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.

LYCOMING COUNTY PA

1. Antes Fort UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\antes_fort.jpg$

Address: 19 4^th Street
Municipality: Nippenose township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Jersy Shore, go 3 miles south on PA 44 to Main Street. Bear left on to Main Street and go 1 mile (following Main Street at the stop, except right turn, sign) to 4^th Street. The church is on the southwest corner of Main and 4^th Streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
Antes Fort was originally known as Granville station. This building was erected by the Baptists in 1867 on “lot No. 60” on Main Street in Granville. It came into possession of the Methodists in 1895. The original building had two doors, one for each gender, and two side aisles. The single door and central aisle were introduced about 1901. The addition was begun in 1962, and the front entrance completely remodeled in 1979.
On 2/5/2023 the congregation voted 32-2 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:
The congregation is continuing as the Antes Fort Methodist Church within the Global Methodist Church.

2. Astonville ME

Location: town of Astonville
Municipality: McIntyre township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
The town of Astonville was located along PA 14, about 3 miles south of Ralston and just north of Marsh Hill, near the mouth of Frozen Run into Lycoming Creek.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1884,144 – listed in missionary report for the Ralston charge

Brief History:
The furnace at Astonville was erected about 1830 and operated until the flood of 1865. After that, the town gradually dwindled away. It is believed that the congregation met in the school house. From 1844-1890 Astonville School was at the mouth of Frozen Run. The children remaining in the area then had to walk to Marsh Hill to school. The Marsh Hill School was used as a one-room school until 1946 and is now used as a hunting camp.
While there not have been a Methodist building at Astonville, in the 1884 missionary report it appears to be the strongest of the six appointments on the Ralston charge – viz., Astonville, McIntyre, Newells, Ralston, Roaring Branch, Stulls. It does not appear in other years – e.g., 1887 (page 197), 1888 (page 213).

Final disposition:
The town of Astonville is now a ghost town, with nothing left to mark the location of any of the structures.

3. Barbours UMC

Description: Description: barbours

Location: village of Barbours
Municipality: Plunketts Creek township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1939,81 – new church dedicated 12/11/1938
     1980,576 – all members transferred out
     1981,A76 – permission to sell
     1981,203 – sold

Brief History:
This appointment was one of eight separated in 1874 as the “upper” churches of the Montoursville circuit. Five became the Wallis Run Charge: Barbours, Beech Valley, Hoffman, Proctor, Wallis Run. Three became the Loyalsock charge: Butternut Grove, Hoppestown, Woolever. At Barbours, the Baptists and Methodists shared the Baptist building for decades until a dispute arose in 1938. The Methodists then purchased the recently abandoned Plunketts Creek school house from the Montoursville Area School District (and the land on which it sat from Charles Whipple) and remodeled it into a church. A Sunday School wing was added in 1966. The membership peaked at 72 in 1958 and had dwindled to 23 by 1979. A more complete history is given in “History of the Barbours Methodist Dream: 1938 through 1978” by Alison Gregory in the 1997 volume of The Chronicle, pages 31-41.

Final disposition:
The building was sold in 1981 and has since been razed.

4. Beech Grove ME

Description: Description: beechgrove

Location: PA 184, community of Beech Grove
Municipality: Cogan House township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Williamsport go north on US 15 about 20 miles to Steam Valley and the interchange with PA 184. Go west on PA 184 3.5 miles to Post Road, where PA 184 makes a sharp bend to the south. The Beech Grove church site is at the northwest corner of Post Road and PA 184.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1970,93 – discontinued
1970,201 – sold

Brief History:
The Beech Grove appointment originally met in the school house. The cornerstone for the church building was laid 6/20/1915, and the structure was dedicated 7/23/1916. It appears that the congregation may have owned the building but not the land. The church building not having been used for services since the 1950’s, actions were taken in 1970 to dispose of the building and the furnishings. There were once 4 Methodist churches in the township on the Cogan Valley charge: Beech Grove, Brookside, Centennial, White Pine. See The Early History of Cogan House Township pages 228-230 and Cogan House Township: The 1900’s pages 42-48and pages 253-267.

Final disposition:
Brookside UMC purchased the pews, altar rail and pulpit furniture; Cogan House UMC purchased most of the stained glass windows; Mr. Bill Gramling purchased the church bell; other individuals purchased various items. The funds from selling these items were used toward the installation of a new heating plant at the White Pine UMC. The cornerstone had taken on water, and the only items left were a few coins – whose fate was not recorded. The building was razed, and the owner of the land sold the property – which is now a vacant lot.

5. Bethel UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\bethe.jpg$

Address: 717 Kimble Hill Road
Municipality: Loyalsock township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of East Third Street and Northway Road, on the eastern edge of the city of Williamsport, go 3 miles north on Northway Road to Northway Road Extended (at 2500 Northway Road). Go west on Northway Road Extended 200 yard to Kimble Hill Road. The church is at the corner of Northway Road Extended and Kimble Hill Road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This congregation was organized in 1868 and met in the nearby Union School until erecting the present building in 1887. The church was one of 5 appointments on the Lycoming circuit – along with Central, Fairview Huntersville and Quaker Hill. In 1918, and enduring 4-point charge was created consisting of Bethel, Fairfield, Fairview and Limestone – which continued as a 3-point charge after Limestone was discontinued in 1948. In 1983 Bethel was placed on a charge with Mill Creek (former Evangelical/EUB).
On 2/11/2023 the congregation voted 9-3-1 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

Final disposition:

6. Bodines UMC

Description: Description: bodies

Location: Slacks Run Road, village of Bodines
Municipality: Lewis township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of US 15 and PA 14 at Trout Run, go north on PA 14 6.5 miles to Slack Run Road. Go east (across the creek) on Slacks Run Road 0.25 miles to Lower Bodines Road. The church is on the northwest corner of Slacks Run Road and Lower Bodines Road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1977,196 – discontinued
1980,A79 – sold to Mennonite Community Center

Brief History:
This building was erected 1890-91, and it is listed as a conference-owned building in 1915. But the 1961 History of the Northumberland Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church, page 96, states that the Presbyterians sold the building to the Methodists in 1931 for $1.00 – perhaps that was Presbyterian interests in the building. Membership and attendance dwindled over the years, ans the last woehip service was held 1/18/1976 with an attendance of 6.

Final disposition:
From the sale of the building, $500 was given to each of the four remaining churches of the charge (Marsh Hill, Newelltown, Ralston, Roaring Branch), with the remaining amount going to parsonage fund of the Ralston charge. In 1992 Mountainview Fellowship was formally given permission to hold worship services in the structure and assured there would be no UMC opposition should they pursue removing the deed restriction through legal channels. The most recent name for the building is the Cornerstone Community Center.

7. Brookside UMC

Description: Description: brookside

Location: PA 184, community of Brookside
Municipality: Cogan House township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Salladasburg, go north 9.0 miles on PA 287 to PA 184 and the community of Brookside. Go east on PA 184 for 100 yards. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1874,34 – church with memorial windows built and dedicated 12/28/1874
1995,221/336 – abandoned

Brief History:
Circuit riders from Jersey Shore began preaching in homes in Brookside in 1845. After the log school house was erected in 1858, they began preaching there. The church building was erected in 1873. By 1994 the attendance had dwindled to 6 regular attendees, and a “service of disbandment”: was conducted 1/1/1995. There were once 4 Methodist churches in the township on the Cogan Valley charge: Beech Grove, Brookside, Centennial, White Pine. See The Early History of Cogan House Township pages 231-232 and Cogan House Township: The 1900’s pages 11-13 and pages 253-267.

Final disposition:
The building was sold in 1999 and converted into an antiques store.

8. Buttonwood EV

buttonwood

Location: PA 284, community of Buttonwood
Municipality: Jackson township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Williamsport, go north on US 15 for 22 miles to the English Center – Buttonwood exit for PA 284. Go east on PA 284 about 200 yards to the bridge over the creek. The church stood on the north side of the highway by the creek.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1962,80 – merged into Liberty

Brief History:
This appointment was one of five church buildings on the Liberty circuit – Liberty, Nauvoo and Beuters in Tioga County; Buttonwood and Oregon Hill in Lycoming County. The church in Buttonwood was built about 1908.
Note: The 1873 county atlas shows an Evangelical Church along Blacks Creek in the northwest part of the township – clearly not at the above location, and contradicting the 1908 date of construction. The Meginness 1892 county history states there is only one church in Jackson township, Friedens Lutheran Church, which appears on the 1873 map, but the1873 map shows that mysterious second building.

Final disposition:

9. Cammal UMC

Description: Description: cammal 2018-05-03-0001

Location: Railroad Street, village of Cammal
Municipality: McHenry township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Jersey Shore, go north 12.3 miles on PA 44 (through Waterville) to PA 414. Go straight on PA 414 7.6 miles to Fisher Lane and the village of Cammal. Go west on Fisher Lane, across the RR tracks, one block to Railroad Street. Go north on Railroad Street one block. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1896,74 – church erected
     1922,38 – authorization to sell church building and erect a new one, if so desired
     1994,220 – merged into Waterville

Brief History:
The original Methodist Episcopal church building in Cammal was destroyed by fire in 1929. At that point the Odd Fellows erected the building pictured above to use the top floor for meetings and allow church services to be held on the ground floor. The Odd Fellows chapter went defunct in 1947, but the building continued to be used as a full-time church. It appears that the actual ownership of the structure fell to the Cammal Chapel Association.

Final disposition:
The building is now the McHenry Township Community Center – housing offices, a meeting room, a branch library, and headquarters for the local emergency services.

10. Carsontown UMC

Description: Description: carsontown

Location: Little Pine Creek Road, community of Carsontown
Municipality: Pine township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection on US 220 and PA 44 at Jersey Shore, go north on PA44 for 11.5 miles to Waterville and Little Pine Creek Road. Go north on Little Pine Creek Road, through Little Pine State Park, 6.0 miles to the community of Carsontown. The structure is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1901,78 –frame church erected
     1902,91 – church dedicated 6/23/1901
     2005,233/365 – discontinued/sale pending
     2006,338 – sold to Carsontown Community Church

Brief History:
This building was dedicated 6/23/1901 with a supposed seating capacity of 150. For many years it was one of 6 buildings on the Cogan Valley charge (with Beech Grove, Brookside, Cogan House Centennial, English Center and White Pine). The appointment never had a membership above 10, and it seems to have been temporarily discontinued in the 1930’s. In 1944 the Cogan Valley charge was disbanded and Carsontown placed on the Waterville charge. Its membership line was blank until 1950, and after that it did not appear in the report at all. The property apparently was forgotten by conference and cared for by persons in the community, and even used for occasional church services, until it was formally deeded to the Carsontown Community Church for $1.00 on 6/10/2005.

