United Methodist Church Continued from Page 14
an even more vigorous church membership. But again, as the fates of the mills varied, so did church attendance, a pattern that seemed to continue until the mills’ closures in 1913 and 1914. As the years passed, many changes came to the “Church by the Side of the Stream.” Sunday School – a tradition that continues to this day – was offered as early as 1871, if not before. An influx of members in 1879 necessitated an enlargement, and later a bell was added to the steeple. A parsonage was built in 1902. The church and parsonage received many repairs over the years, much of it paid for through the faith, determination and resourcefulness of the many pastors and church members. In 1953, after large efforts had been made to raise money for and erect an addition in which to hold Sunday School classes, a Dec. 16 fire caused by suspected faulty wiring destroyed the church, leaving behind just four walls. Fortunately, the new annex was spared, and Continued on page 18
‘I’ve got such love of community and love for the people of this church.’ Lydia Akerman, longtime church member
Photo by Natalie Smith
The 170-year-old Landenberg United Methodist Church was founded when the area was known as Chandlerville.
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Landenberg Life | Spring/Summer 2017 | www.chestercounty.com
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