CLOSED CHURCHES WITHIN THE
PRESENT BOUNDARIES OF THE
SUSQUEHANNA CONFERENCE OF
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
The information for each
church is arranged in alphabetical order within counties. Select a county.
Adams | Bedford | Blair | Bradford | Centre | Clearfield | Clinton | Columbia | Cumberland | Dauphin | Franklin | Fulton | Huntingdon| Juniata | Lackawanna | Luzerne | Lycoming | Mifflin | Montour | Northumberland
| Perry | Pike | Potter | Schuylkill | Snyder | Sullivan | Susquehanna | Tioga | Union | Wayne | Wyoming | York
CENTRE COUNTY PA
1. Aaronsburg Emmanuel EV
Location: Plum Street, village of Aaronsburg
Municipality: Haines township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Plum Street is parallel to and one block north of the PA 45.
The church is on the north side of Plume Street, between Pine Street and
Rachels Way.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Churc
Journal references:
Brief History:
The Aaronsburg class was formed in 1850 and
cooperated with the Methodists in building a small building house in which they
worshiped until erecting their own building in 1881. Aaronsburg was on
the 4-point Millheim charge (with Coburrn St. James, Millheim St. Luke's and
Woodward Trinity) from 1886 until being closed in 1967.
Final disposition:
The building has been a library and
historical museum since 1967.
2. Aaronsburg ME
Location: PA 45, in the village of Aaronsburg
Municipality: Haines township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The church stood on the south side of PA 45, between West
Street and Tattletown Road, to the east of the old academy building. The
1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church
Journal references:
1912,77 – Report of the Superintendent of the Altoona
District: "During the year the Aaronsburg church on the Penns Valley
charge has been sold and I have a check for $125 to hand to the Treasurer of
the Conference Trustees."
1913,37 - $125 received for sale of
church building
Brief History:
This building was dedicated June 25,
1848. In the late 1800's, Aaronsburg was the smallest church on the
6-point Penns Valley Methodist Episcopal charge consisting of Aaronsburg,
Centre Hall, Kreamerville [Smullton], Millheim, Spring Mills, and
Sprucetown.
Final disposition:
The site is an empty lot, to the left of the
old academy building.
3. Axemann UMC
Address: 1575 Axemann Road, village of Axemann
Municipality: Spring township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The village of Axeman is
on PA 144, 2 miles south of Bellefonte. Axemann Road is PA 144. The church is on the east side of PA 144,
south of the intersection with Irish Hollow Road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal References:
2005,233 – united with
Weaver, named New Hope
Brief History:
Axemann was formerly known as Boiling
Springs, and this building’s original name was “The Boiling Springs Harvey Mann
Memorial Church.” The land was given in
1882 by the family of the famous axe manufacturer Harvey Mann, who had died
June 4, 1870. In 1968 the Mthodist
Lemont charge was divided, with Lemont becoming a station appoint and Axemann
and Weaver becoming a two point charge.
In 2005 Axemann and Weaver united to form the present New Hope UMC and
relocate to 1089 E. College Avenue.
Final Disposition:
4. Bald Eagle Valley Community UMC
Address: 111 Runville Road, village of Wingate
Municipality: Boggs township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Wingate is on PA 144, 4
miles north of Bellefonte. Wingate [once
known as Snowshoe Intersection] is at the intersection where PA 144 [Runville
Road] turns north off from old US 220 [Eagle Valley Road, now also designated
PA 504]. The church is one lot north of
the northeast corner of that intersection.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This congregation held services in the
Wingate School House before erecting a union church building with the
cornerstone inscribed with the word “Evangelical” and the date 1897. In 1898 the property was formally deed to
“Calvary United Evangelical Church” – which by denomination mergers became
Evangelical in 1922, Evangelical United Brethren in 1946, and United Methodist
in 1968. That building still stands as
the nucleus of the present complex. In
1969 the building was moved “away from the intersection” by 500 feet and the
bell from the discontinued Methodist church building in Millheim was added.
In 1999 The Wingate (former Evangelical)
and Unionville (former Methodist) congregations united to become Bald Eagle
Valley Community UMC. The churches
continued to meet in their own buildings until 2003, in which year a new
sanctuary, attached to the old Wingate building, was dedicated. The original building now provides office and
classroom space for the present complex.
The congregation voted to close on
2/15/2024 and reorganize as an independent church.
Final disposition:
The property was conveyed to Wingate
Faith: A Global Methodist Community om 2/15/2024 for $59,878.43.
5. Bellefonte Grace UB
Location: High and Thomas Streets, Bellefonte
Municipality: borough of Bellefonte
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
High Street (PA 550) is the main street in the business district.
From the intersection of Water Street and High Street, along Spring Creek by
the big spring, cross the creek and go two blocks. Thomas Street is the
first street after the railroad tracks. The church stood on the northwest
corner of High and Thomas Streets.
Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
1891,18 – church building dedicated
2/1/1891
1946,84 – church and parsonage destroyed
by fire 12/18/1945
Brief History:
The Bellefonte United
Brethren congregation was organized about 1822. The original church
building was a log structure erected in 1822. This was replaced by a
frame building in 1855, and by the structure pictured above in 1891. That
building was destroyed by fire December 18, 1945. The congregation then
purchased and remodeled for worship the Major William F. Reynolds mansion on
the corner of Allegheny and Linn Streets. In 1965 the Grace (former UB)
and Trinity (former EV) congregations united. In 1969 the congregation
moved into its new facilities at 512 Hughes Street, by the Bellefonte Area High
School, and is the present Faith United Methodist Church.
Final disposition:
The site pictured above is now occupied
by a modern home.
6. Bellefonte Trinity EV
Location: 402 Willowbank Street
Municipality: borough of Bellefonte
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Willowbank Street is PA 150, as it leaves the southwest end
of Bellefonte. The church is on the southwest corner of Willowbank Street
and Valentine Hill Road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
Evangelical preaching in
Bellefonte began in the Bush's Addition School House in 1889, and a lot was
purchased that same year. The sanctuary pictured on the left was built
and dedicated in 1892. The large Sunday School annex to the behind the
sanctuary was added in 1925. In 1965 the Grace (former UB) and
Trinity (former EV) congregations united. In 1969 the congregation moved
into its new facilities at 512 Hughes Street, by the Bellefonte Area High
School, and is the present Faith United Methodist Church.
Final disposition:
The building presently occupied by the Church of the
Good Shepherd.
7. Bethesda EV
[Swamp Church]
Location: Swamp Church Road, near the village of Farmer's
Mills
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From Centre Hall, go 4 miles east on PA 192 to Ridge
Road. Turn left on Ridge Road and go 1.5 miles to Penns Cave Road.
Turn left on Penns Cave Road and go 1.5 miles to Swamp Church Road. Turn
right on Swamp Church Road and go 200 yards. The church is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church.
Journal references:
Brief History:
Bethesda Church of the Evangelical Association was
erected in 1855. The congregation was divided during the 1894-1922 split,
and it appears that both groups continued using the building. Eventually
the Evangelical Association faction dwindled away and the United Evangelical
faction prevailed. This was the typical scenario in the area.
The parent Evangelical Association formally transferred [sold?] the
property to the United Evangelical Church in 1906. The congregation
merged into Spring Mills in 1961, when it had declined to only 6 members, and
the building was sold in 1964.
Final disposition:
The chapel is a privately owned and maintained building
available for concerts and weddings.
8. Boalsburg ME
Location: East Pine Street, Boalsburg
Municipality: Harris township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Pine Street runs parallel to and one block north of Main
Street, the old PA 45. From the intersection of PA 45 and Business Route
US 322 east of town, take Main Street, old PA 45, into Boalsburg. Go one
block and turn right on Academy Street. Go one block and turn left on
Pine Street. Go one-half block. The building is on the north side
of Pine Street between Academy Street and Church Street. The 1874 atlas of
Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1887,45 - "At Boalsburg, Pine Grove circuit, a gracious
revival has made a better church a necessity. Something will be reported
next year from this old Methodist stronghold."
Brief History:
The Methodist Church at Boalsburg was organized about
1832, and a meeting house was erected in 1833. While this was one of the
first Methodist church buildings erected in Centre County, the congregation
never was large. It is not known exactly when the congregation ceased to
exist ― but it is not listed in the 1898
Statistics #5, the first reporting of information for individual appointments
on each charge. The 1975 Centre County Heritage, published by the Centre
County Historical Society, page 102, states that the Methodists sold the
property in 1900.
Final disposition:
The church building supposedly was at one time
incorporated into the fire station complex ― but with
all the remodeling and rebuilding done over the years, it appears that none of
the original Methodist building remains.
9. Brush Valley UMC
[Madisonburg EV (Evangelical Association)]
Address: 123 Madisonburg Pike, village of Madisonburg
Municipality: Miles township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Madisonburg is in Brush
Valley on PA 192, 11 miles east of Centre Hall.
Madisonburg Pike is PA 880 heading north off PA 192. The church is on the left, 4 blocks north of
PA 192 on the southwest corner of PA 880 and 4th Street.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This building was erected
by the Evangelical Association in 1854 as that denomination’s second building
in Brush Valley – the others being Rebersburg 1834, Yearick’s 1869, and Wolf’s
Store 1874. The congregation divided
during the 1894-1922 denominational split, but came back to together in this
building in 1922. In 1954 the
congregation purchased to the chapel used by the United Evangelicals during the
split and moved it to the rear of the present building. In 2021, the Rebersburg UMC (former
Evangelical Association) merged into Madisonburg to form the Brush Valley UMC –
the last remaining Evangelical congregation of the 8 (4 Evangelical Association
and 4 dissenting United Evangelical) that once existed in Brush Valley.
In May 2023 the congregation
“disaffiliated” by closing and reorganizing as an independent congregation.
Final Disposition:
The congregation reorganized as the Brush
Valley New Life Church.
10. Centre Furnace ME
Location: PA 26, village of Centre Furnace [north
end of State College]
Municipality: Harris township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The church stood on the east side of present PA 26 "on
the side of the hill opposite the old charcoal iron furnace" at the
approach to State College. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the
exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This church building was a one room wooden structure
with a seating capacity of 100. Apparently it housed a vibrant
congregation. But by the year 1888 many changes had taken place in the
community. The smelting at Centre Furnace had been discontinued, and many
persons moved away. Several new building has been added to the growing
Pennsylvania State College campus, and a sizable village was now located
there. Lemont, too, was growing, and boasted a railroad station.
