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.

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY PA

1. Alford ME

CBC 1922

Location: 74 Station Road, village of Alford
Municipality: Harford township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From Kingsley, go 3.5 miles north on US 11 to Station Road. Station Road is an unmarked road along a desolate section of US 11 that veers off to the west with a sign “Weight Limit 10 tons” – just past an isolated mobile home along the west side of the highway, and across from an unmarked road to the east by a sign for a rock quarry. Go north on Station Road ½ mile. The church is on the right, before the road goes under the railroad track,

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1897,23 – new church erected
1925,92 – Heart Lake charge discontinued; Alford added to Harford charge

Brief History:
The first Methodist class organized here was in 1858 by the pastor of Brooklyn circuit. The congregational charter is in the 1896 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 6, page 255. The first church building was dedicated December 17, 1896. In 1912 the railroad was relocated from the east side to the west side of the valley, and the church was moved across the road to its present location. In the 1940’s the congregation appears to have been making its own pastoral arrangements with Bible School students and/or pastors from other denominations. In the 1950’s the congregation appears to have dropped the Methodist name in favor of “Alford Community Church.”

Final disposition:
The building is now Calvary Baptist Church of Alford.

2. Ararat ME

Address: 2220 Ridge Road
Municipality: Ararat township
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
From the borough of Thompson, go 4 miles south on PA 171 to Ararat Road. Go west on Arart Road 3 miles to Ridge Road. Go south 500 feet on Ridge Road. The church is on the left, across from the cemetery.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1929,83 – old building sold, nearby congregational church purchased

Brief History:
While there was an earlier class here that failed to survive, the present congregation dates from a class formed in 1842 by the preacher on Lanesboro circuit. A congregational charter is in the 1872 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 3, page 202, and another in the 1873 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 3, page 287. The first building was erected in 1873 and stood in the field diagonally across from the present building – about ½ miles to the northwest. The history of the present building is confusing. It was erected by the Congregation Church in 1850, and then became Presbyterian in the 1870’s. The Presbyterian congregation faltered, and the Methodists began using the building in 1929. In 1942 the courts awarded title of the property to the Presbyterians, who in turn rented the building to the Methodists that had been using it. That was the arrangement until the church closed in 2012.

Final disposition:
The building stands vacant, property of the Presbyterian Church.

3. Auburn Center ME

Location: PA 267, village of Auburn Center
Municipality: Auburn township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions: The church is in the south end of the village, on the east side of the highway.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1881,31 – new church in process of erection at Auburn

Brief History:
This building was dedicated November 10, 1886.

Final disposition:
This church was listed in the court house records as “Haverly Hill Methodist Church.” The congregational charter for “Auburn M.E. Church” is in the 1864 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 2, page 452. If the property ever ceased to be used for church purposes, all land, buildings and contents were to revert back to the land owner. In May 1963 the trustees of the Meshoppen Methodist Church formally released all rights to the property to a Mr. Gerald Bullock, thus clearing up a legal matter and ending all denominational interests in the property, which was then known for a time as Bullock Hall.

4. Auburn Four Corners ME

Auburn4Cornersphoto

Location: Auburn Four Corners
Municipality: Auburn township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
Take Rt. 267, north of Meshoppen. At Auburn Center, turn east on SR 3001 (Elk Lake Rd.) and drive four miles to the intersection with SR 3004 (Lathrop Rd.).The building stood on the northeast corner of the intersection. There was an Auburn Four Corners post office “at the intersection of two old highways” from 12/12/1832 to 6/30/1915, with the mail routed through Springville.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1959,980 – declared abandoned; permission to sell; proceeds to Springville organ fund

Brief History:
This church building was dedicated September 13, 1881. It was built for the community with funds given by Elijah J. Adams (1824-1900). Regular services were discontinued by agreement of the Springville charge conference on 1952. A congregational meeting, held at Springville on May 14, 1959, voted to discontinue services permanently and that the surviving trustees be empowered to sell the property and its contents – with the proceeds used to purchase an organ for Springville.

Final disposition:
The building was torn down in the 1960’s.

5. Bethel Hill ME

Location: PA 171
Municipality: Harmony township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From the borough of Susquehanna, go 4 miles south on PA 171 to Bethel Hill Road. The church is on the southeast corner of PA 171 and Bethel Hill Road,

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1990,162 – placed on limited service
     1991,304 – abandoned, permission to sell, proceeds to Stevens Point
     1993,307 – sold. Proceeds of $6947.28 to Stevens Point

Brief History:
Meetings were held in this neighborhood in private home and in schoolhouses for several years prior to the erection of the chapel at Bethel Hill in 1883 – at a cost of $700, during the pastorate of J.R. Wagner. A congregational charter is in the 1883 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 4, page 355. An amended congregational charter is in the 1896 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 6, page 280. According to the 1990 journal, the congregation “has, for a number of years, been in decline” and “there have only been four or five services in the church since the last Conference.”

Final disposition:
The property, building and contents were sold “as is” (no water, no sewer, no perk test) in July 1992 for $8100 to a Mr. John Burnard of Susquehanna PA

6. Brackney ME
[aka Silver Lake ME]

[no picture]

Location: village of Brackney
Municipality: Silver Lake township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From Montrose, go north on PA 167 for 20 miles to McCormick Road. Go east on McCormick Road for 2 miles to Brackney Hill Road. Go north on Brackney Hill Road. Immediately on the east side of the road is a cemetery believed to have been the location of the church building.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
Earlier efforts to organize Methodist work were made, but it wasn’t until about 1831 that a regular appointment was established. Services were held in homes and school houses. A series of revival services started on January 1, 1840, that resulted in 40 conversions. A plain frame church on the northeast corner of the crossroads south of Brackney was dedicated in February 1847. In 1867 this building was moved to a more desirable spot further north on the same road. The congregational charter is in the 1868 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 3, page 63. This appointment was served from New York state.

