Our History
Chapter 5
The dedication service for the new church was held on February 20, 1955. On October 9, 1955, a small window called the Masonic Window, depicting the old church with its bell tower and covered porch, was given to the church by the masons of Colonie. The dedication of this window was held on October 9th, 1955, when Nordin Shambrook presented it to the church. It was received by Percy Reynolds, President of the Trustees.
In 1957, one hundred years after the church’s founding, Reverend Jasper Ernest McIntyre was made Pastor Emeritus. This honor was bestowed upon him to recognize his devotion to Pine Grove and to the building of the new church. Reverend McIntyre refused salary increases for years in order help the new church become a reality.
On Sunday, November 24th, 1957, a special 100th anniversary service was held at the church with Bishop Frederick Buckley Newell in attendance. The offering collected was applied toward the principal on the mortgage.
In January of 1959, Pine Grove’s dedicated organist of almost fifty years, Mrs. Emma Lahman, resigned and a dinner was held in her honor.
The old church was taken down in July 1961 in order to make room for the current parking lot.
The Education Building was built to State Education requirements at a cost of about $190,000. It was consecrated by Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke on Sunday, January 28, 1962. Coverage of the service was carried live over radio station WOKO. The new building had eighteen classrooms, a pastor’s study, an auditorium/gym with a stage, a church office, and several storage closets.
An entranceway to the west front door of the sanctuary was added at this time to match the church. This cost $2,240. The estimated value of the church was now $360,000.
With the ever increasing membership, the need for an part-time or full-time assistant or associate pastor was discussed. In 1964, the first assistant pastor, Reverend Harry LaBrum was appointed for a short time. He was followed by Reverend Fred R. Brown who stayed with Pine Grove until 1966. When Reverend Brown retired on February 6, 1966, a motion was passed that he be honored at the Annual Meeting as Pastor Emeritus, becoming the second Pastor Emeritus of Pine Grove Methodist Church.
In 1965, a new parsonage was needed. A new home for Pine Grove’s pastors was built at 17 Delafield Drive. The old parsonage was sold for $32,210. The new parsonage cost $31,211.
In 1967 a new organ was purchased with a bank loan of $8500.
In 1968, the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren denominations merged and Pine Grove’s name changed accordingly to the Pine Grove United Methodist Church. This has been the official name of the church ever since.
One picture we have is from Palm Sunday, April 11,1965 . It includes Margaret Bardossi, Vickie Batcher, Candice Berg, Paul Black, Susan Blain, Anna Broderick, John Deans, Lynne IdIonna, Doug Durfey, Carolyn Flood, Ralph Hale, Joan Hildenbrandt, Laura Klopfer, Richard Knaack, Linda Linacre, Barry MacGregor, Karen Mac Gregor, Gordon Mudge, Debra Pelleschi, Karen Reid, Carleen Robinson, John Ross, Jody Rueckert, Arnold Whitcomb, Beth Wohlferd, Nancy Womer, Susan Young. (4 more names missing.)
July of 1969 brought a new associate pastor to the church as well as the need for an additional parsonage. The second parsonage was purchased on Gail Avenue and was used until 1974.
In September of 1970 the brick sign currently out front of the church was donated in memory of Walter K. Brown by his family. Mr. Brown had been a faithful worker in the church. He made the velvet curtains that hung at the railing of the old church and the maroon velvet drape on the frame behind the altar in the new church.
On September 17, 1972, Pine Grove celebrated its 115th anniversary with a special service honoring fifty year members. Twenty members were honored. A visiting committee took flowers to all who were unable to attend the service. A formal reception was held on Monday September 18th in the McIntyre Lounge for former pastors and the fifty year honorees. The reception was followed by a covered dish supper and program.
In 1974, a group of young mothers decided that a preschool was needed. Parents participated in teaching at the school. It flourished for many years.
On November 19, 1976, a dinner and program were held to celebrate the final payment and burning of the mortgage. The mortgage was burned during worship service the follow Sunday, November 21st. The church was consecrated by Bishop W. Ralph Ward Jr. Also taking part in the service were Rev. John G. Rhinesmith, pastor; Rev. Kenneth W. Beatty, Superintendent of the Bennington-Troy District and immediate past pastor at Pine Grove.
David Suits was instrumental in the Worship Assistant program in the late 1970’S, which was a way for the certified lay leaders to be involved.