Final disposition:
The structure is used as a community hall and for occasional worship services.

11. Cedar Run ME

Description: Description: cederrun

Location: Beulah Land Road, village of Cedar Run [aka Ceder Run]
Municipality: Brown township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection on US 220 and PA 44 at Jersey Shore, go north on PA 44 for 13 miles to, through Waterville, to PA 414. Go north on PA 414 for 20 miles to Beulah Land Road. Go East on Beulah Land Road, across the creek, to the village of Cedar Run. The structure is the first building on the left, after crossing the creek.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1898,70 – church dedicated
1918,39 – permission to sell

Brief History:
This building was dedicated 12/5/1897. In 1915 Cedar Run was one of three church buildings (Blackwell, Cedar Run, Mt. Pleasant) and one school house (Leetonia) on the 4-point Blackwell charge.

Final disposition:
The property has been remodeled into a private home.

12. Centennial ME (Mill Creek township)

Location: [exact location not known]
Municipality: Mill Creek township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
[exact location not known] Seth Wilson, shown on the above 1873 atlas map, is listed in the 1885 missionary report. It is assumed the church was near his home, which would place it near present 4000 Kehrer Hill Road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1917,33 – permission to sell
1918,61 – proceeds of $331.86 reported from sale of the church building

Brief History:
Erected in 1876, Centennial was one of five church buildings (along with Bethel, Fairfield, Fairview and Limestone) on the Fairview charge when it last reported a membership – of 29, in 1916.

Final disposition:

13. Centennial UMC (Cogan House township)
[Cogan ME]

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\centennial.jpg$

Address: 2800 Cogan House Road
Municipality: Cogan House township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Trout Rune, go 6 miles north on US 15 to PA 184. Go west ½ mile on PA 184 to Cogan House Road. Go south on Cogan House Road 2.5 miles. Cogan House turns west to parallel PA 184. The church is on the north side of the road

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
There were once 4 Methodist churches in the township on the Cogan Valley charge: Beech Grove, Brookside, Centennial, White Pine. See The Early History of Cogan House Township pages 233-236 and Cogan House Township: The 1900’s pages 64-67 and 253-267..
On 11/8/2022 the congregation voted 15-0 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

Final disposition:

14. Chestnut Grove ME

Chestnut Grove Cemetery

Location: Funston Road
Municipality: Franklin township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
Enter Lycoming County from Columbia County on PA 442. Proceed west 1 mile to Funston Road. Go north 1 mile on Funston Road to Ritter Ridge Road. The church stood in the Y formed by Funston Road and Ritter Ridge Road. The church building stood inside Y, on the east side of Funston Road, by the existing cemetery.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This is the predecessor congregation to the Pine Summit UMC. After the Pine Summit church was built in 1847, the Chestnut Grove church building was no longer used for worship. It was moved across to the west side of Funston Road and used for a school house. There are traces of the cemetery in the triangle of ground that was the site of the Chestnut Grove Church.
Note: This is not to be confused with the Chestnut Grove ME church in Columbia County (one mile north of Rohrsburg) or the Chestnut Grove ME Church in Luzerne County (now Loyalville UMC).

Final disposition:

15. Crescent UMC

Description: Description: crescent

Location: Powys Road
Municipality: Hepburn township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Williamsport, go north on Lycoming Creek Road 6 miles to the village of Powys, where Lycoming Creek Road veers to the left and crosses the creek.. Go straight on Powys Road 1 miles to the Y with Crescent Hill Road. Bear left on Powys Road and continue 2 mile to the circle at the end of the road. The site is on the right, about 100 yards before the circle at the end of the road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1885,40 – church building under construction
     1886,56 – church building completed
     1982,256 – considered for possible sale
     1983,272 - sold

Brief History:
This property was deeded by William Weightman to the Crescent Union Church in 1883 and by the Crescent Union Church to the Methodist Episcopal Church of Crescent in 1884. The intent was to provide for the erection of a church building open to all orthodox denominations, but subject to the rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Such a building was erected within a few years. The congregation never was large, and the last reported membership was 3 in 1957.

Final disposition:
The June 15, 1983, report of the conference trustees states that “Crescent Church, closed about 1956, was deeded to Rebert E. and Maria Derr and any and all heirs and assigns of William Weightman to clarify the record of title and fulfill a clause that the property is to revert back to the grantor if it is abandoned for use as a church.”
When the new limited access highway was built in 1992, the creek was relocated and the church building was torn down. A house from the relocation area was moved to the site of the church

16. Duboistown UMC

Address: 133 Summer Street
Municipality: borough of Duboistown
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Williamsport, cross the Susquehanna River by going south on the Maynard Street bridge in Duboistown. Turn west on Riverside Drive, the first street after crossing the bridge, and for about 13 blocks (veering right to stay on Riverside Drive) to Summer Street. Go south l block on Summer Street. The church is on the east side of the street.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1874,34 – frame church building erected but not enclosed
1875,34 – 40x60 church building completed

Brief History:
The early history of this congregation is unclear. Meginness (page 588) says there was an early Methodist building in Mosquito Valley that “fell into disuse and was finally burned.” Methodist records that a Sunday School was started in a school house here by Williamsport Pine Street in 1857, and another one in Mosquito Valley. The school appears to have alternated between the two meeting locations until erecting a building in 1874.
On 1/19/2023 the congregation voted 18-3 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:

17. Eagle UMC

Description: Description: eagle

Location: 1804 Bloomingrove Road
Municipality: Hepburn township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Williamsport, go north on Blooming Grove Road (the extension of North Market Street) 1.5 miles to Maybee Hill Road. The church is on the northeast corner of Bloomingrove and Maybee Hill roads.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
     2001,163 – abandoned
     2002,S170 – merged into Heshbon Park
     2002,280 – sale pending
     2003,287 – sold to Word of Faith Fellowship

Brief History:
This appointment began in 1869 with Saturday night preaching in the original Eagle school house by the pastors from First Church in Williamsport. In 1880 a new building was erected to be used for both school and church. The congregation finally erected their own church building in 1895 on the southeast corner of Bloomingrove and Maybee Hill roads. In 1960 the building was moved across Maybee Hill road to its present location. In December 2000, the remaining members decided to discontinue services at Eagle and begin worshiping with Heshbon Park.

Final disposition:
The building now houses an independent congregation.

18. Ebenezer UMC
[Fribley’s EV]

Description: Description: ebenezer

Location: Beaver Lake Road
Municipality: Penn township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
The church is on the north side of Beaver Lake Road, about 6 miles northeast of Hughesville and 3 miles southwest of Beaver Lake – on the northwest corner of Beaver Lake and Homles Hollow roads.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
     1969,196 – placed on Muncy Valley charge
     1984,297 – discontinued
     1984,289/290 – entered closed list
     1987,286 – permission to sell
     1990,353 – entered abandoned list
     1994,350 – sold

Brief History:
For many years, Ebenezer was one of the churches (along with Bethel, Franklin, Nordmont, Sonestown and Unity Salem) on the 6-point EV/EUB Sonestown charge. In 1969 it was one of the churches that changed charges as a result of re-alignment with the overlapping 7-point Muncy Valley charge of former Methodist churches. The property was deeded to the Evangelical Association in 1867, and then (as a result of the denominational split) to the United Evangelical Church in 1895. Beginning about 1980, low attendance and difficulties within the congregation and between the congregation and the conference led to the demise of the appointment.

Final disposition:
The property was sold 12/14/1993 for $13,000 to Steven C. Seabridge. The sale of the property included the cemetery thereon (which had no burials since 1936), with the proviso that a right of way to the cemetery exist for those wishing to visit or decorate graves.

19. Ellenton UMC

Description: Description: ellenton

Location: McIlwain Road, village of Ellenton
Municipality: McNett township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Canton, go south on PA 14 for 3.5 miles to Grover Road. Go west on Grover Road 0.5 miles to Ellenton Mountain Road. Go south on Ellenton Mountain Road (following the turns to stay on Ellenton Mountain Road) 7 miles to the T at Ellenton. Go east on McIlwain Road 100 feet. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
    1911,38 – Ellenton circuit formed by detaching Ellenton, Masten*, Shunk & Wheelerville from the Grover Mission
    1983,322 – regular services discontinued
    1990,351 – enters discontinued list
    1992,226 – enters abandoned list
    1993,349 – sold
*Masten was founded as a lumber town in 1911 and is now a ghost town, the last family having left in 1941, and only a few foundations remain. There never was a church building.

Brief History:
The class at Ellenton was organized in 1884 and worshiped in the schoolhouse for over 30 years before erecting a church building. The church was dedicated 10/12/1913 with Bishop Stanford officiating. In May 1983 the congregation decided to discontinue regular services, but to hold at least one service a year in hopes that one day the church might be reopened on a regular basis. This continued for several years until services were permanently discontinued in 1990.

Final disposition:
The church property was sold in 1992 to the Ellenton Old Home Association for $2,000. The cemetery across the road continues under ownership of the Ellenton Cemetery Association and was not part of the church property.

20. Emery ME

Description: Description: emery

Location: Chapel Hill Road
Municipality: Woodward township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of the US 220 bypass with West Fourth Street at the west end of Williamsport, go west 1.0 miles on US 220 to Quenshukeny Road. Go north on Quenshukeny Road 2.2 miles to E. Emery Church Road. Go west on E. Emery Church Road 1.1 miles to Chapel Hill Road. Go north on Chapel Hill Road 0.1 miles. The present Christian church is on the right, opposite the eastern terminus of W. Emery Church Road. The “Little Old White Church” of the Christian church was erected in 1887 and stood in front of the lower entrance to the present building, below the “Lycoming Christian Church” letters on the wall. The cemetery pictured above, and also known as Emery Cemetery, is across the road from the present church and may or may not have been the site of the original pre-1887 church.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1882,120 – listed as one of six appointments on the Salladasburg charge

Brief History:
The Emery Church, named for the area’s Emery family, appears to have been in existence since about 1830 – and predates the 1887 Christian Church at the site – but its exact origins and ownership has not been determined. In the 1873 Lycoming County atlas, the building is identifies as a “Christian Church.” There is evidence that the Methodists had a class there for several years, but the appointment does not appear in the comprehensive 1915 list of all appointments. One likely scenario is that the original building was open to all denominations but that the Christian Church erected their own building in 1887 and thus became the prevailing denomination.

