Franklin Street Primitive Methodist Church

Observing 138 Years In His Service

(1871 - 2009)

 1870 was the year that a Primitive Methodist Class Meeting was organized. They met in what was known as the Barn Hill School, located on Temperance Hill. It was not long after, that this group authorized Mr. Frank Gray to write to the Reverend Charles Spurr, a Primitive Methodist minister in Mahanoy City. They wanted him to come and organize a Primitive Methodist Church in Plymouth, Pennsylvania.  It was in 1871 that Rev. Spurr came. Because of the great faith of the people here in Plymouth, they rented what was then the Van Loon’s Hall near Nottingham Crossing for their Sunday Service. They felt the schoolhouse on Temperance Hill would be too small. It was here that Rev. Spurr spoke throughout the day. It was felt that God had placed His hand of work upon the Franklin Street Primitive Methodist Church.

   During the time of Rev. Spurr, the little group was organized into a Primitive Methodist Church. Mr. Frank Gray was hired to be the local preacher (1871 – 1872) and to minister to this newly organized church. He was placed on probation by the Annual Conference, held in Saint Clair and appointed by that Conference to continue his work as pastor at Plymouth, which was part of the Wilkes-Barre and Pittston Circuit.

    They continued to meet in the Barn Hill School until it could no longer hold them. Some of the members began to worship in Shupp’s Hall, near Cherry Street. The Rev. W. B. Bache (1872 – 1873) built what was known as the First Primitive Methodist Church located on Cherry Street. All the people in the lower end of Plymouth continued to worship in the Barn Hill School.  Rev. T. C. Bache served (1873 – 1875).  Rev. Charles Spurr served (1875 – 1878). Rev. Frank Gray served (1878 – 1880).  Rev. Henry Russell oversaw the construction of the first church building. Franklin Street PM Church was dedicated on January 28, 1883.

   During his three-year pastorate at Franklin Street, Rev. Russell (1880 –1883) built the parsonage at Plymouth First and a church in Nanticoke. The Wyoming Valley owes much to the work of Rev. Henry Russell.

   Rev. Daniel Savage was the next pastor. It was during Rev. Savage’s first pastorate (1883 – 1886) the Franklin Street Parsonage was built. Rev. Moses Harvey served (1886- 1889).  Rev. Savage returned in (1889 – 1892) for a second term. A Sunday School room was added. Rev. James Moore (1892 – 1897) added a second room. . The building became a better facility for more effective service. 

  At this time Franklin Street Primitive Methodist Church held to the strictest of Christian Standards. If a man was found to play cards, use profanity, indulged in alcohol, or treated his family cruelly, he was called before a special meeting and told he was no longer a member of the church. Women could be called before a special meeting for these rules. If she was defined as a troublemaker, or gossiper, or went dancing, she would be turned out of the church. It was also noted that these records would be kept for years.

   Little is known concerning the following pastors who served at Franklin Street. Rev. Abraham Woodcock (1897 – 1899), Rev. W. H. Acornley (1899 – 1900). Rev. Charles Prosser (1900 – 1904), Rev. John G. Ward (1904 – 1905), Rev. John Pritchard (1905 – 1910).

   Rev. James Iley served Franklin Street (1910 – 1916). A fire in 1913 completely destroyed the church. Under his guidance, the present church was constructed.

  Rev. W. F. Paul came to Franklin Street (1916 – 1950). During his pastorate, the debt of the church was cleared. Over $10,000 was spent on improvements within the church and the parsonage.

  Rev. Richard Purnell came to Franklin Street (1951 – 1969). During his ministry, many improvements were made.  The parking lot in the rear of the church (Mill Street) was added as the congregation continued to grow.

 Rev. James Hughes served (1969 – 1976). The church continued to prosper and more improvements were added to the parsonage.

 Rev. Richard Purnell returned (1976) until his retirement (1982).

Rev. Leigh Abbott served (1982 – 1985).  Rev. Robert Smith served (1985 – 1991). 

  Rev. Donald Gilmore, our speaker for this Anniversary, was among the distinctive pastors here at Franklin Street (1991 – 1995).  It has been pastors like Rev. Gilmore that heard the calling of God and helped to keep Franklin Street, “The Church on the Hill That Lights the Way to Jesus Christ”. The two lots across from the church were purchased.  The upper lot was paved for parking.

  Rev. Ronald Gottstein served (1995 – 2002). 

Franklin Street was left in the care of the District (2002 – 2003).  Rev. Steven Hagopian was stationed at Franklin Street

  Between the years of 1871 and 1971 the following men were Sabbath School scholars in Franklin Street and have become ordained ministers: Thomas Hoover, Thomas W. Jones, John Stephens, Ernest Kline, David Wolfe, Samuel Krecht, William Basser, David Jones, Richard Lewis, and William Honeywell.

More recently, David Wildoner, a Sunday School Teacher became a Local Preacher in 2002. Rev. David Wildoner, hearing the call of the Lord to full time ministry, served Franklin Street as a student pastor (2004).  Working diligently, he completed all the necessary requirements and was ordained in 2006. Although there was doubt by the Primitive Methodist Denomination and many individuals that Franklin Street would last another year, Rev. Wildoner’s conviction and spirit of enthusiasm, knowing the Lord had called him to this church, having existed since 1871, lead him to follow the Lord just as Nehemiah had followed so many years before. The Spiritual walls of Franklin Street were rebuilt on a solid foundation, that of Jesus Christ, through prayer for revival and a zeal for its members to live a holy and new life before God, giving of themselves to be used of God as he gave them their talents and spiritual gifts. At times, there have been obstacles.  We see them as opportunities. The congregation intends to keep the doors of Franklin Street open.  Now 138 years later this church is still serving the Lord because of people like those on Temperance Hill, ‘Serving until He comes.’

 Franklin Street Primitive Methodist Church continues to produce men that God can use for His work here in United States of America. It has been 135 years since Franklin Street Primitive Methodist Church first started in a little School House on Temperance Hill. God has continued to bless this little church and His hand is still upon her. Our prayer is that she will remain loyal to Him and her people will continue to serve ‘Until He Comes.’ 

 Nancy Gustas, Station Steward

  In October 2009 Franklin Street Primitive Methodist Church is starting it's 138th year of Service for our Lord, Jesus Christ, here in Plymouth PA. We will be planning a 140th celebration service in October 2011 and will continue to serve "Until He Comes" Lord willing.

Pastor Dave Wildoner