Kindly written and contributed by Gordon Cornell, Broadalbin Historian.
On August 24, 2003 the Hemlock Independent Gospel Church
celebrated its 150th Anniversary. Ms. Linda Eastman is caretaker, and
under whose care and continual effort, the Church remains an active part of the
community.
The church is a summer ministry supervised by the
Baptist Church of Northville, the Rev. Richard C. Klueg is Pastor.
The church was built on land donated by Adin Stone and was
initially called the Methodist Episcopal Church of North Broadalbin. In
1869 the name was changed to the Union Church of North Broadalbin. The
Union was Perth Presbyterians, Broadalbin Baptists and Broadalbin
Methodists. In 1900 the name was changed again to the Hemlock Church,
possibly due to the use of hemlock timber in the construction of this building.
This small, fledging congregation saw many ups and downs and
finally closed its doors. Mrs. Marvin (Grace) Brewer saw a need and felt a
calling and undertook the project of re-activating this small church in this
little hamlet along the banks of the Sacandaga Reservoir.
Mrs. Brewer carried on the work of the church and on November
6, 1942 was ordained in gospel ministry by Rev. John A. Davis of the Practical
Bible Training School.
On February 1, 1949 the name was once again changed, this
time to the Hemlock Independent Gospel Church of North Broadalbin, NY.
Rev. Brewer seemed to have an uncanny way by which she
obtained many excellent guest preachers over the years. One such event
that left memories on some of Broadalbin's now older citizens took place in
August 1949, when Pastor Curt J. Wetzel visited Hemlock Church. Pastor
Wetzel would fly over Broadalbin and the surrounding area playing religious
records and preaching sermons. This technique drew the attention of the
residents to say the least.
Rev. Brewer continued to put all of her energies and
resources into the operation of the Hemlock Church until failing health forced
her to discontinue her beloved work. Grace Brewer went to meet her savior
in 1991. She lies today in an unmarked grave, possibly due to the fact
that she put her all into the operation of Hemlock Church.
Following a period of inactivity, once again, the doors were
re-opened thanks to the efforts of Linda Eastman and her mother Barbara.
They are in the midst of a major program to refurbish and make presentable this
little church by the side of the road. An excellent start has taken place.
The following is taken from their 150th Anniversary
Celebration, program prepared by pastor, Linda Eastman...
150th Anniversary Celebration
August 24, 2003
Welcome...
Opening Prayer...
Hymn...
History of Hemlock
Independent Church...
Message...
Recognition of Volunteers...
Message...
Reminisces and Memories
Message...
Hymn...
Closing Prayer... |
Linda E. Eastman, caretaker
Hemlock Gospel Church
The Rev. Richard C. Klueg
Baptist Church of Northville
How Great Thou Art
(Red hymnal #16, 1, c, 3, 4 c r121)
Linda E. Eastman
The Rev. Herb Johnson
Linda E. Eastman
The Rev. Richard C. Klueg
Linda E. Eastman
Great is Thy Faithfulness (V 1&2)
Red - #54, Green #232
The Rev. Herb Johnson |
Front Cover (Graphic above); Back cover:
Welcome to
Hemlock Independent Gospel Church
We are a summer ministry located in the historic Hemlock
Independent Gospel Church,
County Route 110, Broadalbin, N. Y.
Since 1853, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has been worshipped here.
We are delighted to have you join us today.
We pray that this worship service will be one that draws you closer
to our Lord. It is our wish that today, "you would see Jesus."
