CLOSED CHURCHES WITHIN THE PRESE

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.

FRANKLIN COUNTY PA

1. Blairs Valley MP

Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: blairs

Location: Blairs Valley Road
Municipality: Montgomery township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 16 at the east end of Mercersburg, go 2 miles south on Fort Loudon Road [PA 75] to Shimpstown. Go west 2 miles on Shimpstown Road to Blairs Valley Road. Go south 5 miles on Blairs Valley Road. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Maryland Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church.

Journal references:

Brief History:
This land was purchased and the church erected in 1844. This territory was split off from the Concord circuit in 1840 to form the Licking Creek circuit. The Licking Creek circuit was discontinued in 1845 and the fate of the appointments is not documented. This church appears to have been dropped from the list of regular appointments soon after 1845.

Final disposition:
A project to restore the church was begun in 1972. The building is still standing, but not in regular use. The property was conveyed to the Blairs Valley Conservation Group for $1.00 on 11/22/2024.

2. Blue Ridge Summit Hawley Memorial MP

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Location: 14752 Charmian Road
Municipality: Washington township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From Waynesboro, go 6 miles east on PA 16 to Charmian Road. As PA 16 turns southeast, bear east onto Charmian Road and go 1 mile. The church is on the north side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Maryland Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
     Monterey is a resort village sitting on the summit of South Mountain. In 1889, architect and member of the Congregational Church Martin Hawley saw the need for a place of worship in this village near his summer home. He designed a church, in the form of a cross and said to be a replica of a church in Czechoslovakia, to be built of native wood and stone. The Hawleys also created a fund to provide for the maintenance of the church for twenty years; if the church failed to become self-supporting during that time, it was to revert to the Congregational Missionary Society. Upon the death of Mr. Hawley, the church was named the Hawley Memorial Church.
     When the Congregational denomination had difficulty supplying such a small congregation so distant from its other churches, Hawley Church began to be served by student pastors from the MP seminary at Westminster. As this experience proved favorable, the church sought full membership in the MP denomination. With low attendance and little income during the winter months, however, the worshippers had difficulty meeting their apportionments. Following a 1929 congregational meeting, the church overtured the presbytery of Carlisle for membership in the Presbyterian Church, USA. The overture was favorably received, and Hawley Memorial Church exists to this day as an active member of the Carlisle Presbytery.

Final disposition:
      The site is now the Hawley Memorial Presbyterian Church.

3. Blue Rock ME

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Location: Mentzer Gap Road
Municipality: Guilford township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From the village of Quincy on PA 997, go south 2 miles on Mentzer Gap Road to Blue Rock Road. The church is on the right, on the northwest corner of Mentzer Gap Road and Blue Rock Roads.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1954,55 – proceeds from sale to be distributed on Mont Alto charge
1955,54 – sold for $1,000; proceeds distributed to remaining churches on the charge

Brief History:
This 35x45 brick church building was erected in 1870 and has always been on the Mont Alto charge. After the appointment had been abandoned, the structure was sold to the Winebrenner Church of God congregation that had been using the building.

Final disposition:
The building is still standing.

4. Carrick UMC

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Address: 7003 Path Valley Road
Municipality: Metal township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
Path Valley Road is PA 75. From the intersection of US 30 and PA 75 in Fort Loudon, go 8 miles north on PA 75. The church is on the west side of the highway.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren in Christ

Journal references:

Brief History:
This congregation began about 1830 when Rev. Frederick Gilbert came from Horse Valley to hold services in Carrick. Meetings were held in “The Red Barn” until property was purchased and a building erected in 1871. The present building was dedicated in 2011. The church was declared closed 9/30/2024 when the congregation decided to leave the building and the United Methodist denomination to continue in a different context.

5. Chambersburg Chapel ME

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Location: Second and McKinley Streets
Municipality: borough of Chambersburg
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
Second Street is northbound US 11. McKinley Street is 6 blocks south of US 30, and one block north of where US 11 becomes one-way. The chapel stood on the northeast corner of Second and McKinley Streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1885,47 – 30x40 frame chapel dedicated 2/1/1885

Brief History:
This was a mission extension of St. Paul’s, which sponsored a Sunday School at this location and possibly some worship services. The frame chapel that stood on this site was erected by the Methodists about 1884 and sold to the Church of God (Winebrenner) in June 1894. The Church of God erected the present brick building in 1909 and remodeled it significantly in 1952.

Final disposition:
A Baptist congregation now occupies the building.

6. Chambersburg Second ME

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Location: 209 E. King Street
Municipality: borough of Chambersburg
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
This building is on the northeast corner of King and Second Streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
Central Pennsylvania Conference
1875,40 – 39x61 brick building commenced

Brief History:
This building was the home of the short-lived Second Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1878 the property was purchased by conservative members of the First United Brethren Church who intended for it to be the town’s second UB congregation – and a congregation that upheld the denomination’s ban on secret societies. Hearings and appeals about the status of the congregation within the Conference extended all the way to the General Conference of 1881, at which point it was determined that the congregation was not within the Pennsylvania Conference. Following the denominational split of 1889, the congregation sided with the United Brethren Old Constitution Church. In 1939 they erected a new building diagonally across the intersection and continue today as the King Street United Brethren Church.

