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Janes United Methodist Church

947 Freeport Road

A project which consumed the time, talents, and money of members of the Janes Methodist Church came to fruition on October 23, 1955 when open house was observed in the new parsonage, with the Reverend Paul J. Meuschke welcoming all. Several years before, the need for a parsonage nearer the church was urgent but considered an impossibility. Today the beautiful brick structure adjoining the church property is proof of what perseverance can accomplish. After many false starts, postponements, and every conceivable problem, the shell was finally built. Now the talents and time of the men of the church came into use, as they did the electrical work to cut down on costs. After the parsonage was finished, the men again came to the fore in performing the grading and landscaping. The women came in for their share, too, as they measured and sewed drapes for every window and showered the minister with gifts for this new home. They also conducted many money raising projects and finally arranged his furniture on moving day. The children of the Primary Department can not be overlooked in this project as they faithfully brought their dimes to be placed in  afund labeled - ''Preacher's Stove's. Finally enough dimes rolled in to purchase a spanking white electric range.

The total parsonage cost was approximately $20,000 and shortly after completion the debt was cleared.The parsonage was dedicated on Sunday, November 25, 1956 with Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke presiding.On May 11, 1956 the Reverend Paul J. Meuschke brought a new bride, the former Lucille Lewis, to the parsonage to make it complete. This new parsonage really became a family home when they proudly announced the birth of a son, David. This announcement was proclaimed in the bulletin board on the front lawn of the church. This method of announcing the birth sparked the interest of the local newspaper and they photographed Reverend Meuschke standing beside the bulletin board.Subsequently, more children were born to young parsonage families serving our church including Paul, son of Reverend and Mrs. John McLeister, Melanie, daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Dean Byrom, Kevin and Traci, children of Reverend and Mrs. James Fogg, and Jeremy, son of Reverend and Mrs. Charles Jack.

Grief also came to the parsonage family when dear Melanie Byrom died from cancer at the age of 3 years.Improvements have been made to the parsonage over the years including a lavatory in the basement. New carpeting in the whole Parsonage has been installed and installing storm windows.


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