Final disposition:
This is the property/site of the Lycoming Christian Church.

21. English Center UMC

Description: Description: englishcenter

Location: Little Pine Creek Road, village of English Center
Municipality: Pine township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
The village of English Center is on PA 287, 16.5 miles north of its southern terminus at US 220. From the intersection, between Jersey Shore and Williamsport, of US 220 and PA 287, go north on PA 287 for 16.5 miles to Little Pine Creek Road and the village of English Center. Go west on Little Pine creek Road 0.4 miles, to where the road turns left to cross the creek. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1979,261 – discontinued
     1980,A80 – entered closed list
     1981,A76 – available for Community Center
     1982,256 – sold to English Center Community Association

Brief History:
The history of the community of English Center begins in 1831 when John English bought 150 acres on both side of Little Pine Creek at what is now the western end of the village. In 1856, 38 acres of that property was laid out in building lots, which included the ME Church and the school house. For many years the Baptists held services on the alternate Sundays when the Methodist were not using the building. In the fall of 1977 the congregation voted to temporarily cease holding services, and to re-evaluate the situation in two years – at which time it was decided to close the church and dispose of its religious furnishings appropriately.

Final disposition:
There is a small cemetery plot about ¾ miles from the church building that the Community Association has informally agreed to be responsible for.

22. Fairview UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\fairvieww.jpg$

Address: Fairview Road
Municipality: Franklin township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Lairdsville, go 1 mile east on PA 118 to Beaver Run Road. Go 0.5 miles north on Beaver Run Road to Hamman Road. Go 0.5 miles east on Hamman road to the Y with Fairview Road. Bear right onto Fairview Road and go 0.4 miles. The church and cemetery are on the right.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2014,143 – merged into Franklin Bethel, which was renamed Franklin Fairview

Brief History:
At the 1881 annual conference, George W. Stevens was appointed pastor of Kedron Circuit. The circuit history states: “By hard, persevering work he built up the charge greatly. During his year of service Fairview church was built.” This property was deeded to the Methodists in January 1882, and the center part of the existing building was erected about one year later. An extension to the rear and a front vestibule were added later.

Final disposition:

23. Faxon-Kenmar UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\faxon_kenner.jpg$

Address: 1301 Clayton Avenue
Municipality: Loyalsock township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the interchange of I-180 and Thirds Street at the east end of Williamsport, go 1 mile west on Third Street to Clayton Avenue. Go 3 blocks north on Clayton Avenue to Sheridan Street. The church is on the northwest corner of Clayton and Sheridan Streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2024,157 – merged into Pine Street 7/1/2024

Brief History:
      In 1946 the Williamsport Council of Churches sought to establish a church in the growing Faxon-Kenmar area. A non-denominational survey of the area showed a predominance of Lutheran families in the area, but when that denomination decided not to pursue the opportunity the option was presented to the Methodists, who had the second highest number of constituents.
     In 1948, plans were begun. It was decided to sell the Limestone Church property and use the funds for the new work. The first unit, a basement sanctuary, was opened May 1, 1949, and the second unit, the educational facilities above the basement sanctuary were formally opened January 31, 1954. The third and final unit, the present sanctuary, was opened November 25, 1962.
     In 2005 the congregation purchased the former Becht Elementary School across Sheridan Street for offices and expanded ministries. Unfortunately, the congregation began to age and diminish. In 200 the Becht building was sold – and has since been replaced with a cluster4 of homes. The congregation voted to merge into Pine Street effective July 1, 2024.

Final disposition:

24. Franklin Fairview UMC
[Franklin EV]

$Description: X:\image\open_churches\sullivan\franklin_bethel.jpg$

Address: 1595 Route PA 42
Municipality: Franklin township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of US 220 and PA 42, south of Muncy Valley in Sullivan County, go south 4 miles on PA 42. The church is on the left, at the county line.
From the intersection of PA 118 and PA 24, near Unityville in Lycoming County, go north 4 miles on PA 42. The church is on the right, at the county line.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1931,90 – recommendation that Bethel and Franklin merge; referred to Sonestown charge
1961,76 – received members of Bethel to form the Franklin Bethel congregation.

Brief History:
The date for the founding of the Franklin EV church cannot be verified, but some sources say it was erected about 1883 under the leadership of Thomas Ritter on land purchased in 1882 from Evan Phillips. Deaths in the adjacent Franklin [Stone Heap] Cemetery date from the 1850’s. In 1960, Franklin received the members of Bethel (Sullivan County) and was renamed Franklin Bethel EUB. In 2014, Franklin Bethel received the members of nearby Fairview UMC (former ME) and was renamed Franklin Fairview UMC.
On 3/7/2023 the congregation voted 8-0 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

Final disposition:

25. Friedens EV

Description: Description: friedens 2018-05-10-0002

Location: Canoe Run Road
Municipality: Mifflin township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Salladasburg, go west on PA 973 for 0.4 miles to Canoe Run Road. Go south on Canoe Run Road for 1.6 miles. The site is on the left, soon after Toms Run Road goes off to the west.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1961,77 – church closed, members transferred to Mt. Pleasant

Brief History:
This property was deeded to the Evangelical Association in 1853 and appears to be the oldest Evangelical work in the area. Friedens, Mt. Pleasant and Salladasburg were separated from the Jersey Shore circuit in 1903 to form the Salladasburg charge Services here ceased in 1947, with the final worship service on 11/30/1947 and the final Sunday School session on 12/7/1947.

Final disposition:
The property was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Greenaway in 1969. The building has been razed and the site cleared. Apparently there was a small cemetery a short distance away, whose fate is not known.

26. Green Valley ME

Description: Description: green valley

Location: Green Valley Road
Municipality: Moreland township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Hughesville, go 2 miles east on PA 118 to Green Valley Road. Turn north on Green Valley Road and go 2 miles. The site is on the left. The 1873 county atlas shows the exact location.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1947,29 – declared abandoned, conference trustees authorized to sell, proceeds to Hughesville
     1952,54 – sold for $180, proceeds to Hughesville
     1954,54 – sold for $180
     1982,256 – considered for sale

Brief History:
     Green Valley was part of the large Picture Rocks circuit and appears in the list of churches on that circuit for the last time in the supplemental statistics in the 1933 journal.

Final disposition:
The Green Valley file at the conference archives contains an agreement dated January 31, 1952, to sell the church property, but not the cemetery, to the “Evangelical Lutheran Mt. Zion Church.” But the file also contains a letter dated March 17, 1982, agreeing to sell the church lot and the cemetery lot to adjacent landowner Dean Schreffler.
References to this property appear inconsistent and confusing. The 1954 journal identifies it as “Green Valley Church on the Sunbury charge,” but there was no Sunbury charge – only a Sunbury District – at that time. The May 17, 1951, minutes of the conference trustees and the 1952 journal refer to this as “Green Valley church on the former Jonesville charge,” but there was never a Jonesville charge – only a Jonestown charge, in Columbia County. In other trustee minutes, Charles Berkheimer refers to it as “Green Valley on the Hughesville charge.” At any rate, the proceeds appear to have gone to the Hughesville charge. But the 1982 journal reference defies explanation.

27. Heilmans UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\heilmans.jpg$

Address: 2792 Kehrer Hill Rd
Municipality: Upper Fairfield township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
On 11/20/2022 the congregation voted 22-0 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

Final disposition:

28. Hepburnville ME

Location: 52 Bair Drive
Municipality: Hepburn township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
Go north from Williamsport on Lycoming Creek Road (old US 15) for 4.2 miles from where High Street turns north and becomes Lycoming Creek Road. Turn west onto Bair Drive (0.1 miles after PA 973 goes off Lycoming Creek Road to the east). Go west on Bair Drive 100 yards. The building is on the north side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
    1887,58 – building improved
    1893,70 – building improved
    1915,70 – listed on Trout Run charge
    1917,33 – permission to sell
    1918,34 – $331.79 proceeds from sale

Brief History:
The 1872 Meginness History of Lycoming County states that there is a Methodist church building in Hepburnville.

Final disposition:
In 1929 the Hepburnville Presbyterian Church purchased the property for a social and community center, and it became the property and meeting place of the Lycoming Creek Lions Club.

29. Hoppestown ME

[no picture]

Location: [exact location not known]
Municipality: Plunketts Creek township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the village of Loyalsockville on PA 87, go north on PA 87 11.0 miles to Dunwoody Road (which is 0.8 miles past Lower Barbours Road. Turn left on Dunwoody Road and go 0.5 miles to the village of Barbours. Continue straight, across the creek, on Proctor Road. Continue north 2.0 miles on Proctor Road to the village of Proctor. Continue straight 2.0 miles on Hoppestown Road to the area known as Hoppestown.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1899,124 – listed in Statistics #5 as one of the 7 appointments on the Loyalsock charge

Brief History:
Hoppestown is the name given to the area where Moch Creek joins Punketts Creek – 2.25 miles from the mouth of Plunketts Creek. It is not known how much before 1899 or under what circumstances the appointment began. Services were being held here as late as 1912, but they had been discontinued by 1918. The Loyalsock charge did not respond to the 1915 comprehensive listing of the status of all appointments, and so it is not known whether the appointment had a church building.

Final disposition:

30. Hughesville Bethany UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\hughesville_christ.jpg$

Address: 111 S. Second Street
Municipality: borough of Hughesville
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of PA 405 and PA 118 in the center of Hughesville, go one block east on PA 118 to Second Street. Go one block south on Second Street to Academy Street. The church is on the southeast corner of Second and Academy streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
2018, 143 – merged into Hughesville Christ to form The Beacon UMC

Brief History:
Following a revival held in Marten Hill’s workshop on Main Street, the Evangelical Association organized a class in 1865 and erected a frame church building in 1866 on the west side of Second Street, between Water and Academy. The present brick structure was built in 1897. The Sunday School unit was added in 1962. On January 1, 2018, Hughesville Bethany and Hughesville Christ (former Methodist Episcopal) united to form a single congregation named The Beacon UMC and meeting in the former Methodist building.