Final disposition:
Since 1939 this building is now the home of the Congregation Sons of Israel, a blended Jewish fellowship that includes all branches of Judaism.

7. Clay Hill UB

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Location: village of Clay Hill
Municipality: Antrim township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From Greencastle, go 4 miles north on US 11 to Kauffman Road. Torn easy on Kauffman Road and go 1 mile to the village of Kauffman. At the east end of Kauffman, bear left (i.e., do not go to Browns Mills) onto Clay Hill Road [aka East Kauffman Road] and proceed 3 miles to the village of Clay Hill. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1895,24 – building repaired “at considerable cost”
1905,45 – that Clay Hill appointment be discontinued, the members be requested to transfer to Greencastle, and the trustees be authorized to dispose of the church property and that the proceeds go to Greencastle to help pay for the parsonage.

Brief History:
This building was erected in 1872. Prior to that the congregation worshipped for many years in the old Union School House near the Antrim/Quincy township line and the newer school building erected later in Clay Hill.

Final disposition:
The building now houses an independent congregation.

8. Concord MP

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Location: Back Road
Municipality: Fannett township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From the south end of Concord on PA 75, turn west onto Back Road and go 0.25 miles. The church stood in the triangular lot on the right, where the road bends to the left. The 1868 county atlas gives the exact location.

Historic Conference:
Maryland Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The name of the Shippensburg circuit, organized in 1830, was change to Concord circuit in 1839. In 1929 the name was changed to Doylesburg circuit. It is assumed, therefore, that this building was in use in 1839 and no longer in use in 1929.

Final disposition:

9. Criders UB

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Location: Loudon Road
Municipality: St. Thomas township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From the square in Chambersburg, go 4 blocks west on Lincoln Way to Franklin Street. Go north on Franklin Street 1 mile to the Y with Edenville Road. Bear left onto Edenville Road. Go west on Edeville Road 6 miles to the Y with Loudon Road. The church stood within the Y formed by Edenville and Loudon Roads.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church.

Journal references:
1893,23 – vacany and recommended for disposal

Brief History:
The first church building of the congregation was erected at this site in 1844 and replaced by a new structure in 1868. In the 1889 denominational split, the congregation sided with the Old Constitution faction and was able to retain possession of the property. A new church building was erected across the street in 1975, and the old building was torn down in 1986.

Final disposition:
The site is now the property of Criders United Brethren (Old Constitution) Church.

10. Dry Run ME

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Location: Back Road [Main Street], village of Dry Run
Municipality: Fannett township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of PA 75 and PA 461 in Spring Run, go 2 miles north on PA 75 to the village of Dry Run. Bear left onto Bark Road [Main Street] and go two blocks. The site is on the right. The 1868 county atlas gives the exact location.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Journal references:

Brief History:
This church is in the 1868 county atlas, but not on the 1858 county map. It first appears in the Concord circuit book as an appointment with membership in 1863. It appears to have been abandoned before 1900. The church/appointment does not appear in the 1898 supplemental statistics or the 1915 list of ME properties.

Final disposition:
The site is now the parking lot for the adjacent funeral home.

11. Ebenezer UB

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Location: Williamson Roads
Municipality: Antrim township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From US 30 in the west end of Chambersburg, go 10 miles south on PA 995 to the village of Williamson. In the south end of Williamson, turn east onto Williamson Road. Go 3 miles to Guitner Road. The church is on the left, on the northeast corner of Guitner and Williamson Roads,

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1878,4 – new church in course of erection at Suitner [sic] appointment
1893,23 – vacant and recommended for disposal

Brief History:
This congregation worshiped in the Highland School (aka locally as the Guitner School) until the first church building was dedicated January 17, 1880. In the 1889 split, the congregation sided with the Old Constitution faction. When the courts decided the structure was a union church and not owned by the United Brethren denomination, the building was awarded to the local congregation and became UBOC.

Final disposition:
The building is home to the Ebenezer United Brethren (Old Constitution) Church.

12. Edenville UMC

Description: Description: Description: Description: Edenville

Address: 2504 Apple Way
Municipality: St. Thomas township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
The town of St. Thomas is on US 30 7 miles west of Chambersburg. From the main intersection in St. Thomas, go north 4 miles on the St. Thomas – Edenville Road to the crossroad with Apple Way. Go wet on Apple Way 0.4 miles. The church is on the south side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
2023,180 – merged into St. Thomas

Brief History:
This congregation was organized before 1868. The church, however, was not erected until 1873 and dedicated May 11th of that year. Prior to its erection the congregation worshipped in a near-by school house. The building was of frame construction and had two entrances and two aisles. The women sat on one side and the men on the other, never together. About 1905 a bell-tower and bell were added and a single entrance replaced the two doors. In 1923, the church was again extensively remodeled and a new Sunday School room was built.
Edenville merged into St. Thomas on 11/1/2022.

