In 1830 circuit riding preachers from the Methodist Episcopal Church began teaching in areas and villages on both sides of the Delaware River. They traveled mostly on foot or horseback.
Every two weeks Mr. Grace and Mr. Street preached in homes or public places in the town of Lumberland.
Services were conducted every night and visitations made during the day time.
Barryville Methodist Church
In 1835 the Methodists had a permanent minister in Barryville.
Preacher Badgely had been a circuit rider on both sides of the Delaware River for two years, going as far as Port Jervis.
Minister Badgely preached in Lumberland until 1846.
Most of the preachers who followed him preached for one year.
The current Barryville Methodist Church was dedicated in 1902.
My mom grew up in the Barryville parsonage (no longer there) next to the Barryville Church.
Her father was the pastor for the Barryville, Eldred, and Pond Eddy Methodist Churches, from 1936 to 1945.
Halfway Brook/Eldred Methodist Church
In the 1850s, and perhaps before, the Halfway Brook, later called the Eldred Methodist Episcopal Church, met in a building across the brook and across the road from the current Church property.
On July 4, 1859, Rev. J.O. Wisner dedicated the current building. The congregation owned both the property and building.
Shortly after the church was built, a wagon shed was added for the use of the members who drove some distance to church.
The steeple was added around 1900.