Final disposition:
The Beacon UMC sold the former Bethany property.

31. Jersey Mills ME

Description: Description: jersey

Location: community of Jersey Mills
Municipality: McHenry township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
The village of Jersey Mills is on PA 414, 5.5 miles north of Waterville.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
In the conference journals, Jersey Mills is one of the 5 (along with East Hill, Safe Harbor, Tombs Run and Waterville) listed consistently for the Waterville charge in the #5 statistics of the late 1890’s and the missionary contribution reports of the early 1900’s – but it does not appear as a Methodist-owned building in the official list in the 1915 conference journal. The Jersey Mills Methodist church appears to be listed as a polling place in the 1930’s and 1940’s.

Final disposition:
The building is now a private home.

32. Jersey Shore Epworth UMC

Description: Description: jeresy

Location: 110 Oliver Street
Municipality: borough of Jersey Shore
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the central intersection in Jersey Shore at Allegheny and Main Streets (at which point PA 44 south heads east on Allegheny Street to cross the Susquehanna River), go west on Allegheny Street about 1 mile to Oliver Street – one block before the Bridge Street/Thomas Street connector to the US 220 bypass. The church is on the southeast corner.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1897,71 – dedicated 7/12/1896
1999,217 – merged into Jersey Shore First

Brief History:
The area where the church is, on the hill on the west edge of town by the railroad, was called the Junction and/or West Jersey Shore. The Methodist work there grew through a number of specific events. In 1889 the pastor of First church took up an appointment there every other week. In 1890 a joint Methodist-Evangelical revival resulted in 17 converts, ten of which united with the (First) Methodist Church. In 1893 an Epworth League was formed with 21 charter members. In 1895 a class was organized with 27 charter members, 24 being transferred from First, and placed on a rural circuit with Tomb’s Run, Waterville and East Hill (a school house appointment in Cummings township). The first church building was dedicated on the present site in 1896, the Epworth League and preaching meetings having been held prior to that in Torbert Hall on Bridge Street. The church name “Epworth” was selected in honor of the congregation’s Epworth League beginnings. An enlarged and remodeled building was dedicated in 1913. That building was destroyed by fire and replaced by the existing structure in 1921. A large Sunday School auditorium was added in 1951. Fire struck again in 1989, and the while the sanctuary was saved the Sunday School auditorium was razed for a parking lot. In 1999 the congregation merged back into its mother congregation, First Church.

Final disposition:
The building is now the Jersey Shore Public Library.

33. Limestone ME

limestone

Location: 1959 East Third Street
Municipality: Loyalsock township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
East Third Street is the old US 220. The site is at the east end of town, on the northwest corner of East Third Street and Westminster Drive.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1889,68 – building approaching completion
     1890 – building dedicated
     1893,70 building improved

Brief History:
The work here began in 1877 as an outreach of the Third Street Church, as reported in the November 1877 Central Pennsylvania Conference News as a new mission “located at the lime kilns about midway between Williamsport and Montoursville.” In 1931 a Mr. Mark Krause provided four lots at the corner of East Third Street and Westminster Drive. The building was moved on to an excavated basement, repainted, and given sidewalks – at a cost of $5,000, all covered by Mr. Krause. After being on various appointments over the years, Limestone was on a four-point charge with Bethel, Fairfield and Fairview from 1918 until it was discontinued with a membership of 12 in 1948

Final disposition:
The building was sold, with the proceeds going toward the new work at Faxon-Kenmar, and converted into a motel. The old motel was torn down in 2008 and replaced by a modern Comfort Inn.

34. Linden UMC

linden

Location: Front Street, town of Linden
Municipality: Woodward township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the interchange where US 220 and Fourth Street come together at the west end on Williamsport, go west 1.0 miles on US 220 to Front Street. Turn south on to Front Street, into the town of Linden, and proceed 0.1 miles. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2003,171 – merged into Pine Run UMC (former Evangelical/EUB church)

Brief History:
This building was constructed before 1892, as it appears in Meginness’ 1892 History of Lycoming County. It was served on the Salladasburg Methodist charge, and then with Duboistown/Nisbet before being realigned in 1970 with the former Evangelical/EUB Pine Run and St. John’s Chapel congregations. Linden merged into Pine Run in 2003, and St. John’s Chapel followed suit in 2014. A final Celebration of Ministry service was held 6/22/2003.

Final disposition:
The property was 1/2/2004 to Victory Baptist Church of Jersey Shore.

35. Loyalsock ME

loyalsockville

Location: 4252 PA 87, village of Loyalsockville
Municipality: Upper Fairfield township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the Montoursville interchange of I-180 and PA 47, go north 4.1 miles to the village of Loyalsockville. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Genesee Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
It appears that the noted Methodist layman William Molyneux (1761-1848) of Forksville, Sullivan County, was instrumental in the organization of this class. There seems to have been a Methodist church building here at least from 1848 to 1860, but it appears to have fallen out of Methodist hands while the territory was still part of the Genesee Conference – perhaps in 1872. In 1882 the land and the church building were deeded to the Evangelical Association.

Final disposition:

36. Loyalsockville UMC

loyalsockville

Location: 4252 PA 87, village of Loyalsockville
Municipality: Upper Fairfield township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the Montoursville interchange of I-180 and PA 47, go north 4.1 miles to the village of Loyalsockville. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
     1996,199 – merged into Warrensville
     1997,317 – abandoned
     1998,347 – sold to Old Time Baptist Church

Brief History:
This land and building were deeded to the Evangelical Association in 1882, apparently having previously been “the Methodist Church of Loyalsock.” As an Evangelical church, it was always served in connection with Warrensville. For years the 5-point Warrensville charge consisted of Heilmans, Loyalskockville, Mt. Zion, Rose Valley and Warrensville. Rose Valley was placed with Balls Mills in 1961, and the remained 4-point charge continued until 1996 – when Loyalsockville merged into Warrensville and Mt. Zion was placed with the nearby former Methodist churches at Fairfield and Farragut.

Final disposition:
The property was sold in 1997 for $15,000 to the “Old Time Baptist Church” which continues (as of 2016) to operate as a congregation.

37. Mapleton UMC

Description: Description: mapleton

Location: Highland Lake Road
Municipality: Shrewsbury township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of PA 864 and US 220 in Picture Rocks, go 2.2 miles north on US 220 to the village of Tivoli. At the north end of Tivoli turn east onto Highland Lake Road. Go 2.3 miles on Highland Lake Road. The church is on the right, just after the intersection with Birch Still Road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1995,221/336 – abandoned
1997,315 – sold

Brief History:
This appointment was originally part of the Clarkstown charge and met in the school house. Rev. J.W. Rose began accumulating a building fund in 1893, and construction finally began under Rev. S.B. Bidlack in the summer of 1903. The church building was dedicated 12/2/1903.

Final disposition:
The property was sold to Mapleton Community for $10,000.

38. Maple Springs UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\maple_springs.jpg$

Address: 154 Maple Springs Road
Municipality: Lycoming township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
Leave Williamsport going north on US15 to exit 140 (Hepburnville exit) go west on Beauty Run Road 2 miles to Almost Country Road. Continue west on Almost Country Road 2 miles to Maple Springs Road. Go north on Maple Springs Road 200 yards. The church is on the east side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The preaching appointment here began about 1854 as part of the Lycoming charge, and meetings were held in the nearby old and new one-room schoolhouses until the present building was built
On 10/23/2022 the congregation voted 34-2 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:

39. Marsh Hill UMC

001

Location: Pleasant Stream Road, village of Marsh Hill
Municipality: McIntyre township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Ralston, go south 3 miles on PA14 to Pleasant Stream Road. Go east, across the creek, ½ mile into the village of Marsh Hill. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
    1916,66 – listed as a school house appointment on the Ralston charge
     1922,77 – new church building dedicated 5/21/1921
     2005,233 – discontinued
     2006,338 – sale pending
     2007,329 – church property reverts to original owners; separate parking lot sold 4/21/2006 for $1,000.

Brief History:
When the nearby lumbering town of Red Burn was abandoned in 1895, the church building was given to the town of Marsh Hill. It was disassembled, hauled by horse and wagon, and rebuilt on a donated lot. At first an independent community church, it was deeded to the Methodists in 1919. The parking lot east of the building was acquired in 1956

Final disposition:
The building is now a private residence.

40. Masten EV

[no picture]

Location: town of Masten
Municipality: Cascade and McNett townships
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1931,56 – discontinued; members transferred to Ellenton

Brief History:
Masten was a lumber mill company town from 1905 to 1930, served as the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp from 1933 to 1940, and the last family left it in 1941. Since then it has been a ghost town and the site serves as the trailhead for the Old Loggers Path, a loop hiking trail.

Final disposition:

41. McIntyre ME

mac 001

Location: ghost town of McIntyre
Municipality: McIntyre township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
The town of McIntyre was atop McIntyre Mountain, one mile north of Ralston, east of PA14. McIntyre Mountain Road exits Ralston to the east and circles around the mountain to climb it from the east.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1884,144 – listed in missionary statistics

Brief History:
The town of McIntyre once boasted 1500-2000 people, 300 homes, running water, and even fire hydrants. The large church and cemetery were Presbyterian. The 1876 county history records that the Methodists worshiped weekly in the school house, and it appears that there never was a Methodist-owned structure – but there was a congregation for at least 10 years. The appointment was on the Ralston charge.

Final disposition:
The entire town is gone and the land overgrown. The only readily visible remainders are a few tombstones among the growth in the once large cemetery.