13. Emanuel [aka Immanuel] UB

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Location: Boundary Road
Municipality: Hamilton township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From the square in Chambersburg, go 4 blocks west on Lincoln Way to Franklin Street. Go north on Franklin Street 1 mile to the Y with Edenville Road. Bear left onto Edenville Road and go 1 mile to the cross road where Edenville Road turns left, Short Cut Road goes right, and Keefer Road goes straight. Go straight on Keefer Road 1 mile to Boundary Road. Turn left on boundary road and go 100 yards. The site is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church.

Journal references:

Brief History:
This church was part of the Rocky Springs circuit and was closed in 1905. Some records refer to this as Immanuel, Imanuel or Emmanuel Church.

Final disposition:
The building was purchased for the Church of Brethren for $248 by M. B. Mentzer and Wm. R. Moore and transferred to the Back Creek congregation on May 10, 1911. That congregation cared for the structure until March 6, 1931, when it was sold to Samuel Bricker for $208. A few readable headstones remain from the cemetery. The site is privately owned.

14. Fannettsburg UMC

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Location: Fannettsburg Road, village of Fannettsburg
Municipality: Metal township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
Fort Loudon is on US 30 14 miles west of Chambersburg. From the intersection of US 30 and PA 75 in Fort Loudon, go 12 miles north on PA 765 to Fannettsburg. At the town’s main intersection, go east on Fannettsburg Road ¼ mile. The church is on the north side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1973,99 – discontinued
     1977,136&A74 – permission to sell
     1978,A47 – sold

Brief History:
After worshipping in the school house for several years, this congregation erected their first and present building in 1840 on land donated by John Noble Sr. The building was renovated in 1882 and enlarged and further renovated in 1901. For many years the church was in the 4-point Burnt Cabins charge: Burnt Cabins, Fannettsburg, Neelyton and Shade Gap – with the parsonage in Burnt Cabins.

Final disposition:
The building is empty and in ruins.

15. Fayetteville Otterbein UMC

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Address: 61 W. Main Street, village of Fayetteville
Municipality: Greene township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
On 2/7/2023 the congregation voted 33-0 to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church, and that disaffiliation along with 140 others was approved at a 5/17/2023 special session of the Susquehanna Conference.

16. Fetterhoff Chapel UMC

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Address: 4025 Fetterhoff Chapel Road
Municipality: Guilford township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
Just east of Fayetteville, at the intersection of US 30 and PA 997, go south on PA 997 0.5 miles to Bickle Road. Go west on Bickle Road for 1.5 miles when it merges into Mont Alto Road. Continue southwest on Mont Alto Road to 2 miles to Fetterhoff Chapel Road. Turn right onto Fetterhoff Chapel Road and go 1.0 miles. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1898,18 – “Zion church, Mont Alto charge” repaired at cost of $79
2021,266 – sold 2/3/2021 for $385,000 to Fetterhoff Chapel Mennonite Church

Brief History:
Christian Newcomer preached at the home of George Fetterhoff in 1802, and it became a regular preaching place for Newcomer and other circuit riders. The congregation was organized as the Zion UB Church in 1819 and built a log church in 1834 – which hosted the 1837 and 1843 annual sessions of the Pennsylvania Conference. The log church was dismantled and a brick structure erected on the same site in 1856. The present church building was constructed on the opposite side of the road, on a slightly more elevated site, in 1899. It was dedicated December 3, 1899, as the “Zion United Brethren Church, near West Fayetteville, Pa.” One reference says that “it takes the place of the well known Fetterhof chapel.” Apparently the named alternated between Zion Church and Fetterhoff Chapel, but the latter name eventually prevailed.

Final disposition:
This property was sold in 2021 and is now the Fetterhoff Chapel Mennonite Church.

17. Greencastle First UMC

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Address: 45 N. Washington Street
Municipality: borough of Greencastle
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of US 11 and West Baltimore Street at the west end of Greencastle, go 3 blocks east on Baltimore Street to Washington Street. Go ½ block north on Washington Street. The church is on the east side of the street.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1958,86 – removes bodies from church cemetery to Cedar Hill Cemetery to build parking lot

Brief History:
On 1/17/2023 the congregation voted 51-1 to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church, and that disaffiliation along with 140 others was approved at a 5/17/2023 special session of the Susquehanna Conference.