Final disposition:

7. Brookdale ME

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Location: 25593 PA 29, village of Brookdale
Municipality: Liberty township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
Brookdale in on PA 29 1.5 miles south of thy NY state line. The photo on the right was taken in 1910. It has not been verified that the present building/location pictured on the left is truly the Methodist site.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1898,44 – church built

Brief History:
This appears to be a continuation of the class that began in the nearby Bailey school house, erected a building one mile south in Stanfordville in 1852, and relocated another one mile south to Lawsville Center in 1883. The congregational charter is in the 1897 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 6, page 399. The church building at Brookdale was dedicated March 29, 1898. Services were held there by the Methodists until 1921.

Final disposition:
In 1921 the building was sold to the Pentecostal Rescue Mission, which one year later united with the New York District of the Pilgrim Holiness Church. The structure is now the social hall of the Snake Creek Volunteer Fire Company.

8. Brooklyn ME

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Address: Lindaville Road, village of Brooklyn
Municipality: Brooklyn township
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
From the borough of Hop Bottom on US 11, go 4 miles northwest on PA 167 to the village of Brooklyn. Turn left at the cross roads and go 200 yards. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal References:
2004,99 & 178 – placed on limited service

Brief History:
This township was formed in 1814 and was named Waterford 1814-1823 and Hop Bottom 1823-25 before being named Brooklyn in 1825. This Methodist class here (which also went through name changes along with the township) is one of the oldest classes in the county, having been organized in 1801 by preachers Ephraim Chambers and Anning Owen of the Wyoming circuit. The church building erected by the congregation in 1813 was the first in the township of any denomination. This structure was torn down in 1830 and a new one erected in 1831. There is a congregational charter in in the 1875 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 3, page 370, that references 1832. Brooklyn hosted the 1853 annual sessions of the Wyoming Conference. After regular Methodist services ceased, the United Methodists continued hold a service there once a year for several years, but rented it to the Baptists for the holding of regular services.

Final Disposition:
The building was finally sold to the Baptists who had been renting the property for several years.

9. Devine Ridge ME

[no picture]

Location: Devine Ridge Road
Municipality: Rush township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From the village of Rush on PA 706, go 0.5 miles east to Devine Ridge Road. Go north 2 miles on Devine Ridge Road. The cemetery is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
A 30x40 foot building was dedicated here July 4, 1868, largely through the generosity of George Devine and his five sons. By action of the Quarterly Conference on April 29, 1889, the appointment was discontinued and the property reverted to the original owners. There is a memorial window in the Rush church given in memory of a Devine family member.

Final disposition:
Only the cemetery remains.

10. Dimock Christian Community UMC

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Location: 9411 SR 3923, village of Dimock
Municipality: Dimock township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
The church is on the road to Hop Bottom, one block south and one block east of the main intersection.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
There was a regular Dimock appointment on the Fairdale charge, but it was dropped in 1869. A new class was organized in 1875. They met in the 1871 Presbyterian church 1876-86, and the school building 1886-90. In 1890 they purchased and thoroughly refitted the Presbyterian building. In October 1923 the congregation became known as the “Dimock Christian Community Church” but continued to worship in the Methodist-owned building and was served as a Methodist church. In 2025 the congregation voted to move to erect a new building and leave the United Methodist Church. Their final service as a UMC congregation in the building was 6/29/2025.

Final disposition:

11. Dundaff ME

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Location: PA 247, village of Dundaff
Municipality: Clifford township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From the square in Dundaff, go 50 yards east, just across the creek, on PA 247. The church stood on the south side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1938,230 – sale authorized; proceeds to Conference trustees
1946,295 – discontinued; sale authorized with proceeds split between Clifford and Vandling

Brief History:
This society was formed about 1830 and a crude frame building erected on the back part of a lot about 1835. A congregational charter is in the 1850 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 1, page 683. In 1872 the church was moved to a lot on Main Street and thoroughly repaired. A new congregational charter is in the 1885 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 4, page 550. The building was completely remodeled and rededicated May 26, 1898.

Final disposition:
The property was sold 6/7/1946 for $300, with the proceeds minus expenses divided between the Clifford and Vandling congregations. The church building was razed and replaced by a small house.

12. East Ararat United Methodist Church

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Address: PA 370, community of East Ararat
Municipality: Ararat township
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
From the borough of Thompson, go 7 miles south on PA 171 to PA 370. Go east on PA 370 0.5 miles to the first intersection. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This class was formed about 1830 as part of Lanesboro circuit. After meeting in school houses for a number of years, the congregation erected its first building in 1874.
On 11/12/2022 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:

13. East Bridgewater ME

[no picture]

Location:
Municipality: Bridgewater township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1925,91 - closed

Brief History:
Tradition says that a class and occasional preaching services began here about 1815. Meetings were held in private homes, bars, and school houses. A revival during the winter of 1876-77 resulted in over 100 conversions. The church building here was dedicated in the spring of 1878. In 1925 it was reported that “the East Bridgewater church, on the Heart Lake charge, through removals, automatically closed” necessitated the discontinuance of the Heart Lake charge – with Alford placed with Harford and Heart Lake placed with New Milford. In 1967 the Wyoming Conference relinquished all claim to the property in favor of the East Bridgewater Community Church.

Final disposition:

14. East New Milford ME [see Lakeside]

15. Elk Lake ME

Location: highway 3923, village of Elk Lake
Municipality: Dimock township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1958,674 – declared abandoned; sold to Elk Lake Community Church for $750

Brief History:
This class was organized about 1826. In 1876 a great revival resulted in about 80 conversions. The church building was dedicated December 19, 1899.

Final disposition:
This building now houses an independent congregation.