Since the Centre Furnace church was in such poor repair, the question of
building a new church arose. Some wanted it in Lemont, while others
preferred relocating in the college town. In the end, the congregation
split ― and the Centre Furnace appointment
gave birth to two congregations, and Methodist church buildings were erected in
Lemont and State College.
Final disposition:
Unknown.
11. Centre Hall ME
Location: W. Church Street, Centre Hall
Municipality: borough of Centre Hall
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions: Pennsylvania Avenue (PA 144) and E. Church Street (PA 192) are the two main roads in Centre Hall. From the intersection of PA 144 and PA 192, go west on W. Church Street one-half block. The church site is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1876,49 – new
brick chapel built during the year
Brief History:
This congregation is an outgrowth of the Pennington
congregation, which was located east of town on PA 192. The church building
was erected in 1875 at a cost of about $3500 and remodeled in 1886 at a cost of
over $360. On October 3, 1965, three churches in Centre Hall united to
form a single congregation: St. John's EUB, Centre Hall Methodist, and Sinking
Springs Presbyterian. The united congregation became part of the
Susquehanna Conference EUB, worshiped in the enlarged former Presbyterian
building at 127 S. Pennsylvania Avenue and became Grace United Methodist
Church.
Final disposition:
The building is empty and in poor condition.
12. Centre Hall St. John's EV
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre Hall
Municipality: borough of Centre Hall
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Pennsylvania Avenue (PA 144) is the main road through the
town. The church sat on the northeast corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and
Locust Street. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact
location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
East Pennsylvania
Conference of the Evangelical Association
1903,29
– permission to sell, if necessary
1908,27
– sold; proceeds paid to Litigation Committee
Central Pennsylvania Conference of
the Evangelical Church
1929,100 – only 2 members;
building in need of repairs; plan of care needed
Brief History:
The Evangelical class in Centre Hall was formed about
1870 and met in the storeroom of A.O. Deininger. The first church
building was erected in 1873. Illingsworth's 1896 A Passing Glance at
Penns Valley states: "The Evangelical church is the only frame
one in the town. It has a very respectable constituency, who, in the late
division of the church, warmly espoused the side of Bishop Dubbs. At
present the property is in the hands of the Esher faction, but as that side has
but few adherents, it is more than likely that the property will shortly revert
to its original owners."
Using some of the lumber salvaged from the original
building, a second larger building was erected on the same site in
1907. A
90th anniversary program was celebrated on Nov. 24, 1963. On October 3, 1965, three
churches in Centre Hall united to form a single congregation: St. John's EUB,
Centre Hall Methodist, and Sinking Springs Presbyterian. The united
congregation became part of the Susquehanna Conference EUB, worshiped in the
enlarged former Presbyterian building at 127 S. Pennsylvania Avenue and became
Grace United Methodist Church.
Final disposition:
The remodeled building now houses a sporting goods
store.
13. Centre Line ME
Location: PA 650
Municipality: Half Moon township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The site is on the east side of PA 650, 1 mile north of the
Huntingdon County line. There was also a Centre Line United Brethren
Church, but it was on the other side of the line and in Huntingdon
County. The Centre Line Methodist Episcopal church sat at the northeast
corner of the intersection pictured above. The 1874 atlas of Centre
County indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1870,19 - On November 21, 1869, a frame
church, 28x43' and costing $2000, was dedicated at Centre Line on the Warrior's
Mark circuit.
1910,83 – vestibule and belfry added;
new bell hung; reopened 11/28/1909
1953,55 - The Centre Line church is declared abandoned and
its trustees are authorized to sell the property, the proceeds to be used by
the Warrior's Mark charge.
1954,54&129
- $400 received from sale; funds turned over to district superintendent
Brief History:
A class existed in the area at least since 1861, and the
church was erected in 1869. The appointment was always part of the
Warrior's Mark charge and received preaching services every two
weeks. The last reported financial contribution to the charge was in
1948, and that may be the date of the last regular services. The 1883
county history credits the church with an average attendance of about 12
families, and a membership of about 20 persons. There were 8 members
recorded in 1948 when the last financial contribution was reported, and 6
members reported in 1953 when the appointment was declared abandoned.
Final disposition:
The site is now part of the adjacent farmland.
14. Chestnut Grove ME
[no picture]
Location: Chestnut Grove Road [?]
Municipality: Boggs township [?]
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
North of Runville on PA 144, there is a Chestnut Grove
Road going off to the west. This may be a clue to the
location.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1878,52 - a new church was built on the Snow Shoe
circuit
Brief History:
On Sunday September 9, 1877, pastor Isaiah Edwards of
the Snow Shoe circuit dedicated a new church on that circuit at Chestnut Grove.
This is all that is known about this church. The name "Chestnut
Grove" does not appear in any other context, but the appointment appears
to have been very short-lived.
Final disposition:
Unknown.
15. Clarence UMC
Address: 751 Clarence Road, village of Clarence
Municipality: Snow Shoe township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Clarence is 2 miles north
of Snow Shoe, through which PA 144 runs in an east-west direction. Turn north off PA 144 on Moshannon Avenue and
follow the main road, which turns to join Fourth Street and then becomes
Clarence Road when it leaves town. Go 2
miles. The church is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1899,43 – new church to be built in the
ensuing year
1901,63 – new church built
2023,181 – closed 1/9/2023
Brief History:
This congregation began in 1875 when
Methodists Jacob Harnish, Solomon Silkknitter and Israel Frieze organized a Sunday
School in the old Fountain school house.
Following an 1881 revival, Fountain became a regular appointment on the
Snow Shoe charge. When another revival
in 1895 yielded over 100 converts, plans to erect a church building emerged –
but dissension arose over whether to build in Fountain or in Clarence, the
location from which the most money had been subscribed, and the building plans
were put on hold. In 1889 unity was
restored, and the congregation voted to build in Clarence. The present church building was dedicated
December 1, 1900, on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Budinger – the pews
and chancel rail coming from the old 1845 Milesburg building, and the stained
glass windows coming from the old 1847 Philipsburg building. By 2022 the congregation had dwindled, and
the remaining members voted to close on 1/9/2023.
Final Disposition:
The Clarence property was sold at auction
on 3/25/2023 to Deah H. and Samantha A. Gilbert for a total purchase price of
$51,700.
16. Coleville Olive Branch Chapel ME
Location: 326 Lower Coleville Road, village of Coleville
Municipality: borough of Bellefonte
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
High Street (PA 550) is the main street in the
business district of Bellefonte. From the intersection of Water Street
and High Street, along Spring Creek by the big spring, cross the creek and go
two blocks. Thomas Street is the first street after the railroad
tracks. Turn right on Thomas Street and go 0.5 miles, at which point
Thomas Street turns left and becomes Upper Coleville Road. Proceed 0.5
miles on Upper Coleville Road and turn left (just before the railroad tracks)
on to Lower Coleville Road. Go 2 blocks. The church is on the left.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1907,60 – the church at Coleville on the Pleasant Gap
charge is improved
1925,59 – the trustees of the church at Coleville are
authorized to sell their building and apply the proceeds for the betterment of
the parsonage at Pleasant Gap
Brief History:
The date of the founding of the class or the erection of
the building is unknown. Coleville first appears in the Missionary
Reports in 1894, and it seems to replace the Pleasant View appointment.
The M.E. building there was called Olive Branch Chapel, founded 2/10/1906 with
81 members, with the American Lime and Stone Company giving the land, stone and
lime for its construction. The property
was reportedly sold to the Pilgrim Holiness Church in 1925, which by
denomination merger is now the Wesleyan Church.
Final disposition:
The structure now houses the Coleville Wesleyan Church.
17. Decker ME, see Locust Grove EV
18. Egg Hill EV
Location: Egg Hill Road
Municipality: Potter township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From Potters Mills, the intersection of US 322 and PA 144,
go north on PA 144 0.5 miles to Upper Georges Valley Road. Turn right
onto Upper Georges Valley Road and go 1 mile to Egg Hill Road. Turn left
and go 1 mile on Egg Hill Road. The church is on the left. The 1874
atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the
building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
Journal references:
Brief History:
John Dauberman moved from New Berlin in Union County to
Potter township in 1799. He erected a church on Egg Hill in 1837 that
became the mother church of the Evangelical work in this part of the
county. The original church was replaced by the present structure in
1860. The church was one of the few that remained with the Evangelical
Association during the 1894-1922 split. It was closed in 1927. In
1979, the structure was placed on the National Register of Historic
Places. In 1980 the site was transferred to the Egg Hill Conservancy
Corporation with a reversion clause should they fail to maintain the
property.
Final disposition:
The site is in the care of the Egg Hill Conservancy
Corporation.
19. Fairview EV
Location: on the old PA 150 that was relocated for the
Sayers Dam
Municipality: Howard township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
[part of the Sayers Dam project]
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This class was organized in 1873 in the
Fairview schoolhouse. A building was erected in 1880. When the
Fairview (former Evangelical in Howard township) and Hunters Run (former
Methodist in Liberty township) congregations were forced to relocate due to
construction of the Sayers Dam, the congregations united in 1967 to form the
present Faith Chapel United Methodist Church and erect a new building on 551
Hunter Run Road in 1968.
Final disposition:
The final service was held in the
building on May 26, 1968. The site is now part of the Sayers Dam
project. The 1880 cornerstone pictured above was placed in the 1968 Faith
Chapel.
20. Fairview Union UB
Location: Fairview Road
Municipality: Boggs township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of I-80 and PA 150, go 2 miles east on
PA 150 to Curtin Hollows Road. Turn left on Curtin Hollows Road and go 2
miles to Fairview Road. The church is on the left, at the intersection of
Curtin Hollows Road and Fairview Road.
Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren
Church
Journal references:
1960,148 - all 31 members withdrew
without certificates
Brief History:
The United Brethren had 1/2 ownership in this building,
which was part of the Runville charge. When the Allegheny Conference
disbanded in 1951, the Runville charge became part of the Central Pennsylvania
Conference of the EUB Church. The motivation for the congregation to
withdraw en mass in 1960 was not documented.
Final disposition:
The building is not in use.
