Manson United Methodist Church bells (Carillons) are ringing again

MANSON - Recently, I was asked by a friend, “What happened to the church bells in Manson?”. Since I didn’t have an answer, it was a fitting time to put on my reporter’s hat and find out.
Turns out the church bells (the Carillons) were back on October 21, ringing beautifully again at the Manson United Methodist Church thanks to Pastor Mike O’Neal and church members, Clyde Holmes and Roger Rainy.
“The megaphone speaker wires were disconnected by sliding ice from the big snow storm this spring. Our challenge was to attach the wires to the speakers that were 40 feet above the ground. It was a safety issue for us to climb the tin roof (it is on a 45-degree angle) and we didn’t have a tall enough ladder. Clyde borrowed a 12-bin forklift from Manson Growers and the rest is history. My research finds the bells were donated to the church in honor of “Pop” Barkley in the 1970’s. The church memorial plaque for the Carillons says, “Given for the pleasure of the church and community of Manson” 1984 in memory of Walt McCallaum.” stated Pastor O’Neal.
Pastor Mike O’Neal retired from United Methodist ministry in 2015. He asked the bishop to consider him for a part-time position in Manson if one came available. In 2018, Pastor Mike was appointed to Manson as pastor and continues to serve in that position. Prior to this position, he served as pastor at Cashmere and Monitor churches from 1997 until 2015. Pastor Mike and his wife, Tricia were married in Wenatchee in 1989. Tricia was born in Helsinki, Finland and raised in the United States by her grandparents, who immigrated here during World War II. Mike and Tricia own the Antique Mall in Cashmere, where she works full-time. The O’Neal’s are blessed with two sons, both school teachers, one living in Cashmere and the other in Quincy. The O’Neal’s are very proud of their four grandchildren.
Mike, an Eagle Scout, earned a four-year bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming in Psychology with a minor in Art in 1985. He also attained a three-year Master of Divinity from Duke University in 1988.  
Pastor Mike’s vocational ministry began at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He was a Duke Intern serving at Fairgrove United Methodist Church in Thomasville, Morris Chapel in Winston Salem, and the three church parishes of Maiden Chapel, Memorial Chapel, and Patton UMC’s in the blue ridge mountains of North Carolina.
Pastor Mike served in numerous churches over the years.
“My dad passed away from Leukemia (age 67) in 2007 after 40 years with the U.S. Forest Service and only enjoyed a few years of retirement. His early death and loss to my family prompted me to seek my early retirement from the Methodist Ministry and spend more time with family. I accepted the position at Manson, agreeing to a quarter time position. I still feel called to preach, teach and administer the sacraments which are my ministry passions. I love people, and compassionate pastoral care, especially through the ministries of weddings and funerals.  I love history, art, antiques, and precious time spent with my sons and grandsons.” Mike said.
Because of Covid mandated closures from United Methodist Church, Manson United Methodist Church has struggled to regain footing in this ever changing world. “We’ve lost key people like Alice Killian, who recently passed away and Janey Hair our historian has moved to Arizona. We have a tremendous team of officers including Marlene Urness, Roger Rainey, Clyde Holmes, Julie Brown, Nicky Allison, “Sarge” Karen Seargeant, Ellen Picton, all great people and leaders in our community,” Pastor O’Neal concluded.
The Manson United Methodist Church holds it Sunday service at 10:00 a.m.. Pastor Mike said, “Some of the things I love about Manson United Methodist Church are their love of singing, it is beautiful to hear, even when attendance is slim. Our congregation’s “joys and concerns” prayers reflect their love of family, friends, schools, first responders, community and the world. They are committed to doing ministry on their own with their various gifts and graces without leaving the onus upon the pastor. These are a people of deep love, generosity and integrity and I count it a privilege to be part of their church family. I invite you to join us for Sunday service.”  
The Manson church started when the first Sunday School was organized in 1913 by the Reverend C.C Curray, pastor of Chelan Methodist Church. I attempted to research Manson United Methodist Church on the Internet without much success. I was able to find a thorough history of the church at the Chelan Museum.