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.

WAYNE COUNTY PA

In Wayne County PA, the major north-south highway PA 191 and the major east-west highway US 6 intersect at the county seat of Honesdale. All Wayne County directions will be given from starting points on PA 191 or US 6.

1. Abrahamsville UMC

Address: 623 Callicoon Road, village of Abrahamsville
Municipality: Damascus township
County: Wayne County
State: PA

Directions:
From the 3-way stop sign on PA 191 just south of Lookout, go 4 miles east on Callicoon Road. The church is on the left, by the intersection with Cemetery Road.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
Abrahamsville was a schoolhouse appointment on the Damascus charge until the class erected their own building. Land for the church was deeded by Henry “Joe” Whitmore, and the groundbreaking service took place in July 1925.
On 3/8/2023 the congregation voted 17-1 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.

2. Aldenville ME

Location: PA 170, village of Aldenville
Municipality: Clinton township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From US 6, 4 miles west of Honesdale, go 5 miles north on PA 170 to the village of Aldenville.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1881,36 – Aldenville church, Bethany charge, repaired
     1894,21 – church building thoroughly remodeled
     1972,75 & 86 – abandoned; furnishings divided between Prompton and Bethany

Brief History:
This building was dedicated January 3, 1856. The property was a gift to the church the following year by Julius T. and Levi H. Alden and their wives. The construction of the Prompton Reservoir necessitated the relocation of several of the congregation’s active families, and the final service was held December 1970 – there being an average attendance of 7. The church was formally closed in 1972.

Final disposition:
As no legal heirs of the Alden family could be located to satisfy the reversion clause in the original deed, the property was given via a quit claim deed to the Aldenville Baptist Church.

3. Arlington Centenary ME

Location: PA 590, village of Arlington
Municipality: Salem township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 at Hamlin, go 6 miles east on PA 590 to the village of Arlington.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1958,675 – church closed and abandoned;
land to cemetery association with understanding that the building be removed

Brief History:
This class worshiped in homes and school houses before their church building was dedicated December 17, 1885, on a lot donated by James Osborne. The building was reported to be “24x40, with a lecture room 14x24, and a tower 40 feet high. Services were discontinued in 1958, and the property was sold to the cemetery association.

Final disposition:
The church building was razed, the property was deeded to the cemetery association, and a marker was erected to memorialize the church building.

4. Bethany UMC

Address: 3 Court Street, village of Bethany
Municipality: Dyberry township
County: Wayne County
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 at the north end of Honesdale, go 2.5 miles north on PA 670 to the village of Bethany. The church is on the right, at the northeast corner of PA 670 [Wayne Street] and Court Streets.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
18888,20 – new church building; old structure purchased, remodeled, added to
2024,158 – closed 2/9/2024 to separate

Brief History:

Final disposition:
The property was conveyed to Bethany Community Church on 2/9/2024 for $60,250.95.

5. Bidwell Hill ME

Address: 186 Ledgedale Road, village of Bidwell Hill
Municipality: Salem township
County: Wayne County
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 1.5 miles south of Hamlin, go 1 mile east on Ledgedale Road. The church is on the right, just past the intersection with Bidwell Hill Road.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2014,191 - discontinued

Brief History:
This class reportedly had existed “a number of years” before a cornerstone for a building was laid October 9, 1869.

Final disposition:
This building now houses 5 apartments and advertises itself as an “apartment community.”

6. Calkins Union ME

Location: village of Calkins
Municipality: Damascus township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From US 6, 3 miles south of Honesdale, go west 6 miles on PA 652 to Beach Lake. At Beach Lake bear left onto Milanville Road and go 1 mile to Butternut Flats Road. Turn left ointo Butternut Flats Road and go 5 miles to the village of Boyds Mills. At Boyds Mills, turn left onto Boyds Mills Road and go 2 miles to Calkins Road. Turn left onto Calkins Road, and the village of Calkins.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1930,310 – new belfry
     1975,74 – Beach Lake Calkins, Narrowsburg NY charge dissolved; Narrowsburg to NY Conf.
     1977,133 – congregation discontinued

Brief History:
This was a union church building, serving both Baptist and the Methodist constituents. In October 1976 the congregation voted to affiliate solely with the American Baptist denomination. United Methodist members not expressing a desire to transfer elsewhere were assigned to the Beach Lake UMC.

Final disposition:
This building now houses the Calkins Baptist Church.

7. Carley Brook ME

Location: 491 Carley Brook Road
Municipality: Oregon township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From the east end of Honesdale on US 6 (immediately after crossing the creek), go north on Cliff Street 1 miles to Bunnell Pond Road. Bear left onto Bunnell Pond Road and go 1 mile to Carley Brook Road. Bear left onto Carley Brook Road and go 1.5 miles. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2005,181 – permission to sell parcel of land behind the church
2009,221 – church closed

Brief History:
The Methodist work here began in 1853. During that time Carley Brook had sawmills, tanneries and a chemical acid factory. Services were originally held in a local home. From 1854 until 1886, services were held in the Carley Brook schoolhouse. On February 6, 1867, the court granted a charter to the Methodist Episcopal Church of Oregon. In 1876 John Riefler sold two acres and four perches of land to the church for $13.50. This land was used to build the existing church and parsonage. The parsonage was built in 1876, and the church was built in 1886 at a cost of $1250. The church bell was installed in 1923. The stained glass windows were put in when Rev. William Schenk and Rev. Pearl Osterhout served the parish. A new basement under the church was later installed to serve the needs of the various groups.