42. Mill Creek UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\millcreek.jpg$

Address: 2255 Warrensville Road
Municipality: Loyalsock township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
Warrensville Road runs for about six miles due south from the village of Warrensville on PA 973 to the old US 220 just west of the bridge over the Loyalsock Creek. The church is on the west side of Warrensville Road about mid-way between Warrensville and the old US 220.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
     It is believed that preaching began in the area about 1900, with the meetings of the Mill Creek Community Church being held in the Mill Creek School – with the congregation using the child-sized desks and chairs. When the school closed in 1930, the students were transferred to the Becht School (now replaced by a cluster of homes) across from the former Faxon-Kenmar UMC. At that point the congregation purchases the school building, supplied it with adult-sized furniture, and formally identified with the Evangelical denomination. The school house had been successfully converted into a fine church building when tragedy struck and the structure burned beyond repair on 12/13/1950.
     The congregation met in the chapel at the County Institutional Home (later named Lysock View) until on the presented structure, on land donated by Earl and Mery Mosteller was dedicated 4/17/1955.
     On 2/25/2023 the congregation voted 11-5 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

43. Moreland [Opp] ME

Location: Cemetery Road, village of Opp
Municipality: Moreland township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 405 in Muncy, go 7 miles east on PA 442 to the village of Opp. Immediately before crossing Muncy Creek at the east end of the village, turn north on to Cemetery Road. Go ¼ mile on Cemetery Road. The site is on the left. The 1873 county atlas gives the exact location.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1899,121 – re-activated on Washingtonville charge
     1904,69 – church building repaired
     1915,29 – permission to sell
     1916,33 – $150 proceeds of the sale of the Opp church on the Washingtonville charge
     1922,37 – $151 proceeds from placed in Annuity Fund

Brief History:
     It appears that the Methodists erected this building when they were denied the use of existing buildings of other denominations – because of their boisterous shouting and preaching, and because of that the building was also referred to as the Brimstone Church. The 1876 county history makes note of the building, but the 1892 county history says that the building is currently not in use.

Final disposition:
     The church building was dismantled 12/1938 by Sylvanis Wagner, who used the wood and windows in buildings on his farm – about one mile southeast of the site. The cemetery remains and is cared for locally.

44. Mount Pleasant EV

Description: Description: mount pleasant

Location: PA 973
Municipality: Watson township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Salladasburg, go 3.5 miles west on PA 973. The building is on the southeast corner of PA 973 and Ridge Road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
Susquehanna Conference 1969,196 – merged into Tombs Run
Central Pennsylvania Conference 1969, 143 – merged into Tombs Run 1/15/1969

Brief History:
This congregation grew out of a Sunday School which met in the Harer schoolhouse and was sometimes known as Harer’s Church. The building was dedicated December 24, 1876 while the appointment was on the Jersey Shore circuit. For many years (1903-1941) the appointment was with Friedans and Salladasburg on the three-point Salladasburg charge. Mt. Pleasant (former EUB) merged into Tombs Run (former Methodist) on January 15, 1969.

Final disposition:
The building is now a private residence. The nearby Fisher [Mt. Pleasant Cemetery] may have belonged to the church, but it was not dealt with in the merger with Tombs Run or the sale of the property.

45. Mount Zion UMC

Address: Martins Road
Municipality: Piatt township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of US 220 and PA 287, go ½ mile east on PA 220 to Martins Road (at the eastern end of US 220 being a divided highway – there is a 100 foot section of road between the two parts of US 220). Go north on Martins road ¼ mile. The church is on the left, as the road turns to the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This church building was erected in 1843 on land given by Adam and Phoebe King. It was originally called “St. Catheran Church” in tribute to Catheran Steward Knox, wife of early trustee John Knox. A vestibule was added in 1885. The church was given a bell in the early 1960’s, but a steeple was never built and the bell was mounted in a stone setting. In 1968, the church was raised and a basement and new vestibule were added.
Mount Zion merged into Salladasburg October 1, 2018.

Final disposition:

46. Mount Zion UMC

Description: Description: mount zion

Location: Carey Hill Road
Municipality: Upper Fairfield township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the Montoursville interchange of I-180 and PA 47, go north 2.2 miles on PA 87 to Farragut and PA 864. Continue north on PA 87 0.2 miles to the T with Carey Hill Road. Bear right onto Carey Hill Road and go 2.0 miles. The church is on the left, where Green Hollow Road goes off to the right.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
2005,233 – merged into Farragut

Brief History:
Services here were held in Osburn school house until the church building was erected in 1878. This church was on the Warrensville charge until 1996, when it was placed with the former Methodist congregations of the Farragut – Fairfield charge.

Final disposition:

47. Oregon Hill Calvary EV

Description: Description: oregon

Location: 1410 Oregon Hill Road
Municipality: Pine township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection, between Jersey Shore and Williamsport, of US 220 and PA 287, go north on PA 287 for 16.5 miles to the village of English Center. Continue another 6.5 miles north on PA 287 to Oregon Hill Road. Go 1.4 miles west on Oregon Hill Road. The site is on the right, across from the cemetery.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
     1917,54 – new roof
     1980,A80 – enters closed list
     1981,A76 – permission to sell
     1982,255 - sold

Brief History:
The 1939 conference history says the building was erected sometime after 1912, but the 1892 Meginness county history states there were two churches, Evangelical and Methodist, in Oregon Hill. Archival records indicate the property was deeded to the Evangelical Association in 1872 and sided with the United Evangelicals during the denominational split. It was always part of the 5-point Liberty charge: Beuters, Liberty and Nauvoo in Tioga County; Buttonwood and Oregon Hill in Lycoming County. The last recorded membership is 14 in 1961. EUB services appear to have been discontinued about that time, but the building was maintained and used for worship by persons in the community – who eventually left the denomination to become Oregon Hill Grace Chapel.

Final disposition:
The building became Oregon Hill Grace Chapel, an independent church, which is currently (2019) planning to relocate to 35 acres and a new building on PA 414 between Morris and Liberty.

48. Oregon Hill ME

Description: Description: oregon

Location: Oregon Hill Road
Municipality: Pine township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection, between Jersey Shore and Williamsport, of US 220 and PA 287, go north on PA 287 for 16.5 miles to the village of English Center. Continue another 6.5 miles north on PA 287 to Oregon Hill Road. Go 1.3 miles west on Oregon Hill Road. The site is on the right, before the existing church building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1892,59 – “modest but comfortable” church dedicated 11/8/1891 at cost of $600
     1913,44 – permission to sell
     1918,34 – $20 proceeds from sale of lot

Brief History:
The history of this site is sketchy. A November 19, 1891, article in the Wellsboro Gazette notes the dedication of Oregon Hill M.E. Church. It appears that the Methodists moved an old school building to the site in 1891 and maintained an appointment here until about 1912.

Final disposition:
The 160x100 lot is now privately owned.

49. Oriole UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\oriole.jpg$

Address: 30 Main Road, village of Oriole
Municipality: Limestone township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
Oriole used to be named Jamestown. Trustees for the congregation purchased a lot in Jamestown in 1851 and erected a church building in 1852. That first building burned to the ground 1/31/1915 due to defective stove pipes that ran through the attic. The present structure was dedicated in the same site 9/26/1915. The basement excavation for classrooms and meeting space was begun in 1960 and completed in 1961.
On 1/29/2023 the congregation voted 24-0 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.

Final disposition:
The congregation is continuing as the Oriole Methodist Church within the Global Methodist Church.

50. Oval UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\oval.jpg$

Address: 6796 South PA Route 44
Municipality: Limestone township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This congregation’s history began 4/25/1876 when a piece of property was purchased from George and Jane Clark for $50. By 12/24 of that same year, a church building at that location was dedicated (and paid for). In the spring of 1963, the church had to be moved back to accommodate the widening of the highway. A full-sized basement was dug directly behind the structure and the church building was moved back. In the late 1960’s, the basement was finished off and partitioned into five classrooms.
On 1/29/2023 the congregation voted 42-3 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:

51. Parsons Hill EV

Address: 19 Smith Road
Municipality: McNett township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 14 at Grover, go east through Grover to Ellenton Mountain Road. Go ½ mile south on Ellenton Mountain Road until it bends east at Parsons Road. Continue straight onto Parsons Road for 2 miles to Smith Road. The building pictured is the Parsons Hill schoolhouse, on the corner of Parsons Road [aka Creggs Hill Road] and Smith Road, which may or may not have been the meeting place.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1961,77 – closed, members transferred to Grover or church of their own choosing

Brief History:
This church was part of the Grover (Bradford County) – East Point (Tioga County) charge when it was closed in 1961 because “no services have been conducted during the past year and the possibility for re-activation of said congregation and the need for the same seem remote.” It is unclear whether the Evangelicals had any ownership in the building (or when and under what circumstances it was erected) – but it MAY be still be operating as a place of worship or it MAY be the abandoned schoolhouse pictured above.
Note: Some records list an Evangelical class in nearby Leolyn (off PA 14 at Mill Hall Road, north of Newellton). This MAY be the same class.

Final disposition:

52. Pine Run UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\pinerun.jpg$

Address: 1719 Pine Run Road
Municipality: Woodward township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Williamsport, go 7 miles west on US220 to Pine Run Road. Go 2 miles north on Pine Run Road. The church is on the west side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church.

Journal references:
2023,181 – disaffiliated

Brief History:
Evangelical preaching in the area began in homes in 1885. The first church building was erected in 1887 across the road from the present structure. The present building was erected in 1916, and the basement dug out for classrooms and modern plumbing in 1954. The appointment was on the 5-point Lycoming charge (with St. Johns’s Chapel, Sate Road, Quiggleville and Maples Springs) until 1959, when it was placed on the Salladasburg charge. Pine Run disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church 7/14/2022.

Final disposition:
The congregation now operates as an independent church.

53. Proctor UMC

Description: Description: proctor

Location: 213 Hoppestown Road, community of Proctor
Municipality: Plunkett Creek township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the village of Loyalsockville on PA 87, go north on PA 87 11.0 miles to Dunwoody Road (which is 0.8 miles past Lower Barbours Road. Turn left on Dunwoody Road and go 0.5 miles to the community of Barbours. Cross the creek and continue another 2.0 miles to the community of Proctor. The church is on the left, at the far end of town, on Hoppestown Road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1896,74 – building dedicated
     1986,346 – discontinued
     1986,212/214 – closed
     1987,286 – deed secured
     1990,353 – abandoned

Brief History:
The community of Proctor began in 1868 when Thomas Proctor established a large tannery there (because of the presence of the hemlock trees whose bark was needed for tanning) and provided employment for many people. The Methodists worshiped in the schoolhouse for many years before erected a building in 1895. Three years after the church was built, the tannery stopped operating (because chemicals were developed that eliminated the need for hemlock bark in the tanning process) and the village became a ghost town.

Final disposition:
The property was sold to the Proctor Community Association in 1994 for $8,000. The property was advertised for sale by the Proctor Community Association in 2017.

