This exceptionally well researched record of the roots of the United Methodist Church in Cumberland County and portions of York, Adams, Perry and Juniata counties deserves the attention of anyone interested in the evolution of this particular branch of religion.
The author has compiled a detailed record of the UM church growth in the areas listed above, from the late 1700's to 1984. The other denominations involved, dates of their establishment, cooperation, and eventual jointure, to form the UM Central Pennsylvania Conference, are outlined in Chapter I.
Chapter II describes the New Cumberland District as it exists today. Listed are the seven subdistricts together with the names of the sixty-one charges (Pastorates), their location and history. In addition, a map of each individual district is included along with the names of the various churches and their pastors at the time of consolidation.
Dr. Silas C. Swallow had already established a widely circulated reputation for being a determined fighter against the evils of strong drink and drugs before he became a resident of Cumberland County. The good Doctor of Divinity had other lesser-known qualities of character which were revealed during the ten years he lived in Camp Hill.