18. Greencastle ME

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Location: 36 South Carlisle Street
Municipality: borough of Greencastle
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
Carlisle Street is the old US 11. It runs parallel to and 3 blocks east of the current US 11. From the intersection of PA 216 and US 11, go 3 blocks east on PA 216 (Baltimore Street) to Carlisle Street. Go one full block south on Carlisle Street to Franklin Street. The building is on the northeast corner of Carlisle and Franklin streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1938,24 – permission to sell
     1939,27 – possible abandonment
     1940,21 – money from sale proposed to help start Lewistown Lake Park church project
     1940,116 – last time listed in journal, apparently 19 active members
     1941,33&35 – $5,587.92 proceeds from sale received and applied as directed
     1941,134 – church closed, membership transferred to other churches

Brief History:
The cornerstone reads “Methodist Episcopal Church 1883.” Membership and attendance dwindled in the 1930’s, and the congregation ceased to exist.

Final disposition:
The building was sold to the Church of the Brethren (who had been renting the facility for Sunday evening worship services and Sunday School since 1931) on 3/4/1940 for $6000 and now houses a congregation of that denomination.

19. Green Village ME

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Location: Green Village Road
Municipality: Greene township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
Green Village is on the old US 11, north of Chambersburg. From Chambersburg go 5 miles north on US 11 to Green Village Road, at which point US swerves to the east. Continue straight on Green Village Road ½ mile. The site is on the west side of road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1962, 77 – permission to repair roof in anticipation of area growth
     1963, 83 – conference trustees instructed to raze building
     1965, 86 – conference trustees instructed to have the reversion clause in deed set aside

Brief History:
The first church in the village was a log building erected at this site in 1827. Used by all denominations, it had high back pews and a high pulpit reached by a flight of steps. Prior to 1827 the Methodists worshiped in Matthew Duncan’s barn. In 1873 a brick structure was erected at the site, and it appears that it was at this time that the property was formally deed to the Methodists. A parsonage was erected in 1875 and the Green Village charge consisted of Fayetteville, Green Village, Roxbury and Upper Strasburg. In 1917 a parsonage was built at Fayetteville. The church was closed due to declining membership in 1944. In 1952 it was reopened with great fanfare with assistance from St. Paul’s in Chambersburg. While 350 attended the re-opening services, the membership never rose above 9 and the church was permanently closed and the building razed in 1963.

Final disposition:
Only the cemetery remains, which is still maintained by the Susquehanna Conference.

20. Horse Valley Keefer's UB $Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\horsevalley_keefers.jpg$

Location: Upper Horse Valley Road
Municipality: Letterkenny township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From Roxbury, go west on PA 641 for 2.5 miles to Lower Horse Valley Road. Go south on Lower Horse Valley Road for 5 miles to Upper Strasburg Road. Go s\west on Upper Strasburg Road for 1 mile to Upper Horse Valley Road. Go south on Upper Horse Valley Road for 3 miles. The site is on the west side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
     1896,21&57 – church dedicated 10/20/1895; built by Stephen Keefer and deeded to UB
     1928,29 – brief history and status report as an unused site
     1954,78 – declared abandoned, authorized to sell

Brief History:
This building near the center of Horse Valley was dedicated October 25, 1895. It is reported to be the successor to a building known as Honne’s Church that was erected about 1805. Keefers, St. Paul and Zion for many years constituted the Horse Valley charge. When that charge was no longer viable, they were attached to the Spring Run charge. By 1928 only the Keefer building remained, and the pastor from the Scotland charge was holding a few services a year. Efforts to re-establish a viable congregation as a mission project under care of the Scotland charge were successful for a while.

Final disposition:

21. Horse Valley St. Paul UB

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Location: Lower Horse Valley Road
Municipality: Lurgan township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
near the intersection of Lower Horse Valley Road and Upper Strasburg Road

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1928,29 – brief history and status report as an unused site
1958,84 – authorize “proper disposition” of both Zion and St. Paul’s in Horse Valley

Brief History:
This class worshipped in a school house “for some years” before erecting a frame building 26x30 feet, with a pulpit recess 6x9 feet, that was dedicated October 28, 1900. The building stood in the east end of the valley and was also known locally as the Laurel Run church. This was the third United Brethren church building erected in Horse Valley by Rev Daniel Ely: Keefer’s (1895), the new building at Zion (1897), St. Paul (1900).
Keefers, St. Paul and Zion for many years constituted the Horse Valley charge. When that charge was no longer viable, they were attached to the Spring Run charge. Both St. Paul and Zion were erected on land for which the church never had a deed. The two buildings were sold for $50 and torn down at some date before 1928.

Final disposition:

22. Horse Valley Zion UB

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\horsevalley_zion.jpg$

Location: Upper Horse Valley Road
Municipality: Letterkenny township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
     1898,18 – new building dedicated 8/29/1897; replaces old building of same name
     1928,29 – brief history and status report as an unused site
     1958,84 – authorize “proper disposition” of both Zion and St. Paul’s in Horse Valley

Brief History:
This was the first United Brethren church building in Horse Valley. It was erected about 1847 in the west end of the valley. Keefers, St. Paul and Zion for many years constituted the Horse Valley charge. When that charge was no longer viable, they were attached to the Spring Run charge. Both Zion and St. Paul were erected on land for which the church never had a deed. The two buildings were sold for $50 and torn down at some date before 1928.