Final disposition:
The building is now the Carley Brook Chapel, housing a Mennonite-related congregation.

8. Cherry Ridge ME

[no picture]

Location: village of Cherry Ridge
Municipality: Cherry Ridge township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191, 3 miles south of Honesdale, turn west onto Owego Turnpike and go 1 mile to the village of Cherry Ridge. The church stood about ½ mile past the intersection that defined the Community of Cherry Ridge, on the north side of the highway, before the next cross road. The exact location is given in the 1872 county atlas.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1930,208 – Cherry Ridge and Hoadleys abandoned as part of charge consolidations
     1934,250 – charge discontinued “several years ago”; permission to sell parsonage
     1937,126 – sold to Harry B. Gross for $1000
     1938,261 – additional $15.00 received for materials sold
     1947,574 – property abandoned and quit claim deed to those cited in reversion clause

Brief History:
George Harmon organized a class in Cherry Ridge in 1810. This building was erected in 1849 as a union structure owned by the Methodists and Presbyterians, but eventually it was served exclusively by the Methodists. The Cherry Ridge charge was formed in 1852, with the pastors using rental housing until a parsonage was acquired in 1892, and consisted of Cherry Ridge and Cherry Valley [Hoadley’s] and Middle Ridge [Clemo]. Regular services were discontinued about 1935. It is possible that this appointment was once known as Clarks Corners, which is a location in Cherry Ridge township.

Final disposition:
The site is now open land.

9. Cold Springs ME

Location: 1421 Upper Woods Road
Municipality: Lebanon township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of PA 191 and PA 371 at Rileyville, go east west on PA 371 to Upper Woods Road. This intersection is commonly designated Cold Springs. The building is on the southeast corner of PA 371 and Upper Woods Road

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1901,47 – new Union church building (Presbyterian & Methodist) at Cold Springs

Brief History:

Final disposition:

10. Conklin Hill Union ME

[no picture]

Location:
Municipality:
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of PA 191 and PA 371 at Rileyville, go east 9 miles on PA 371 to Dasmascus. At Damascus go 100 yards north to the Y where Galilee Road goes left and Conklin Hill Road goes right. Go north on Conklin Hill Road 3 miles. The church stood on the east side of the road by the cemetery.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This building was erected near the foundation of an earlier church that had burned. In August of 1913 William Boults gave one-third acre from his farm to the trustees for the church. The 1914 charter states "the said corporation is formed for the purpose of the support of public worship, according to the faith, doctrine, discipline and usages of the Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist Churches." The church was completed in 1915. In 1929 Floyd Deighton, then owner of the Boults farm, donated additional land to the church. Next to it is the Conklin Hill Cemetery that has a separate Board of Trustees. While the building hosted Methodist preaching, the Methodists never had any formal share in the property. Before the church building was erected, this had been a school house appointment.

Final disposition:

11. East Canaan ME

[no picture]

Location: village of East Canaan
Municipality: Canaan township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1945,15 – discontinued and abandoned. East Canaan trustees directed to sell, proceeds to Conference Board of Missions.

Brief History:
This church was on the Waymart charge.

Final disposition:

12. East Chapel ME

Location:
Municipality: South Canaan township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This chapel was erected for a cost of $662.95, one mile east of South Canaan, on land that was leased from Alexander Correll. It was dedicated January 22, 1899 – with the understanding that the property would revert to Mr. Correll when it was no longer used for church purposes.

Final disposition:

13. East Sterling MP

IMG_0874 East Sterling Church

Location: PA 191, village of East Sterling
Municipality: Dreher township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From the interchange of PA 191 with I-84, go 4 miles south on PA 191 to Phillips Road, at the south end of East Sterling. The building is on the southeast corner of PA 191 and Phillips Road. The 1872 atlas gives the exact location.

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
     1888,7 – deed for an additional lot secured and placed in hands of the treasurer
     1922,53 – Angels, Cortez, Hollisterville, Mt. Cobb & [East] Sterling to form Hollisterville circuit
    1925,47 – new pipeless furnace installed.

Brief History:
The East Sterling and West Sterling Methodist Protestant churches were both formed about the same time by dissenting members from the Sterling Methodist Episcopal Church. The East Sterling Church was begun by the children and grandchildren of Matthew Bortree and is also known as the Bortree Church. East Sterling was also once known as Bortreetown. The church building was dedicated on November 18, 1855, and worship services and Sunday school were held every Sunday. On October 5, 1904, the church was destroyed by arson and then rebuilt in 1905 – on the same plot, but not on the same foundation. The church pictured above is the 1905 building. The East Sterling MP church (part of the Hollisterville MP charge) did not participate in the 1939 union. It was later discontinued and sold.

Final disposition:
The building has been transformed into a private dwelling.

14. Galilee ME

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Location: Galilee Road, village of Galilee
Municipality: Damascus township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191, 3 miles north of the intersection with PA 371, turn right onto Rutledgedale Road and go 1 mile to Galilee Road. Turn left onto Galilee Road and go 3 miles to the village of Galilee.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1988,226 – placed on limited service
2003,106 & 187 – abandoned

Brief History:
This class was organized in 1840 and worshiped in a schoolhouse for 36 years before erecting a church building in 1876. The building was dedicated January 10, 1877, and decommissioned June 29, 2003. The congregation had dwindled over the years and had been on “limited service” since 1988.

