WEST
MIDDLESEX METHODIST CHURCH
1836-1959
By
Mrs. Maude Garrett Anderson
As early as 1796
people began to settle in the surrounding territory now known as West
Middlesex and Shenango Township. The borough was first called Middlesex
for Middlesex County in England, but to distinguish it from a place of the
same name in the eastern part of the state, the name was changed to West
Middlesex. It is located in part of Shenango Township in the southwestern
part of Mercer County, on both sides of the river.
The first concern
of these early settlers was the spiritual educational needs of their
families. At first this was cared for by itinerants (Circuit Riders) who
traveled certain routes and spread the message to these early immigrants,
preaching the gospel in the homes, in barns, and even in tents wherever a
place was available. These services were conducted about once a month.
The Methodists
being a God-fearing people, knew they needed a spiritual leader. Their
first class meetings were held in a barn on South St. which belonged to George
C. Veach. It had previously been used as a tannery. Later they
moved to a more suitable building on Main Street formerly known as Gundy’s
Wagon Shop. Mr. Gregg in his “History of
Methodism, Erie Conference,” says: In an earlier day Mr.
John F. Newkirk settled his family about two miles from Middlesex,
and opened his log cabin to the Methodist ministers, who continued to
preach in it for a few pioneers until 1833, when,
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