54. Quaker Hill EV

Location: Northway Road, at Quaker Hill Road
Municipality: Eldred township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Warrensville, go west on PA 973 1.7 miles to Northway Road. Go south on Northway Road 0.5 miles to Quaker Hill Road. The site is on the east side of Northway Road, at the terminus of Quaker Hill Road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
    1919,50 – church building erected
    1920,50 – church building completed at $1600, $400 surplus to be used to erect a tower
    1929,62 – discontinued
    1933,52 – church building repaired by community, sheds sold by conference board of trustees
    1943,43&93 – sale recommended, funds to parsonages on mission appointments
    1944,31&75 – $150.00 received from sale
    1946,95 – church building sold; modification of 1944,88&90 sale statement

Brief History:
The Quaker Hill church was erected in 1918 and added to the Warrensville charge. It never had a large membership and was discontinued in 1929..

Final disposition:
The buildings have been razed and the cemetery sold to the Quaker Hill Cemetery Association.

55. Richart’s Grove ME

Description: Description: richarts

Location: Richart Grove Lane, community of Richart’s Grove
Municipality: Jordan township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of PA 118 and PA 42, go 2 miles east to Keller Hollow Road. Turn right and go ¼ south on Keller Hollow Road to Hall Road. Turn right on Hall Road and go ¼ mile to Richart (Richard) Grove Lane. Turn right on Richart Grove Lane. The church is on the left.

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

Journal references:
1895,55 – new church building nearing completion
1896,66 – new church building completed

Brief History:
The cornerstone reads “Richart’s Grove ME Church – September 17, 1893.” The congregation worshipped in a nearby school house before receiving the land from Mr. George Yorks. In the early 1900’s Richart’s Grove was on the Jamison City charge. In 1968, while part of the large 7-point Muncy Valley charge, the congregation sought to become independent. As of 1970, Richart’s Grove was no longer listed as an appointment.

Final disposition:
The building now houses an independent congregation.

56. Salladasburg EA

[no picture]

Location: Main Street
Municipality: borough of Salladasburg
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection, between Jersey Shore and Williamsport, of US 220 and PA 287, go north on PA 287 for 3.7 miles to Main Street. Bear to the right on Main Street into Salladasburg and proceed 0.2 miles to Pine Run Road. The building stood at the north end of the present cemetery

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:

Brief History:
This building is shown in the 1873 county atlas as an “Albright Church.” The 1892 Meginness county history states that the borough of Salladasburg has three churches – Methodist, Evangelical and Lutheran. Nothing else is known about this building or congregation, and it is assumed to have been lost in the 1894 split. When the Jersey Shore circuit was created by the Evangelical Association in 1871 it is reported to have included appointments gathered from the Lock Haven, Clinton and Lycoming circuits at Germany (Swissdale), Frontonia, Wayne, Pine, Nippenose, Friedens, Salladasburg, and Jersey Shore.

Final disposition:

57. Salladasburg Bethany EV

Description: Description: salladasburg

Location: Main Street
Municipality: borough of Salladasburg
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
Central Pennsylvania Conference 1969,105/143 – merged into former Salladasburg Methodist
Susquehanna Conference 1969,196 – merged into former Salladasburg Methodist Church

Brief History:
About 1901 Rev. C.L. Sones of the Jersey Shore circuit began holding services and organized a class in the unused Lutheran church building. Interest grew, and the Lutheran building became Bethany United Evangelical Church. In 1903 Salladasburg and Mt. Pleasant and Friedans were taken from the Jersey Shore circuit and organized as the Salladasburg charge.

Final disposition:
The building is now a private home.

58. Slate Run ME

Description: Description: state

Location: PA 414, village of Slate Run
Municipality: Brown township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Waterville, go 1.6 miles north on PA 44 to PA 414. Continue straight on PA 414 14.2 miles to the village of Slate Run. The church is on the right, just past the general store on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1885,40 – 2 church buildings [Slate Run and Tombs Run?] erected on Waterville Charge
     1893,71 – new Sunday School room added
     1903,79 – improvements made
     1970,119 – no longer listed in journal
     1980,A80 – enters closed list
     1981,A76/203 – permission so sell/sold
     1982,256 – sold

Brief History:
This property was deeded to the Methodists by George W. Tomb and wife in 1896, but the church building appears to have been erected about 1885. In 1967 an agreement was made to have Slate Run served by the Cedar Run Baptist Church as a two-point Baptist charge. Regular worship services were discontinued in 1968, with 7 persons still on the membership rolls. Sunday School was continued for several years before the building was permanently closed.

Final disposition:
The building and property were sold in 1981 to John E. and Margaret P. Probst for $1500.

59. South Williamsport Christ UMC

southwillchris

Location: 1116 W. Southern Avenue
Municipality: borough of South Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
W. Southern Avenue [PA 654] crosses US 15 in South Williamsport at the first stoplight south of the Susquehanna River. The church is west of US 15, on the north side of the street.

Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1943,92 – given $300 no interest 5-year loan to repair damage from flood of 1936
2000,155/S-122 – merged into South Williamsport Grace/members transferred out

Brief History:
The work began here in 1885 when the superintendent of the Altoona District of the Allegheny Conference met with United Brethren persons who had moved here from Duncannon to work in a nail factory. The neighborhood was canvassed, and a class of 12 members was organized. This is their third church building on the site. The First chapel was erected in 1887 (but severely damaged by the flood of 1889). A second (completely rebuilt) structure was dedicated in 1910. The existing building, for which the cornerstone was laid in 1925 by Billy Sunday, was dedicated in 1927.

Final disposition:
The three properties on Southern Avenue were sold in 2001 to Rodney Bower who paid $70,000 for the church building and the parking lot and $20,000 for the parsonage.

60. South Williamsport UMC

southwilme

Location: 1406 W. Southern Avenue
Municipality: borough of South Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
W. Southern Avenue [PA 654] crosses US 15 in South Williamsport at the first stoplight south of the Susquehanna River. The church is west of US 15, on the north side of the street.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
   1884,38 – building under construction following Church Extension Plan No. 4
     1886,56 – building completed at cost of $3500
     1894,71 – foundation raised, gallery removed, seating increased by 75
     2007,219 – merged into South Williamsport Grace [re-named South Williamsport UMC]

Brief History:
This work began in 1881 the schoolhouse on the corner of Central Avenue and Clark Street with Sunday School and occasional preaching services by area Methodist clergy. It then became a formal mission project of Williamsport Grace. In 1883 the group became its own congregation and moved to Billman Hall before erecting a wooden chapel on land received from the Williamsport Land Company at the present location in 1885. That building was struck by lightning and destroyed by fire in 1917. The present stone sanctuary was dedicated in 1920, and the Christian education complex was added in 1967.

Final disposition:

61. St. John's Chapel UMC

trial

Address: 1619 Chapel Hill Road
Municipality: Anthony township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the west end of Williamsport and the end of the US 220 by-pass, go 7 miles west on US 220 to Pine Rune Road. Go north on Pine Rune Road 6 miles to Chapel Hill Road. Take a very sharp turn east on Chapel Hill road and go ½ mile. The church building is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
2014,143 – merged into Pine Run

Brief History:
This building was erected in 1871 on ground donated by John Kiess and moved in 1949 to ground donated by Francis Woodling. Pine Run and St. John’s Chapel were on the Lycoming circuit from their beginnings until 1959, when they were transferred to the Salladasburg charge. In 1970 they were made a three-point charge along with the former Methodist appointment at Linden. Linden merged into Pine Run 2001, and St. John’s Chapel followed suit in 2014.

Final disposition:

62. Steam Valley EV

Description: Description: steamvalley

Location:
Municipality: Cogan House township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:

Journal references:

Brief History:
This building was erected by the Church of Christ, which had a congregation in the area for about 10 years, and dedicated in November 1884. Open “to all and any other religious denominations for the worship of Almighty God when not so occupied by the Disciples”, it appears to have been used by the Evangelicals. See The Early History of Cogan House Township pages 228-230 and Cogan House Township: The 1900’s pages 79-82.

Final disposition:

63. Tombs Run UMC

Description: Description: tombs

Location: PA 973
Municipality: Watson township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the western terminus of PA 973 on PA 44, go east ½ mile on PA 973. The church is on the right at the intersection with T365.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1914,89 – church building destroyed by fire and a new one erected
     1969,105/143 – receives remaining members of Mt. Pleasant (former Evangelical)
     1994,220 – merged into Waterville
     1996,314 – enters abandoned list
     1997,317 – dropped from abandoned list

Brief History:
The work here began when Methodist circuit riders visited the area in 1870 and held services and revival meetings. In 1872, a Sunday School began meeting in the room over Henry Tomb’s blacksmith shop and a simple frame church building with no vestibule/steeple was erected in 1884. The January 15, 1885 Christian Advocate reported the dedication of the church building, with the added note that “a year ago there were only two members here.” That building was destroyed by fire on 1/11/1913, and a new church building dedicated 12/23/1913.

Final disposition:
The property (2 parcels) was sold 11/16/1995 to William and Ann Norman for $12,000.

64. Unityville Salem UMC

Address: 8928 Moreland Baptist Road
Municipality: Jordan township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Hughesville, go east on PA118 15 miles to PA42. Go south on PA42 1.5 miles to the first crossroad. Go west on Moreland Baptist Road 0.5 miles. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal References:
     1929,58 – preparing to erect a new building “in the village” instead of “on the hill”
                   – apparently this did not happen
      2014,143 – discontinued

Brief History:
The congregation began meeting in homes and erected the nucleus of the present building on the lands of Gordon F. Mason in 1845. The building and property were deeded to the congregation in May 1846. During the 1894-1922 split there were two Evangelical church buildings in Unityville. From the 1922 formation of the Central Pennsylvania Conference EV until the 1970 formation of the Central Pennsylvania Conference UM, Unityville was part of the 6-point Sonestown charge: Bethel, Ebenezer, Franklin, Nordmont, Salem, Sonestown. In 1970 Salem was placed on the 5-point Unityville charge: Fairview, Franklin Bethel, Pine Center, Salem, Wesley Chapel. In 2014 Salem was discontinued and Wesley Chapel merged into Pine Center, which was renamed Pine Wesley.

Final Disposition:
The church property was sold 10/23/2014 to the Unityville Community Fire Company for $20,000.

65. Unityville UE

Description: Description: UnityvilleUE

Location: 6021 PA 42
Municipality: Jordan township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Hughesville, go east on PA118 15 miles to PA42. Go south on PA42 1 mile. The building is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The building was erected by those members of the Unityville Salem congregation that chose to identify with the United Evangelical Church during the 1894-1922 denominational split. When the denominations re-united, the congregations re-united in the original Salem building.