Final disposition:

15. Girdland ME

Address: Oregon Turnpike, village of Girdland
Municipality: Lebanon township
County: Wayne County
State: PA

Directions:
Exit Honesdale on Cliff Street (after US 6 crosses the Lackawaxen River at the south end of town) and go 2 miles to Bunnels Pond. Turn left on Bunnels Pond Road and go 1 mile to Carley Brook Road. Turn left and go 2 miles to Carley Brook. Go 4 miles north on Carley Brook Road to the Oregon Turnpike. Go 1 mile east on the Oregon Turnpike. The church is on the north side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal References:
1895,23 – church building erected and dedicated
1957,353 – receives membership and assets of West Damascus [schoolhouse appointment]

Brief History:
     This is an appointment on what was called the Oregon charge until it was re-named Carley Brook charge in 1899. At one time there were five church buildings on the charge: Torrey (1849), Smith Hill (1852), Rileyville (1871), Carley Brook (1886), Girdland (1894). Services were held in Girdland at the home of Jonathan Bryant in 1851, and regular preaching was established at the school house in 1857. The school house was used until the present church building was erected in 1894. Two adjacent farms gave land for the building, and it was deliberately erected on the property line.
     A service of “Deconsecration and Disbandment” was held in early 2011. While there is no formal statement of this in the 2011 journal, the statistics for that year (page S-133) list only 4 members, and the church is not listed in the appointments for the next year (page 365). There was, however, an unofficial merger into Smith Hill with the understanding that Smith Hill would care for the property for 10 years and then hand it over to the trustees if no further arrangements could be made.
     A reversion clause in the original deeds, the fact that the building was erected on both properties, and disagreements among the heirs made selling and/or disposing the property problematic.

Final Disposition:

16. Gravity ME

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Location: PA 296, village of Gravity
Municipality: Lake township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1921,77 – public hall purchased to be remodeled into worship center
     1922,91 – building dedicated March 12
     1930,308 – moved from South Canaan charge to Ariel charge as part of charge consolidations
     1945,15 – bequest turned over to conference trustees, proceeds to go to Hamlin Centenary building fund.

Brief History:
This was a schoolhouse appointment for many years on the South Canaan charge. In 1921 the congregation purchased the POSA Hall pictured above and used it until 1943, when it was sold and became a Grange Hall. When it closed, the church was on the Lake Ariel charge.

Final disposition:
The building is now a private home.

17. Hoadley’s ME
[a.k.a. Cherry Valley ME]

[no picture]

Location: PA 191, village of Hoadley’s
Municipality: Cherry Ridge township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From Honesdale, go 5 miles south on PA 191.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
       1905,64 – church building erected
       1906,55 – building dedicated July 23, 1905
       1930,208 – Hoadleys and Cherry Ridge abandoned as part of charge consolidations

Brief History:
This class met in schoolhouses for many years until land was donated in 1904 for a church building. The final Methodist services were held in the building in May 1941. In 1946 the heirs of the original owners reclaimed the property, via a reversion clause in the deed, and converted the building into a dwelling.

Final disposition:

18. Hollisterville ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: Hollisterville.JPG

Address: Pond Road, village of Hollisterville
Municipality: Salem township
County: Wayne County
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 in Hamlin, go west on PA 590 2 miles to the PA 690. Turn left on PA 690 and go one block to Pond Road. Turn left on Pond Road and fo one block. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2016,147 – merged into Hamlin Centenary to form Salem Community UMC

Brief History:
This class was formed in 1850 and worshipped with the Methodist Protestants in a union church building. In 1870 they began meeting with the ME class at Greenwood, but in 1874 they returned to Hollisterville and met in the Baptist building. In 1884 they erected the present structure, the first building that was truly their own.
In 2016, Hollisterville UMC and Maplewood Grace UMC merged into Hamlin Centenary UMC to form Salem Community UMC.

Final disposition:
The property was sold in 2020 and is being converted into a residence.

19. Hollisterville MP

hollisterville

Location: PA 590, village of Hollisterville
Municipality: Salem township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
The church is in the west end of Hollisterville, on the northwest corner of PA 590 and Stanet Road. The parsonage and original church lot are on the East side of Hollisterville Road, about 100 yards south of Newville Road.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church

Journal references:
1922,53 – Angels, Cortez, Hollisterville, Mt. Cobb & Sterling to form Hollisterville circuit

Brief History:
This building originally stood on the west corner of the junction where Hollisterville road joins the Moscow road, and was the West Sterling MP Church. It was later moved to Hollisterville and became the Hollisterville MP Church. It was shared with the ME congregation until 1870, when that group left to worship with the Greentown ME congregation and later returned to Hollisterville to erect their own building (later Hollisterville UM Church) in 1884. The Hollisterville MP Church did not participate in the 1939 union, and continues today as the Hollisterville Bible Church.

Final disposition:
The 0.5 acre rectangular parsonage lot at 294 Hollisterville Road is still listed in the 2011 Wayne County tax rolls as is owned by the “Methodist Protestant Parsonage.” The empty 0.5 acre square lot to the south is listed as owned by the “Methodist Protestant Church” and may have been site of an earlier church building.

