CHURCH: “The church is not a building;

the church is not a steeple:

the church is not a resting place;

the church is a people.”

The Era recently published an article about the Smethport United Methodist Church’s celebration of 202 years in existence. A reader contacted the newsroom in response with a list of individuals who tirelessly worked throughout the years in support of the church, which we would like to share:

Two names that immediately come to mind are Janet Jaksetic and the late, Carol Ball. Janet has played the organ for at least 60 years and Carol directed the choir for that many years.

These parishioners have served for over 50 years: the late Hannah Mencer (lay leader), Bill Miller (general “go-to” guy who shoveled walks, moved tables, etc.), Barb Maynard (choir and memorial fund), Florence Carter (choir), the late Everett Engstrom (choir), Trudy Comes (Sunday School teacher), Gail McBride (lay leader) and Sylvia Herzog (bell choir and all-’round pillar of the church!).

During Oct. 16 anniversary festivities at the church, an impressive display of church memorabilia was created by Susan Ball, in part as a memorial for her late mother, Carol. The celebratory picnic over the summer was hosted by Janelle and Kurt Raymond, which was enhanced by Janelle’s beautiful flower gardens.

There are too many names to mention here and my apologies to those whom I have missed.

The above information was provided by Barbara (Robey) Shackett.

For more information about The United Methodist Church of Smethport, visit https://smethportmethodist.umcchurches.org/.