Final disposition:
Only the cemetery remain, and it is also known as the Freestone Cemetery.

23. Lemasters UMC

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Address: 4632 Lemar Road, village of Lemasters
Municipality: Peters township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
In Mercersburg, north of the “square” at Seminary Street, from the stoplight at Buchanan Trail (PA 16) and Oregon Street, go east on Oregon Street (becomes Church Hill Road) 3 miles to dross road in Church Hill. Go north on Steele Avenue 2 miles to the T at Lemar Road in Lemasters. The church is directly across from where Steele Avenue ends at Lemar Road.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The cornerstone reads “UB Church built 1881.” Area United Brethren preaching dates back at least to 6-19-1803, when Christian Newcomer records stopping at the home of Andrew Lemaster. Jacob Lemaster is considered the founder of the enduring appointment. The congregation divided following the 1889 denominational split and beginning in 1890 there was a short-lived UB Old Constitution church in Lemasters (at 4856 Lemar Road, closed well before 1930). For many years the 3-point Lemasters charge consisted of Lemasters, St. Thomas and Edenville. Following the 1968 denominational union, Edenville was placed on anther charge. In 1976 St. Thomas left the charge to join with the former Methodist congregation there and Lemasters became a less-than-full-time appointment. Faced with declining membership, the congregation closed in 2024.

Final disposition:

24. Lurgan UB

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Location:
Municipality:
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church.

Journal references:
1874,10 – Orrstown circuit constituted with Orrstown, Centre [Lurgan] and Fairview [unknown]
1898,27 – Center [Lurgan] from Newburg charge to Orrstown charge

Brief History:
The first building at this site was constructed in 1856 as a union building, but the congregation became United Brethren within a few years. In the 1889 denominational split, this congregation sided with the Old Constitution faction and was able to retain possession of the church property – possibly because of the original union origins of the property. A new building was erected in 1903, and the present structure in 1965

Final disposition:
This building is now the Lurgan United Brethren (Old Constitution) Church.

25. Macedonia UB

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Location:
Municipality:
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church.

Journal references:

Brief History:
This congregation had its beginning in revival services conducted in the Paradise and California school houses. The congregation was organized in 1881 and dedicated the church building in 1882. In the 1889 denominational split, the congregation sided with the Old Constitution faction and was able to maintain possession of the property. The multipurpose building across the street was erected in 1987.

Final disposition:
This building is now home to the Macedonia United Brethren (Old Constitution) Church.

26. Mainsville UB

Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: mainsville.jpg

Location:
Municipality:
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church.

Journal references:
1889,23 – building repaired

Brief History:
The first deed for this as church property dates from 1871. In the 1889 denominational split, this congregation sided with the Old Constitution faction and was able to retain possession of the church property by purchase in 1893. The original frame building was replaced by the present structure in 1967.

Final disposition:
This building is now the Mainsville United Brethren (Old Constitution) Church.

27. Markes UMC

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Location: 3787 PA 416, village of Markes
Municipality: Peters township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
The church stood in the south end of town, on the west side of the highway.

Historic Conference:
      Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1909,77 – new preaching place at Bridgeport, frame church being erected for $1500
     1910,79 – building dedicated 10/24/1909
     1968,88 – discontinued; permission to sell
     1979,A61 – sold to Bruce A. and Pearl T. Hauman for $12,000; proceeds to Fort Loudon

Brief History:
The cornerstone reads “ME Church 1909.” The community is/was also known as Bridgeport. July 1, 1968, Markes Methodist Church united with the Lutheran Church and the United Church of Christ in Lemasters to form the Faith UCC congregation. For several years, until the building was sold, an annual Homecoming Service was held on the first Sunday in June.

Final disposition:
This building was remodeled into a private home.

28. Mercersburg UB

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\mercesburg.jpg$

Location: Fayette Street
Municipality: borough of Mercersburg
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
In Mercersburg, north of the “square” at Seminary Street, from the stoplight at Buchanan Trail (PA 16) and Oregon Street, go east on Oregon Street 1 block to Fayette Street. Go south on Fayette Street 30 yards. The church stood on the second lot on the east side of the street, now occupied by a fountain and a row of trees hiding the cemetery.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
At a quarterly conference held April 6, 1867 in the St. Thomas' Church a board of trustees was elected to lay plans for a church in Mercersburg. An old unused Lutheran Church was rented for $15.00 per year and services were held soon thereafter. The old church was bought in 1872 for $470.00 and was renovated at a cost of $1,128.00. In 1901 the building was so dilapidated it had to be torn down. The United-Brethren had an abandoned church at Fort Loudon and it was dismantled and brought to the site of the old stone church and rebuilt. All efforts to establish a United Brethren Church in Mercersburg met with failure and services were discontinued in 1935. The building was rented for a while rented to a congregation of the Church of the Brethren but has since been razed.

