in August by Rev. Vanus Smith who completed the year and into 1910. During that time, the church decided to sponsor a Mission Sunday School which was located at Clifton Flats Alliance Church. By late 1910 and continuing until 1911, Revs. Noah and May Shaffer took the pastoral role of the church. Rev. Noah Shaffer led a vote on an Annual Conference resolution with 13 members. The resolution proposed “That an article be inserted in our Discipline prohibiting the use of tobacco by any of the preachers or members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.”  That motion passed unanimously.[6]  1910 brought a newly added member in Ethel Foster.

The church added more members by 1912 under the new Rev. T.C. and Mrs. Viva Shane. Most notably Alfred Phillips who assisted in building the church joined, along with Rev. and Mrs. F.D. Rockwell. The Shanes began their term at the church in 1911 and left before the end of 1912. Mrs. Shane preached right alongside of her husband.[7] 

Rev. Mina Lawrence was the next pastor to be called to First Wesleyan Methodist and stayed into 1916. This period was one in which the church experienced some financial difficulties. In times of crisis, God has shown just how much He is in control and provides for His children’s needs. A pastor in Falconer, New York, Rev. Oneida Gleason, held a meeting in which she was “told by God to send her church’s offering to First Wesleyan Methodist.” Rev. P.B. Campbell later said that this money helped “turn the tide toward victory.”[8]

There were more notable members who joined the church prior to 1920, one of which was John Blakemore. John was a class leader as well as an exhorter who was known for his great faith in praying for healing. He was known to be so faithful to his church that he crawled on his hands and knees up a hill too slippery to walk on to get to church. Charles Rowe joined in 1915 and held many offices. The church gained an organist for several years in Mrs. Dolly Karns. Then in 1917, another local preacher and leader, Edward Rhodes Sr. and his wife Lulu joined the church. Rhodes eventually received a license as an exhorter.[9]

Rev. Lawrence’s term had come to an end and in 1916, with a salary of $20 per week, Rev. W.H. Armstrong became the new pastor. The church had a health scare in 1918 when they had to close the church for eight Sundays by demand of the Board of Health due to “Influenza Pestilence.” But as Rev. Armstrong reported “none of our band have died of the disease.”  Rev. Armstrong and his wife Pearl would stay until September of 1919 when they decided to move west due to health concerns for Pearl. It was that year that the church bought its first parsonage for the sum of $2200 on Lyndal St. Rev. Armstrong stayed until later in 1919 when Rev. and Mrs. George Shultz became the new pastoral family.[10] 

Construction, Revivals, Youth/Children Programs, and Missionaries (1920s-1930s)

         The early 1920s saw more of the same with pastors and their families there and moved on after a couple years. Rev. Shultz left in 1921 and was replaced with Rev. F.J. Davis. Rev. Davis stayed until 1923 at which time Rev. and Mrs. A.L. White took the charge as pastor for New Castle Wesleyan Methodist Church. Rev. White, in later years, was elected as the President of the Allegheny Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church.[11]

Although not much has been recorded during the early 1920s, the White years (1923-1925) saw more emphasis on education within the church. In 1924, the church basement underwent construction work to add Sunday School classrooms.[12]

By 1924, there was movement in real estate owned by the church when lots on Franklin Avenue in New Castle were purchased. The purpose was soon seen when a more modern parsonage was constructed at 813 Franklin Avenue. The cost of that project was $5600, which reportedly was worth $12,000 by the mid 1950s.[13]

Another important member joined the church in 1923. William Leyshon, who became the church clerk, joined the church. Leyshon was the Young People’s Society President and even received his local preaching license which he used faithfully to become a pastor along with his wife Ruth Lehberger Leyshon. The Leyshons remained a pastoral family within the conference for many years.[14]

When researching and discussing the 1920s in church history, the term “revival” can be seen throughout all historical church narrative. New Castle Wesleyan Methodist Church was no stranger to these revivals. As Rev. White moved into the role of Conference President, the pulpit was filled with a familiar family. Rev. W.H. and Emma Armstrong returned to serve the church from 1925-1932. In this time frame, revivals were being held, and they sparked growth within the local church. The revival leaders such as Rev. D.B. Hampe, Rev. A.J. Shea, Rev. T.A. Robertson, and Rev. Jesse Whitecotten lead a time of great fruitfulness in the church. It is noted that Rev. Armstrong brought in over 50 new members to First Wesleyan during this 7-year stay.[15]

