photo provided Mrs. Emily Lundy, a 48-year Hughesville resident, was honored when her name was affixed to the Children’s Chapel, at the former Bethany United Baptist Church in Hughesville. (photo 1944).

NOTE: March is designated as “Women in History Month,” and as such, the Luminary recognizes local women whose names have been noted for various reasons.

Emily Worley Lundy, wife of Dr. Donald Lundy, both late of Hughesville, would leave a legacy in her devotion to children at the former Bethany United Methodist Church in town.

So, how did a girl from Mohnton, Berks County, working as a secretary at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel in Philadelphia, meet a man from Warrensville? At the time, Donald Lundy was attending veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania. The two met at a dance social, wed in 1938, and took up residence in Hughesville the same year. In 1939 their first child, Donald Jr, was born. Donald Jr eventually became a veterinarian in the family business. In 1941 their daughter Joyce was born.

Dr. Lundy began his veterinary practice on North Main Street. Joyce filled us in on her mother’s busy life, which included more than being a housewife and mother to her and older brother Don Jr.

“Mother was a meticulous housekeeper. In addition to her homemaker duties, she was Dad’s only assistant in running the veterinary business. She answered the phone, took messages and made appointments, she did all the monthly billing, and accepted and kenneled animals brought to the office. Dad often praised her for all she did, regarding her as an equal and important part of the business.” Joyce said.

Easter was a special time for Emily and her children. They traveled by train, the Pennsylvania Railroad, from Muncy to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia where Emily’s father, Harry Worley, met them and drove them to his home in Lansdowne. Harry and his wife, Beatrice, were dedicated Christians. The couple instilled their faith in Emily and her three siblings. Easter was a highlight in Emily’s life due to her faith and the treasured visit with her parents.

Mrs. Lundy enjoyed sitting on the porch in her rocking chair. She joked that she was wearing a hole in the floor of the porch from all her rocking. The residence, at 198 North Main Street, offered mother a clear view of the Route 220 intersection. The porch also had a glider on which neighbors and friends often visited.

In many encounters speaking of her adopted town, Emily always voiced positive remarks. She brought laughter and joy to many with her keen wit and ready smile. Among friendships her daughter recalled were Annabelle McCarty, Jennie Kiesinger, Virginia Callenberger, Alice Davis, and Ruth Diltz. Special to Emily were visits from her beloved sister, Florence Worley, who lived in New Jersey. 

Mrs. Lundy was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, its Ladies Aid Society and Christian Women’s Club. For more than 45 years, she was active in the children’s department as a Sunday school teacher and pianist. She also was a leader in junior church, nursery and vacation Bible School. Emily never learned to drive but faithfully walked to Bethany on Sunday mornings, on Sunday evening for service, and Wednesday evening for prayer meeting. In addition to her church, Emily was invested in the Band Parents Association, the Hughesville Garden Club and the Muncy Valley Hospital Auxiliary.

On October 26, 1986, the Emily Lundy Children’s Chapel was dedicated in her honor. Members of the church were helpful in transforming a room in Bethany United Church into the Children’s Chapel. Francis Frantz built a platform, while he and the late Cloyd Whitmoyer, constructed and placed child-sized pews. Kathy Hall Whipple was instrumental in having a window bearing Emily Lundy’s name placed in the Chapel. Joe Bartlett, local glass artist and Emily’s former neighbor, designed and made the window. Kathy and others also worked diligently in order to have the Chapel completed and dedicated to Emily in 1986. The dedication service took place on Sunday, October 26. Emily was able to attend, and with a smile on her face, cut the ribbon at the Chapel entrance door. She passed away weeks later on December 5.