21. Fillmore UMC
Address: 2622 Buffalo Run Road
Municipality: Benner township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Buffalo Run Road is PA
550. From the intersection of North Atherton
Street (old US 322) and PA 550 west of State College, go 5 miles north on PA
550. The church is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1884,55 – new church building dedicated
2/24/1884
2015,139 – merged, with Valley View, into
Buffalo Run for form Greater Buffalo Valley UMC
Brief History:
Methodist preaching in the area was begun
in 1843 by the preacher of the Warrior’s Mark circuit. A church building was erected in 1852 on the
hill above the present site. That
structure was destroyed by fire in 1882, and the present building was dedicated
in 1884. For many years, Fillmore was
one of six church buildings (along with Gray’s, Ross, Scotia, Stormstown,
Waddle) on the historic Half Moon charge.
In 2006 Fillmore became part of a three-point charge with former EUB
churches Buffalo Run and Valley View. On
12/4/2014 Fillmore and Valley view merged into Buffalo Run to become the
Greater Buffalo Valley UMC. The final
service for leave-taking at Fillmore was held 4/15/2018.
Final disposition:
22. Green Grove EV (Evangelical Association)
Location: Green Grove Road, village of Green Grove
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Brush Mountain Road goes north off PA 45 2 miles east of
Spring Mills (or 4 miles west of Millheim). Go north on Brush Mountain
Road 1 mile to the intersection with Green Grove Road. Turn right and go
0.5 miles. The church site and remaining cemetery are on the right.
The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
Journal references:
Brief History:
This congregation divided as a result of the 1894
denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical Association
kept the building, but the congregation did not survive.
Final disposition:
The church building is gone, but the cemetery remains.
23. Green Grove St. Paul EV (United Evangelical)
Location: 301 Brush Mountain Road, village of Green Grove
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Brush Mountain Road goes north off PA 45 2 miles east of
Spring Mills (or 4 miles west of Millheim). Go north on Brush Mountain
Road 1 mile to the intersection with Green Grove Road. The church is near
the southwest corner of the intersection of Brush Mountain and Green Grove
Roads.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1928,69 – discontinued
1929,99 – permission
to move building to Spring Mills if desired
1931,90 – permission to move building
to Spring Mills extended for one year
1933,96 – permission to sell
1937,71 – $189.80 realized from sale of Green Grove
church building
Brief History:
This building was erected in 1897 by the dissenting
members of the Green Grove Church of the Evangelical Association that chose to
side with the United Evangelical Church. The congregation was
discontinued in 1928. In 1932 the Brethren in Christ denomination began
meeting in the adjacent brick school house located at the crossroads.
When that congregation needed larger quarters, they purchased the Green Grove
church building in April 1936 for $200.00.
Final disposition:
The renovated building now houses the Green Grove
Brethren in Christ congregation.
24. Hannah UMC
Address: 10756 Eagle Valley Road, village of Hannah
Municipality: Taylor township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Eagle Valley Road is the old US 220. The village of Hannah is 3 miles south of
Port Matilda on old US 220. The church
is on the west side of the highway.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
2023,180 – closed 10/3/2022
2023,276 – sold 12/8/2022 for $2000 to
Warren Walk Jr and Warren Walk III
Brief History:
The church closed 10/3/2022
Final disposition:
The building was sold on
12/22/2022 to Warren Walk for $2000, the low price a byproduct of dealing with
various reversion clauses.
25. Hecla EV
[no picture]
Location: south off PA 64, between Zion and Hublersburg
Municipality: Walker township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From Pleasant Gap, go 7 miles east on PA 64 to Hecla
Road. The Hecla Furnace operations and community were 0.5 miles south of
PA 64 on Hecla Road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
1928,70 - membership transferred to Hublersburg
1930,54 - former parsonage at Clintondale sold, Hecla's
share of the proceeds reverts to the conference
Brief History:
The Hecla Furnace was built in 1820 and ceased operating
in 1864, but Hecla Park was opened by the Central Railroad in 1894 as an
amusement park on the former furnace grounds. While the Evangelicals had
a long-standing appointment at Hecla, it is unclear where they met and whether
they ever owned a building.
Final disposition:
Unknown.
26. Howard St. John's UMC
Location: 136 Grove Street, Howard
Municipality: borough of Howard
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Walnut Street (PA 26) is the main north-south road through
Howard. From the intersection of PA 150 and PA 26 north of town, cross
the lake and enter the borough. The first cross street is Main
Street. Turn right on Main Street and go one block to Grove Street.
Turn left on Grove Street and go two blocks to Maple Street. The church
stood on the southeast corner of Gove and Maple Streets.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
2009,341 – church building sold
2009,341 – parsonage sold
Brief History:
In the 1880's a group of Evangelical people living in
the borough of Howard felt the need for a church of their denomination within
the town. A plot of ground was purchased at the corner of Grove and Maple
Streets, and the corner stone for the new building was laid November 15,
1885. The Howard congregation was formally organized on January 12, 1886,
and the new building was occupied May 30, 1886. In 1894 an 8-point Howard
circuit was created by detaching 5 appointments from the Nittany Valley circuit and
3 appointments from the Milesburg circuit. In 1902, a parsonage was
constructed in the borough, solidifying the Howard congregation's position as
the home church on the charge.
Over the years the membership dwindled down to less than 25
members. Talks of closing the church began in 2002. With the help
of lay speakers and nearby Faith Chapel United Methodist Church, and a
determination to revitalize itself, the congregation was able to continue for a
few more years. Finally, a decision was made to close the church. A
service of decommissioning was held November 20, 2005.
Final disposition:
The church building is now owned and operated by the
Howard Area Museum and Historical Society.
27. Hublersburg EV
Location: Hublersburg Road, village of Hublersburg
Municipality: Walker township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Hublersburg Road is the old PA 64. The church stood on
the north side of the road, two lots east of the post office. The 1874
atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church.
Journal references:
1930,58 – detached from State College and
added to Howard circuit
Brief History:
This class was formed prior to 1870, and the church
building was erected in 1873. For many years Hublersburg was (along with
Howard, Wingate and Zion) one of the four enduring appointments on the Howard
charge of the Evangelical Church. The building was deeded from the
Evangelical Association to the United Evangelical Church May 15, 1896. The church was remodeled in 1906 and closed
for a period of time in 1923. In October
1963 Hublersburg voted to join with Zion for worship, and the church was officially
closed in 1965. The building was sold in 1966.
Final disposition:
The church building was purchased by Harry and Amanda
Yearick and dismantled in 1975. The site is now occupied by a mobile
home.
28. Hunters Run ME
Location: on the old PA 150 that was relocated for the
Sayers Dam
Municipality: Liberty township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
[part of the Sayers Dam project]
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1897,60 – congregation moves from school
house they occupied for years to a new brick church building
Brief History:
The Hunters Run congregation was organized about
1856. The appointment was called Runner's until 1864 and then Schenk's
until 1870, when the name Hunters Run was adopted. The congregation met
in schoolhouses until erecting a brick building in 1896. When the
Fairview (former Evangelical in Howard township) and Hunters Run (former
Methodist in Liberty township) congregations were forced to relocate due to
construction of the Sayers Dam, the congregations united in 1967 to form the
present Faith Chapel United Methodist Church and erect a new building on 551
Hunter Run Road in 1968.
Final disposition:
The final service was held in the building on
September 24, 1967, after which the building was razed. The site is now
under water. The 1896 cornerstone pictured above was placed in the 1968
Faith Chapel.
29. Jacksonville EV
Location: village of Jacksonville
Municipality: Walker township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From Howard go 2 miles south on PA
26 [Walnut Street] to Jacksonville Road.
At this point, PA 26 turns right and Jacksonville is 0.5 miles to the
left. The Frain/Evangelical/Oak Grove
Cemetery is on the northeast corner of this intersection and assumed to be the
site of the church.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1901,39 – I. S. Frain holds the deed and offers the deed
with certain restrictions; congregation advised to accept the
restrictions
1902,42 – problem
of 1901 not yet resolved; advice repeated
1928,70 – discontinued
1929,57 – building sold; proceeds to
Conference Church Extension Society
Brief History:
The history of this congregation is vague. The
1883 History of Centre County states that the class "was formed a few
years ago, their house of meeting is situated at Jacksonville, and services are
held every two weeks." It also states that the building is called Albright's
Church, after denominational founder Jacob Albright, and that the building
"is also occasionally used by the Lutherans." The appointment
appears to have been dropped during the reorganization and consolidation in the
years following the 1922 re-merger of the Evangelical Association and the
United Evangelical Church. The congregation was United Evangelical during
the split.
Final disposition:
Unknown.
30. Julian Faith UMC
Location: Railroad Avenue, village of Julian
Municipality: Huston township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions: The village of Julian is off Eagle Valley Road [old US 200], 8 miles northeast of Port Matilda. Cross the railroad tracks into the village of Julian. Railroad Street is the first cross street. Turn right and go 3 blocks. The church stood on the southeast corner of Railroad Avenue and Bald Eagle Street. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren
Church
Journal references:
1991,222 - merged into the former Julian Methodist
church to form the present Christ United Methodist Church
Brief History:
The United Brethren class in Julian was organized in the
fall of 1869, in which year also a house of worship was erected at a cost of
$1000. The building was remodeled and greatly improved during the 1927-27
pastorate of Rev. Leroy Culp. From 1905
to 1983 the church was part of the 4-point Port Matilda United Brethren charge
consisting of Black Oak, Centre Line, Julian and Mount Pleasant.
Final disposition:
The building has been razed, and the site is now an
empty lot.
31. Kennedy UMC
Location: Nursery Road
Municipality: Howard township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the interchange of I-80 and PA 150, go 4 miles north on
PA 150 to Nursery Road. Turn right onto Nursery Road and go 1 mile.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1899,48 – new church building dedicated
7/31/1898
1973,99 – congregation
discontinued
1974,210 – building
sold to the Church of Christ
Brief History:
The Methodist society at Mt. Eagle [then called
Mechanicsville] began in a private home in 1848. The cornerstone for
their first building was laid in 1896, and the building was ready for use in
1898. The building was sold in 1974, with the proceeds going to Faith
United Methodist Church, the united successor of the former Fairview Evangel
and Hunters Run Methodist congregations.
