Harry Ernest Stevick

Harry Stevick was the youngest of six surviving children. As a bright student, he skipped a grade in school, something he regretted as it left him "behind" the other students the following year. Harry nurtured a talent for music with dreams of performing on stage, but God had another "stage" in mind for him.

Harry's first job was as a shoe salesman for which he received 5 dollars a week. Since money was in short supply, his seminary training was through the mail. This lack of a "real" college education kept him humble his whole life.

Harry was given his first circuit in 1936 when he pastored the church in Ohioville, Pa. On August 18, the following year he married his wife, Grace Enola Lampus in the parsonage in McKeesport, Pa. The ceremony was performed by his mentor, the Rev. J.T. Logan. That year a second church was added to his duties which was in Wellsville ,Ohio.

It was at his next station in Mount Pleasant, Pa. that his eldest child, Richard was born. The next two children, David and Ruthie were born in Natrona Heights, Pa. while he pastored there.

Harry served the churches in Kittanning, Pa., Wellsburg, W.Va., and Uniontown, Pa., where he retired. When his health became poor with advancing years, he returned to Wellsburg, W.Va. to be near his daughter and son, David.

While living in Wellsburg the second time, he and Grace celebrated their 50th anniversary at the Brooke Hills Free Methodist church, the last time the whole surviving family got together.

Harry's last years were hampered by Parkinson's, the affliction from which his own father had suffered. He finally became bedfast and was attended by his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, David Yaussy. Harry died at home peacefully on April 18, 1992. Pastor John Kelley preached his funeral service. Burial was at the nearby Franklin Cemetary.