The next change in the church pulpit happened in 1932 when Rev. J.R. Swauger moved to New Castle. His wife also held a local preacher’s license. Rev. Swauger, known for his conscientious Christian ways, founded the very first Youth Society at this church. By 1934, Evangeline Dunkerly received her local preacher’s license and went on to serve as the Conference Child Evangelism Secretary as well as running vacation Bible schools and even pastored for five years in nearby Riverview. Dunkerly, in the spirit of the time, held revival meetings and weekend services throughout this period.[16]

However, on December 20, 1935, First Wesleyan Methodist saw its share of sad news despite the new wave of ministries. Rev. A.L. White, who was serving as Conference President at this time, along with this wife Lucy and their son Allen were tragically lost when their vehicle was struck by a train as they were in route from their home in New Brighton, Pennsylvania heading to Struthers, OH. The entire Allegheny Conference felt shockwaves of sadness and mourned the loss of their leader and his beloved family. Rev. White was very invested in the new church being founded in Struthers, especially since his brother Rev. Clarence J. White was the appointed pastor. As a memorial to the deceased, the church would become White Memorial Wesleyan Methodist Church in Struthers.[17]  Rev. Swauger, who was also the Vice President of the Conference at the time, assumed the role of Conference President.

Rev. and Mrs. J.L. Landrey (Beulah) became the new pastors of First Wesleyan Methodist from 1935 through September 1937. In that time, they also had a stroke of tragedy losing their son Richard in February 1937. However, in times of great sadness, God always has a plan for His beloved children. By September of 1937, the Landrey’s were headed to India as missionaries. They felt the call to go and minister to the people of India. Per church historian Glenda Steinheiser, this would not have been possible for the Landrey’s prior to their tragic loss. Steinheiser mentioned that in those days missionaries by rule could only have two children if they were sent out into the mission’s field. Richard Landrey was the third son of the family. The Landrey’s, without a doubt, were filled with grief at the loss of Richard and would have with no doubt rather had their son with them for many more years; however, they were now able to fulfill their calling to India. Steinheiser added that they had their fourth son Jerry in 1943 but were permitted to stay on the mission field where they served for many years. Jerry Landrey was interviewed in a video where he talks of his experiences as a young child on the mission field being cared for by his Indian caretaker while his parents were out on duty. He speaks of just how loving she was and is a beautiful depiction of what cross cultural love looks like for a missionary family.[18] 

Prior to moving to India, the Landreys were instrumental in helping then New Castle members Rev. E.R. and Mildred Barris start a tent meeting in their hometown of West Middlesex today. The Barrises would eventually become the pioneer pastors for the new Wesleyan Methodist Church in West Middlesex. Upon the call for the Landreys to head to India in 1937, Rev. and Mrs. George B. Clay took their calling to become ministers in New Castle. Rev. Clay was known for his study regiment, and legend says you could see his study light on even at 3 a.m. on Saturday night.[19]

The War Years and 50 years Celebration (1940s-1950s)

         In times of war, the people in the waring countries face times of uncertainty if they would ever see their loved ones again. War is a stressful time in every aspect of life. Churches are not immune to that stress as brothers and sometimes sisters are sent in to battle fighting for their country, and too often they never come back. From 1940-1946, the United States was involved heavily in World War II. Rev. and Mrs. E.D. Lupton took over the pastorate of the church in New Castle, which by the grace of God lost no members nor attenders on record as a war casualty. In fact, Rev. Lupton’s singing could be heard beautifully throughout the church, much to the appreciation of the congregation. First Wesleyan Methodist gave recognition to over 50 Sunday School boys who served their country bravely in World War II. All of them returned safely from their time in battle.[20]

         Leading into 1946, the church would see another change in the pastorate. This time both husband and wife had the title Reverend. Revs. C.D., known for his pastoral heart, and Edna Patterson, known for her sympathetic and kind spirit, were a good fit for the church. In 1947, Rev. C.D. Patterson delivered a quarterly report that in hindsight would be seen as prophetic. Rev. Patterson stated, “We are reminded of the Scripture which says, ‘time is like a weaver’s shuttle’ and that means that it will only be a short time comparatively speaking until we will have come to the end of life’s road. Truly whatsoever we do we must do quickly.”  Rev. C.D. passed away just five months later. Despite losing her husband, Rev. Edna Patterson went on to pastor the church alone until 1950.[21]

As the 1950s continued, the first year saw Rev. and Mrs. R.L. Kuhn take the pastorate from 1950-1951. During this time, Sunday School, which had taken a slower turn in recent years, was revitalized. Missions remained in the forefront and the church raised over $1,000 in just one service. By today’s standards, that would be like raising nearly $12,500.[22] 

Rev. H.A. Markell and his wife took over in 1951 and stayed for five years. The Markell’s years saw an influx of new young married couples joining the church. As time passed and it became closer to 50 years of existence for the church, more remodeling, rebuilding, and upgrading occurred to the church building and the parsonage. The church basement was completely rebuilt along with a new heating system installed, and there was a large Sunday School room added to the rear of the basement. Even the janitor’s quarters, which was next door to the church, received a full remodeling.

In June of 1956, Rev. Olin Pfaust became the new pastor. The church would celebrate 50 years. A church that was missional at the heart of its members. Rev. Vanus Smith during the early 1900s received support from the “Loco Itineracy Fund” for a Mission Sunday School. The Ashton family joined Rev. Smith in his African mission not long after. Rev. Landrey and his family, as previously mentioned, were missionaries to India and supported by this church. The Saunders in Africa were supported during the Rev. Patterson years. Mrs. Saunders was the daughter of Rev. Patterson, and they were well received when they returned from their mission. The Cessnas were missionaries to Japan (Mrs. Cessna was the daughter of the Markells). Sister Calhoun and Sister Cessna continued to be supported by The Women’s Missionary Society and the Y.M.W.B. At the time, 10 percent of all tithes were marked for mission’s support. New Castle Wesleyan Methodist Church was born to serve and support the Great Commission of bringing the Gospel to all nations, and the church celebrated with a service marking the 50th anniversary. Within the booklet created for that celebration titled “Fifty Years a Lighthouse,” the summary of the first 50 years ended with this statement: “May the next fifty years find more souls praying through to a definite born  again experience, more believers sanctified holy, more young people preparing for God’s work, greater Revivals, and more done for a lost world than in the first half century of this church’s existence.”[23]

A Fire, A Merger, A Split (1960s)

         Rev. Pfaust remained in the pastoral role for the next several years until 1963. But by then end of 1963 a new pastor took charge. His name was Rev. Donald C. Boyd and he would end up leading the church up to 1968. The church was doing well until tragedy struck again. On December 8, 1963, the church, still located on Lyndal Street, experienced a devastating fire causing great damage. Per the newspaper clipping from the New Castle News, the damage was estimated at $9,000. The firefighters had to enter the building forcefully and aimed water into the basement where a faulty coal furnace was the likely cause of the blaze. Three firefighters were injured when an explosion occurred due to the oxygen meeting smoke and fire, one of which was knocked completely over a chair. All three survived this incident.[24]

Many neighboring churches offered space for the Wesleyan Methodist congregation to worship in for the time being. It was decided that they would use the basement of a church on Pulaski Road in New Castle, the same Pulaski Road where the church currently resides today. In 1964, the church officially bought the property needed to rebuild out on Pulaski Road and later broke ground on July 29th that year. On April 18, 1965, a dedication week of prayer, worship, and service occurred to officially bring to life the new church building and location. Former pastors and leaders came from all around to these ceremonies including Rev. H.C. Van Wormer, who was the President of the Allegheny Conference, Rev. William Leyshon, Rev. E. DeWeerd Lupton, and many other past and present members.[25]

In 1968, after years of shared ministry, The Pilgrim Holiness Church officially merged with the Wesleyan Methodist Churches to become The Wesleyan Church. For many in the nation, this was a time of celebration after years of hard work, sweat, and tears to finally merge together brothers and sisters with like doctrine and Christ centered mission. However, this was not part of the plan for those in the Allegheny Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church who decided to split away from the new merged denomination. On a local level, this merger actually became the culprit for a split within the Wesleyan Methodist Church in New Castle. A faction from the church left and stayed part of the newly independent Allegheny Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Those who remained would move forward under The Wesleyan Church denomination and became known as First Wesleyan Church of New Castle. The church formed from those who left can still be found today on Vogan St. in New Castle under the name NC Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Church.

Times of Fluctuation, New Ministry, and New Addition (1970s-1980s)

         With the split, Rev. Boyd was another who left to assume the role as President of the Allegheny Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Rev. Boyd was well liked by those he shepherded, and prior to the departure the church was enjoying growth and a lot of activity both inside and outside of the church grounds. Starting in 1968 until 1970, Rev. H.N. Robinson took the pastorate at First Wesleyan Church. The Robinsons were received well, especially with seniors and younger married couples. They also prayed a lot for our country and its leaders at the time. They sent youth to summer camp as well as two National Camps in Indiana, one of which was near the headquarters of the denomination. Many in the congregation would travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the Billy Graham led services at the time.