Final disposition:
The building was purchased and used by the Mt. Eagle
Church of Christ. The structure was destroyed by arson on January 1,
2007. The congregation has since built a new structure at the same
location in 2008, but the front-back orientation of the new building is the
reverse from the original one.
32. Lemont EV
Location: Mount Nittany Road
Municipality: College township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the interchange at the north end of State College of PA
26 and US 322, go one mile north on PA 26 to the next major intersection:
Houserville Road goes to the left into Houserville, Pike Street goes to the
right into Lemont. Turn right and follow Pike Street 1 mile to Mount
Nittany Road. Turn left. The church building is on the left.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
The cornerstone was laid May 13, 1883 ― one of two Evangelical cornerstones laid the on same
day on the same charge, the other being at Milesburg. The building was
36x50'. On January 1, 1972, the congregation merged into the former
Lemont Methodist congregation at the latter's new building at 1500 Branch Road
to form the present Mount Nittany United Methodist Church.
Final disposition:
The building is now a specialty store.
33. Lemont ME
Location: Mount Nittany Road, village of Lemont
Municipality: College township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the interchange at the north end of State College of PA
26 and US 322, go one mile north on PA 26 to the next major intersection:
Houserville Road goes to the left into Houserville, Pike Street goes to the
right into Lemont. Turn right and follow Pike Street 1 mile to Mount
Nittany Road. Turn left and follow Mount Nittany Road 3 blocks to Berry
Street. The church building is on the northeast corner of Berry Street
and Mount Nittany Road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
The Methodist presence in the village of Lemont dates
from 1888, when the growing congregation at Centre Furnace decided to divide in
two and establish congregations in the more populous communities of Lemont and
State College. On September 18, 1966, the congregation broke ground to
relocate at 1500 Branch Road. That facility was ready for use in January
1968. On January 1, 1972, they were joined by the former Lemont
Evangelical Church to form the present Mount Nittany United Methodist Church.
Final disposition:
The building is now an art studio.
34. Linden Hall EV (Evangelical Association)
[no picture]
Location: Brush Valley Road, village of Linden Hall
Municipality: Harris township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Brush Valley Road is the main east-west road through Centre
Hall ― it is PA 192 east of Centre Hall. From
Centre Hall, go 6 miles west on Brush Valley Road to Rock Hill Road, which only
goes to the left. The church stood on the right side of the road,
opposite Rock Hill Road. The 1850 Evangelical Association
structure stood to the left of the 1897 United Evangelical building pictured
below. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of
the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
Journal references:
1928,105 - permission to sell
Brief History:
The church was built about 1854. This
congregation divided as a result of the 1894 denominational split. Those
remaining with the Evangelical Association kept the building, but the
congregation did not survive.
Final disposition:
35. Linden Hall EV (United Evangelical)
Location: Brush Valley Road, village of
Linden Hall
Municipality: Harris township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Brush Valley Road is the main east-west road through
Centre Hall ― it is PA 192 east of Centre Hall.
From Centre Hall, go 6 miles west on Brush Valley Road to Rock Hill Road, which
only goes to the left. The church stood on the right side of the road,
opposite Rock Hill Road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1928,105 - permission to sell
Brief History:
This building was erected in 1897 by the dissenting
members of the Linden Hall church of the Evangelical Association that chose to
side with the United Evangelical Church. The congregation was
discontinued in 1928.
Final disposition:
The building has been restored and is now part of the
Linden Hall Historic District. The United Evangelicals were commonly
called Dubsites (after their leader Bishop Rudolph Dubs) and the Evangelical
Association loyalists commonly called Esherites (after their leader Bishop J.J.
Esher). Within the Historic District, the United Evangelical building
pictured above is known as the Dubsite Church.
36. Locust Grove EV
[Deckers
ME aka Synagogue Church]
Location: Lower Georges Valley Road
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of US 322 and PA 144, go 0.5 miles
north on PA 144 to Lower Georges Valley Road. Turn right on Lower Georges
Valley Road and go 3 miles to Synagogue Gap Road. The church is on the
southwest corner of Lower Georges Valley Road and Synagogue Gap Road. The
1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1962,80 – merged
into Spring Mills
1975,116
- sold
Brief History:
This building was erected by the Methodists on the
Decker farm in 1844, but the area was never fertile Methodist territory.
By 1882 the unused building had deteriorated to the point that sheep were
taking shelter in the ruins and it was known locally as "Decker's Sheep
Pen." That year it was purchased for the Evangelical Association,
given a steeple, and siding to cover the original log walls. The
congregation dwindled over the years, and on November 26, 1961, there was a
unanimous vote to merge into the EUB (former Evangelical) congregation in
Spring Mills. The last recorded regular service in the building took
place February 11, 1962.
Final disposition:
The property was sold in 1975 to Robert Steiger for
$4,000 and has remained unimproved.
37. Madisonburg EV (United Evangelical)
Location:
Municipality:
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1904,40 – lost use of rented hall; permission to build
1924,35 – parsonage sold
1928,105 – permission to sell church building
Brief History:
The 1883 History of Centre County lists
the four Evangelical Association churches (and their memberships) along PA 192
on the Brush Valley charge: Yearick's (39), Madisonburg (50), Rebersberg (45),
Wolf's Store (17). The congregation at Madisonburg divided as a result of the
1894 denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical
Association kept the building ― and untypically to
the area it was the stronger of the two congregations and the one whose
building was used after the 1922 denominational reunion (and is now houses the
United Methodist Church). Those siding with the United Evangelical Church
found themselves without a place to worship.
The congregation worshiped in a rented
hall for ten years. When that lease expired they erected a small chapel
that they used until remerging back into the congregation that had remained
with the Evangelical Association during the 1894-1922 split.
Final disposition:
The United Evangelical church building became the KGE
[Knights of the Golden Eagle] lodge. In 1954 the Madisonburg EUB (former
Evangelical Association) congregation purchased the structure and added it to
the rear of their building. This is the addition in the picture above of
the Madisonburg United Methodist Church.
38. Marion EV
[St. Paul’s? Upper
Marion? Lower Marion?]
[no picture]
Location: unknown
Municipality: Marion township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1929,99 –
"that the church at Marion on Bellefonte charge be sold, and
disposition of the same be placed in the hands of...the pastor at Bellefonte,
with power to employ whatever means necessary"
1945,31&95 – permission for
superintendent and Bellefonte pastor to sell; proceeds to Bellefonte
1946,95 – church building and
furnishings sold
Brief History:
This class started in the Harter home, about six miles
from Bellefonte on the Jacksonville Road, possibly as early as 1835 when the
Harters moved to the area from Penns Valley. The class later moved to a schoolhouse
and was called the Harter school house appointment. When Elmer Bartley
donated a site for a church, the cornerstone was laid on October 16, 1904, and
the building was occupied in 1905. The structure was 28x40' with a tower
on the corner. The congregation had only 18 members when it erected the
building, and it was never large. Sometimes simply referred to as Marion,
the appointment spent most of its existence being shuffled back and forth
between the Howard and Milesburg circuits. By 1926 the Marion
congregation had ceased to exist. The building was torn down by 1948.
Final disposition:
39. Marsh Creek EV
Location: 1725 Summit Hill Road
Municipality: Curtin township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the borough of Howard, travel north 1 mile on PA 26 to
the intersection with PA 150, at which point PA 26 ends. Continue
straight across PA 150 on Howard Divide Road. Follow Howard Divide Road 3
miles until it ends at Marsh Creek Road. Turn left on Marsh Creek Road
and go 2 miles to Summit Hill Road. Turn right on Summit Hill Road and go
1 mile to Mantown Road. The church is on the northeast corner of Summit
Hill Road and Mantown Road. The 1874 atlas of Centre County
indicates the exact location of the building, which was then a schoolhouse.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
THIS MAY REFER TO THIS
PROPERTY
1940,93 – “the disposal of
the Curtin church on the Howard charge be referred to the district
superintendent, pastor and trustees
of said church, with power to act”
also: the 5/23/1942 obituary of a Mr. John Baptist Lucas states that he “was a
member of the Curtin
Evangelical Church.”
Brief History:
The property appears to have been deeded to the
Evangelical Association 1890. In 1894 the appointment was placed on the
newly created Howard charge. The appointment appears to drop off the Howard
charge in 1897 or 1898, and its fate after that is not known.
Final disposition:
The building now houses the Summit Hill Wesleyan
Church. It is reported to have first been sold to the Brethren in Christ
denomination, and then to the Pilgrim Holiness denomination ― which, by merger, is now the Wesleyan Church. The site includes the Summit Hill Cemetery.
40. Marsh Creek UB
[no
picture]
Location:
Municipality:
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
exact location unknown
Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
1892,23 – new fence; yard filled up
Brief History:
The Wallace Run Charge contained classes
from Runville [Wallace Run], Marsh Creek, Pleasant Valley, Fairview, Chestnut
Grove, Mann's and Yarnell. About 1855 preaching began in Wallace Run and
Yarnell. The church was established at Wallace Run in 1872; Marsh Creek was
established about 1884; Pleasant Valley was established about 1893. In 1897
Wallace Run changed its name to Runville. Mann's and Marsh Creek left the
Charge in 1905; Chestnut Grove left in 1914; Fairview left about 1950.
Runville, Yarnell, and Pleasant Valley now constitute the Charge.
Final disposition:
41. Milesburg EV
[no picture]
Location:
Municipality:
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
exact location unknown
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
The cornerstone was laid May 13, 1883 ― one of two Evangelical cornerstones laid the on
same day on the same charge, the other being at Lemont. The building was
a 28x48' sanctuary with an attached 12x16' classroom. For many years
there was a Milesburg circuit, then it was demoted to the Milesburg mission (a
circuit that is not self-supporting). In 1919 the Milesburg mission was
discontinued and the remaining appointments were added to the Howard circuit,
but the exact fate of the Milesburg congregation was not recorded.
Final disposition:
42. Millheim Simpson ME
Location: 119 East Main Street, Millhein
Municipality: borough of Millheim
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Main Street is PA 45. The church is on the south side of
the street, near the east end of town. The 1874 atlas of Centre County
indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1887,45 – “rebuilt” at a cost of $3000
Brief History:
After Methodist circuit riders preached outdoors in
Penns Valley in the 1830's, a congregation was formally organized in
1840. The class met in the Penn Street School and in the Evangelical
Association Church across the street. Revivals increased the membership
to the point that the present brick church was erected in 1857. Nine
years later the building was remodeled, including the addition of stained glass
windows. The congregation began to decline after the turn of the century,
and the appointment was discontinued in the 1920's. The appointment was
for many years on the 5-point Penns Valley charge with Centre Hall, Smullton,
Spring Mills and Sprucetown. Its last
reported membership was 43 in 1926, with most of the membership apparently
transferred to Spring Mills the following year.