20. Kingsbury Hill ME

Location: community of Autumn Leaves
Municipality: Buckingham township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From Hancock NY, cross in to Pennsylvania on PA 191. In 2 blocks, bear right onto Winterdale Road. Proceed on Winterdale Road 1.5 miles to Autumn Leaves Road. Turn left on Autumn Leaves Road and proceed 2.5 miles. The cemetery is on the right, immediately after the road makes a 90 degree right turn. It is believed the church was near the cemetery.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1883,60 – new church building dedicated on February 18, 1883
     1949,52 – declared closed and abandoned; sale authorized with proceeds to Hale Eddy [NY]
     1950,338 – sale accomplished, proceeds in possession of Hale Eddy church

Brief History:
This society worshiped in a schoolhouse for many years before erecting a church. It was always part of the Hale Eddy [NY] charge, which was actually called the Kingsbury Hill charge for two years when it first appeared in 1868.

Final disposition:

21. Lakewood ME
[a.k.a. Winwood ME]

A white church with a tree in the background

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Location: community of Lakewood
Municipality: Preston township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
Lakewood is on PA route 370, 7 miles east of Thompson PA and 10 miles southwest of Hancock NY.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
    1904,59 – new church worth, with lot, $6,500
    1964,63 – declared abandoned; permission to sell with proceeds divided between Lake Como and Shehawken
    1964,80 – officially discontinued
    1968,212 – $1114.80 proceeds from sale split between Lake Como and Shehawken

Brief History:
The village of Winwood became known as Lakewood about 1910. Services were begun here about 1899 and held in the schoolhouse until the church building was dedicated August 16, 1903. The church was always on the Lake Como charge. Lakewood last appears in the statistical tables, but with no entries, in 1962.

Final disposition:
There were bad feelings and controversy about the closing, with specific interest expressed in selling to the Free Methodist congregation worshiping in an inadequate building in Lake Como. There was also interest in re-starting the congregation or selling the property to the township for a community building. After legal considerations, the property was finally sold in 1967 – the stained glass windows having been sold separately, and the remainder of the building having been removed. The negotiations involved are recorded in the vertical file at the conference archives.

22. Little Chapel ME

Location:
Municipality: Salem township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 in Hamlin, go 2 miles east on PA 590 to Chapman Road. Turn north onto Chapman Road and go 2 miles to Little Chapel.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1927,45 – unused for 4 years, permission to sell, proceeds to Hamlin

Brief History:
This chapel was conveyed to the Methodists in 1858. The class was greatly strengthened by a revival in 1899. The proceeds of the sale were turned over to the Hamlin congregation, which had originally launched the enterprise.

Final disposition:

23. Maplewood EA

Location: Lake Henry Road, south of the village of Maplewood
Municipality: Lake township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 in Hamlin, go 2 miles west on PA 590 to PA 348. When PA 590 bends south, go straight on PA 348 1 mile to Lake Henry Road. Go 1.5 miles north on Lake Henry Road. The cemetery is on the right.

Historic Conference:
East Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:
1924,36 – permission to merge with Maplewood Grace UE and sell the building
1926,297 – permission to sell the church lot and cemetery

Brief History:
This building stood by the Maplewood Evangelical Cemetery on Lake Henry Road. The congregation divided as a result of the denominational split and the dissenters formed the Grace United Evangelical Church of Maplewood and erected their own building a short distance up the road. When the two Wayne circuits came back together in 1922, there were two Maplewood buildings. The United Evangelical structure being the newer and better, this congregation voted to merge into Maplewood Grace and to sell their building – which was then removed from the site. The church lot and adjoining cemetery were sold two years later to the Cemetery Association.

Final disposition:
The site is now an active cemetery controlled by a cemetery association.

24. Maplewood Grace ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: Maplewood.JPG

Address: Lake Henry Road, Maplewood
Municipality: Lake township
County: Wayne County
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 in Hamlin, go west on PA 590 2 miles to PA 348. Continue straight on PA 348 1 mile to Lake Henry Road. Turn north on Lake Henry Road and go 1.5 miles. The church is on the left, at the intersection of Lake Henry and Maplewood Roads.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1970,195 – receives 50 members from Maplewood Grace (former EUB)
     1998,308 – dedicated new additioonjh 4/26/1998
     2016,147 – merged into Hamlin Centenary to form Salem Community

Brief History:
The Methodist class here was organized in 1870, and the community was known first as Forest Hills and then Forest Chapel before it became known as Maplewood. The church building was begun in 1871 and dedicated in 1874. The congregation was known as the “Maplewood” Church. In 1970 the congregation received the members of the former Maplewood Grace EUB church and became known as “Grace.” The wing to the left of the town was added following that congregational merger.
In 2016, Maplewood Grace UMC and Hollisterville UMC merged into Hamlin Centenary to form Salem Community UMC.

Final disposition:
The property was sold in 2017, reportedly to be used as a recording studio.

25. Maplewood Grace UE

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Location: Lake Henry Road, village of Maplewood
Municipality: Lake township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 in Hamlin, go 2 miles west on PA 590 to PA 348. When PA 590 bends south, go straight on PA 348 1 mile to Lake Henry Road. Go 2 miles north on Lake Henry Road. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
East Pennsylvania Conference of the United Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1969,246 – 50 members to Wyoming Conference
Wyoming Conference

1969,60 – transfer by change of boundaries to Wyoming Conference

1970,195 – merges into Maplewood (former ME)

Brief History:
This congregation was formed by those in the Maplewood Evangelical Association congregation who sided with the United Evangelicals. They erected their own building a short distance away. The congregations followed the example of their parent denominations and re-united in 1922, worshiping in the Grace building and selling the former Evangelical Association property. In 1969, following the Methodist-EUB denominational union, the congregation brought 50 members into the Wyoming Conference of the United Methodist Church. Those members joined with the 16 members of the Maplewood Methodist congregation to form the Maplewood United Methodist Church, meeting in the former Methodist building. The Grace building has been sold and now houses an independent congregation.