Final disposition:
The building is now (2014) Taylor’s Bar and Grill.

66. Warrensville ME

warren

Location: 5964 Warrensville Road, village of Warrensville
Municipality: Eldred township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Montoursville, go 5 miles north on PA 87 to PA 973. Go east on PA 973 2 miles into Warrensville. At the intersection with Warrensville Road (where PA 973 turns south), go north on Warrensville Road ¼ mile. The building is on the east side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This building was erected in 1858 and used into the 1870’s, at which time the congregation dispersed and the building was sold to the Good Temperance Society.

Final disposition:
The building is now a private residence.

67. Warrensville UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\warrensville.jpg$

Address: 5748 PA Warrensville Road
Municipality: Eldred township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the interchange, between Williamsport and Montoursville, of US 220 with Warrensville Road, go 9 miles north on Warrensville Road to PA 973. The church is in the east side of the highway, directly across from where PA 973 goes off to the west.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1962,122 – approval of building plans “in principle”, subject to further study

Brief History:
The deed for the property from Henry Low and wife to the church trustees is dated 12/30/1859. The appointment was originally on the large Lycoming circuit. When that circuit was divided in 1877, Warrensville became part of the Williamsport circuit. When that circuit was divided in 1897, the long-standing Warrensville charge was created: Warensville, Rose Valley (later placed with Balls Mills), Loyalsockville, Mt Zion and Heilman. Those 4 churches stayed together for 99 years – until 1996.
On 10/23/2022 the congregation voted 25-0 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.

Final disposition:
The facility is now home to Warrensville Community Church.

68. Waterville UMC

Description: Description: waterville

Location: Church Street, village of Waterville
Municipality: Cummings township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Jersey Shore, go west on US 220 1 mile to exit 120, PA 44 north. Go north on PA 44 11 miles to Waterville. Immediately after crossing the bridge over Little Pine Creek, turn left onto Church Street and go 200 yards. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1884,39 – parsonage built
     1885,40 – two churches erected on the charge [Slate Run & Tombs Run?];
                      charge named changed from Pine Creek to Waterville
     1886,56 – new frame church erected at a cost of $2000
     1994,220 – receives remaining members of Cammal and Tombs Run; renamed Pine Creek UMC
     2001,163 – abandoned
     2002,280/S154 – sale pending/members withdrawn
     2003,287 – sold to Cummings township
     2004,173 – remaining members formally transferred to Phelps Chapel

Brief History:
Methodist circuit rider John Thomas began holding services in the house of John English as early as 1805. The land for this building was purchased in 1850 and the first church building was erected under Rev. Gideon H. Day. The present structure was erected in 1885. Attendance dwindled over the years and the remaining members agreed to cease holding service as of March 11, 2001.

Final disposition:
The property was sold to Cummings township in April 2002 for $20,000.

69. Williamsport Bennett Street EA

wilpobennet

Location: Bennett Street
Municipality: City of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
The building stood on the north side of Bennett Street, west of the alley between Packer and Mulberry Streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:

Brief History:
This class was begun in 1869 by the English-speaking proponents of First EA Church on Market Street. They worshipped in the Franklin School until erecting a building in 1870. The congregation lost the building when they sided with the United Evangelicals in the 1894 split. The congregation then erected First UE Church at the northeast corner of Packer and Bennett Streets.

Final disposition:
This property was eventually purchased by Lycoming College and the building razed to create a parking lot.

70. Williamsport Calvary UMC

Location: 1400 W. Fourth Street
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
Fourth Street runs parallel to the river. From the intersection of Market and Fourth Streets, go 14 blocks west on Fourth Street to Cemetery Street. The church is on the northwest corner of Fourth and Cemetery Streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2006,233 – merged into St. Paul, which was re-named St. Paul-Calvary

Brief History:
     Amariah Sutton (1728-1817) settled on the land where Lycoming Creek empties into the Susquehanna River. In 1772 he erected a cabin at what is now Fourth and Beeber Streets. In 1776 he deed the land at what is now Fourth and Cemetery Streets for “church, school and cemetery” purposes. Early Methodists, including William Colbert and Lorenzo Dow, preached at his home, and regular class meetings were held there from 1790 to 1805, when the Methodists erected a chapel at the present site. When a brick Methodist church was erected on Pine Street in 1826, the remnant of this class joined that congregation.
     In 1889, the Methodists erected a frame building at this site. In 1922, that structure was moved to the rear of the lot and in 1923 construction was begun on the present facility – intended to be a Methodist ministry to the “industrial section” of Williamsport that would include a gymnasium and serve as a community center open to all denominations. The building was formally dedicated in an ecumenical ceremony in 1930.
     In the face of declining membership and finances, the congregation voted to merge into the nearby St. Paul’s (former EV) church to form St. Paul-Calvary UMC. A final service was held at Calvary 10/5/2005.

    Final disposition:
     The property was sold in 2008 and converted into the luxury Sanctuary Apartments

71. Williamsport First EA
[Williamsport Market Street EA]

Description: Description: first

Location: Market and North Streets
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
The church stood on the southwest corner of Market and North Street, where the Salvation Army building is today.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:
     East Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association
            1898,19 – request denied for Conference funds to erect new building
            1899,21 – permission to solicit funds in the District
            1902,22 – request for funds for new building sent to the general Church Extension Society
            1903,28 – permission to sell Newberry bldg and use funds to erect new Market Street bldg
                     30 – permission to collect for new building on Reading and Philadelphia Districts
            1904,28 – permission denied to use funds from Newberry sale to remodel church
            1905,30 – permission denied to solicit across the districts to relieve church debt
            1908,27 – given funds from sale of nearby “St. John’s”
     Central Pennsylvania Conference EV
          1923,89 – permission for First to sell Market Street building

Brief History:
This class was organized in 1849 and erected its first church building in 1852. The congregation remained in the Evangelical Association during the 1894-1922 split. Immediately after the 1922 re-union First EA united with First UE to erect the present First UMC in the triangle at Market and Packer Streets.

Final disposition:
The property was sold to the Salvation Army church for $25,000 and is now the site of their new building.

72. Williamsport First UE

Description: Description: first

Location: Bennett and Packer Streets
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
The building stood on the northeast corner of Packer and Bennett Streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church.

Journal references:

Brief History:
When the Bennett Street congregation sided with the United Evangelicals and lost their building in the 1894 split, they worshiped in the Curtin School (at the site of the present First UMC) until erecting this building in 1895. In 1922 the congregation purchased the Curtin School property from the Williamsport School District for $20,000. Immediately after the 1922 re-union First UE united with First EA to erect the present First UMC in the triangle at Market and Packer Streets.

Final disposition:
The site is now a parking lot for Lycoming College.

73. Williamsport First UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\wilpofrirst.jpg$

Address: 604 Market Street
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This congregation was formed in 1922 immediately following the denominational re-union by the uniting of the former First EA and First UE congregations to form First EV. Construction began on the present structure in 1923. The building was dedicated in 1924 and was host to the 1926 General Conference of the Evangelical Church, the denominations first since the uniting one of 1922.
On 1/18/2023 the congregation voted 218-20-1 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.

Final disposition:

74. Williamsport Grace UMC

Location: 324 Campbell Street
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Fourth and Market Steets in downtown Williamsport, go 12 blocks west on Fourth Street to Campbell Street (the western end of the city’s one-way streets). Go south 1 block on Campbell Street. The church is on the southeast corner of Cambell and Grace Streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1884,38 – completed structure by addition of planned annex
     1885,40 – parsonage erected on adjoining lot
     2010,243 – merged into Pine Street

Brief History:
This congregation’s first building was erected in 1865 on a lot donated by Peter Herdic, as authorized by Rev. Samuel Price and the trustees at Pine Street. Originally named Wesley Chapel and a ministry of Pine Street, it came a separate charge in 1867 and was designated Price Chapel in memory of Rev. Price who had died in 1866. This chapel stood on the lot that later housed the parsonage. In 1879 the adjacent lot was purchased and the present sanctuary erected. The annex was added in 1883. The parsonage was completed in 1886, with the noted Rev. Silas Comfort Swallow being its first resident.

In 2009, in the face of declining enrollment and finances, Grace merged back into its mother congregation at Pine Street. A final service was held at Grace 8/30/2009.

Final disposition:
The facilities now house the “Saving Grace Shelter” ministries of the American Resue Workers.

75. Williamsport High Street UMC

Description: Description: high street

Location: 501 High Street
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Market and Fourth Streets in downtown Williamsport, go 4 blocks west on Fourth Street to Hepburn Street. Go 5 blocks north on Hepburn Street to High Street. Go 2 blocks west on High Street to Center Street. The church is on the southwest corner of High and Center Streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1909,83 – tower added at corner, auditorium enlarged, $5000 project
     2002,S170 – merged into Williamsport Wesley, named New Hope
     2006,233 – New Hope merged into Williamsport First

Brief History:
     Originally there were no church buildings in Williamsport north of the railroad tracks (now Little League Boulevard), but there was a Union Sunday School meeting in the Emery School Building on the northeast corner of Park Avenue and Locust Streets. Over time the Sunday School became Methodist and considered an outreach of Mulberry Street. A congregation was organized in 1891, Rev. Dr. Thompson Mitchell donated land on the southwest corner of High and Center Streets sufficient enough for a church building and a parsonage, and the sanctuary was dedicated 10/13/1893.
     In the face of declining membership and finances, and the commercialization of the neighborhood, the congregation merged into Williamsport Wesley (the former Williamsport Market Street, which became Wesley when Mulberry Street merged into Market Street) in 2002 to become Williamsport New Hope.

Final disposition:
     The facilities are now home to Sojourner Truth Ministries, an outreach of the Susquehanna Conference UMC.

76. Willamsport New Hope UMC
[Williamsport Wesley UMC]
[Williamsport Market Street ME]

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\wesley.jpg$

Address: 1157 Market Street
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
Market Street is the north-south street that crosses the Susquehanna River from South Williamsport and passes through the center of town. The church is about 1.2 miles north of the river on the west side of the Street.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2006,233 – merged into Williamsport First

Brief History:
In June 1889, Charles M. Kline went for a walk and heard singing coming from the old Center school house at Market Street and Highland Terrace. He discovered it was a Sunday School about to disband for lack of money and supplies, and he urged them to delay the decision. In 1890 the work was made a mission of Pine Street. Under the direction of the Pine Street trustees, a building was erected in 1890. The property was conveyed to the Market Street trustees in 1897. The Christian education building was added in 1956, and the new sanctuary was dedicated in 1968.
In 1963 Mulberry Street merged into Market Street and it was renamed Wesley. In 2001 High Street merged into Wesley and it was named New Hope. In 2006 New Hope merged into First, but the building was kept as the North Campus of First UM.