Final disposition:
The Millheim Lodge of the IOOF purchased the property in
1927. The structure currently houses
several apartments, and for many years the Millheim post office was located on
the first floor.
43. Millheim St. Lukes UMC
Address: 117 S. Penn Street
Municipality: borough of Millheim
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of PA 445 (which
goes north) and PA 45 in Millheim, go south on Penn Street 2 blocks. The church is on the left.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
2011,230 - discontinued
Brief History:
This congregation began in 1806 when Jacob
Albright, John Walter and George Miller preached at various places in Union and
Centre counties. W.W. Orwig’s History of
the Evangelical Association has many references – including, “By 1811 the
society at Millheim had increased considerably.” This was the first congregation in the town,
and its 1842 building on the present site was the first church building in the
town. It is reported to have been the
first Evangelical Association church building to have a tower and a bell. In 1883 the original building was moved to
the back of the lot and the present structure erected. The original build was eventually moved
across the creek and used for secular purposes until it burned down prior to
1900. In 1942 a brick schoolhouse was
purchased to become the nucleus of the adjoining educational unit. St. Luke’s closed officially June 30, 2011,
although there had been no worship services there since the previous fall.
Final disposition:
The building has been sold
and is now home to the Calvary Penns Valley congregation. Calvary is an independent “church without
walls” ministry with facilities in Boalsburg, Lewistown, Millheim and Tyrone.
44. Millheim UB
Location: 142 West Main Street, Millheim
Municipality: borough of Millheim
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Main Street is PA 45. The church is on the north side
of the street, near the west end of town. The 1874 atlas of Centre County
indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren
Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
In the early 1880's, a United Brethren class worshiped in
the English schoolhouse located on this site. Prominent United Brethren
circuit rider Adam Noon was buried in the graveyard across the alley from the
back of the schoolhouse in 1846. In 1860 the congregation purchased the
schoolhouse property, assumed the responsibility for the cemetery, and erected
the existing building. There was a Millheim United Brethren circuit (the
most consistent appointments being Eastville [in Sugar Valley, Clinton County],
Millheim and Rebersburg from 1877 to 1898 ― but
it never was strong, and was sometimes served irregularly by pastors coming
from Bellefonte or South Williamsport. The congregation disbanded about
1901, and the property was sold in 1904.
Final disposition:
The building is now a private home. The attic reportedly
still bears religious decorations and inscriptions. A subsequent
owner of the cemetery property plowed over and the land and placed the
grace stones in a pile ― and over the years neighbors
and descendants of those interred there have gradually removed the stones.
45. Mountain Emanuel EV
[Mountain Emanuel
ME]
Location:
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
original site: From the intersection
of US 322 and PA 144, go 0.5 miles north on PA 144 to Lower Georges Valley
Road. Turn right on Lower Georges Valley Road and go 4 miles to Vonada
Gap Road. Turn right and go 2 miles to where Lingle Valley Road goes to
the left, at which point Vonada Gap Road becomes Mountain Church Road.
Continue straight on Mountain Church Road about 20 yards to a lane to a
cemetery off to the left. This was the original site of the
building. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of
the building.
relocated site: From the original site,
return 20 yards to Lingle Valley Road. Turn right on Lingle Valley Road
and go 3 miles to the village of Zerby and Penns Creek Road. Turn left on
Penns Creek Road. The church is on the left, hidden among the foliage.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
Journal references:
Brief History:
This building was erected by the Methodists in 1856 and
later sold to the Evangelical Association. The Evangelical Association
kept the building in the 1894 split, but moved it off the mountain to a more
populous location. The congregation still did not thrive, and the work
was abandoned before the 1922 denominational re-union.
This is believed to be the church used by the Brethren in
Christ 1929-32, before they relocated their efforts to Greene Grove in 1933 and
eventually purchased the United Evangelical church in that community.
Final disposition:
The building is in ruins and falling down.
46. Mountain Emanuel ME, see Mountain Emanuel EV
47. Mountain St. John's EV
Location: Vonada Gap Road
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This building was erected in 1897 by the dissenting
members of the Mountain church of the Evangelical Association that chose to
side with the United Evangelical Church. The land was donated by Benjamin
Ripka. The congregation ceased holding services sometime before 1935, as
the building was sold about that year to Austin Confer.
Final disposition:
Austin Confer and his then 14-year old son Warren
dismantled the building and hauled it to their farm in Georges Valley, where
they erected a shed, believed to be the building pictured above, with the
lumber. The land returned to the donor's property.
48. Mount Pleasant UMC
Address: Hoover Lane
Municipality: Taylor township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From Port Matilda, go 4 miles south on old US
220 to Fowler Hollow Road. Turn right onto
Fowler Hollow Road and go 2.5 miles to Hoover Lane. Turn right onto Hoover Lane and go 1
mile. The church is on the left.
Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United
Brethren Church
Journal references:
2023,180 – closed 9/11/2022
Brief History:
Three Centre County (Black Oak, Julian,
Mount Pleasant) and one Huntingdon County (Center Line) appointments were
united in 1879 to form the long-standing (until 1983) Port Matilda charge, with
parsonage at Port Matilda. This church
building was erected in 1902 while W.R. Dillen was pastor and dedicated by
presiding elder J.I.L. Ressler. On
9/11/2022 the congregation voted to close, and the final service was held
11/6/2022.
Final disposition:
The property was transferred to the Mt.
Pleasant Cemetery Association for $1.00 on 5 /22/2023.
49. Nittany EV
Location: PA route 64, village of Nittany
Municipality: Walker township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The church stood on the south side of PA 64, a few lots west
of the intersection with PA 445.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1930,58 – detached from
Howard circuit and added to Lock Haven mission
1979,A61 – permission for Sugar Valley
Camp Association to remove the pews
Brief History:
The Evangelical work in Nittany began about 1887, using
a Union church which later became the property of the Disciples. The
Evangelical building was dedicated December 27, 1896 on land deeded to the
United Evangelical Church the previous July 30 by Fannie H, and William
Emerick. The building was extensively
remodeled in 1918. Declining membership led to the closing of the church
in 1965. During the last years, church services were held only once a
month ― although the Sunday School continued to meet
every week.
Final disposition:
By deed, the ground and building reverted to the
original parcel of land from which it had been taken. When the building
could not be sold to someone willing to move it, it was dismantled in
1985. A stone planter marks the site of the church building.
50. Oak Hall EV
[no picture]
Location: village of Oak Hall
Municipality: College township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The 1874 atlas of Centre County [Harris township, as College
township was not created until 1875] indicates the exact location of the
building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
Journal references:
Brief History:
The 1874 atlas of Centre County identifies and
"Albright Church". The 1892 Biographical and Portrait
Cyclopedia of Blair County, while discussing William G. Waring [great-grandfather
of noted musician Fred Waring], states: "He called together the first
county teachers' institute, which met during the first week of October, 1850,
in the old Oak Hall school house (since used as an Evangelical church) in
Centre county, where Mr. Waring was teaching at the time." These are
the only known references to the Evangelical work at Oak Hall. The Oak
Hall school house functioned at least until 1857, and so the Evangelical
Association acquired the building sometime between 1857 and 1874.
It is assumed the congregation remained with the Evangelical Association during
the 1894 split and did not survive.
Final disposition:
The 1975 Centre County Heritage, published by the Centre
County Historical Society, page 106, states that the school building described
above was "located near what is now the office of the Neidigh Brothers
Stone Quarry...Some years later a new school building was erected... The old
building was demolished and Victor Grange built a hall in its place.. Grange meetings
were held there until about 1918."
51. Paradise EV
[Mussers Church]
Location: Paradise Road
Municipality: Penn township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the borough of Millheim, go 1 mile west on PA 45 to
Paradise Road. Go south on Paradise Road 2 miles. The cemetery and
church site are on the left. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates
the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church.
Journal references:
Brief History:
Jacob Albright himself preached in Penns Valley, and in
1804 Centre County was included on the Northumberland circuit. John
Sebastian Musser was an early convert and one of the grantors of the land for
this church ― which was the first church of the
Evangelical Association in Centre County. The denomination's very
significant 1839 General Conference was held in this church, but soon
thereafter many of the key families migrated to Illinois and the relative
remoteness of this location made it less desirable than other Evangelical
churches erected in surrounding communities. After being inactive for ten
years, the church was officially closed in 1960 and dismantled in 1963.
The 1975 Centre County Heritage, published by the Centre County Historical
Society, pages 182-183, gives a history of the church.
Final disposition:
This cemetery was maintained by St. James Coburn UMC
members following the closure of St. Luke's UMC in Millheim until the creation
of the Historic Paradise Church Cemetery Association in 2021. The property deed
was transferred to the association November 19, 2021 for $1. The site
of the church building is marked by a stone monument erected in 1974.
52. Paradise UB
Location: Buffalo Run Road
Municipality: Patton township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of North Atherton Street [old US 322]
and PA 550, go north on PA 550 1 mile. The site is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren
Church
Journal references:
1933,64 - declared vacant, placed in
hands of conference trustees
1936,89 - removed and rebuilt at Houserville, the ground
reverting to the original owners
Brief History:
The United Brethren class here was formed in the summer
of 1880, and the church building was dedicated in September of that year.
The neighborhood was originally a rough area called Helltown, where the men
were known to be cruel and uncivil. Then there was a revival, thew church
was built, and the area became Paradise. There were 7 members when the
class was founded in the summer of 1880, and 42 members by September
1881. Always a part of the Houserville charge, its membership began to
dwindle in the 1920's. The appointment was declared
vacant in 1933.
Final disposition:
The site is now an empty lot, surrounded by
shrubbery. The former Paradise church building is now the eastern addition
to the Houserville Church, moved and reconstructed there in 1935.
53. Pennington Chapel ME
Location: PA 192
Municipality: Potter township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of PA 144 and PA192 in Centre Hall, go
east on PA 192 0.7 miles to a farm lane on left. The site is
approximately 200 yards up the hill on left, surrounded with a chain-link
fence.
Historic Conference:
Baltimore Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church,
as the church was vacated before the formation of the Central Pennsylvania
Conference in 1868
Journal references:
Brief History:
Robert Pennington Sr. came to Penns Valley in 1786, and
his home soon became a Methodist preaching point. A log church building
was erected in 1814 and used regularly until 1854, when Robert Pennington Jr.
died and the Pennington descendants moved west. The church building was
purchased about 1863 by Jacob and Samuel Harpster, who razed the structure and
sawed the timbers into planks to construct houses in Centre Hall.
Final disposition:
A cemetery remains.
54. Pine Grove Mills ME
Location: West Pine Grove Road, village of Pine Grove Mills
Municipality: Ferguson yownship
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Pine Grove Road is PA 45. The church building is on
the north side of the street, the second structure west of King Street, across
from the Lutheran Church. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the
exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1946,31 – permission to
sell; proceeds to other churches on the charge
Brief History:
This one one of four Methodist Episcopal church
buildings in Ferguson township in the 1800's (viz., Gatesburg, Meeks, Pine
Grove Mills, Pine Hall). Methodist preaching in the area goes back to
1811, when Bishop McKendree visited a home just west of town. Pine Grove
Mills appears as an appointment on the Warriors Mark charge as early as
1846. This building was constructed on land deeded to the Methodists on
September 19, 1859. Membership dwindled over the years and the last
regular services were held about 1943. The decision to formally close the
church and sell the property was made in 1946.
Final disposition:
The property and fixtures, including the pews, were sold
at a public sale on August 31, 1946. The building is now a private
residence.
55. Pine Hall ME
Location: Pine Hall Road
Municipality: Ferguson township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
This section of Pine Hall Road is the old West College
Avenue [PA 26], now by-passed by a sweeping curve in the relocated West College
Avenue southwest of State College. Go 1.5 miles southwest of State
College on West College Avenue [PA 26] to Science Park Road. Turn right
on Science Park Road and go 0.5 miles to Pine Hall Road. Turn right on
Pine Hall Road. The site is on the right. The 1874 atlas of Centre
County indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This was one of four Methodist Episcopal church
buildings in Ferguson township in the 1800's (viz., Gatesburg, Meeks, Pine
Grove Mills, Pine Hall). The church was erected on 1850, and regular
services there were discontinued in 1882. The property was sold in 1885
to be used as a band hall and community building, with the condition that no
dancing be held in the structure. Illingsworth's 1896 A Passing
Glance at Penns Valley states: "There stands the remains of the
old Northampton Methodist church, one of the first churches of that
denomination in the county. A remarkable fact in the history of Rev.
Asbury Guyer, now located at State College, is that over forty years ago he
served this old church as pastor, and now he returned to preside over his
charge of long ago to find the complexion of everything changed."
Final disposition:
The church building was torn down in 1896 and eventually
replaced by the Washington Grange Hall, the structure pictured above. The
property is now in private hands ― but the owners of
the building do not own the former Pine Hall Methodist Cemetery, which
remains unkept.
56. Rebersburg EV (United Evangelical)
[no picture]
Location:
Municipality:
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1924,35 - church building sold
Brief History:
The 1883 History of Centre County lists the four
Evangelical Association churches (and their memberships) along PA 192 on the
Brush Valley charge: Yearick's (39), Madisonburg (50), Rebersberg (45), Wolf's
Store (17). The congregation at Rebersburg divided as a result of the 1894
denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical Association
kept the building ― and untypically to the area it
was the stronger of the two congregations and the one whose building was used
after the 1922 denominational reunion (and is now houses the United Methodist
Church). Those siding with the United Evangelical Church erected a new
building in 1897, which they used until remerging back into the congregation
that had remained with the Evangelical Association during the 1894-1922 split.
Final disposition:
57. Rebersburg Emmanuel EV (Evangelical Association)
Address: 145 N. Alley, village of Rebersburg
Municipality: Miles township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Rebersburg is in Brush Valley on PA 192,
15 miles east of Centre Hall. North
Alley runs parallel to and one block north of PA 192. The church is in the east end of town, on the
corner of North Alley and 3rd Street. [On the other side of PA 192, 3rd
Street is Town Lane, the road to Smullton.]
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
Denomination founder Jacob Albright
visited the home of Christopher Spangler on September 17, 1806, and a regular
preaching appointment was established – meeting in the Spangler home until the
first church building was erected in 1834.
This was the first of four Evangelical Association buildings erected in
Brush Valley – followed by Madisonburg 1854, Yearick’s 1869, and Wolf’s Store 1874. The congregation divided during the 1894-1922
split, but re-united to continue in this building until 2021, when it merged
into the Madisonburg UMC (former Evangelical Association) congregation to form
the Brush Valley UMC.
Final disposition:
The building was sold in
December 2021 for $50,000 to the Rebersburg God’s Missionary Church.
58. Rebersburg UB
Location: East Main Street, village of Rebersburg
Municipality: Miles township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
East Main Street is PA 192. The structure is on the
south side of the street, east of the intersection with PA 880. The 1874
atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren
Church
Journal references:
1894,14 – building sold
Brief History:
United Brethren work in Rebersburg began about 1842,
when Adam Noon held meetings here. The first services were held in the
schoolhouse, and the church building was erected in 1850. The
congregation never was large, and the 1883 Centre County History reports a
membership of 13. Rebersburg was part of the Millheim charge. The
appointment was discontinued in the early 1890's.
Final disposition:
The building was a Chevrolet garage in the 1950's, and
more recently a small shop.
59. Rock ME [Rock Forge ME]
[no picture]
Location: Rockview State Correctional Institution
Municipality: Benner township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The site is on the grounds of the correctional institution
and is not accessible.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1884,56 - church building dedicated
1917,33 - $383.50 realized from the sale of church
Brief History:
The Methodist church building at Rock was dedicated
October 24, 1883. It was discontinued when the property was taken for the
Rockview State Correctional Institution. The September 1916 expenses for
the construction of the "New Western Penitentiary" list $400 payment
to "the trustees of the Rock Methodist Episcopal Church of Benner
Township."
Final disposition:
The structure is still standing within the penitentiary
property, reportedly being used for storage and/or a chapel.
60. Ross UMC
Address: 2076 Morengo Road
Municipality: Ferguson township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of
North Atherton Street (old US 322) and PA 550 west of State College, go 6 miles
south on PA 550 to the community of Centennial.
Turn left onto Morengo Road and go 3 miles. The church is off to the right, down an
unpaved access road, in a grove of trees.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
2022,178 - discontinued
Brief History:
This congregation began as the Gatesburg
class, listed as early as 1846 on the Warrior’s Mark circuit. The building appears in the 1874 county
atlas. The congregation never was large. In 1986 the cemetery association became the
legal owner of all the property while the congregation continued to exist. The congregation finally voted to discontinue
as of 5/25/22.
Final disposition:
The property continues to be owned and
managed by the Ross Cemetery Association.
61. Sandy Ridge Faith UMC
Address: 174 State Street, town of Sandy Ridge
Municipality: Rush township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
State Street is the road
to Osceola Mills. The church is off PA
350, 1 block west of the intersection of the road to Osceola Mills and PA 350,
on the right side of State Street.
Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United
Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
In 2022, Sandy Ridge Faith (formed united
Brethren) merged into Sandy Ridge St. Paul’s (former Methodist).
Final disposition:
The property was sold at public auction
7/16/2022.
62. Scotia ME
Location: village of Scotia
Municipality: Patton township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The village of Scotia was located about two miles south of
the I-99, US 220, US322, Asherton Road interchange west of State College.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
Scotia was a mining community that prospered for a few
decades in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The first
Methodist services were held in the red schoolhouse west of Scotia in an area
known as Rabbit Hill. Successful revival services there produced a number
of converts. A church was erected in upper Scotia [Marysville] in 1882 on
land that was formally deeded to the Methodists February 5, 1885. In 1899
it was decided to tear this church down and move it to lower Scotia, to the
location known as the picnic grounds. The church at lower Scotia was
dedicated in the summer of 1900. A belfry was built on this church, and a
large bell purchased. For most of its existence Scotia was part of the
Half Moon charge. When the church was disbanded in the early 1920's, the
building was torn down and the bell was donated to the Stormstown church.
The bell was salvaged from the Stormstown church when it burned in 1943 and is
reported to be privately owned.
Final disposition:
Nothing remains of the town of Scotia, and most of the
area has been re-graded so as to destroy any of the old landmarks.
63. Smullton ME [a.k.a. Kreamerville or Kramerville]
Location: village of Smullton
Municipality: Miles township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The village of Smullton is one mile south of Rebersburg on
Town Lane. Town Lane crosses East Main Street [PA 192] in Rebersburg 3
blocks east of the intersection with PA 880.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1893,49 - successful revivial leads to purchase of town
hall
1894,48 - church building dedicated 8/12/1893
Brief History:
Very successful 1892 Methodist revival meetings in
Smullton [also known then as Kreamersville] resulted in the formation of a
class. The town hall was purchased and converted into a church, the
dedication occurring August 12, 1893. The congregation continued until
1934.
Final disposition:
The structure is now a private home.
64. Spring Mills (Evangelical Association)
(looking north) (looking south)
Location: Cooper Street, village of Spring Mills
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The building stood in the south end of Spring Mills, on the
west side of Cooper Street
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
East Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
Journal references:
East Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association:
1910,44 - parsonage purchased
Central Pennsylvania Conference of
the United Evangelical Church
1918,53 – church building &
furnishings of EA purchase for $300.00\
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church:
1929,99 - parsonage sold
Brief History:
The Evangelical work in Spring Mills
was taken up in 1886. Just before the 1894 division in the Evangelical
Association, the congregation erected its first building. The portion of
the congregation that chose to remain with the parent denomination maintained
ownership of the building. Illingsworth's 1896 A Passing Glance at
Penns Valley states: "There are two Evangelical congregations
in Spring Mills but only one church. That branch known as the United
Evangelical Church worships in the town hall, as their edifice which was erected
before that late division occurred, was turned over to the Esher faction.
Linn's [1883] history credits Gregg township with but one Evangelical building;
lately, however, this denomination has multiplied and there are now several
well established societies. Some of the properties are still in dispute,
but it is hoped that all difference will be harmoniously adjusted, and that
this body of Christians will be as aggressive in good as in days gone by."
Final disposition:
65. Spring Mills EV (United Evangelical)
Location: Long Street, village of Spring Mills
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The village of Spring Mills is just south of the new PA
45. The old road that dips south into the village and then back to PA 45
is Fire Hall Road. From Old Fort (the intersection of PA 45 and PA 144),
take PA 45 west 6 miles to Fire hall Road. Turn right on Fire Hall Road
and go 0.5 miles to Water Street. Turn right on Water Street and go 0.5
miles to the T at the end of the road. Long Street is to the right and
Cooper Street is to the left. The church is at the T.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1960,95 - parsonage sold; appointment attached to Centre
Hall charge
Brief History:
The Evangelical work in Spring Mills was taken up in
1886. Just before the 1894 division in the Evangelical Association, the
congregation erected its first building. When those choosing to side with
the United Evangelical Church lost their newly constructed sanctuary as a
result of the denominational split, they worshiped for a while in a shop
refitted for services. After that, they held bi-weekly services in the
Methodist church. Finally they were able to purchase the building
pictured above. Formerly a hall, it was sold at sheriff's auction to a
member of the Grange who did not want the responsibility of ownership. He
sold it to the Evangelical congregation, with the understanding that the Grange
would be able to rent the upstairs. The structure was dedicated January
13, 1901. The building was only marginally
suitable for worship and plans to move the vacated Green Grove building [see
the Green Grove UEV page] to Spring Mills in the 1930’s never materialized.
A meeting held in the Spring Mills Church on March 25,
1960, determined that Bethesda (7 members), Locust Grove (17 members) and
Spring Mills (16 members) should unite into a single congregation. While
it took almost 2 more years of planning and preparations, the union was finally
accomplished. The vision of erecting a new church building was never
realized, however, and the united congregation, named Spring Mills Faith, met
in the Spring Mills facility. In 1966, as part of an area-wide
EUB-Methodist agreement that predated the denominational merger, the
congregation merged into the Spring Mills Methodist congregation.
Final disposition:
The property is now a business.
66. State College St. John's UMC
Location: West Beaver Avenue & South Burrowes Street
Municipality: borough of State College
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Beaver Avenue is northbound PA 26 and Burrowes Street is
parallel to an one block north of Asherton Street ― which
is business US 322, the main east-west route through State College. The
church is on the southeast corner of Beaver Avenue and Burrowes Street.
[The street labels call Beaver Street an east-west route and Burrowes Avenue a
north-south route.]
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1918,53 – “fine corner lot” purchased for $2,000
1993,219 - named
Jacob Albright congregation & yoked with the Mary McCleod Bethune
congregation
1994,221 - returned to the name St. John's
1997,199 - discontinued
Brief History:
Evangelical preaching services were held in State
College in the late 1800's but were discontinued shortly after the turn of the
century. St. John's congregation began on February 14, 1915 with a
service held in the home of W.H. Minnich at 226 West Beaver Avenue.
Eighteen persons attended this service, and twenty attended a second service at
the same place two weeks later. This encouraged the district
superintendent and annual conference to appropriate funds for renting a hall
and to instruct the pastor at Bellefonte to investigate the possibility of
establishing a congregation here. The 1916 annual conference accepted
State College as a mission congregation, and the 1917 annual conference
assigned the first regularly appointed minster to the work.
Ground was broken for a Sunday School auditorium in July
1921, and the building was dedicated June 25, 1922. The sanctuary was
completed in 1956. The congregation was always a vibrant and effective
body. In the 1990's the Conference Board of Global Ministries acquired
very desirable land in Harris township, just north of Boalsburg, in the
developing US 322 corridor. Being a growing church in a land-locked
situation, the St. John's congregation enthusiastically sought permission to
relocate to this suburban site. When they were denied permission to relocate,
the congregation lost its enthusiasm and began a rapid decline. The
conference finally sold the Harris township properties in the spring of 1991.
In 1985 the conference cooperated with other agencies to
organize a congregation with an African-American orientation. In 1993
that congregation was renamed the Mary McLeod Bethune United Methodist
congregation yoked with St. John's, which was then re-named the Jacob Albright
United Methodist congregation, with both congregations meeting in the former
St. John's facility. The yoked congregation was designated the
Albright-Bethune United Methodist Church. In 1994 the former St. John's
congregation returned to their original name, and in 1997 the congregation was
discontinued.
Final disposition:
The remaining former Mary McLeod Bethune congregation is
now called the Albright Bethune United Methodist Church and worships in the
former St. John's building ― which is also home to
other specialized ministries.
67. Stormstown UMC
Location: Halfmoon Valley Road, village of Stormstown
Municipality: Half Moon township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Halfmoon Valley Road is PA 550. From the intersection
west of State College of Asherton Street [old US 322] and PA 550, go 4
miles south on PA 550. The church is in on the left, in the village of
Stormstown. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location
of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1944,100 – building
destroyed by fire 7/21/194; plans to rebuild
Brief History:
The Half Moon Valley was fertile ground, beginning in
the early 1800's, for circuit riders of both the United Brethren and the
Methodist Episcopal denominations. The classes in Stormstown met in
houses and/or school houses until the Methodists erected a building in 1837, at
which point the village became essentially exclusively Methodist. In July
1943 the church was struck by lightning and burned to the ground.
Services were conducted without interruption in the IOOF Hall until the present
chapel was completed in 1947. Stormstown was on the Warriors Mark circuit
from its founding until 1865, when the Half Moon circuit was split off from the
large Warriors Mark circuit. Then was on the Half Moon circuit for 130
years, from 1865 to 1995, when it was returned briefly to the Warriors Mark
circuit before being merged into Grays Church in 1996.
Final disposition:
68. Tusseyville Bethany UMC (United Evangelical)
Address: Church Hill Road
Municipality: Potter township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of
PA 144 and US 322 at Potters Mills, go 3 miles west on US 322 to Church Hill
Road. Turn south onto Church Hill Road
and go 0.5 miles. The church is on the
left.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This congregation was formed in 1894 by
those members of the Zion Hill congregation that identified with the United
Evangelical Church. They worshipped in
the vacant Miess store in Colyer before their building (arcoss the road from
their former Evangelical Association building) was completed in 1895. In 1966 (two years before the 1968
denominational union that created the United Methodist Church), area Methodist
and EUB churches participated in a reorganization that included Bethany
becoming a Methodist congregation on the three-point Penns Valley charge with
Sprucetown and Spring Mills Faith (the united Methodist-EUB congregation in
that community). Due to declining
resources and membership, the congregation voted to discontinue, and a final
decommissioning service was held July 29, 2018.
Final disposition:
69. Tusseyville Zion Hill EV (Evangelical Association)
Location: Church Hill Road
Municipality: Potter township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of US 322 and PA 144 at Potters Mills,
go 3 miles west on US 322 to Church Hill Road. Turn left on Church Hill
Road and go 0.5 miles. The structure is on the right, across the road
from the Tusseyville Bethany (former United Evangelical) United Methodist Church.
The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
Journal references:
1928,105 - permission to sell
Brief History:
This is the so-called Colyer Church listed among the
Evangelical Association appointments.
The date of the first Evangelical preaching here, and of the
organization of the congregation, has been lost. On October 4, 1858, the
deed for the church property was conveyed to the trustees by Daniel Kerr and
his wife Rebecca. Zion Hill was part of a four-point Evangelical charge with Centre Hall,
Egg Hill and Spring Mills. The
congregation divided in the denominational split of 1894, and those siding with
the United Evangelical Church erected the current Bethany United Methodist
Church across the road. The minority of
the divided congregation who remained with the Evangelical Association
continued to worship here until the early 1900’s. Sometime after the Association could not maintain
a congregation, the building apparently became the property of the Bethany
congregation and was sold in 1972 for $1.00 to the “Youth for Christ from
Colyer.”
Final disposition:
The structure is now a private residence. The
cemetery across the road was a part of this church. In August 2009 the
cemetery bought additional land and updated all their deeds to read "Zion
Hill Cemetery Association, Inc." ― as some of
them still read "Zion Church of the Evangelical Association" and
"Zion Evangelical Church Cemetery."
70. Unionville Bethel EV
Location: 160 Chestnut Street, Unionville
Municipality: borough of Unionville
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Unionville is on the old US 220, 12 miles north of Port
Matilda. From Port Matilda, go 12 miles north on Eagle Valley Road [old
US 220] to the intersection PA 504 in Unionville. At that intersection,
PA 504 goes to the left and Chestnut Street goes to the right. Turn right
onto Chestnut Street, and go 2 blocks.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1902,41 – in danger of forclosure
Brief History:
This substantial brick building was erected by the
United Evangelical Church in 1897 and used for only 6 years. In 1903 the
property was purchased by the Free Methodist Church.
Final disposition:
The building, with a large Sunday annex completed in
1964, now houses the Fleming Free Methodist Church. Fleming is the name
of the post office in the borough of Unionville.
71. Unionville UMC
Location: Union Street
Municipality: borough of Unionville
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Unionville is on the old US 220, 12 miles north of Port
Matilda. Union Street is the name of Eagle Valley Road [old US 220] in
the borough. From Port Matilda, go 12 miles north on Eagle Valley Road
[old US 220] to Unionville. The church is on the left, before the
intersection with PA 504. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the
exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1928,658 – new front and entrance
Brief History:
Regular Methodist preaching in Unionville began sometime
between 1818 and 1822, with preaching either in a schoolhouse or in
homes. When the Union Church, which was open to all denominations, was
erected in 1830, the Methodists began meeting there. In 1855 the
congregation requested and received from the Conference permission to erect
their own building. This they did in 1860. In 1925 the dirt road in
front of the church was replaced with a concrete highway which was higher than
the old road. To keep water from collecting between the highway and the
church, the congregation responded by installing a concrete sidewalk and adding
a vestibule that extended the church building to the sidewalk. The
vestibule also included an enclosed stairway to enter the basement level.
For most of its existence, Unionville was on the Milesburg
Methodist charge. In 1991 it was made a 2-point charge with the former
EUB church at Wingate. In 1999 Unionville merged into the church at
Wingate to form the Bald Eagle Valley Community United Methodist Church. The two congregations continued to worship in
their separate buildings until 2003, when a new sanctuary was added to the
original Wingate building to accommodate the unite congregation.