Final disposition:
Only the cemetery remains

29. Metal UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\metal.jpg$

Location: 7183 Path Valley Road
Municipality: Metal township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
Path Valley Road is PA 75. From the intersection of PA 75 and US 30 at Fort Loudon, go 7 miles north on PA 75. The church is on the west side of the highway.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1884,51 – “neat frame church” erected, “with suitable grounds for burial”
1971,97&185 – discontinued/sold to Cemetery Association

Brief History:
This is also known as the Carrick church.

Final disposition:
The property was sold to the Cemetery Association,

30. Mont Alto ME

Scan-220228-0001

Location: Mont Alto Iron Works
Municipality: Quincy township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
The iron works were east of the present o\town of Mont Alto.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
In 1865 a small colony of Wesleyan believers who had settled in Mont Alto began holding prayer meetings in homes and in the brick school house. In 1869 they were given a plot of ground by the Mont Alto Iron Company to be used for religious purposes – and to revert to the original owners when no longer so used. That same year a frame structure was erected and dedicated. In 1874 a larger brick building was erected in Alto Dale [the present Mont Alto UMC]. Services were conducted (by the same pastor) in both churches for “many” years. Early records list the two congregations as Mont Alto (1869 frame building) and Alto Dale (1874 brink building). The congregations finally merged and the frame structure was dismantled and sold – with the land reverting to the original owners.

Final disposition:

31. Mont Alto Otterbein UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\mtalto.jpg$

Location: 9 Park Street
Municipality: Mont Alto Boro
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
     1903,23 – cornerstone for new building laid 12/7/1902
     1905,19 – building dedicated 9/17/1905
     2009,233 – merged into Mont Alto Wesley
     2010,43 – building declared abandoned
     2012,241 – sold to John F. Kohler

Brief History:
Mont Alto was originally known as Funkstown, and later as Alto Dale. The congregation here grew out of prayer meetings held in private homes 1843-44. The first church building was erected in 1847 on “Back Street” and was enlarged and improved in 1881. The present building was erected 9/17/1905 and the social room was added in 1925. In 1971 the Otterbein UMC (formerly United Brethren) and Wesley UMC (formerly Methodist) congregations became a two-point charge and in 2009 they united to form the present Mont Alto United Methodist Church, worshipping in the former Methodist building.

32. Mount Zion UMC

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Location:
Municipality:
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:

Journal references:

Brief History:

Final disposition:

33. Mountain Green Bethel UB

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\franklin\mountain_green_bethel.jpg$

Address: Mountain Green Road
Municipality: Metal township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From the Willow Hill exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike at PA 75, go 2 miles north on PA 75 to Mountain Green Road. Go west on Mountain Green Road 2.0 miles to a division in the road. Follow the portion of Mountain Road that heads north. Go ¼ mile. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
     1889,26 – attached (along with Sharps and Scotland) to Rocky Spring station
     1896,21 – new church building started
     1897,27 – building dedicated 11/22/1896
     2012,160 – discontinued

Brief History:
This class was organized in 1869. After worshipping in the schoolhouse for many years, they felt the necessity of better facilities. In 1896 they purchased land 1/8 mile from the schoolhouse and dedicated this church building on November 22 of that year. Immediately following the dedication, a revival was held that resulted in sixty conversions. The congregation later purchased the old school house for use as a fellowship hall. After declining membership and attendance, the congregation voted on October 13, 2011 to discontinue. Mountain Green was most recently served from Spring Run.

Final disposition:
The church property (i.e., the land on which the church sits and two small parking lots – one of which is across the road) was purchased by adjacent landowners Simon and Delores Neil in 2012 for $10,000.
The old schoolhouse (with approximately ½ acre of land) which had been used as a fellowship hall (which had no onsite septic or water) was sold to Mary Jo Daihl in 2012 for $4000.

34. New Franklin UB

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\newfranklin.jpg$

Location: 2395 New Franklin Road
Municipality: Guilford township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
New Franklin is on PA 316, 5 miles south of Chambersburg. New Franklin Road crosses PA 316 at the at the town’s “square.” This building in ½ block west of the square on the north side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
In 1862 the 15-point Greencastle circuit was divided along with road leading from Chambersburg to Waynesboro. All points west, including New Franklin, retained the name Greencastle; all points east, including Opossum Hill, were called Alto Dale [Mont Alto] circuit. [Note: In 1865, the two circuits were re-united.]

Final disposition:
This building served as the New Franklin Band Hall, then as home to the New Franklin Fire Company 1961-76, and then again as the New Franklin Band Hall. The building is now unsed.

35. Oak Grove UB

Scan-250723-0001

Location: [community of Oak Grove]
Municipality: Letterkenny township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
This site is currently within the Letterkenny Army Depot

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1893,23 – vacant and recommended for disposal
1928,29 – building now used by Old Constitution; recommend removal from our statistics

Brief History:
This building was erected in 1881, while Daniel R. Brubaker was serving the Rocky Springs circuit. At some point the property appears to have gone to United Brethren Old Constitution – as it is not mentioned in Holdcraft’s 1939 conference history, and the UBOC held the farewell service the in 1942 when the site was taken for the Letterkenny Army Depot. In 1946 the building was purchased by the UBOC’s Rhodes Grove Association.