Final disposition:
Although regular worship services are no longer held here, the building continues in various ministries as the North Campus of First Church.

77. Williamsport MP

willpomp

Location: Sherman and Sheridan Streets
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church

Journal references:
1888,6 – deed for church lot secured and placed in hands of the treasurer

Brief History:
This congregation appears to have erected the “Wilson Street Methodist Church” at Railway and Wilson Streets in 1875 and operated it until 1880 – at which time that structure passed into the hands of the Evangelical Association. The church building at Sherman and Sheridan was erected in 1888, and it is not known where (or if?) the congregation met in the years from 1880 to 1888 – although the 1885 city directory identifies a Methodist Protestant congregation meeting “every Sunday in brick school house, Lloyd’s addition” under Rev. Charles W. Crump with 30 members and 100 Sunday School scholars.

Final disposition:
The building now [2026] houses an Assembly of God congregation.

78. Williamsport MP

[no picture]

Location: Third Street
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
According to the Williamsport Sun-Gazette for 11/11/1938 page 10, “Sixty Years Ago Today [i.e., 11/11/1878]. The Methodist Protestant denomination has opened the brick church on Third Street, below Academy with the Rev. Alexander Manship as pastor.”
According to the Williamsport Sun-Gazette for 2/28/1879, page 1, Rev. JH Timborman was appointed to succeed Rev. Alexander Manship as pastor of “the Methodist Protestant Church, Third Street.”

Final disposition:

79. Williamsport Mulberry Street ME

Description: Description: mulberry

Location: 345 Mulberry Street
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of Market and Third Streets, go one block east on Third Street to Mulberry Street. Go North on Mulberry Street ½ block. The site is on the left. The church building stood to the left of the remaining house/parsonage.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
     In 1859, services at Pine Street had become so crowded that it was recommended that another Methodist Episcopal church be built in a different part of town. By 1860 some members of Pine Street and students from Williamsport Dickinson Seminary (now Lycoming College) began meeting tin the seminary chapel. In 1861 a request was made for a separate preacher to take charge of the group meeting in the chapel and to erect a new building.
     A lot on Mulberry Street was purchased and the cornerstone laid August 6, 1862. The basement was completed and dedicated January 8, 1863. The church was completed and dedicated February 18, 1864. The first building burned in 1868 and replaced by a new building in 1871. The second building was destroyed that same year by a the great Williamsport fire of 1871. A third building was erected and dedicated in 1872.
     In 1963, Mulberry Street merged into Market Street to form Wesley Methodist Church. High Street merged into Wesley in 2001 to form Hope United Methodist Church. Hope merged into First United Methodist Church in 2006.

Final disposition:
The property was sold to Faith Tabernacle, who moved around the corner to the former Elks building in 1972. The Mulberry Street building burned down in 1973, and the lot was cleared to provide parking for Faith Tabernacle. The former parsonage is still standing.

80. Williamsport Newberry EA

Description: Description: newberry

Location: 1025-1031 Race Street, below Apple Street – Newberry section of Williamsport
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of Fourth and Market Street in downtown Williamsport, 20 20 blocks (to 2200 West Fourth Street) west of Fourth Street to Race Street. Go about 4 blocks north on Race Street. The building is on the west side of the street.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:
East Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association
1903,28 – permission to sell building and use funds to erect new Market Street building in Williamsport

Brief History:
This building was erected in 1871 at a cost of $3000. When the congregation sided with the United Evangelicals and lost their building in the 1894 split, they worshiped in the local POS of A Hall before erecting a new building at the corner of Newberry Street and Funston Avenue.

Final disposition:
The Evangelical Association was unable to sustain a congregation here after the 1894 split and finally sold the structure in 1903. It is now a 4-unit apartment building.

81. Williamsport Newberry UMC

Location: 901 Diamond Street
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of Market Street and Fourth Street in downtown Williamsport, go 22 blocks (to 2200 W. Fourth Street) west on Fourth Street to Diamond Street. The building is on the northwest corner of Fourth and Diamond Streets

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2004, 173 – merged into Williamsport St. John’s to form Williamsport St. John’s-Newberry

Brief History:
Methodist preaching in Newberry began in 1853 as one of 15 appointments on the Newberry circuit – meeting in the school house on Diamond Street, later the site of Sander’s Mortuary. A building was erected, facing Fourth Street, at the present site in 1854. In 1863, the building was sold at sheriff’s sale to Rev. Henry Wilson – who purchased the property for $600 and sold it back to the congregation for $700. In 1868, Newberry became a station appointment. The old church was razed and the present sanctuary erected in 1899. In 1912, adjacent land on Diamond Street was purchased for the construction of the 1916 Sunday School addition and adjoining parsonage. The 2004 150^th Anniversavy Booklet lists 16 ministerial sons and daughters of the congregation.
In 2004 Newberry (former Methodist) merged into St. John’s (former EUB) to form St. John’s-Newberry UMC, and the Newberry build was retained to become the West End Christian Community Center/

Final disposition:

82. Williamsport Third Street UMC

Address: 931 East Third Street
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
Third Street runs parallel to the Susquehanna River and is a main thoroughfare in the city. From the main downtown intersection of Market Street (the bridge across the Susquehanna River from South Williamsport) and Third Street, go 9 blocks east on Third Street. The church is on the north side of the street.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This congregation developed from a Sunday School started in 1866 by Miss Esther Adams of the Mulberry Street church. The first chapel was erected in 1867. A substantial church building was erected in 1885 and a parsonage next to the church in 1890. The enlarged 1885 building was destroyed by fire in 1993 and replaced by a modern structure.
On 2/11/2023 the congregation voted 15-6-1 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.

Final disposition:

83. Williamsport Trinity UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\lycoming\wmptrinity.jpg$

Address: 1971 Lycoming Creek Road
Municipality: Old Lycoming township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From South Williamsport, cross the Susquehanna River on US 15 north and continue on the US 15 north expressway to exit 137, Lycoming Creek Road. Go north on Lycoming Creek Road (the old US 15) about 1 mile. The site is on the west side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1940,167 – approve $5000 loan from Board of Church Extension to rebuild after last year’s fire
1941,53 – new building dedicated 11/3/1940

Brief History:
This congregation began as a Sunday School outreach of Heshbon Park meeting in the Franklin School House. In September 1925, two lots were purchased at the corner of Green Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue. The rapid northward expansion of Williamsport, however, prompted a change in plans and the first church building was erected at the present location in 1927. That building was destroyed by fire December 30, 1939, and replaced by the present structure in 1940. Trinity merged into Heshbon Park in August 2020.

Final disposition:
The building is being renovated into apartments.

84. Williamsport Wilson Street Chapel EV

[no picture]

Location: Railway and Wilson Streets
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:
     1883,27 – transfer of deed from Bennet Street Church to Market Street Church
     1886,9 – permission to sell
     1887,16 – permission to sell

Brief History:
This congregation was a mission enterprise of First EA on Market Street. The building was erected in 1875 at a cost of $1200 by the Methodist Protestant Church (and known as the Wilson Street Methodist Church) until 1880, when it came into possession of the Evangelical Association. The 1885 city directory reports 50 members, 35 Sunday School scholars, and the same pastor as First EA.

Final disposition:

85. Williamsport Wilson Street Methodist Chapel MP

[no picture]

Location: Railway and Wilson Streets
Municipality: city of Williamsport
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church
Note: The name “Wilson Street Methodist Church” and not “Wilson Street Methodist Protestant Church” is intriguing. From 1867 to 1877 there was a split in the Methodist Protestant Church whereby some congregations called themselves the Methodist Church. Although the split was not a major factor in Central Pennsylvania, it could be that this building was erected by that dissenting group and not the Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church.

Journal references:

Brief History:
The building was erected in 1875 at a cost of $1200 by the Methodist Protestant Church (and known as the Wilson Street Methodist Church) until 1880, when it came into possession of the Evangelical Association. The building was known as “Methodist” and not “Methodist Protestant” because in the 1870’s some northern churches in the Methodist Protestant Church broke away to form the short-lived Methodist denomination, which later re-united back into the Methodist Protestant Church.

Final disposition:

86. Wilson ME

[no picture]

Location:
Municipality:
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1898,69 – church building erected

Brief History:
The 1898 journal states: “On Trout Run Charge two new churches have been erected. The first at Wilson appointment, at a cost of $700.” Nothing more is known about this building. It is not listed among the 1915 buildings on the charge, and none of the now closed buildings listed (Bodines, Crescent, Hepburn) seem fit this time frame. It is possible that this is the Bodines church, since Bodines was supposedly in existence in 1898 but is not listed in the conference statistics and Wilson is – but an undocumented statement in the Bodines file says the building there was erected 1890-91. Furthermore, Wilson is listed in the missionary reports until 1903 and then Bodines is listed beginning in 1904 – and the two are never listed in the same year.

Final disposition:

87. Woolever's ME

Description: Description: woolevers

Location: PA 97
Municipality: Plunketts Creek township
County: Lycoming
State: PA

Directions:
From Loyalsockville, go north on PA 87 about 5 miles. Just after crossing Little Bear Creek, turn left into Woolever Lane. The building is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1877,38 – church built, paid for, and dedicated at Woodlands [sic] on the Loyalsock circuit
     1918,83 – $35 raised for repairs to the church
     1933,61 – permission to sell

Brief History:
Methodist preaching in the area began in 1836. The church building was erected in 1877, lumberman Edwin Woolever (1818-1897) being the primary builder/patron of the structure. His wife Esther Wheeland Woolever (1822-1907), a graduate of Dickinson Seminary (now Lycoming College) was Sunday School superintendent for over 50 years. The last membership reported for the church was one member in 1927.

Final disposition:
The property/building was purchased by Woolever heirs in 1932 for $50 and has been converted into a cabin. Apparently there was a cemetery connected with the church, and at least five of those buried there were moved to the Montoursville cemetery.