Final disposition:
Formerly home to the Calvary Bible Church, the building now houses the Avoy Christian Church. The Maplewood Evangelical Cemetery exists on Lake Henry Road, 1 mile south of Maplewood Road.

26. Milanville ME

Location: Milanville Road, village of Milanville
Municipality: Damascus township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From Honesdale, go 3 miles east on US 6 to PA 652 [Beach Lake Highway]. Go north on PA 652 6 miles to Beach Lake. Bear left onto Milanville Road [at Beach Lake UMC]. Follow Milanville Road 6 miles (through Milanville – i.e., bear right at the triangle and head toward the bridge to New York state). The church is on the left as you leave the village.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2007,93 – merged into Damascus to form Damascus Manor UMC
[note: the journal erroneously states Abrahamsville instead of Milanville]

Brief History:
Milanville was a schoolhouse appointment on the Damascus charge until the class purchased land and erected a church building in 1910. January 1, 2007, Milanville UMC merged into Damascus UMC to form Damascus Manor UMC. A detailed history of the Milanville church, including many photographs, is given in the 2007 anniversary booklet of the Damascus Manor church.

Final disposition:

27. Orson ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: Orson.JPG

Address: PA 370, village of Orson
Municipality: Preston township
County: Wayne County
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 1 mile south of Hancock NY, go 13 miles south on PA 370 to the crossroad at Orson. Turn right on Oxbow Road [the road to the left is PA 670] and go ½ mile. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal References:
1916,76 – church building moved nearer to the center of the community

Brief History:
Methodist work began in Hine’s Corners, Wayne County, in 1849 after Catherine (Mrs. Merritt) Hine was converted and invited the preacher from Lanesboro to hold a series of meetings that resulted in some 50 additional conversions. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse until a church building was dedicated on the Hine farm in 1878. In 1890 the Ontario and Western (O&W) Railroad extended its service to Scranton and the Orson depot/post-office (named for Catherine’s grandson Orson who had died of diphtheria) at Hine’s Corners became a town with two creameries, two ices houses, a grain mill, a saw mill, and several hotels and stores. Land was purchased to move the church building nearer the village, and on May 22, 1916, the Orson Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated at its new location. The railroad, the post office, and the town disappeared years ago, but the Church continued serving the community until 2013 – when the remaining congregation celebrated 97 years at the present location and decided to discontinue services and present its assets to the Susquehanna Conference.

Final Disposition:

The land and building was sold to an adjacent land owner.

28. Poyntelle ME

Location: village of Poyntelle
Municipality: Preston township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
Poyntelle is on PA 370, 1 mile east of Orson. The location of the church building is unknown.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1908,73 – new class at Poyntelle (anticipated to be on projected Orson charge)
1910,56 – new church building at Poyntelle on the Orson charge

Brief History:
The 9/24/1909 Wayne County Herald mentions a funeral held at the Poyntelle Methodist Church, and states that “the Orson choir did the singing.” The 1908 record book of the Herrick Center charge lists congregations at Herrick Center, Poyntelle, Hines Corners, East Ararat and Orson – and the Poyntelle congregation appears to have taken is members from 1908 to 1917. The appointment/building is not mentioned in Chaffee’s 1904 History of the Wyoming Conference.

Final disposition:

29. Prompton ME

Location:
Municipality:
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1888,20 – building secured, which will be “reseated” and improved over the years
1952,942 – permission to sell

Brief History:
According to court records, the “Eaton Methodist Episcopal Church of Prompton was registered April 20, 1870, and the “Methodist Episcopal Church of Prompton” was incorporated July 20, 1922. The actual building was erected by the Universalists in 1839 and used by them until 1859 when it was converted into the Wayne County Normal School. In 1880 the property reverted to the original owners, and in 1882 it was purchased by the Methodists. The building was formally dedicated in 1887 and improved over the years. In 1952 the Methodist and Presbyterian congregations united to form a Methodist congregation owning both properties. The former Methodist property was sold and the congregation (now Prompton UMC) continued in the former Presbyterian building.

Final disposition:

30. Rileyville ME

Location: village of Rileyville
Municipality: Lebanon township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
Rileyville is on PA 191, 10 miles north of Honesdale, at the intersection of PA 191 and PA 371. The church is believed to have been on PA 371, about 0.5 miles west of PA 191.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1894,21 – reopened after no services for “eight or nine years”

Brief History:
The first Methodist preaching here was in the house of Joseph Bass in the 1860’s. A class was formed, and Mr. Bass became a licensed exhorter. The church building was dedicated October 4, 1871. The church was closed 1889-1894, and then reopened and placed with Galilee. In 1896 it was placed on the Carley Brook charge, where it remained until being closed in the early 1900’s.

Final disposition:
By 1915 the building had ceased to be used for a church and a 99 year lease was granted to Hickory Grange. Hickory Grange is now defunct and in 2008 assigned the remaining years of its lease to the Rileyville Community Association. When the lease was about to expire the Rileyville Community Association sought and received a quit claim deed for the property from the Susquehanna Conference UMC in September 2013. The building is now property of the Rileyville Community Association.