By 1970, Rev. John Garver became the next lead pastor of the church. He and his family stayed until 1975, at which time Rev. Ed Alexander from Kansas took the position. Rev. Alexander focused on keeping people involved in the church during his three years of service. This focus included team attendance contests, Children Youth Church, dinners, and eating out together. All church events including going to the circus, and many other fun events for all to enjoy. As a result, attendance increased. In 1977, a new van ministry was started which was used for outreach into other parts of the city and youth ministry.

Upon the exit of Rev. Alexander in 1978, Rev. Jim Watkins filled the pulpit through part of 1979. Rev. Watkins used some new types of ministries, including but not limited to, puppet ministry and having each person give a testimony at each Sunday PM service. The Watkins family did a lot of visitations, and is believed that they knocked on a door right as someone was contemplating suicide and helped prevent that from happening.

Following pastor Rev. Watkins was Rev. Dale Kessler from 1979-1980. The year 1979 saw the church sell the Franklin Avenue parsonage and buy a new parsonage at nearby Cochran Drive. The church also bought a newer van for their ministry outreaches. Rev. Kessler was not around long and left in 1980 as there were some hard feelings concerning “cliques” within the leadership and certain church members. But 1980 was not a completely negative year for the church because the front of the sanctuary was remodeled, and a new carpet was installed. A supply pastor, Rev. Howard Williams took the charge after Rev. Kessler and stayed until 1981. In 1981, a new lighted sign was dedicated in memory of Ken Watters, bathrooms were remodeled, and the classrooms were carpeted.

In 1982, Rev. Dan Berry, along with his wife Shelly, became the new lead pastor. Rev. Berry was at First Wesleyan from 1982 until 1986. The church made some more key upgrades during this time, including paving the parking lot (1982), converting the balcony into Sunday School classrooms (1982), purchasing a modular unit to temporarily handle the vast growth in attendance at both Sunday School and worship services (1982), bought a new bus for a bus outreach ministry in 1983, and hired the first youth pastor (Pastor Steve Forsyth) for the church in 1984. The largest upgrade to take place during the Berry era was the new education building that was built onto the church building. Plans were drawn up in 1983 for what would be officially completed in November 1984, costing $120,000. On November 17, 1984, a victory celebration service was held for the new addition. The theme of the project and service was entitled “Hand me another brick.”  The guest speaker was Rev. Elmer Drury, representative of United Wesleyan College in the area of Church Relations. Also in attendance was New Castle Mayor Dale Yoho, District Superintendent of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the Wesleyan Church Rev. Robert Addington, and Christian soloist Miss Susan Shaw. Then on March 3, 1985, the new education building was dedicated.

The Late 1980s until 2002

         First Wesleyan Church went through hard times during the late 1960s split, but by the Rev. Berry era things were thriving again. Ministries were strong, attendance was growing, and the people were reaching others with the holy Scriptures. Rev. Berry would leave New Castle in 1986, and Rev. W.C. Jones would take the position as Lead Pastor. Rev. Jones was considered a people person who loved visitations, birthday celebrations, marriage anniversary celebrations, starting a senior ministry, taking people to Pittsburgh for health appointments, and discipleship within the leaders and the congregation. Rev. Jones left in 1988 and was replaced with a new pastor who stayed for over 12 years. That pastor was Rev. Kenneth Figgs. Rev. Figgs stayed until the year 2000, and per Linda Steinheiser, by that time there was no room left in the parking lot and the church was so full. Rev. Figgs and his wife Debbie were well received, and very much appreciated by the church members. He spent his time focused on family ministry, taking trips to places like Lancaster for the Christian theater shows, producing large Mother’s Day celebrations, holding prayer meetings, hosting special singers, men’s ministry, missions support, church sports teams, and encouraging prayer during service by people every Sunday morning service. Youth and children’s ministry was thriving with fundraisers and ministry trips to the Ark Museum.

         In 2000, Rev. and Mrs. Figgs were called to Delaware to minister, and the church experienced some pain. Rev. Figgs was well loved and certainly well received; however, the same could not be said for the next leader pastor, Rev. Wendall Jones, who was there until 2002. Rev. Jones brought with him a new sense of ministry per those church members who are still with us today. It was said that his doctrinal and theological beliefs did not fully align with what was traditionally taught within the walls of First Wesleyan Church. Rev. Jones was attending another denomination’s church after preaching at First Wesleyan and had to be reported to the District Superintendent. The circumstances did not change though, many left the church, and finally Rev. Jones resigned from First Wesleyan and The Wesleyan Church. However, a lot of damage was done in this time, especially in attendance and outreach.

The Longest Tenured Pastor and a New Name (2002-present)

After a brief supply pastor change by Rev. Charles Williamson (District Superintendent), Rev. Gary DeWitt and his wife Debbie came to First Wesleyan Church of New Castle in 2002. The first order of business for Rev. DeWitt was to help bring peace and healing to what had been a difficult past two years at the church. A major change did occur when First Wesleyan Church was renamed to New Hope Wesleyan Church.

In 2006, many former pastors of the church and past members were invited back to a celebration. That celebration was the 100th year anniversary of the founding of the church. Attendance at New Hope Wesleyan did start to recover from the 2000-2002 issues until the Covid-19 Pandemic caused great fear that still lingers even today. New Hope Wesleyan and many other churches have never fully gained back from another loss of attendees and members since Covid-19. However, the current average attendance is between 50-60 each Sunday with higher numbers during the Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day services. Rev. DeWitt and Debbie focus much of their attention on preaching the Word of God each Sunday, a school bus ministry, as Rev. DeWitt is a driver for the local school district, missions support to two nearby church plants in Meadville and Erie Pennsylvania who are part of the new PennYork District, fundraising for youth and children’s ministries, Men’s and Women’s ministries, and a recent resurgence in Wednesday Evening Bible Study with Assistant Pastor Ken Schulz.

New Hope Wesleyan Church has made the news for some very good reasons in recent years. Over those years the church has done a local Thanksgiving ministry for those in need, serving them Thanksgiving dinner, which hit the local news on November 24, 2017.[26]  On February 27, 2021, a joint venture occurred at New Hope Wesleyan that gave groceries to local veterans.[27]  Community outreach and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with all those around them has remained the focus from the roots of the original church until today.

The Mission, What to Expect, and The Hopes and Dreams of New Hope Wesleyan Church

         When a person steps into the front doors of New Hope Wesleyan Church on any given Wednesday Evening, Sunday Morning, or really any time the church is open for events, you can feel loved and welcomed by those you see. The website for the church sums up this truth very well. It reads in its “What to Expect” portion:

“When you join us on Sunday morning, you’ll find friendly faces. Our goal is to help you find your way at New Hope so you can experience God and His message for you. If you’re looking for a smaller group connection, check out a Sunday School class or join a small group. Talk to a member of the staff to get help finding a class that fits you. New Hope offers classes for children, teens, and adults of all ages.”

The goal is to connect everyone with the holy Scriptures and see them through into salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Our mission at New Hope is “to be a caring congregation and to demonstrate God’s love by encouraging others to experience new life in Christ Jesus. This is done by being sensitive to the needs of others and by providing meaningful times of worship, instruction, and fellowship.”  This mission is how the church was founded and how it will march forward in the years to come.

         Like many churches, New Hope Wesleyan has not been immune to the changes in our world, especially after Covid-19. However, the church remains concerned with seeing people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. That is a mission that should never cease no matter the circumstances. Therefore, the leadership focuses on discipleship of those in our congregation, serving our local community, giving to missions both locally and globally, growing as a church in all areas of ministry, and being part of transformed lives across the world, bringing the hope of Jesus in these unprecedented times.

Works Cited

“A Story of Unconditional Love between Cultures: In My Day: When Love Transcends Cultures: CJ Casciotta Sits down with Jerry Landry as He Recalls a Sweet Gesture That Showed Him How the Power of Love Can Surpass...: By LightWorkersFacebook.” Facebook. Accessed March 14, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/LightWorkersOfficial/videos/a-story-of-unconditional-love-between-cultures-in-my-day/1381654555277877/.

Gostlin, Desirae. “New Castle Church Giving Free Groceries to Veterans.” WKBN.com. February 27, 2021. Accessed March 14, 2024. https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/new-castle-church-giving-free-groceries-to-veterans/.

New Castle Wesleyan Methodist Church (1956). Fifty Years A Lighthouse. Unpublished Manuscript.

Wachter, Debbie. “Those Alone Thankful For Family Offerings. The New Castle News. November 24, 2017. Accessed March 14, 2014. https://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/local_news/those-alone-thankful-for-family-offerings/article_c385f6e1-c24d-5b6b-b1d5-49739a68d65b.html. 

White Memorial Wesleyan Methodist Church in Struthers. “History.” White Memorial Wesleyan Methodist Church in Struthers. Accessed March 14, 2024. https://whitememorialwmc.weebly.com/history.html. 

updated March 14, 2024