At the end of World War I, Mrs. Katherine Swartwout of Benton rang the church bell marking the end of hostilities. Then again at the end of World War II, Mrs. Swartwout rang the bell again in hopes to end all wars. She was 81 years old and one of the women who originally donated the bell to the church in 1884. In 1948, the church doors were locked and services suspended for reasons unknown. It was at this time that the bell went missing. Then on April 1st, 1951, Rev. Bishop reopened its doors and services reconvened. Four stained glass windows were donated to the church, honoring early pioneer families that supported the church. They were provided by the Daughters of the American Colonists and hung on Oct. 26, 1952. The bell was returned to the church after it was found in a local barn in the late 1990’s and on July 18, 1999, it was restored and rehung on a wooden tower in front of the church. It was rung 11 times at 11 a.m. after over 50 years of silence. In December 2018, the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania voted to end its affiliation with St. Gabriel’s congregation due to a lack of membership. The church was attached to the old cemetery. The new cemetery is a separate entity. The Diocese asked the St. Gabriel Cemetery Association, which was already responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the newer cemetery, if they wanted to take ownership of the church and old cemetery. After much deliberation and prayer, they agreed to take ownership of this historic property.
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Six Luxury rooms for today’s distinguished travelers who are looking for a comfortable home away from home! Wandell Inn 240 Main Street Benton, PA 17814 570-394-7033 www.wandellinn.com
A Picturesque Inn Nestled in the charming Village of Benton Pennsylvania... just a short drive from both Ricketts Glen State Park and Bloomsburg University. Each one of our six guest rooms is uniquely designed and features works by local artists. Complimentary coffee bar .
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