Final disposition:

36. Orrstown UB

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\orrstown.jpg$

Location: Orrstown Road [PA 533]
Municipality: Orrstown borough
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
The site is on the south side of the road, almost across from the current Orrstown United Brethren [UBOC] Church.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1874,10 – Orrstown circuit constituted with Orrstown, Centre [Lurgan] and Fairview [unknown]
1900,21 – unsupplied Orrstown split between Cumberland Valley and Horse Valley charges

Brief History:
The building at this site was erected in 1852 and was part of the large Rocky Spring circuit. The church and circuit [Orrstown, Upper Strasburg, Center, Mongul] were severely weakened by the 1889 denominational split, and the larger part of this congregation left to erect the present Orrstown United Brethren (Old Constitution) Church across the street. The last service was held here in 1905 and the building was razed in 1912.

Final disposition:
The cemetery remains. No longer an open cemetery, it is reportedly maintained via an endowment on deposit at a Chambersburg bank.

37. Rouzerville UMC

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Address: 11977 Old Route 16, village of Rouzerville
Municipality: Washington township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
PA 16 is the main east-west road through Rouzerville. Heading east out of Rouzerville on PA 16, PA 16 veers to the left. Go straight on the Old Route 16 for 5 blocks. The church is on the north side of the road

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The first church building in Rouzerville was erected in 1873 at the present on land donated by Peter Rouzer, founder of the village. Originally a community structure used by all denominations – primarily Lutheran, Methodist and (to a much smaller degree) Reformed. In 1891 the Lutherans withdrew to the school house and later erected a building of their own, leaving the peoperty to the Methodists. The present building was dedicated February 6, 1916.
On 1/14/2023 the congregation voted 46-3 to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church, and that disaffiliation along with 140 others was approved at a 5/17/2023 special session of the Susquehanna Conference.

Final disposition:
This congregation is continuing as the Rouzerville Christian Church.

38. Roxbury ME

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Location: village of Roxbury
Municipality: Lurgan township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions: From the intersection in Roxbury where PA 997 goes off to the north from PA 641, go south on the gravel road for 1 block. The church building stood on the left, in the existing cemetery.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1903,67 – union church purchased

Brief History:
This congregation was one the original participants in the 1815 union church which stood in the existing cemetery. In time the other denominations either dwindled away or erected their own buildings, and the structure became strictly Methodist Episcopal. In 1941 the congregation merged into the Methodist Protestant congregation to form the Roxbury Methodist Church.

Final disposition:
The building was razed, and only the cemetery remains.

39. Salem UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\salem.jpg$

Location: 4349 Letterkenny Rd
Municipality: Greene township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From Chambersburg, so 3 miles north on US 11 to Salem Road (at the McDonalds’s). Go west on Salem Road 2 miles to Letterkenny Road, where Salem Road make a slight jog. Go north on Letterkenny Road 20 yards to Salem Road Extended. Continue west on Salem Road Extended for 30 yards. The church is on the north side of the road, adjacent to and immediate after the Salem UBOC Church.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church.

Journal references:
     1903,24 – building remodeled and shed build to shelter horses
     1955,79 – approve addition for Sunday School for $29,000
     2009,233 – discontinued
     2010,43 – abandoned
     2011,339; 2012,242 – sold to adjacent Salem UBOC Church

Brief History:
Salem was one of 15 appointments on the Old Rocky Spring circuit when it was set apart from the Chambersburg circuit in 1846. The original church building, still standing on the southwest corner of Letterkenny Road and Salem Road Extended, was erected in 1851. The present sanctuary was erected on 1904, and the addition on the east side was completed in 1930. The Sunday School addition to the rear was dedicated in 1955. The congregation (and many families) suffered a difficult division in the 1889 denominational split, and the Old Constitution faction erected their building on adjacent land to the east – but the two congregations ministered side by side for many years. The congregation was discontinued in 2009, and the property was sold to the adjacent UBOC congregation.

Final disposition:
The property is now part of the Salem UBOC congregation’s ministry.

40. Scotland UMC

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\franklin\scotland.jpg$

Address: 4040 Main Street, village of Scotland
Municipality: Greene township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
Main Street is the Old PA Route 997. From Chambersburg, go 5 mil;es north on US 11 to PA 007 (village of Greenvillage). Go east on PA 997 1 mile until PA 997 veers to the left. Continue straight onto Main Street fo1 1 mile. The church is on the north side of the straat.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
     Scotland was the main appointment on the large and historic Rocky Spring circuit, and the name of the circuit changed back and forth between those designations.
     One nearby appointment was at Sharp’s school house, which class which sided with the Old Constitution in 1889 and erected the present Mount Pleasant Church – formerly also known as White Church and Sharp Church.
     On 2/7/2023 the congregation voted 22-3 to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church, and that disaffiliation along with 140 others was approved at a 5/17/2023 special session of the Susquehanna Conference.

