Roulette Methodist Churches

In 1847, the Little Red Schoolhouse was erected and used as both church and school. John and Burrell Lyman both worked to build the Baptist faith. From 1852 to 1865, John Crasey [Crapsey] pastored the flock in this location. He said he was a deacon in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Some were Adventists and some were Baptist. They talked in tongues and practiced such gifts. He had everyone worked up and it is said even the building shook; this was witnessed by all who attended.

May 2, 1875, a meeting was called and a covenant was made. All denominations were accepted. The group in the schoolhouse became known as the First Baptist Church. Rev. Hart, who pastored at this time conducted his last recorded meeting on June 24, 1876. By 1880, religious peace had settled over the Valley, and then everyone seemed to lose interest. Some went to Coudersport and some joined the "Union Church", which formed later. As the town was growing fast and a larger meeting place was needed, Leroy Lyman, a Seventh-Day leader, proposed all denominations share the building of a new church.

In articles dated March 7, 1882, and April 3, 1882, in the courthouse, J. V. [John Victor] Weimer conveyed 1/2 acre to the Union Church.

In 1885, through the efforts of the Rev. O. C. Hill, the Union Church was built. It stood where the former Methodist Parsonage now stands [on main street next to the present-day Baptist church now stands.

Rev. Brooks, A United Brethren Elder, came later. He organized a Union Sunday School which was later united with the Baptist Sunday School, under the leadership of Rev. Buch [William Butt?] from Coudersport, PA. E. S. Remington came to Roulette to organize the Methodist Society. He received $400.00 a year and drove a horse and buggy, and was fed by pound parties. If you don't know what a pound party is, you are not a Methodist. He was the first Methodist Minister.

In 1891, a Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in Roulette, PA. D[ayton] A. Pomeroy started an Union Sunday School which lasted until December, 1873 (1893?], when it became a Methodist Sunday School. He acted as superintendent. The first parsonage was built at this time. It is now a private home on North Street. Then Rev. Blanchard came and the Epworth League was formed.

In 1894-1897, Rev. Feathers served the charge.
In 1892-1900, the pastors were: D. E. Burt, John Newman, E. Hovey, E. Buroghs, D. B. Burkly, F. S. Booth, and W. A. Lyons

In 1895, the tannery closed and the church fell on hard times. It was sold at a sheriff's sale for taxes on October 6. It was sold to Milo Lyman on December 21, 1894. He told Rev. H. L. Brockway to continue the church and not worry about it. Lyman conveyed the property to the Methodist Conference.

Rev J. A. Nelson was pastor for three years. It was through his efforts that the Fishing Creek Church was built.

In June 1908, the steeple was hit by lightening and the church burned to the ground. The pulpit and the pews were saved and are in use today. Rev. Pike came and encouraged them to rebuild. Through the influence of Milo Lyman, Nate Bard of Port Allegany donated six acres by deed on June 15, 1909. The site was on river street, north of the river and was know as "Saunder's Island". The church was built and dedicates on January 1, 1911. Rev. Walker was present and proposed that the congregation subscribe $300.00 to pay the balance on the new building.

Milo Lyman, an officer in the Gray Chemical and the Card and Barr Hardware, pledged $125.75 from each company and $120.00 was given in Milo's wife's name (Kittie).

Rev. Bamford, an Englishman, went to England and came back with a new wife. During his stay, a new Sunday School addition was built at the rear of the church (1912). He left in August, 1913, for college.

Rev. Ray Lawrence followed and a "Union Revival Meeting" was held by Linden & Ross. The Methodists more than doubled. One hundred-forty were received into the church. In 1915, there were 193 pupils in Sunday School. Rev. Lawrence went to Eldred and then he married Ella Harris of Roulette, to whom a daughter, Jean, was born. He died in Ellicottville, NY, some time later.

Rev. [Gayle] Ruoff (1952) stayed three years. At this time a new Hammond organ was purchased as a memorial to Kittie Lyman who died January 1, 1951. She had been active in the church and taught Sunday School for 30 years. All the rest of the Riverside Church history is included with the history of the Fishing Creek Church.