16. Fair Hill ME

[no picture]

Location:
Municipality: Forest Lake township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1951,640 – Fair Hill abandoned; furnishings to Warren Center

Brief History:
This class met in Taylor Hollow and in the Chapman district school house before erecting their own church building, which was dedicated November 26, 1877. It was incorporated in 1879. The congregational charter is in the 1879 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 4, page 43.

Final disposition:
When the Warren Center Methodist Church in Bradford County burned in February 1951, the Fair Hill building and all of its furnishings were donated to the cause. The church was dismantled and trucked to Warren Center, where much of the material was used in the new building. It was stipulated that the windows be used with the names left on them, and they were so used in the dining hall of the new building.

17. Forest City Centennial ME

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Address: 61 Dundaff Street
Municipality: borough of Forest City
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
Dundaff Street is PA 247. The church is on the southwest corner of the intersection of PA 171 and PA 247 heading west.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1907,60 – new church building (but dedication postponed)
     1908,72 – new building dedicated 5/5/1907
     2006,168 – discussion about building a new parsonage to replace the one that burned down

Brief History:
Regular Methodist preaching services in Forest City were began in 1881 by the preacher from Union Dale. The congregational charter is in the 1885 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 4, page 452. The first Methodist church building was dedicated November 17, 1886. The present building was dedicated May 5, 1907.

Final disposition:
The building is now a local history museum.

18. Forest Lake Center ME

[no picture]

Location: village of Forest Lake
Municipality: Forest Lake township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1926,55 – permission to sell
     1927,113 – received $261.40 from sale of furnishings
     1928,118 – received by Preachers’ Aid Society: $261.40, sale of furnishings; $80.00, sale of property

Brief History:
Known as the Town class, this society was organized about 1834. In 1846 a church was dedicated on the farm of John S. Town. In 1871 the building was enlarged by an addition of twelve feet to its length and the erection of a thirty-foot tower. The improved facility was dedicated November 26, 1871. Preaching was discontinued here in 1923.

Final disposition:

19. Gelatt ME

[no picture]

Location: village of Gelatt
Municipality: Gibson township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The congregational charter for the “Gelatt Union Church” is in the 1895 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 5, page 575.

Final disposition:
Only the cemetery remains.

20. Glenwood ME

[no picture]

Location: village of Glenwood, west side of PA 92
Municipality: Lenox township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
The building stood on the west side of PA 92.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1917, 77 – new building erected

Brief History:
This class came into existence about 1871 when the pastor from Nicholson held a series of evangelistic services in the Baptist church. Soon afterward, that church building, erected in 1856, became a union church. In 1882, the Methodists purchased full ownership of the property and became an incorporated entity. A new building was dedicated November 18, 1916. The church was generally served from Wyoming County in connection with Nicholson. In 1981 a majority of the congregation withdrew from the United Methodist Church, but the building (as per a 1983 court decision) remained within the Wyoming Conference. Those who left the denomination formed an independent congregation and erected a new building, and the remaining members were not able to continue as a viable congregation. The church was closed in 1986, and the building sold.

Final disposition:
The building was sold 2/26/1988 for $3,500.

21. Great Bend Community UMC

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Address: 406 Main Street
Municipality: borough of Great Bend
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
Main Street is US 11. From the interchange of I-81 and PA 171, go 0.1 miles west on PA 171 to US 11. Go north on US 11 for ½ mile. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1953,1306 – new basement consecrated 3/18/1952

Brief History:
Tradition indicates there was a Methodist presence here as early as 1799. A congregational charter for “Great Bend and Lakeville” is in the 1853 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 2, page 94. The society grew slowly, and the first church building was not erected until 1854. A new congregational charter is in the 1869 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 3, page 105. A rebuilt and enlarged version of that original structure was dedicated September 21, 1870. That building was struck by lightning and burned down on November 18, 1871. A new building was erected on the same site and dedicated March 13, 1873.
On 2/8/2023 the congregation voted 45-3 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:

22. Hallstead ME

Location: Church Street
Municipality: borough of Hallstead
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2001,101 – merged into Great Bend

Brief History:
Methodists commenced work here as early as 1842, holding services in an old Baptist church and in a school house that stood on the site that would later house the church. During those years, preaching was usually done by the pastors from Great Bend or New Milford charges. The church in Hallstead was dedicated March 17, 1896.

Final disposition:

23. Harford ME

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Location: village of Harford
Municipality: Harford township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1925,92 – Heart Lake charge discontinued; Alford added to Harford charge
1938,230 – sale authorized for church, parsonage & furniture; proceeds to Conference trustees

Brief History:
The first Methodist class in the township was organized in North Harford about 1839, but that class never erected a building. Another class was organized in the village Harford in 1841. Meetings were held in the large upper room of a house. Work on a church building was begun in 1844, but there was not enough money to complete the project immediately. The basement was fitted up and used as a church until 1850, when the sanctuary was completed and the building was dedicated. The congregational charter is in the 1850 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 1, page 662. A parsonage on Water Street was purchased in 1889.

Final disposition:
The above picture of the church and parsonage is circa 1920 and from the book Beechwood Settlers. The church was closed in 1937 and demolished a few years later. The bell was placed in the Congregational Church across the road.

24. Haverly Hill [see Auburn Center]

25. Heart Lake ME

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Location: 20419 PA 706
Municipality: Bridgewater township
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal References:
1898,44 – church built under direction of New Milford quarterly conference
1925,92 – Heart Lake charge discontinued; Heart Lake added to New Milford charge

Brief History:
The work began here in 1896 when Methodists from Binghamton who summered at Heart Lake instituted prayer services. Several conversions resulted, and the following year the pastor from New Milford began serving the community. The church building was dedicated January 29, 1898. When the appointment was discontinued in 2010, a reversion clause in the original deed allowed the congregation to maintain the building as a community church.

Final Disposition:
The building and congregation continue as the Little White Community Church.

26. Herrick Center ME

[no picture]

Location: community of Herrick Center
Municipality: Herrick township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
The community of Herrick Center is on PA 371, about 1 mile west of the intersection of PA 171 and PA 371.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1881,36 – new church 30x50 in the process of construction
1882,54 -church dedicated 3/5/1882

Brief History:
The class here was organized about 1830. Meetings were held in a schoolhouse for about 50 years. During the 1870-1871 pastorate of M.D. Fuller, he purchased a lot and built a house at his own expense – though he did not complete it. After he left the charge, the society purchased the property from him and finished the house. The charter of “The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Herrick Center” was filed 4/9/1872. A 30x50 church building was dedicated March 5, 1882, on land donated by R.P. Patterson of Carbondale. The class was originally part of Dundaff circuit. In 1904 the Herrick Center charge included Herrick Center, East Ararat and Hine’s Corners. After not being in use for several years, the building was officially abandoned in 1944 – the property and structures thereon passing to a previous owner by virtue of a reversion clause in the original deed.

Final disposition:

27. Hop Bottom United Methodist Church

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Address: 17 South Center Street
Municipality: borough of Hop Bottom
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
The borough of Hop Bottom is on US 11. In the borough of Hop Bottom, turn west off US 11 onto PA 167 and go one block to Center Street (old US 11). Turn south on Center Street and go one block. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
For many years this church was known as Foster, after the name of the railroad station; but eventually it became known as Hop Bottom, after the name of the post office. The class is the outgrowth of an appointment established at the Anthony Wright home about one mile north of the village. In 1849 a Sunday School was organized. In 1850 an acre of the farm was set aside, and a small frame building was moved to the site and fitted up for church purposes. This land is the present Lathrop Cemetery. When increasing membership necessitated a larger facility, services were held in various homes and locations until a 35x50 foot building was dedicated in the nearby area December 15, 1870. The congregational charter is in the 1871 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 3, page 196. Finally it was decided that the church should be in the central part of the village. The old church was torn down and a new building at the present site was dedicated January 26, 1890. In October 1895 the church and several other buildings in town were destroyed by a large fire. The present building was dedicated March 3, 1896.
On 12/4/2022 the congregation voted 18-5 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.

Final disposition:

28. Jackson ME

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Location: PA 92 and county route 1002
Municipality: Jackson township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1967,63 – Jackson abandoned; property to be sold, with proceeds and other assets distributed to remaining churches on the charge: Gibson, South Gibson and Lakeside

Brief History:
The class here was organized about 1816 but went through periods of uncertainty and reorganization before finally dedicating their church building December 21, 1850. The congregational charter is in the 1875 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 3, page 386. On March 6, 1967, the congregation voted unanimously to disband and sell the property, with the proceeds going to the three remaining churches on the charge – Gibson, South Gibson and Lakeside.

Final disposition:
The property was sold to the Roman Catholic Church for $3,300.

29. Jersey Hill MP/ME

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Location: PA 267
Municipality: Auburn township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions: The church is between Rushboro and Auburn Center, on the west side of the highway.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     Eastern Conference MP
            1921,66 – recommended declared “extinct”
            1923,59 – remains to be disposed of (?)

Brief History:
This building was erected by the Methodist Protestants in 1852. In 1870, this MP congregation asked to be served by the preacher of the Auburn ME charge. That arrangement worked well, and the congregation was formally received into the ME denomination in 1873. The congregation was incorporated August 5, 1880. The congregational charter as the “Jersey Hill First M.P. [sic] Church” is in the 1880 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 4, page 145. The building was rebuilt in 1906. The original pre-1906 building is pictured above on the right.

Final disposition:

30. Kingsley UMC

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Address: 9342 Kingsley Road, village of Kingsley
Municipality: Harford township
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
The village of Kingsley is on US 11, 6 miles north of the borough of Hop Bottom. In the village of Kingsley, turn west at the main intersection, where PA 106 goes off to the east. Go ½ mile (around a curve to the right). The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1898,44 – small church built at cost of $1000

Brief History:
For many years the Universalists were the only active religious body in the community. After some time, those who wanted other preaching invited the Methodist pastor from Harford to hold services twice a week in the schoolhouse. Conversions resulted, and a class was formed. The congregational charter is in the 1897 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 6, page 394. A Methodist church building was dedicated in Kingsley March 31, 1898. The 1925 journal page 94 and the 1926 journal page 236 reports the 10/17/1923 fire that destroyed the original structure and gives details of the present building, which was dedicated 6/28/1925.
On 11/12/2022 the congregation voted 15-1 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:

31. Lakeside ME
[Lathrop ME]

cv 002

Location: near Lakeside Pond
Municipality: Lathrop township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1945,15 – declared discontinued and abandoned; sale authorized

Brief History:
When a revival in the school house during the winter of 1869-70 produced a large number of converts, the need for a church building was felt. A class was organized November 22, 1870, and a church above the east side of the lake was dedicated February 16, 1871. This was a merger of a number of Sunday Schools and worship services; the first spot chosen for the building was just north of the Hillsdale cemetery, but the lakeside site was one location selected. Services were discontinued about 1924. The church, which was on the Hopbottom charge, was officially abandoned and the property disposed of in May 1945. The land was transferred to the Baptist Church, the bell was given to the Union ME Church in Lathrop township, and the building (which was in ruins) was dismantled for building material.

Final disposition:
The above picture was taken in 1915.

32. Lakeside ME
[East New Milford ME]

Location: PA 492, village of Lakeside
Municipality: New Milford township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From the interchange of I-81 with PA 492, go 4.5 miles east on PA 492. The church is on the left, a little before the large lake that gives the community its name.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2005,174 – motion to discontinue
2005,94 – discontinued

Brief History:
In the early records, this appointment is called East New Milford. Meetings here were held in a Good Templar’s hall for some time, and then in the school house, before the church building was dedicated November 15, 1883, and the first annex was added in 1934. The building was significantly remodeled in 1943, and the annex was completed in 1955. Restrooms were installed in the basement in 1968. The congregation’s early charge alignment was with New Milford, and its final charge alignment was with Gibson and South Gibson. Because of dwindling membership, the church was closed July 1, 2005.