31. South Canaan ME

Location: Saint Tikhons Road, village of South Canaan
Municipality: South Canaan township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 in Lake Ariel, take PA 296 north for 6 miles to the crossroads in the village of South Canaan. Turn right at the cross roads and go 200 yards. The church building is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1947, 573 – Since the property has been sold, all open accounts shall revert to the Conference.

Brief History:
Methodist circuit riders began visiting this area about 1810. Services were held in homes and the school house until a church was erected in the old cemetery (just north of the main crossroads) in 1834. This area was severely impacted by the Methodist Protestant division. Both factions continued worshiping in the old church until the Methodist Episcopal congregation erected the original section of the building pictured above in 1865 on a lot donated by Philip Lerch and wife – and the nearby crossroads was once known as Lerch’s [or Learch’s] Corners. A parsonage was purchased in 1871, and the South Canaan charge included church buildings at East Canaan, Gravity, South Canaan and a school house appointment at Varden. None of the Methodist Episcopal congregations survive today, although the former Methodist Protestant congregation (which did not participate in the 1939 denominational re-union) does.

Final disposition:
The property was sold to the Free Methodist Church for $100 in 1942. The nearby Simontown Free Methodist congregation (whose building stood across from the existing graveyard) moved into the building, and they were joined by the Pink Free Methodist congregation (whose building north of Lake Ariel, near the old drive-in theater, is now a hunting cabin) in 1948. The building was raised and the basement added in the 1950’s, and the Christian education wing to the east was added in the 1960’s. The building now houses the South Canaan Free Methodist Church, which considers the building’s Methodist Episcopal history as part of its heritage.

32. South Canaan MP

Location: PA 296, village of South Canaan
Municipality: South Canaan township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 in Lake Ariel, take PA 296 north for 6 miles to the village of South Canaan. The church stood in the existing cemetery ½ mile north of the crossroads, on the left side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church

Journal references:
1922,53 – South Canaan & Varden form a circuit

Brief History:
A German Reformed congregation was founded in the area by Hans Ulrich Swengle about 1790. That appears to have been the nucleus of the group that became Methodist and erected a meeting house here about 1823. The congregation was affected by the 1830 denominational split, and both the Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Protestant congregations worshiped in the building until 1865, when the Methodist Episcopal Church erected its own structure. The building continued to be Methodist Protestant until 1939, when the congregation opted out of the union that created the Methodist Church and joined the newly-formed Bible Protestant Church.

Final disposition:
This congregation joined with its sister congregation at Varden in 1975 to erect the present Canaan Bible Church, located at the southern end of South Canaan, just east of PA 296 on Hemlock Road. The building at this site was razed and replaced by a monument housing the old bell and an historical plaque.

33. South Preston ME

[no picture]

Location:
Municipality: Preston township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1888,20 – new structure erected from old Tallmanville building
1927,45 – no services for 3 years, permission to sell, proceeds to work in Preston township

Brief History:
This building was dedicated December 3, 1887, on a lot donated by David Doyle. The structure was actually the 1866 Tallmanville ME Church, which had been dismantled, moved, and re-erected slightly reduced in size.
Little is known about this building. It is listed in the missionary reports on the Lake Como charge (e.g., 1890,144) and appears to have continued after the nearby (?) Poyntelle building was erected in 1908 on the Orson charge.

Final disposition:

34. South Sterling ME

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Location: PA 191 village of South Sterling
Municipality: Dreher township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
South Sterling is on PA 191, 3 miles above the Monroe County line.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1981,86-89 – charge reorganization and distribution of property and assets following the fire
1981,93 - discontinued

Brief History:
A Methodist Sunday School meeting in the school house existed in South Sterling in 1850. A revival in 1853 resulted in the erection of a church building the following year and the formal chartering of a congregation in 1859. In 1930 the Sterling circuit was divided and Hemlock Grove, LaAnna and South Sterling became the South Sterling charge, with a parsonage erected that year next to the church. When the church was destroyed by fire November 27, 1979, the charge considered several options for rebuilding. In 1981, it was decided not to rebuild: the 3 point charge was officially dissolved, most of the members transferred to Hemlock Grove, and the parsonage served the Hemlock Grove congregation until it was sold in 1986 when a new parsonage was erected next to the Hemlock Grove church.

Final disposition:

35. Stalker ME

[no picture]

Location: village of Stalker
Municipality: Manchester township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
The village of Stalker is about 2 miles east of Braman

Historic Conference:
New York Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
It is unclear whether this Methodist building was in Wayne County PA or in Sullivan County NY. A communication from the New York Conference reported in the 1996 History of the Equinunk Methodist Church reads as follows. “Stalker was probably organized about 1890 and absorbed by Equinunk in 1929. The New York Conference minutes show authorization on May 4, 1935 to sell for $250. The best offer was $150, with the bell and furniture worth $100.” There are also recent references in the Wayne County Historical Society minutes to a “Stalker Church” – but without denominational reference.

Final disposition:

36. Starrucca ME

Location: 1 Shadigee Creek Road
Municipality: borough of Starrucca
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
Although in Wayne County, Starrucca is near the county line and has identified with the Thompson charge in Susquehanna County. From the main intersection in the village of Thompson [where PA 171 makes a right angle turn] in Susquehanna County, go east 5 miles on Starrucca Road [which becomes Starrucca Creek Road] to the village of Starrucca. The church is in the village of Starrucca, near the main intersection of Shadigee Creek Road and Starrucca Creek Road.
Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2006,93 – merged into Thompson
2006,167 – permission to sell building

Brief History:
The congregation here developed from services held first in a barroom and later in the schoolhouse. The first Methodist Episcopal church building in Starrucca was dedicated January 1, 1848, and stood across the road and slightly toward the schoolhouse from the present structure. The existing building was dedicated June 13, 1872. The church was part of the Thompson charge from 1893 until it closed.