41. Spring Run MP

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\springrun.jpg$

Location: Main Street, village of Spring Run
Municipality: Fannett township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
Spring Run is on PA 75, about 18 miles north US 30, where PA 641 crosses PA 75. From the intersection of PA 75 and PA 641, go one block west of PA 614 to Main Street (the old PA 75). Go south on Main street 20 yards. The church stood on the east side of the street, between PA641 and the creek. The site is shown on the 1868 county atlas.

Historic Conference:
Maryland Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church.

Journal references:

Brief History:
Little is known about this congregation. The church is shown in the 1868 atlas as one of 3 churches (United Brethren, Presbyterian, Methodist Protestant)in Spring Run, but the 1887 county history states there are only 2 churches (United Brethren and Presbyterian) in the village.

Final disposition:
The site is now an empty lot.

42. St. Thomas ME

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\stthomasme.jpg$

Location: 7473 Lincoln Highway
Municipality: St. Thomas township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
The village of St. Thomas is 7 miles west of Chambersburg on US 30 (Lincoln Highway). The building is one block west of the square on the southwest corner of the Lincoln Highway and Pioneer Drive.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1968,105 – merged into the former United Brethren Church to form St. Thomas UMC

Brief History:
This congregation erected its first building in 1826 on a plot of ground about 300 feet south of the square. In 1896 they erected the present much larger building on a lot west of the square. In 1969 the congregation merged into the former United Brethren Church, the united body continuing to meet in the former UB building until moving in 1974 to their present location of the St. Thomas – Edenville Road.

Final disposition:
The property was sold in 1971 and for many years was an antique shop. It is currently (2023) empty and in in disrepair.

43. St. Thomas UB

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\stthomasub.jpg$

Location: 86 Schoolhouse Road
Municipality: St. Thomas township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
The village of St. Thomas is 7 miles west of Chambersburg on US 30 (Lincoln Highway). At the “square” in St. Thomas, go north on Schoolhouse Road for 1 block. The building is on the northwest corner of Schoolhouse Road and Schoolhouse Lane.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
     1937,32 – new Sunday School unit being erected
     1969,196 – united with St. Thomas ME
     1977,A4 – sold

Brief History:
This congregation was organized in 1850, with services held wherever convenient until the above building was erected in 1862. The cornerstone reads “United Brethren in Christ 1862.” In 1908 a rostrum extension was added to the church and new entrance and vestibule replaced the two front doors of earlier years. This building housed the united former Methodist and EUB congregations until they moved to their new building on the St. Thomas – Edenville Road in 1974.

Final disposition:
The property was sold in 1977 and housed the newly organized St. Thomas Library until that organization moved to the second floor of the fire company in 2004. The building is now back in religious service as the St. Thomas Christian Fellowship.

44. Upper Strasburg UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\upper.jpg$

Location:
Municipality:
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
Upper Strasburg is 11 miles west of Shippensburg on PA 533, at the western terminus of that route. Enter Upper Strasburg heading west on PA 533. At the “square” in town, turn south onto Community Road and go one block. The church is on the west side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1972,99 – discontinued
1974,210 – sold to Cemetery Association

Brief History:
This congregation merged into the former United Brethren congregation in 1972 to form the Upper Strasburg UMC.

Final disposition:
The site is owned and maintained by the Cemetery Association.

45. Waynesboro Peace UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\franklin\waynesboro.jpg$

Location: 11875 N. Woodlea Drive
Municipality: Washington township
County: Franklin
State: PA

Directions:
From Waynesboro, go east on PA 16 fro 2 miles to Old Forge Road (at the western edge of Rouzerville). Go north on Old Forge Road 2.5 miles to Mentzer Gap Road. Go south on Mentzer Gap Road one block to Woodlea Drive. The site is on the northeast corner of Mentzer Gap Road and Woodlea Drive.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church

Journal references:
     1989,352 – permission to purchase land
     1991,222 – organized
     1996,199 – discontinued
     1998,213/347 – all sales completed
     1999,330 – all sales completed

Brief History:
This was an intended new church start by the Central Pennsylvania Conference. A temporary parsonage was purchased in 1989, and the basement converted into a worship area able to accommodate 40 persons. Land was purchased on which to erect a permanent parsonage and an octagonal worship center. The mistake was made to build the permanent parsonage first and use it as a worship center until the projected sanctuary was erected. That parsonage/worship center (pictured above) was dedicated June 28, 1992, but turned out to be a failure when people were unwilling to worship in an obvious residence with a small steeple on the roof. Had the octagonal worship center been erected first as the result of all the effort and publicity put into the project, the church plant would have had a much better chance of being successful.
When enthusiasm died, all the properties were sold. The 1992 building pictured above is now a residence, and the property projected for the permanent worship center is now also residential.

Final disposition: