Buchanan Presbyterian To Close

The cong-regation of the Buchanan Presbyterian Church, SR 78, Lewisville, welcomes the public to its last service of worship on Sun., Sept. 12, at 2:30 p.m.

“Come and celebrate the 184 years of life and ministry of the church which will include the singing of hymns and sharing stories of the Buchanan church family,” invites Susan Le-hosky, pastor of Buchanan and Woodsfield Presbyterian churches.

Light refreshments will be served. If you are unable to attend and would like to share a story with us, you can e-mail Rev. Susan Lehosky at revslpl2005@hotmail.com.

Buchanan Church History

William Buchanan of Scotch descent and wife Mary Ann (Stewart) Buchanan moved to Monroe County March 23, 1823 and lived out their lives on the land they had settled. William helped organize the Presbyterian Church, a school in the area and was a trustee.

Others who helped organize the church in 1826 were William and Mary Ann Buchanan, Robert and Eliza-beth Smith, William and Rebecca Pickens, Robert and Mary G. Cooper, James and Jane Graham, James and Mary Kennedy, Archibald and Lydia (Wilson) Cooper, Robert Smythe Jr. and wife Mary, William and Elizabeth (Mc-Keown) Moore.

Jan. 29, 1835 - William and Mary Buchanan deeded land to William Pickens, James Kennedy and Robert Smythe Jr. trustees of Woodsfield Presbyterian Church. This land is now Buchanan Cemetery. In 1837 a log church was built on this land and dedicated in July of 1838. In 1844 Rev. William Collage was installed as pastor. At this time the two ruling elders were Robert Smythe Jr. and Robert Davis. On Sept. 27, 1843 there were 75 members.

Due to the distance and mode of travel, several members living in the Woodsfield area asked to be released by Presbytery. On July 30, 1850 the following 13 members: Nicholas Roth, Mary Roth, William Craig, Elizabeth Craig, John Kerr, Jeannette Kerr, Jedidiah Fleming, Hannah Fleming, William C. Kirkwood, Jane Kirkwood, Robert Davis, Ruth Davis and Margaret Ann Patton withdrew from the Woodsfield congregation. On Aug. 3, 1850, the East Woodsfield Church was organized by Rev. John Hattery and Rev. John I. Lane. The congregation consisted of the above members as well as William and Rebecca Robinson from Washington Church and Mary Hattery. The elders were: Robert Davis, William C. Kirkland and Jedidiah G. Fleming. They bought a church from the Methodist Protestant Church which was 36x40x12 ft. It stood at the corner of Church and Paul Streets where the brick church now stands.

The Mother church was still known as Woodsfield, but in 1863 assumed the name of Buchanan in honor of William Buchanan who donated the land in 1835. East Woodsfield Church was then known as Woodsfield Presbyterian Church. Since they are situated so close together, the two churches have shared the same minister.

In 1855 a new frame church was built on a site just inside the fence in what is now Buchanan Cemetery. William Buchanan gave the bell for this frame church. (It was returned to the Buchanan family in 1914 and was in the possession of Helen (Buchanan) Burkhart. In the summer of 1880 the church was repaired by Andrew Christman for $163.

Under the pastorate of Rev. R.L. Ryall a Buchanan Congregational meeting was held on Aug. 16, 1913 and a building committee was appointed to select a site and contract for building a new church. The land for the present church was donated by church members David and Mary (McCammon) Stimpert. The land for the parking lot was donated by William and Minnie (Buchanan) Polen, also members of the church. The work started in the fall of 1913 and completed in the summer of 1914. Some of the builders were: William Covey (stone mason), carpenters - William Polen and Wert Smith. The lumber from Burghbacher Lumber Co., Woodsfield. The window frames by Lewis Stoehr, Woodsfield. Marion Fisher helped hang the bell using block and tackle with his team of horses. Many church members assisted.

The dedication of the church was held Sept. 20, 1914. The sermon was delivered by Rev. K.P. Simmons of Beallsville. The dedication address by Rev. E. Seybald, Woodsfield. The church was filled to over flowing with many people standing on the lawn.

The manse at 213 Eastern Avenue was purchased April 24, 1921 at the cost of $5,000. Rev. and Mrs. John J. Strodes were the first to live there and later was sold to Rev. Boyd S. Burd and his wife.

Rosa L. (Weber) Fisher and Rachel (Murphy) Greenbank were the first women elected elders of Buchanan Church, May 8, 1932. Rosa Fisher was also pianist for many years. Mabel Steele was pianist and played the organ for over 65 years.

In 1940 the Presbytery at St. Clairsville considered closing three churches Jerusalem, Beallsville and Laings. Instead the churches asked for Pastoral Care. They delegated Rev. Robert McIntire to serve these churches plus Buchanan and Woodsfield. Later New Matamoras was added. He organized these churches into a yoked parish. The name chosen was “Parish of the Folded hills.” They were supplied by several student ministers the next few years. The Rev. McIntires served as missionaries in Brazil for 23 years before returning to the USA to work here.

The 125th year anniversary of Buchanan Church was held Sept. 16, 1951 with Benjamin Woodruff giving the morning message. At noon a basket dinner was enjoyed by nearly 100 people. The afternoon meeting was led by Dr. L.S. Evans of Cambridge. A set of flags given by Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Foehrenbach and presented by his parents Walter and Lulu Foehrenbach were given to the church. There were 23 descendants of William Buchanan present. They gave a large pulpit Bible to the church. Miss Loretta Buchanan and Myron Cline gave speeches while presenting the Bible in memory of the Buchanan family.

On Oct. 5, 1958 a special church service was held to honor seven members who had 50 or more years of continuous service. Rev. Lane McCammon honored Cora Egger, John H. Weber, David Weber, Clara Weber, Rose Fisher, Katie Weber and Lulu Foehrenbach.

A new manse was purchased at 108 Adams Ave. in 1977. Rev. Stephen Long, wife Linda and children were the first to live there. Dr. Stephen Long was pastor from 1977-1986 and was named “One of the Outstanding Young Men of America” in 1980.

The congregation continued to have maintenance to the building done with a new shingle roof, vinyl siding, new porch and steps in the rear of the church and new awning over the steps in the front of the church.

Buchanan Church celebrated the 170th anniversary June 23, 1996 conducted by Rev. Colleen Finlay and Rev. Dr. Stephen Long had the sermon message. Former pastor Rev. and Mrs. Warren McCready attended. The church was full, many people standing in the back. A picnic followed at Rubel Park.

The Buchanan and Woodsfield churches continue to be a yoked parish sharing many services and activities together.

The membership of Buchanan Church from 1826 until 2010 is 482 members. The present church building has been a landmark on SR 78, Lewisville-Woodsfield Road for 96 years. It is sometimes called the “Halfway Church”.

The Buchanan Church will celebrate the journey of 184 years (1826-2010) with a special service, Sun., Sept. 12, at 2:30 p.m. to honor those faithful members who still continue to worship as part of the Buchanan Church family. The service will be led by our current pastor Rev. Susan Lehosky who has been with us from Nov. 13, 2005 until now. The public is welcome to attend this service. 

Buchanan Presbyterian Log Church

Buchanan Presbyterian Church will hold its last worship service Sept. 12 at 2:30 p.m.

A Youth Soccer Clinic is scheduled for Sept. 18. Monroe Central soccer coaching staff and players will host the clinic, which will be followed by three Saturdays of instruction and scrimmage games for youth, ages six to 14. Shown with Monroe Central coaches Mike Jones and Joel Kachel are youth soccer players Tyler Zimmer, Maddie Craig and Dustin Landefeld.      

Youth Soccer Clinic Sept. 18

In an effort to continue the Youth Soccer program, a clinic and three Saturdays of instruction and scrimmage are scheduled. The clinic will be held Sat., Sept. 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

The Monroe Central Goalkeepers Boosters and the coaching staff are working to reorganize the Monroe County Youth Soccer program. The sign-up for the clinic will be Mon., Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Woodsfield Elementary Cafeteria. The evening will need zimmer boys first namestart with an organizational meeting for the youth soccer with election of officers or committee members, followed by sign-up.

“I have been involved in Monroe County soccer from the beginning,” said Monroe Central head soccer coach Joel Kachel. “When the late Jeff Woodell decided to take his daughter to Barnesville to play soccer, my family and I decided to join him. Soon after Jeff started the Monroe County Youth Soccer program. Once again my family and I joined Jeff and began coaching and helping in any way possible. I have thoroughly enjoyed the youth program and feel that it is vital for the program to continue. Over the years, I have had many parents and children come to me with thanks and appreciation for the soccer program and told me how it has affected his or her life.

“In that spirit we must continue the Monroe County Youth Soccer Program,” continued Kachel. The Monroe Central soccer coaches and team members will volunteer during this one-day camp and the following three Saturday games. Our goal is to provide a solid curriculum for the new coaches and support to the returning coaches. We will also assist in the instruction and provide support at the child athlete level.”

“The soccer program has been a wonderful addition to the youth sports options for our county,” said Vicki Digity, a member of the Monroe Central Goalkeepers Boosters and a soccer mom. “We want to continue and add to this program. It is our goal to have the youth soccer change to a spring competitive season with the older teams having a travel schedule. By making the youth soccer more competitive, we hope to attract more athletes, and also to have the players better prepared for high school competition. Anyone with questions can contact MC Goalkeepers Boosters by calling 934-2055.”

“Please don’t let this young legacy end. We ask that you continue to support the program and provide an environment for it to grow and prosper,” concluded Kachel.

The Wetzel County, W.Va. Air Evac Lifeteam crew recently hosted a helicopter safety and landing zone class for members of the Graysville and Community VFD, along with members of the Bethel-Graysville Emergency Squad. Members of the department are shown above with Air Evac Lifeteam crew members Gavin Morris (pilot), flight nurse Jennifer Francis and flight paramedic Jason Milton.

Air Evac Lifeteam Crew Hosts Safety Class

The Wetzel County, West Va. Air Evac Lifeteam air ambulance crew recently held a helicopter safety and landing zone class for the Graysville and Community VFD, along with the members of the Bethel-Graysville Emergency Squad in Graysville. The class included instruction on interacting safely with helicopters, selecting landing zone sites, guiding the helicopter to the ground and patient loading.

“This class gave us a perfect opportunity to educate these individuals about what Air Evac does and how we work with other responders at the scenes of medical emergencies,” explained flight paramedic Jason Milton. “Landing zone classes are very important because we want everyone involved in an emergency response to be safe around the helicopter.

“By demonstrating and explaining how the helicopter operates, we lessen fears and heighten awareness, which allows us to make flights directly to the scenes of medical emergencies, decreasing the amount of time it takes for people to receive critical, life-saving care,” added Pilot Gavin Morris. Morris explained to the group the considerations involved in choosing a safe arrival path.

“Since Air Evac moved our base of operations to Wetzel County in March, the time to get a medical helicopter on the ground in Graysville and the surrounding communities has been greatly reduced,” stated Bradley Troy, Program Director of the Wetzel County base.”When requested, we can assist local EMS providers in continuing the quality care they provide by quickly transporting their patients to the most appropriate medical facility.”

“It was great to see the public out and inspect the helicopter during this training,” Troy added. “We are a community based air medical program and want to be part of the communities we serve.”

 Barnesville Hospital and MedFlight of Columbus hosted a continuing education class on farm accident rescue and treatment during the Monroe County Fair. This simulated farm accident demonstrated the extrication of a tractor accident victim. Many of Monroe County fire and emergency squad members attended the training despite the 90 degree temperatures.          

Training Class Held at the Fair

While most people were enjoying the Monroe County Fair, local fire and emergency personnel were attending a continuing education class on farm accident rescue and treatment. The class was hosted by Barnesville Hospital and MedFlight of Columbus.

Agriculture is among the most hazardous occupations. It is, perhaps, the only industry where eight-year-olds and 80-year-olds work in the same profession, side by side, operating large pieces of equipment. Farm accidents claim many lives each year throughout the country and can be a tremendous challenge to emergency responders for many reasons. The accident may not be discovered and reported immediately, and the farm may be remotely located and have poor access for emergency services. The resulting delayed response times may mean a poor victim outcome.

The class included basic trauma theory, farm equipment extrication demonstration and EMS squad practice extrications, noted Peggy Douglas, of Barnesville Hospital. 

Around the Burnside   

You should never complain how the ball bounces, if you’re the one who dropped it.

America is a country where people in all walks of life prefer to ride.

Hot enough for you? No, not nearly. A mild winter? Some say yes. I’ve had someone tell me it’s hotter than you know where. I sometimes wonder how they know the temperature where they are talking about. I understand it’s a bit more than 90 degrees. However, regardless of what weather we have some of us will be complaining about it. I will admit I dislike cold and hot weather and I’m not too crazy about storms as we had a while back.

The fair is over, school has started and the school buses are running. I like to wave as they pass by our house but I don’t get a chance very many mornings.

I recently read a week or so ago how a school was making a big thing of having a camera in each of their buses. Didn’t need a camera on the bus I rode each day to school. “Grumpy,” our name for our bus driver, just put on the brakes, opened the door and said “walk.” You know it’s a funny thing, I don’t remember anyone being put off the bus on our way to school. Several got the boot on the way home. There were times you could make it home before the bus pulled in. They caught a ride with someone.

You won’t believe it but two or three of us rode our bikes to school and almost beat the bus. It was a different story coming home. Twelve miles and hills going up slowed our timing.

I thought the fair had an excellent midway rides this year. I walked by and watched several times although this part of the fair has little interest for me.

Even when I was young, attending and a part of the fair I didn't hit the rides. First of all, I dislike heights, so the ferriswheel was out. Plus I didn't have the money to ride, so it didn’t bother me much.

I did notice one thing this year I hadn’t seen. It was what I’ll call a large plastic balloon that you were zipped inside. It was on a pool of water and you could crawl around and move the balloon. It did look like fun, but I ignored the temptation to roll around in one.

I read last week a reader was suggesting a picture of those of us who write articles on a regular basis have a picture included. I’ve also wondered why. I see the sports writers, who are doing an excellent job, get their picture included. Just kidding. I really don’t know why anyone would want to look at my picture every week. I do have a picture, taken in Hawaii; I doubt if they would want to include it. I was dressed up as a Hula Dancer. This was in my more reckless days.

Do you ever eat out? Perhaps you know and I think I’ve mentioned it before. If you haven’t eaten there before, I would recommend the Beallsville Diner. It is much different than a regular restaurant. With all the pictures everywhere it takes you back to the history of the area. I even saw a picture of a school bus almost like the one we rode to school. How many of you remember the buses that had one seat down each side and two seats back to back down the center? Slam on the brakes and you slid toward the front. Your legs down the bus was almost a zipper of legs. If I remember, girls on one side, boys on the other.

I got a little off the track there. The Beallsville Diner has a complete menu even advertising fried okra in front. I passed on the okra. The prices are reasonable and a friendly place to eat. Don’t drive out there on Sunday as they are not open on Sunday.

I kind of like this as I remember when there was nothing open on Sunday. We went to Sunday School and church, ate dinner and had the rest of the day to do what we pleased until it was time to milk in the evening. Sometimes we just sat on the big rock at the edge of town and watched the cars go by once in a while.

I read with interest the article last week regarding the situation of the building projects of the Switzerland of Ohio School District. If you didn’t read the complete article you should get the paper out and read it.

To me this was the facts. Some might consider it excuses but few of us understand how involved this project really is. You just can’t haul in block and start building. When the State gets involved, hold on to your hat.

I kind of think it would be nice if we had a little blurb in the Beacon on a regular basis regarding the situation of the building program. Many of us have played the game where a message is passed from one to another. When it gets to the end it’s never what was started. I think this happens to our school system and building program. Sports are doing it.

Many churches are changing from summer hours; now’s your chance.

A dime is still good for something; it makes a handy screwdriver.

Our Readers Write 

Dear Editor,

The National Council on Aging has declared September National Senior Center Month. In Monroe County, the Senior Center provides a wide variety of services, programs and activities - it’s a great place to connect with others.

The Area Agency on Aging 8 and its eight county Councils on Aging are joining communities nationwide in celebrating this month and the special services that Senior Centers provide.

Older Americans are living longer and are more active than ever before. And with the aging of the baby boomers generation - the largest in our nation’s history - America’s senior population is expected to number 71.5 million by 2030.

The annual celebration of Senior Center Month is our opportunity to recognize the contributions of these community centers in providing services and supports that empower the elderly. They provide programs that improve health awareness, offer food and nutrition services, transportation services, sponsor social activities and engage seniors in community involvement.

To find out more about The Monroe County Senior Center, call 740-472-1312 or stop by for a visit this month and all year round.

Arlene Winland
Monroe County Council on Aging, President and Member of the Area Agency on Aging 8 (AAA8) Regional Advisory Council

Dear Editor,

It is good that some folks are concerned about the Agriculture Mechanics program at Swiss Hills as indicated by a recent letter to the editor of the Monroe County Beacon.

However, there were some things in the letter which are not true or need further explanation.

Vocational Agriculture was started in the 1900s for farm boys and FFA, known at that time as Future Farmers of America, was organized and continues as an important part of the Agriculture Program.

In several of the specialized areas of Agriculture Education such as, Agriculture Science, Mechanics, Small Engines, farm management, horticulture and others require or maybe are allowed extended days to carry out FFA activities, visit students, attend FFA camp and other FFA activities outside of classroom time and during the summer.

Nate was given 15 days extended time to carry out these FFA and class activities. He has to report what he does on these extended days. The school district in no way pays for any of his required school ing. One close by Agriculture Science Teacher gets 60 days extended time.

Another question was the qualification for teaching Agriculture Mechanics. The state sets the standards for teachers. During the year of only Vocational Agriculture in the high school a degree in Agriculture Education was required. With the development of Vocational Schools, now known as Career Centers, things changed. The more specialized fields offered in these schools required teachers who had experience in the field rather than a college degree. The standards for education were set. Many, in fact, most of the teachers in what we call the shop area do not have a college education except the state class requirement. Failure to complete the class requirement meant out the door.

Nate is qualified to teach Agriculture Mechanics. Regardless if you agree or disagree with the decision to hire him, if you did not sit in with those making the choice, it is more or less a personal opinion.

True we have watched the Agriculture Mechanics and FFA program go from excellent to nothing due to poor choices the last couple of years. We need to put this in the past and look toward the future.

As far as relationship to other teachers, here again it’s a matter of opinion. I think you will find in counties such as Monroe, schools tend to have a number of relatives teaching in the same system.

Very few Agriculture classrooms, in the state, have as many banners and awards from District, State and even National contests than does the room at Swiss Hills. This can come back again if students are given the opportunity.

Nate will be required to attend class the next two or three years at his own expense, has an experienced Agriculture Mechanics retired teacher as a mentor, another offering help, if needed, and a State Supervisor visiting to share experiences. It won’t happen overnight, but with help, the Swiss Hills FFA, Agriculture Mechanics, will be back on track again.

Gary Cook
Agriculture Mechanics Instructor Retired

Classifieds
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OBITUARIES  

VIRGIL FARNSWORTH, SR
Virgil Clayton Farnsworth, Sr., 89, Inman, S.C., died Aug. 31, 2010 at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. He was born Aug. 26, 1921, a son of the late John Samuel and Dessie Morris Farnsworth of Spartanburg.

He was a truck driver for 23 years and was a member of South Spartanburg Baptist Church where he was a former Deacon and served on the Finance Committee.

Surviving are two sons, David (Susan) Farnsworth of Homeworth, Michael Farnsworth of Inman; daughter, Barbara (Karl) Austin of Pauline, S.C.; three grandchildren, Kelly Ehrlinspiel of Wooster, Esther Austin of Virginia Beach, Va., Karl Austin, Jr. of Inman; a sister, Evelyn Price of Massillon.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Carnes Farnsworth; and a son, Virgil C. Farnsworth, Jr.

Friends were received Sept. 4 until time of services at Brubach-Watters Funeral Home, Summerfield. Burial followed in Calais Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Dr., Spartanburg, S.C. 29303.

ALMA C. MILLER
Alma C. Miller, 92, 150 Browns Rd., Marietta, formerly of Sycamore Valley, died Sept. 6, 2010 at the Harmer Place, Marietta. She was born Feb. 12, 1918 at Sycamore Valley, a daughter of the late Henry and Laura Nalley Hercher.

She was a homemaker and was a Protestant by faith. She was a 60 year member of the Order of Eastern Star, mostly recently of Lodge #584, Lebanon. She was a member of the Bethel Senior Citizens and a member of the Elk Grange, Harriettsville. She enjoyed piecing quilts, country music and her pets.

Surviving are three sisters, Clara Kehl of Logan, Ruby Heft of Lewisville, Eileen Lantz of Whipple; a brother, Elmer (Myrtle) Hercher of Fairfield Glade, Tenn.; several nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and great-great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Miller; and two brothers, Ralph and Clessen Hercher.

Friends will be received Sept. 8, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Watters Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held Sept. 9, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Gale Lauderman officiating. Burial will follow in the Creighton Ridge Cemetery near Sycamore Valley.

Eastern Star services will be held Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethel Community Center, c/o Irene Clift, 31001 Little Injun Rd., Lower Salem, OH 45645.

HELEN G. RAY
Helen Gertrude Thomas Ray, 78, Canton, died Sept. 6, 2010. 

Friends will be received Sept. 8, from 6 - 8 p.m. and one hour before services at Arnold Funeral Home, Canton, where funeral services will be held at Sept. 9, at 2 p.m.