Final disposition:
The building was sold by the Thompson charge on 3/30/2009 to the Body of Christ Church of Starrucca for $53,000.

37. Steene ME

Location: US 6, village of Steene
Municipality: Canaan township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
The village of Steene is on US 6, between Waymart and Prompton. The building sits on the southeast corner of US 6 and Davis Road.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
     1924,51 – permission to sell
     1925,93 – building sold; proceeds total $535
     125,119 – Preachers’ Aid Society receives $535 from sale of Steene Church

Brief History:
Canaan Corners was the site of the original Methodist class in this area, but the population shifted. After worshiping in a schoolhouse for a number of years, the class at Steene secured the old church at Canaan Corners and moved it to a lot donated by Emmons Eaton, where it was dedicated in 1859. The class was incorporated April 20, 1870, as “The Eaton Methodist Episcopal Church.”

Final disposition:
The building is now a private residence.

38. Sterling EV

poconos 005

Location: PA 191, village of Newfoundland
Municipality: Dreher township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From the interchange of PA 191 with I-84, go 6 miles south on PA 191 to the south end of Newfoundland. The building stood on the east side of PA 191, in front of the existing cemetery. The 1872 atlas gives the exact location.

Historic Conference:
East Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:
1921,103 – permission to sell “Newfoundland church property on Wayne charge”

Brief History:
As Dreher township was originally part of Sterling township, this appointment is referred to as Sterling in the church records. The appointment is first named in the records in connection with Wayne mission in 1869, but the work seems to have begun in the early 1860’s. The church building is reported to have been erected about 1854, perhaps by Moravians. There was a separate Sterling circuit in the 1870’s until the appointment was permanently attached to Wayne circuit in 1877. The parsonage for Wayne circuit was here from 1880 until 1887, when a more centrally located house was purchased. Preaching continued here at least until 1908. Authorization to sell the property was granted in 1921. The church building was reportedly moved across the street to become a private residence in the 1940’s. The so-called Albright Cemetery of this congregation exists just south of Newfoundland, about 20 yards off the highway, and it is unclear how near the church site was to the cemetery.

Final disposition:

39. Stockport ME

[no picture]

Location: community of Stockport
Municipality: Buckingham township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
Stockport is on PA 1919, 5 miles north of Equinunk.

Historic Conference:
New York Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
Stockport was on the Equinunk charge. The last services here were held in 1916.

Final disposition:

40. Tallmanville ME

Tallmanville Cemetery

Location: village of Tallmanville [a.k.a. Tallmansville, especially in early records)
Municipality: Preston township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
The directions are to the Tallmanville cemetery, believed to be the site of the church building. From Orson, go 4 miles east/northeast on PA 370 to Preston Center. When PA 370 bears to the right, proceed straight on the road to Shehawken, a.k.a. Dixie Highway. Proceed 3 miles to the village of Tallmanville. As you exit Tallmanville, go straight on the gravel road for 50 yards. The cemetery is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This class was organized in 1831, with David Wooley as class leader and meetings held in homes. The Tallmanville charge first appears among the appointments in 1859, having been separated from the Lanesboro circuit. In 1881 the Tallmanville charge was re-named Lake Como. Tallmanville was a schoolhouse appointment for many years until a church was erected and dedicated June 23, 1866, on land donated by C.P. Tallman. The building was dismantled and moved to South Preston in 1887.

Final disposition:

41. Torrey ME

Address: Torrey Road, village of Torrey
Municipality: Oregon township
County: Wayne County
State: PA

Directions:
Exit Honesdale on Cliff Street (after US 6 crosses the Lackawaxen River at the south end of town), which becomes Daniels Road and then Fox Hill Road. Stay on this road about 7 miles. At the stop sign with Torrey Road, turn left and go 1 mile to the village of Torrey.

Historic Conference:
     Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal References:
     1905,64 – new church built
     1906,55 – building dedicated May 21, 1905
     1928,88 – building destroyed by fire 3/4/1927
     1930,309 – building burned to ground 2 years ago; new structure dedicated 5/29/1929.

Brief History:
This is the first church building erected on what was called the Oregon charge until it was re-named Carley Brook charge in 1899. At one time there were four church buildings on the charge: Torrey (1849), Smith Hill (1852), Rileyville (1871), Carley Brook (1886), Girdland (1894). Because of declining membership, the congregation voted unanimously to discontinue. The closing service was held December 11, 2011,

42. Tresslarville EV

Location: PA 196, village of Tresslarville
Municipality: Lake township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of PA 191 and PA 196 south of Lake Ariel, proceed north on PA 196 3 miles to the intersection with PA 296. The church is one lot north of the northwest corner of the intersection.

Historic Conference:
East Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:
1923,20 – “At Tresslarville our church is used and the then UE property abandoned.”
Wyoming Conference 1969,60 – transfer by change of boundaries to Wyoming Conference

Brief History:
This congregation began sometime before 1894. There were both Association and United Evangelical buildings in Tresslarville during the 1894-1922 denominational split. This is the Association building that was used by the post-1922 merged congregation. Following the 1968 Methodist-EUB union, the 27 members of this congregation became part of the Wyoming Conference of the United Methodist Church. There were 16 members on the rolls when services were discontinued in 1979. Tresslarville and the nearby Lackawanna County congregation at Elmdale, both formerly of the Wayne circuit of the Evangelical Church, had sought and were given permission to leave the United Methodist Church. In 1980 the property was sold to the Tresslarville Evangelical Bible Church for $2000. The property not having suitable facilities, it was soon abandoned and the congregation merged into the Elmdale Evangelical Bible Church.