Final disposition:

33. Lanesboro ME

Location: 62 S. Main Street
Municipality: borough of Lanesboro
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1973,76 – permission to merge with the First United Presbyterian Church of Susquehanna to form the Lanesboro Community Church (United Presbyterian, USA)
1973,88 – officially abandoned as a UM congregation

Brief History:
This class was formed in 1812. The church building was complete and occupied in the latter part of 1837. Pew rents were charged until 1880, when it was resolved that all seats in the church be free. The first parsonage was built in 1841, and a new one was erected in 1877. By 1973 the congregation had dwindled and was barely viable. When the Presbyterian congregation in nearby Susquehanna lost their building by fire, it was agreed to join the congregations – with all assets going to the Lanesboro Community Church as a United Presbyterian congregation.

Final disposition:
This building now houses the Lanesboro Community Church (United Presbyterian).

34. Lawsville Center ME

[no picture]

Location: PA 29, village of Lawsville
Municipality: Liberty township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
Lawsville was the name of a large township from whose southern portion Franklin township was formed in 1835. The northern portion retained the name Lawsville until 1836 when it was named Liberty. The church building in Lawsville Center was erected by the Presbyterians but became Methodist after the church in Stanfordville was destroyed by a cyclone. The congregation appears to have relocated two miles north Brookdale when a building was erected there in 1898.

Final disposition:

35. Locust Hill ME

[no picture]

Location: 25 Church Road
Municipality: Great Bend township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From Great Bend, go 5 miles east on PA 171 to Locust Hill Road (in the village of Hickory Grove). Go 2.5 miles north on Hickory Grove Road to Church Road. The building is on the northeast corner of Locust Hill Road and Church Road.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1902,41 – parsonage purchased at Hickory Grove; [new church building at Edson]
     1928,52 – Hickory Grove charge merged into Lanesboro; Locust Hill church abandoned,
                      parsonage at Hickory Grove abandoned, permission to sell both properties
     1959,979 – declared abandoned; permission to sell

Brief History:
     Chaffee’s 1904 History of the Wyoming Conference, lists a Hickory Grove PA charge with 4 appointments: Beavansville (school house appointment), Edson (church erected 1902), Locust Hill (church erected 1875), and Randolph (church erected 1866). None of these congregations is in existence today. Three of the appointments were in New York, but Locust Hill was in Pennsylvania. The Locust Hill charge was re-named named Hickory Grove because a parsonage was purchased there in 1901, but there was no church building in Hickory Grove. The parsonage was later the Hickory Grove Studio.
     The church was officially closed in the early 1920’s. In the early 1930’s, the building was unofficially re-opened and services were held by the preacher from Susquehanna – Rev. Harry Brooks, who undertook the work with great zeal. His successors at Susquehanna, however, held only limited services at Locust Hill – and the work was abandoned in the early 1940’s.
     With permission of the district superintendent, Floyd Cowell, a student at Practical Bible Training School, started independent services here in the mid 1940’s – and the work prospered. In 1959 the congregation purchased the building and formally organized as the Locust Hill Bible Church.

Final disposition:
The Locust Hill Bible Church closed in 2004. The building now houses a Mormon Church.

36. Lymanville ME

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: F:\loyer\pictures x county\susquehanna\lymanville.ME.JPG$

Location: Paul Kato Road, village of Lymanville
Municipality: Springville township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1998, 229&314 – discontinued
     1999, 282 – property turned over to conference trustees
     2001, 238 – sold

Brief History:
Early services were held in this area on an irregular basis in private homes, barns, and woods until the school house was erected. Regular services began about 1830, and a church building was dedicated in August 1842 as the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Springville. Nearby ME churches were later dedicated in Lynn (1882), Lemon (1891) and Springville (1893).

Final disposition:
The property is owned by the Lynn Lymanville Community Church Inc. and used very occasionally.

37. Lynn ME

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: F:\loyer\pictures x county\susquehanna\Lynn.ME.JPG$

Location: village of Lynn
Municipality: Springville township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1998, 229&314 – discontinued
     1999, 282 – property turned over to conference trustees
     2001, 138 – sold

Brief History:
This society was organized about 1880. The ladies organized an aid society and began raising funds for a church. Mrs. Abram Luce gave the site, and the church building was dedicated November 24, 1883.

Final disposition:
The property is owned by the Lynn Lymanville Community Church Inc. and used very occasionally.

38. Lyon Street ME

lyon 001

Location: county route 2027, 3 miles west of Uniondale
Municipality: Herrick township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From the blinker light at PA 171 and Church Street in Uniondale, go 0.5 miles west on Church Street to Main Street. Go 0.3 miles north on Main Street to Lewis Lake Road. Go 2 miles west on Lewis Lake Road to Stark Road. Go 0.5 miles south on Stark Road to Lyon Street. Go 0.5 miles west on Lyon Street. The site is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1888,20 – building “thoroughly repaired” and dedicated free of debt
1952,942 – permission to sell

Brief History:
This class was formed in 1830 and met in school houses before their building was dedicated March 2, 1853.

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

39. Middletown Center ME

[no picture]

Location: village of Middletown Center
Municipality: Middletown township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
While the Methodists maintained regular meetings here in a structure erected by the residents of the community for school and church purposes, they never owned their own building. According to Stockers 1887 county history, the Methodists actually built the building. We\hen attendance dwindled, the class relocated and built in Prattsville, directly on the Susquehanna/Bradford county line. See the page for Prattsville ME in Bradford County, Pike township.

Final disposition:

40. Montrose ME

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\open_churches\susquehanna_files\susquehanna_files\Montrose.jpg$

Address: 526 Church Street
Municipality: borough of Montrose
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
Church Street is PA 29 in the north part of Montrose.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal References:
2020,295 – merged into Fairdale Community
2021,S28 – all members removed (due to merger)

Brief History:
This class was formed in 1841 by uniting two earlier classes: one from South Montrose, and one which met in a school house about 1.5 miles north of town. They worshiped in the old courthouse, where they had preaching and class meeting every two weeks, holding the prayer meetings in private homes. The first church building was dedicated November 26, 1845. It was a plain building 38x50 feet, with two outside doors and no steeple. The present larger structure on the same site was dedicated May 16, 1875. Montrose UMC merged with Fairdale UMC on June 30, 2020. The final worship service at Montrose was held on June 21, 2020. A union service was held at Fairdale on June 28, 2020.

Final disposition:
The building was sold to Susquehanna County Interfaith. A final deconsecration service was held and a "passing of the keys" to Susquehanna Interfaith on July 19, 2020.

41. North Bridgewater ME

[no picture]

Location:
Municipality: Bridgewater township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1897,23 – hall purchased, which will be moved to a more suitable site

Brief History:
The above journal reference does not seem to agree with this account from the 1967 centennial history of the Franklin Forks church: “In 1894, North Bridgewater was added to the Franklin Forks circuit. A two story building was built on land donated by Ed Tyler. An Alliance store was on the first floor, and church was held on the second. The building was located on the upper side of the road, near the intersection of the Silver Lake and Forest Lake roads, on property now owned by Joseph McMahon.”

In August 1899 it was decided to discontinue the appointment, and the North Bridgewater trustees were instructed “to sell the hall and use the money at their own discretion.” Ed Tyler used the building for a store for a time.

Final disposition:

42. North Jackson United Methodist Church

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\open_churches\susquehanna_files\susquehanna_files\North Jackson.jpg$

Address: 976 Deer Ridge Road (county route 1006)
Municipality: Jackson township
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
From the borough of Susquehanna, go 6 miles south on PA 92 to Deer Ridge Road. Turn east on Deer Ridge Road and go 0.2 miles. The church is on the left. The church is plainly visible from PA 92.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This class was organized in 1834. The first meetings were held in No. 1 school house. The church building was dedicated December 22, 1859.
On 1/10/2023 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:

43. Oakland [Avenue] ME

Location: Westfall Avenue
Municipality: borough of Oakland
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From the borough of Susquehanna, cross the Susquehanna River to Oakland. Turn right at the T onto River Street and go one block to Westfall Avenue. Turn left and go 2.5 blocks. The building is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1898,44 – building purchased

Brief History:
This class was formed in 1872, being the successor to an earlier McKune class on the Lanesboro circuit, between Oakland and Great Bend. The following year they erected a chapel on State Street, in the north end of the borough. In 1880 the class formally split from Susquehanna and became a separate congregation. In 1896 they purchased the 1881 Evangelical Association building on Westfall Avenue, in the south end of the borough. The congregation then became known as Avenue ME Church. The congregational charter as the “Avenue M.E. Church” is in the 1898 Susquehanna County courthouse files, book 6, page 533. Their State Street site was purchased by the Congregational Church, which erected a very large sanctuary that was later abandoned as a church, used for storage, and finally torn down in 1984.
In 1924 the Oakland congregation voted to unite with Susquehanna. The Oakland parsonage, next door to the church, became the home for the Susquehanna ministers until a new brick house further up the Avenue was purchased in 1964. In later years that Avenue building became the Oakland Borough Hall. Now it is used for storage.

Final disposition:
The building is now owned by the borough and used for storage.

44. Oakland Trinity EA

Location: Westfall Avenue
Municipality: borough of Oakland
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Historic Conference:
New York Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:

Brief History:
This class was organized in 1880 and operated entirely in the German language. A church building was erected on Westfall Street in 1881. Being on the geographic edge of the Conference, the congregation appears to have fallen victim to the problems resulting from the 1894 split in the Evangelical Association. It existed as a separate appointment until 1895, when it was placed "under supervision of the Binghamton preacher who was to oversee the work there." In 1896 the building was sold to the Methodist Episcopal congregation.

Final disposition:
The building is now owned by the borough and used for storage.

45. Retta UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\open_churches\susquehanna_files\susquehanna_files\Retta.jpg$

Address: village of Retta
Municipality: Auburn township
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
From the village of Rushboro on PA 267, go 2 miles east to the village of Retta. Continue through the intersection. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1902,41 – site secured; money pledged for church building
1903,43 – new church building erected and dedicated

Brief History:
This appointment was originally known as Cartertown and began about 1840 in a log school house at the site of the present building, which was dedicated November 15, 1902. In 1876 the meetings shifted to a new schoolhouse/church about ¼ mile south on Retta Road.

Final disposition:
The property was sold to the cemetery association in 2018 for $3000.

46. Rush ME

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\open_churches\susquehanna_files\susquehanna_files\Rush.jpg$

Address: 4964 PA 706, village of Rush
Municipality: Rush township
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
The church is on the south side of the highway, ¼ mile east of the road to East Rush.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal References:
1902,41 – new church building completed and dedicated
2016,147 – merged into Fairdale Community

Brief History:
This building was erected in Rush in 1901 and essentially replaced the 1871 Rush Center building which had been a mile outside the village by the existing cemetery. A deconsecration service was held 9/20/2015, and the following week the congregation united with Fairdale to create Fairdale Community UMC.

Final Disposition:

47. Rush Center ME
aka State Road ME
aka Snyder ME

[no picture]

Location:
Municipality: Rush township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1952,957 – declared abandoned; permission to sell

Brief History:
This building was dedicated February 23, 1871, and stood south of the old cemetery, on the road to East Rush. In 1901 the Rush ME building was erected in the village of Rush on PA 706. This essentially replaced the Rush Center appointment, although the old building was maintained for funerals at other irregular services at least until 1912.

Final disposition:

48. Rush Four Corners ME
[aka Dunmore ME]

[no picture]

Location:
Municipality: Rush township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
There was once a post office at Rush Four Corners.

Final disposition:

49. Shannon Hill ME

[no picture]

Location:
Municipality: Auburn township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
Shannon Hill Road intersects with, and runs south from, PA 267 about 5 miles north of Meshoppen. The church was likely on this road.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1901,41 – new church begun
     1902,41 – basement church building erected
     1903,43 – new church building dedicated
     1948,868 – discontinued and abandoned

Brief History:
The appointment was known as Overfield until 1858. After worshiping in a school house for many years, this class finally dedicated a church building on May 6, 1902. On March 8, 1948, the members voted unanimously to ask for the appointment to be discontinued. There had reportedly been no regular service for “some time” and the building was in bad state of repair and the members had been attending at Meshoppen.

Final disposition:

50. Silver Lake ME [see Brackney ME]

51. Stanfordville ME

[no picture]

Location: PA 29, village of Stanfordville
Municipality: Liberty township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
Stanfordville was a small collection of homes on PA 29 one mile north of Lawsville Center and one mile south of Brookdale.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
Early Methodists meetings in the area were held near Brookdale in the Bailey school house. A revival there in 1851 resulted in a number of converts, and a 36x40 foot brick church building was erected one mile south in Stanfordville in 1852. It was used regularly until destroyed by a cyclone on July 2, 1883. The class then moved its meetings one mile south to the Presbyterian church at Lawsville Center and eventually became the custodians of that property. It appears that the congregation returned to Brookdale when a church building was erected there in 1898.

Final disposition:

52. Stevens Point ME

Location: county route 1011, village of Stevens Point
Municipality: Harmony township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From the borough of Lanesboro, go 3 miles east on Viaduct Street/Starrucca Creek Road to the village of Stevens Point. Turn north onto county road 1011 and go ½ mile. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1897,23 – church built
     1995,300 – placed on limited service
     2008,99 & 154 – abandoned

Brief History:
Meetings were held in this neighborhood in private home and in schoolhouses for several years prior to the dedication of the church building November 19, 1899 – erected at a cost of $1900. [The 1896 date in Chaffee’ History of the Wyoming Conference appears to be a misprint – but the congregation held the 58^th anniversary of the building of the church on November 10, 1944, with C.C. Vrooman (who served 1895-98) listed the pastor when the church was built.] Regular services were discontinued July 1, 1995, and resumed for several months beginning in March 2001.

Final disposition:

53. Strickland Hill EV-ME
[AKA East Lynn EV]

stricklandonsite
at original site after removal to Montrose

Location:
Municipality: Springville township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This building was dedicated by the Evangelical Association 8/31/1894 and sold to the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1910 for $1.

Final disposition:
The church building was sold to the Seventh Day Adventists in 1949, dismantled and reconstructed at 219 Jackson St., Montrose. It was closed in 2018 and sold. Now a private residence.

54. Susquehanna UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\open_churches\susquehanna_files\susquehanna_files\Susquehanna.jpg$

Address: 1361 East Main Street
Municipality: borough of Susquehanna
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
East Main Street is PA 171. The church is 2 blocks east of the bridge over the Susquehanna, on the north side of the road, just as PA 171 makes a turn to the left.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1902,41 – committee appointed to research possible new site

Brief History:
     The town of Susquehanna began to grow rapidly in 1850, being the home of the shops for the Erie Railroad. A class on the Lanesboro circuit was organized here at that time, with meetings first in the Pine Street school house and later in the Washington Street school house. A church building was dedicated February 2, 1852, on a site secured from the Erie Railroad. In 1855, Susquehanna was detached from the Lanesboro circuit, from which it had been founded as a mission. In 1859 the building was enlarged and improved, and in 1862 a steel composition bell weighing 1000 pounds was installed in the belfry. The congregation hosted the 1863 annual sessions of the Wyoming Conference.
     For many years, each new pastor suggested finding a better site than the hilly one on Washington Street, which was no longer the center of the town. Finally, a new site on Main Street was secured and the present structure was dedicated in January 1924.
     On 10/3/2022 the congregation voted 16-3 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:

55. Thompson UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\open_churches\susquehanna_files\susquehanna_files\Thompson.jpg$

Address: Main Street, town of Thompson
Municipality: Thompson township
County: Susquehanna County
State: PA

Directions:
Main Street is PA 171. The church is on the northwest corner of Jackson and Main Streets.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1922,91 – corner lot purchased in town; church building moved

Brief History:
Methodist preaching began here about 1820. Then class met in homes and schoolhouses until 1851, when a large revival increased the congregation to the point where the schoolhouse could no longer accommodate them. The first building was erected in 1851 on the road to Starrucca, at the rear of the present property. The church was moved and rebuilt at its present location in 1922
On 11/12/2022 the congregation voted 16-1 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:

56. Transue MP

transue

Location: 2709 SR3003
Municipality: Auburn township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From Skinners Eddy, go north 2 miles on PA 367 to Peet Hill Road. Bear right onto Peet Hill Road and continue north 2 miles to Transue Road. Go east on Transue Road 0.4 miles to SR 3003. Turn north onto SR3003. The church is immediately on the right.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church

Journal references:
1898,22 – church building dedicated 1/15/1898
1921,66 – recommend Auburn circuit [Auburn, Jersey Hill, Transue Valley] declared “extinct”

Brief History:
According to Stocker’s 1887 History of Susquehanna County, the first church building was erected sometime before 1849. A new building was erected in 1898.

