John Evans House
The John Evans House And Its Purchase
It is a bit of pleasure for our readers to know
when and in what manner the John Evans House came into the possession of the American
Methodist Historical Society. The first pilgrimage to that famous Strawbridge region
was made in October, 1894. At the Conference of 1896, Rev. Thomas S. Long was
appointed preacher-in-charge of New Windsor Circuit. This charge contained the major
portion of the historic territory. The pilgrimage had awakened a considerable degree
of interest. At the time Mr. William Yohn, the owner, with his family was living in
the Evans House. When Mr. Long received his appointment, Mr. Yohn had built a
handsome home several hundred feet distant from the old house, and was occupying his
modern dwelling. Desiring to sell the other property, the price asked found no one
willing to pay. A determination seized our zealous pastor of New Windsor to become
the proud purchaser of the ancient place where Strawbridge, Asbury and others had
preached.
Mr. Geo. W. Albaugh, a progressive citizen of New Windsor, is the
great grandson of John Evans. Mr. Long at once called upon him, and this
kind-hearted descendant said that he was willing to pay a reasonable amount in order to
present it to the Methodist Episcopal Church. An early and business-like visit was
then made to Mr. Yohn. Diplomacy played its hand well. Four successive visits
were made, each requiring a drive of fifteen miles. Finally, through the help of
Mrs. Yohn, the house, including ten feet of ground on all sides, was secured for the sum
of one hundred dollars. The next morning found the happy preacher early at
Westminster. He at once called upon Mr. Albaugh, who was at breakfast, and showed
him the following statement, signed by Mr. and Mrs. Yohn:
I
hereby agree to take One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for the John
Evans House, situated on my farm near Dennings', MD.
I sell the
house as it stands, with ten feet on each side. I also give the
right of access to the said John Evans House at any time.
[Signed] William Yohn
M.L. Yohn
August 26th, 1896
Witness: Rev. Thos. S. Long
Mr. Albaugh was so greatly pleased that at once he secured his
check book and drew a check for the entire purchase price. The story passes on with
increasing interest. Pastor Long immediately, at the suggestion of the donor wrote
Dr. Jno F. Goucher to make a trip to the Evans House and assist in deciding how best to
repair and keep in sound preservation this property now so available to Methodism.
Thursday morning, September 3, 1896, Dr. Goucher, his eldest daughter and the late Rev.
Charles D. Smith came to New Windsor, and were taken to the house. After plans were
agreed upon a carriage drive followed to the hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. David E.
Stem, near Bethel Church. where a sumptuous dinner was in waiting. (By way of
parenthesis, it may be written down right here that many Methodist preachers have fond
recollections of the Stem dinners.) An afternoon drive took the party to the farm of
Mr. Peter Cover, now the property of Mr. David Stem. The privilege of placing
markers and a fine monument to designate the spot where the Strawbridge Log Meeting House,
the first in America, stood, was asked.
Mr. Albaugh had plans of restoration of the Evans House placed
before him, and he at once generously agreed. Later on, according to arranged terms,
the property was deeded to the American Methodist Historical Society. The facts will
be of interest to the journeying hundreds who will find their way to the John Evans House,
and the memorial shaft marking the site of the Log Meeting House.
(Submitted by Sue Billings)