Final disposition:
The Unionville
building was sold to an antique dealer in 2004.
A few years later it became an art gallery, but it appears to have been
closed since 2020.
72. Valley View UMC
Address: 1070 Valley View Road
Municipality: Benner township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of
North Atherton Street (old US 322) and PA 550 west of State College, go 9 miles
north on PA 550, just past the Buffalo Run Church, to Upper Gyp Road. Turn left and go 2 miles down into the valley
and up the other side. Turn right onto
Valley view Road and go 1 mile. The
church is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United
Brethren Church
Journal references:
1902,13 – “Eckley Church” dedicated
2015,137 – merged, with Fillmore, into
Buffalo Run to form Greater Buffalo Valley UMC.
Brief History:
This appointment began about 1896 with a
union Sunday School and met in the school housed until erecting a building,
which was dedicated 8/24/1902. The
Eckley surname was prominent in the community and in the congregation, and the
church was sometimes referred to as the Eckley Church. The main entrance was moved from the east side
to the north side, and a bell tower and vestibule added, in 1923. In 1945 the United Brethren church in
Bellefonte burned, and Valley View purchased that bell to replace their
original bell, which was sold to the Pilgrim Holiness Church in Brush Hollow
(Union township). On 12/4/2014 Fillmore
and Valley view merged into Buffalo Run to become the Greater Buffalo Valley
UMC. The last regular Sunday service was
held at Valley View 10/29/2017, and a formal deconsecration service was held
2/24/2019.
Final disposition:
73. Waddle ME
Location: Stevenson Road, village of Waddle
Municipality: Patton township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection west of State College of Asherton
Street [old US 322] and PA 550, go 2 miles north to Stevenson Road. Turn
right on Stevenson Road and go 0.5 miles. The site is on the left.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1915,71 - building reroofed
Brief History:
This class was established in 1831 or 1832 by William B.
Henderson, a gifted layman who served as the class leader. For many years
prior to 1880, meetings were held in the Waddle schoolhouse. The meeting
house was dedicated October 5, 1880, and the class reported 65 members in
1883. The appointment was on the Half Moon charge. In the 1921
charge report it listed 19 members; starting in 1922 Waddle is no longer
listed, but the membership at nearby Fillmore has increased by 16.
Final disposition:
The building is now a private residence.
74. Weaver UMC
Location: Jacksonville Road
Municipality: Spring township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Jacksonville Road is the extension of East Howard Street in
Bellefonte. Leave Bellefont on East Howard Street and go east on
Jacksonville Road 2 miles to the extended intersection of I-99 and I-80 (and US
200 and PA 29). The church stood on the south side of Jacksonville Road
at the beginning of that extended interchange, and the congregation had to
vacate the property to allow for the completion of the interchange.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
2005,233 – united with Axemann to form New
Hope UMC
2008,323 – disposal of property
Brief History:
For several years Sunday School was held in the nearby
Oak Grove schoolhouse. When an 1888 revival meeting at the
schoolhouse, led by Rev. Gideon Sarvis, resulted in the conversion of over 90
persons, plans were made to build a church. Land was donated by the
Weaver families, and the newly built church was dedicated December 16,
1888. In 1938 the church was wired for electricity, and in 1956 a
basement was dug for a hot air furnace. In 2005 the congregation had to
vacate its property for the construction of an extended interchange involving
I-99 and I-80. Weaver merged into Axemann to form the New Hope United
Methodist Church, now relocated to 1089 E. College Avenue.
Final disposition:
The building has
been razed, but the parking lot remains.
75. Wolf's Store EV (Evangelical Association)
[no picture]
Location: Brush Valley Road, village of
Wolfs Store
Municipality: Miles township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Brush Valley Road is PA 192. The village of
Wolf's Store is 18 miles east of Centre Hall on Brush Valley Road [PA
192]. The church stood on the north side of the road, across from the existing
church building. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact
location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central
Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association
Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
Journal references:
1910,13 – permission to sell; proceeds to
Rebersburg and charge parsonage
Brief History:
The 1883 History of Centre County
lists the four Evangelical Association churches (and their memberships) along
PA 192 on the Brush Valley charge: Yearick's (39), Madisonburg (50), Rebersberg
(45), Wolf's Store (17). The church building at Wolf's Store was dedicated
October 18, 1874. The congregation divided as a result of the 1894
denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical Association
kept the building.
Final disposition:
The church building was converted into a house, owned
for many years by Johnny Y. Stover. The site is now the empty lot to the
east of the cemetery. The cemetery, hardly recognizable as such (with a mobile
home sitting in the midst and the tombstones piled up at one end), is believed
to have been associated with the church.
76. Wolf's Store EV (United Evangelical)
Location: Brush Valley Road, village of
Wolfs Store
Municipality: Miles township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Brush Valley Road is PA 192. The village of
Wolf's Store is 18 miles east of Centre Hall on Brush Valley Road [PA
192]. The church is on the south side of the road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
United Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1929,61 – discontinued; permission to sell
Brief History:
The congregation at Wolf’s Store
divided as a result of the 1894 denominational split. Those remaining
with the Evangelical Association kept the building across the road on the north
side of the road. The cornerstone for
this building was laid June 27, 1897.
Final disposition:
77. Woodward Grace EV (United Evangelical)
[Dubs Church,
Lower Church]
Location: Pine Creek Road, village of Woodward
Municipality: Haines township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
In the western end of the village of Woodward, Pine Creek
Road goes off PA 45 to south. The church stood about 0.1 miles down Pine
Creek Road, on the right side of the road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1929,99 – approval for the merger of St.
John’s and Grace
Brief History:
This building was dedicated December 1, 1895, by the
dissenting members of the Woodward Church of the Evangelical Association that
chose to side with the United Evangelical Church.
Following the 1922 denominational reunion, both
congregations continued to exist for several years: Grace served by the former
Millheim United Evangelical charge, and St. John's served by the former
Rebersburg Evangelical Association charge. On Palm Sunday, March 18,
1929, the St. John's congregation merged into Grace. In 1956 the united
congregation purchased the former Woodward schoolhouse, remodeled it for use as
a church, and took the name Trinity. It was dedicated November 3, 1957,
and is now Trinity United Methodist Church.
Final disposition:
A mobile home now occupies the site.
78. Woodward St. John's EV (Evangelical Association)
[Esher Church,
Upper Church]
Location: Mountain Avenue, village of Woodward
Municipality: Haines township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Mountain Avenue is PA 45. The church was on the south
side of the road, almost directly across from the road to the present Trinity
United Methodist Church. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the
exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1929,99 – approval for the merger of St.
John’s and Grace
1957,104 -
permission to dismantle the building
Brief History:
This congregation was formed in 1811 and dates back t
the early days of the Evangelical Association. Services were conducted in
private homes for many years, and the denomination's 1830 General
Conference was held here in the home of John Adam Henig. A plot of
ground was purchased from Daniel Wise in 1854, and shortly thereafter a frame
church was erected. That structure was destroyed by fire in 1871 and
replaced by the structure pictured above.
Following the 1922 denominational reunion, both
congregations continued to exist for several years: Grace served by the former
Millheim United Evangelical charge, and St. John's served by the former
Rebersburg Evangelical Association charge. On Palm Sunday, March 18,
1929, the St. John's congregation merged into Grace. In 1956 the united
congregation purchased the former Woodward schoolhouse, remodeled it for use as
a church, and took the name Trinity. It was dedicated November 3, 1957,
and is now Trinity United Methodist Church.
Final disposition:
A mobile home now occupies the site.
79. Yearicks EV (Evangelical Association)
[East Bethesda
Church]
Location: Brush Valley Road
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Brush Valley Road is PA 192. From the intersection
of PA 144 and PA 192 in Centre Hall, go 8 miles east on PA 192. The
site is on the left, across from the Mennonite Church Cemetery. The 1874
atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
Journal references:
1938,88 – permission to dismantle building
to erect Sunday School rooms at Madisonburg
1940,93 – permission to sell the building,
vacated since 1931 [sic]
1941,36 – building sold
Brief History:
The 1883 History of Centre County lists the four
Evangelical Association churches (and their memberships) along PA 192 on the
Brush Valley charge: Yearick's (39), Madisonburg (50), Rebersberg (45), Wolf's
Store (17). The Yearick's church building was dedicated in 1869. The
congregation divided as a result of the 1894 denominational split. Those
remaining with the Evangelical Association kept the building, and those siding
with the United Evangelical Church erected a new structure across the road.
The building at this site was erected in 1869. The
congregation did not survive to the 1922 denominational reunion.
Final disposition:
The site is an empty lot.
80. Yearicks EV (United Evangelical)
[St. Paul's
Church]
Location: 4184 Brush Valley Road
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
Brush Valley Road is PA 192. From the
intersection of PA 144 and PA 192 in Centre Hall, go 8 miles east on PA
192. The site is on the right, beside the Mennonite Church
Cemetery.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
United Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
The 1883 History of Centre County lists the four
Evangelical Association churches (and their memberships) along PA 192 on the
Brush Valley charge: Yearick's (39), Madisonburg (50), Rebersberg (45), Wolf's
Store (17). The original Yearick's Evangelical Association church building was
dedicated in 1869. The congregation divided as a result of the 1894
denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical Association
kept that building, and those siding with the United Evangelical Church erected
this new structure across the road.
This building was erected by the United Evangelical faction
in 1897. The church was closed in 1931,
Final disposition:
The building was reopened in 1963 as Valley Mennonite
Church. In 1972, when PA 192 was
rebuilt, the structure was moved back 40 feet from its original location and
placed on a new foundation.
81. Zion EV
Location: PA 550, in the village of Zion
Municipality: Walker Township
County: Centre
State: PA
Directions:
The community of Zion is 4 miles east of Bellefonte on PA
550. The church stood on the south side of the highway. The 1874
atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building first
building..
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This class was formed shortly after the visit of Bishop
Seybert to Nittany Valley in 1850. The first church was built in 1859 on
the south side of the highway. A new building was erected later, on
the north side of the highway and several lots to the east. The
congregation ceased to exist in 1967 when it combined with the United Church of
Christ in Zion.
Final disposition:
The most recent site is now a parking lot across from
the United Church of Christ.