Note: The 1889 Wyoming Conference Journal, page 22, states in the report for Skinner’s Eddy that “a class of twenty-five members has been organized at Transue Valley, mostly young converts.” Nothing more is known of any ME work in the immediate area.

Final disposition:
The building now houses the Transue Community Church, which is legally incorporated as the Transue Methodist Protestant Community Church Corporation.

57. Union ME

cv 001

Location: county route 3023
Municipality: Lathrop township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
Some sources place this on the western edge of Lathrop township, others on the eastern edge of Springville township. The above picture was takin in 1960.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1999,184 – last listed membership (20)
     1999,224&237&238 – discontinued
     2000,275 – property turned over to conference trustees

Brief History:
This class was served with West Nicholson, East Lemon and other appointments in Wyoming County. Preaching services were held for some time at Parkvale, but subsequently moved to Union, where a church building was dedicated August 8, 1899, on land donated by John and Julia Johnson. In 1948 the belfry received the bell of the closed Lakeside ME church in Lathrop township.

Final disposition:
The church property apparently reverted to the original larger property from which it had been donated, and the building is now used for storage.

58. Union Dale UMC

$Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\open_churches\susquehanna_files\susquehanna_files\Union Dale.jpg$

Location: Skyline Drive
Municipality: borough of Union Dale
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
The borough of Union Dale is on PA 171, 5 miles north of Forest City. Skyline Drive is the first road north of the reservoir, where PA 171 has a grass median. Turn west on Skyline Drive and go one block. The church is on the north side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1880,40 – building erected
     1890,16 – work begun on new church building
     2022,178 – closed
     2023,276 – sold 7/14/2022 for $64,900 to Nico A. Beahan

Brief History:
There was Methodist preaching in Union Dale as early as 1850, but the appointment lasted only a few years. A struggling class was formed in 1876 that met in a school house. In 1879 the society purchased the school house, moved it to a new location, and fitted it for worship. Revival followed, and the class began to grow. A lot was purchased on which to erect a more substantial building, and the present structure was dedicated January 21, 1891.
The church closed 11/23/2021.

Final Disposition:
This property was sold at auction 5/14/2022 for a total price of $64,900. The hymnals were given to historic Rock Chapel in Adams County PA.

59. West Auburn ME

wAuburn Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: Description: WestAuburn

Location: PA 367, community of West Auburn
Municipality: Auburn township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From US 6 at Skinner’s Eddy, go 11 miles north on PA 367 to the community of West Auburn. The cemetery was a few blocks away: At the northern end of the community, when PA 367 bears left, proceed straight on to Jayne Road (twp 337). Go about 50 yards. The cemetery is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1976,119 – discontinued, abandoned; permission to sell property and demolish the building
1976,135 – discontinued, abandoned

Brief History:
This class originally met in private home and school houses. The church building here was erected in 1868. It was 34x48 feet, with a good basement and an 80-foot tower. The congregation was incorporated January 24, 1868. Historically, West Auburn and South Auburn were part of the Skinner’s Eddy circuit.

Final disposition:

60. West Brooklyn EV

wbrooklyn

Location: 3017 Meshoppen Creek Road
Municipality: Dimock township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions:
From Dimock, go 3 miles east on the Dimock to Brooklyn Road to Meshoppen Creek Road. Go 1 mile north on Meshoppen Creek Road. The site is on the west side of the highway, at the edge of the woods, just after a house with a swimming pool at 3033 Meshoppen Creek Road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:
     East Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association
            1897,21 – request to either move building to a more suitable location
                             or sell to reduce debt on the Tunkhannock building
            1904,16 – matter referred to Ways and Means Committee
     Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Evangelical Church
            1906,51 – moved from Susquehanna circuit to West Clifford circuit

Brief History:
The charter for this congregation was filed in Susquehanna County 8/9/1883 as the “First Evangelical Church of Dimock.” The work in this area was started by the Central Pennsylvania Conference, but in the 1894 the buildings (despite local sentiment) were lost to the Evangelical Association and served from Eastern Pennsylvania Conference – which was not able to sustain the work, which either was lost or was reclaimed by the United Evangelicals.

Final disposition:

61. West Clifford EV

Location: 45 State Route 2014, village of West Clifford
Municipality: Clifford township
County: Susquehanna
State: PA

Directions: From the center of the village of West Clifford (intersection of PA 374 and PA 105), go 100 yards south on PA 374 to SR 2014. Go east 50 yards on SR2014. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:
East Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association
1898,15 – West Clifford added to Tunkhannock

Brief History:
In 1879 the Rev. J. W. Hollenbaugh, an itinerant of the Evangelical Association, visited this section and his preaching was received with so much favor that he was solicited to hold services regularly. An awakened interest made the organization of a class possible, which had among its members G. W. Moore and wife, W. H. Hasbrouck and wife, B. F. Bennett and wife, Thomas N. Doud and wife, Moses Cox and wife, J. R. Bennett and wife, Charles Truesdell and wife. Others were added until, in a short time, about forty persons belonged. This made the erection of a church possible. It was completed for dedication in the fall of 1880, by a building committee, composed of W. H. Hasbrouck, C. D. Ransom and George W. Moore. The church is a frame, thirty-two by forty-two feet, surmounted by a. spire, in which is a bell weighing seven hundred and fifty pounds. The location is on an eligible lot from the Hasbrouck farm. While both the United Evangelicals and the Evangelical Association tried to keep this congregation during the split, the congregation and building ultimately went to the United Evangelicals. But the congregation did not survive. The Association seems to have abandoned the work in 1898 and the United Evangelicals in 1908. In 1918 the church was reorganized as the West Clifford Congregational Church.
The charge also included preaching appointments at Lenox and Harford.

Final disposition:
The building was formerly the West Clifford Community Church and now [2024] housed the Elkdale Baptist Church of West Clifford.