Final disposition:
In 2011 the building was empty and for sale by a realtor.

43. Union MP
[Angels MP]

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Location: village of Angels Corners
Municipality: Dreher township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191, 2 miles south of Newfoundland, go west on PA 507 3 miles to PA 196. The intersection of PA 507 and PA 196 is called Angels Corners.

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church

Journal references:
    1911,61 – listed as part of the charge’s report of the Committee on Ladies’ Aid
    1916,40 – conference president preaches here Monday 2/14/1916
    1922,53 – Angels, Cortez, Hollisterville, Mt. Cobb & Sterling to form Hollisterville circuit
    1925,47 – interior of church painted
    1952,945 – declared abandoned; permission to sell

Brief History:
This building was dedicated in 1888 on land donated by the Nevin family. For many years the congregation was part of the 3-point Salem & Sterling charge consisting of Hollisterville, East Salem and Union. That charge later added Mt. Cobb and Cortez and became the Hollisterville charge. Church services in the building appear to have ceased as a result of the 1939 denominational merger. The structure must have been significant, as the December 7, 1916, issue of the Wayne Independent in Honesdale reported as follows: "Last Sunday the Union Church which had been remodeled by the addition of a basement and a capacious vestibule containing a stairway to the second story as well as the fine basement was rededicated. Services were held all day and evening. Free chicken dinner and supper was served to the crowd. Rev. Mr. McAckley of Daleville held the attention of the congregation in the evening by a good address."

Final disposition:
The building was purchased by Harry C. Roof, pastor of the 3-point LaAnna – South Sterling – Greentown Methodist parish. In 1956 he dismantled the structure and used the materials to build his retirement home on the southeast corner of the intersection of PA 507 and PA 196. The nearby original site is now overgrown.

44. Varden EV

Location: PA 296, village of Varden
Municipality: South Canaan township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 in Lake Ariel, go 2 miles north on PA 296 to the village of Varden. The church stood in the south end of town, on the top of hill before the bridge crossing Middle Creek, on the right side of the road. The church building stood directly in front of the house pictured above, and its foundations lie just beneath the surface of the front yard.

Historic Conference:
East Pennsylvania Conference of the United Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1922,126 – listed for the final time as a conference building

Brief History:
This congregation was formed after the 1894 denominational split and discontinued at the 1922 denominational re-union. It is believed that the building erected in 1897 was owned ½ by the United Evangelical Church and ½ by the Methodist Protestant Church.

Final disposition:
The building became in full possession of the Methodist Protestant denomination in 1922.

45. Varden MP

Location: PA 296, village of Varden
Municipality: South Canaan township
County: Wayne
State: PA

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church

Journal references:
1922,53 – South Canaan & Varden form a circuit

Brief History:
In 1896, after 65 years of worshiping with the South Canaan Church, the people of Varden decided to build a sanctuary of their own. They partnered with the newly-formed United Evangelical congregation to erect a building which was dedicated in June 1897. With the 1922 denominational reunion, the Evangelicals appear to have ended their interest in the building and it continued to be Methodist Protestant until 1939, when the congregation opted out of the union that created the Methodist Church and joined the newly-formed Bible Protestant Church.

Final disposition:
This congregation joined with its sister congregation at South Canaan in 1975 to erect the present Canaan Bible Church, located at the southern end of South Canaan, just east of PA 296 on Hemlock Road. The property was sold and the church building was razed.

46. West Damascus ME

Location:
Municipality:
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1957,353 – membership and assets merged into Girdland

Brief History:
This schoolhouse appointment 7 miles northeast of Carley Brook is included in this list because it was active for over 100 years, beginning in 1854. In 1857 the membership and assets were merged into Girdland.

Final disposition:

47. West Sterling MP

Location:
Municipality:
County: Wayne
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church

Journal references:
1883,4 – new church building dedicated

Brief History:
The East Sterling and West Sterling Methodist Protestant churches were both formed about the same time by dissenting members from the Sterling Methodist Episcopal Church. The West Sterling Church was contemplated while the Bortree [East Sterling] Church was being built in 1855 – an event which encouraged the Christians in West Sterling to organize a class and erect a building. It was located on “the west corner of the junction where Hollisterville road joins the Moscow road.” A plain structure without a steeple, it was later moved to Hollisterville and annexed to the Hollisterville Methodist Protestant Church.

Final disposition:

48. Whites Valley ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: WhitesValley.JPG

Address: 1995 Bethany Turnpike [PA 670], village of Whites Valley
Municipality: Mt. Pleasant township
County: Wayne County
State: PA

Directions:
From PA 191 at the north end of Honesdale, go 10 miles north on PA 670 to the village of Whites Valley. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Wyoming Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
2019,168 – closed 4/24/2019
2021,266 – sold 7/11/2020 for $12,500 to Neeco Beaham.

Brief History:
The present building here was dedicated in June 1891. The building was decommissioned May 3, 2019, and sold on July 11, 2020, to Neeco A. Beahan for $12,500.

Final disposition: