Untitled 1

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.

CENTRE COUNTY PA

1. Aaronsburg Emmanuel EV

Description: aaronsburg

Location: Plum Street, village of Aaronsburg
Municipality: Haines township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Plum Street is parallel to and one block north of the PA 45. The church is on the north side of Plume Street, between Pine Street and Rachels Way.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The Aaronsburg class was formed in 1850 and cooperated with the Methodists in building a small building house in which they worshiped until erecting their own building in 1881. Aaronsburg was on the 4-point Millheim charge (with Coburrn St. James, Millheim St. Luke's and Woodward Trinity) from 1886 until being closed in 1967.

Final disposition:
The building has been a library and historical museum since 1967.

2. Aaronsburg ME

$Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\aaronsburg_me.jpg$

Location: PA 45, in the village of Aaronsburg
Municipality: Haines township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
The church stood on the south side of PA 45, between West Street and Tattletown Road, to the east of the old academy building. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1912,77 - Report of the Superintendent of the Altoona District: "During the year the Aaronsburg church on the Penns Valley charge has been sold and I have a check for $125 to hand to the Treasurer of the Conference Trustees."

Brief History:
This building was dedicated June 25, 1848. In the late 1800's, Aaronsburg was the smallest church on the 6-point Penns Valley Methodist Episcopal charge consisting of Aaronsburg, Centre Hall, Kreamerville [Smullton], Millheim, Spring Mills, and Sprucetown.

Final disposition:
The site is an empty lot, to the left of the old academy building.

3. Bellefonte Grace UB

Description: Description: Description: Description: bellefonte

Location: High and Thomas Streets, Bellefonte
Municipality: borough of Bellefonte
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
High Street (PA 550) is the main street in the business district. From the intersection of Water Street and High Street, along Spring Creek by the big spring, cross the creek and go two blocks. Thomas Street is the first street after the railroad tracks. The church stood on the northwest corner of High and Thomas Streets.

Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The Bellefonte United Brethren congregation was organized about 1822. The original church building was a log structure erected in 1822. This was replaced by a frame building in 1855, and by the structure pictured above in 1891. That building was destroyed by fire December 18, 1945. The congregation then purchased and remodeled for worship the Major William F. Reynolds mansion on the corner of Allegheny and Linn Streets. In 1965 the Grace (former UB) and Trinity (former EV) congregations united. In 1969 the congregation moved into its new facilities at 512 Hughes Street, by the Bellefonte Area High School, and is the present Faith United Methodist Church.

Final disposition:
The site pictured above is now occupied by a modern home.

4. Bellefonte Trinity EV

$Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\bellfonte_ev.jpg$

Location: 402 Willowbank Street
Municipality: borough of Bellefonte
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Willowbank Street is PA 150, as it leaves the southwest end of Bellefonte. The church is on the southwest corner of Willowbank Street and Valentine Hill Road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
Evangelical preaching in Bellefonte began in the Bush's Addition School House in 1889, and a lot was purchased that same year. The sanctuary pictured was built and dedicated in 1892. The large Sunday School annex to the behind the sanctuary was added in 1925. In 1965 the Grace (former UB) and Trinity (former EV) congregations united. In 1969 the congregation moved into its new facilities at 512 Hughes Street, by the Bellefonte Area High School, and is the present Faith United Methodist Church.

Final disposition:
The building presently occupied by the Church of the Good Shepherd.

5. Bethesda EV
[Swamp Church]

$Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\bethesda.jpg$

Location: Swamp Church Road, near the village of Farmer's Mills
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From Centre Hall, go 4 miles east on PA 192 to Ridge Road. Turn left on Ridge Road and go 1.5 miles to Penns Cave Road. Turn left on Penns Cave Road and go 1.5 miles to Swamp Church Road. Turn right on Swamp Church Road and go 200 yards. The church is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church.

Journal references:

Brief History:
Bethesda Church of the Evangelical Association was erected in 1855. The congregation was divided during the 1894-1922 split, and it appears that both groups continued using the building. Eventually the Evangelical Association faction dwindled away and the United Evangelical faction prevailed. This was the typical scenario in the area. The parent Evangelical Association formally transferred [sold?] the property to the United Evangelical Church in 1906. The congregation merged into Spring Mills in 1961, when it had declined to only 6 members, and the building was sold in 1964.

Final disposition:
The chapel is a privately owned and maintained building available for concerts and weddings.

6. Boalsburg ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: boalsburg

Location: East Pine Street, Boalsburg
Municipality: Harris township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Pine Street runs parallel to and one block north of Main Street, the old PA 45. From the intersection of PA 45 and Business Route US 322 east of town, take Main Street, old PA 45, into Boalsburg. Go one block and turn right on Academy Street. Go one block and turn left on Pine Street. Go one-half block. The building is on the north side of Pine Street between Academy Street and Church Street. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1887,45 - "At Boalsburg, Pine Grove circuit, a gracious revival has made a better church a necessity. Something will be reported next year from this old Methodist stronghold."

Brief History:
The Methodist Church at Boalsburg was organized about 1832, and a meeting house was erected in 1833. While this was one of the first Methodist church buildings erected in Centre County, the congregation never was large. It is not known exactly when the congregation ceased to exist ― but it is not listed in the 1898 Statistics #5, the first reporting of information for individual appointments on each charge. The 1975 Centre County Heritage, published by the Centre County Historical Society, page 102, states that the Methodists sold the property in 1900.

Final disposition:
The church building supposedly was at one time incorporated into the fire station complex ― but with all the remodeling and rebuilding done over the years, it appears that none of the original Methodist building remains.

7. Centre Furnace ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: centre furnace

Location: PA 26, village of Centre Furnace [north end of State College]
Municipality: Harris township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
The church stood on the east side of present PA 26 "on the side of the hill opposite the old charcoal iron furnace" at the approach to State College. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This church building was a one room wooden structure with a seating capacity of 100. Apparently it housed a vibrant congregation. But by the year 1888 many changes had taken place in the community. The smelting at Centre Furnace had been discontinued, and many persons moved away. Several new building has been added to the growing Pennsylvania State College campus, and a sizable village was now located there. Lemont, too, was growing, and boasted a railroad station. Since the Centre Furnace church was in such poor repair, the question of building a new church arose. Some wanted it in Lemont, while others preferred relocating in the college town. In the end, the congregation split ― and the Centre Furnace appointment gave birth to two congregations, and Methodist church buildings were erected in Lemont and State College.

Final disposition:
Unknown.

8. Centre Hall ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: centre hall me

Location: W. Church Street, Centre Hall
Municipality: borough of Centre Hall
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions: Pennsylvania Avenue (PA 144) and E. Church Street (PA 192) are the two main roads in Centre Hall. From the intersection of PA 144 and PA 192, go west on W. Church Street one-half block. The church site is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This congregation is an outgrowth of the Pennington congregation, which was located east of town on PA 192. The church building was erected about 1875. On October 3, 1965, three churches in Centre Hall united to form a single congregation: St. John's EUB, Centre Hall Methodist, and Sinking Springs Presbyterian. The united congregation worships in the enlarged former Presbyterian building at 127 S. Pennsylvania Avenue and is now Grace United Methodist Church.

Final disposition:
The building is empty and in poor condition.

9. Centre Hall St. John's EV

Description: Description: Description: Description: centre hall

Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre Hall
Municipality: borough of Centre Hall
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Pennsylvania Avenue (PA 144) is the main road through the town. The church sat on the northeast corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Locust Street. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The Evangelical class in Centre Hall was formed about 1870 and met in the storeroom of A.O. Deininger. The first church building was erected in 1873. Illingsworth's 1896 A Passing Glance at Penns Valley states: "The Evangelical church is the only frame one in the town. It has a very respectable constituency, who, in the late division of the church, warmly espoused the side of Bishop Dubbs. At present the property is in the hands of the Esher faction, but as that side has but few adherents, it is more than likely that the property will shortly revert to its original owners."
Using some of the lumber salvaged from the original building, a second larger building was erected on the same site in 1907. On October 3, 1965, three churches in Centre Hall united to form a single congregation: St. John's EUB, Centre Hall Methodist, and Sinking Springs Presbyterian. The united congregation worships in the enlarged former Presbyterian building at 127 S. Pennsylvania Avenue and is now Grace United Methodist Church.

Final disposition:
The remodeled building now houses a sporting goods store.

10. Centre Line ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: centre line me

Location: PA 650
Municipality: Half Moon township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
The site is on the east side of PA 650, 1 mile north of the Huntingdon County line. There was also a Centre Line United Brethren Church, but it was on the other side of the line and in Huntingdon County. The Centre Line Methodist Episcopal church sat at the northeast corner of the intersection pictured above. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1870, 19 - On November 21, 1869, a frame church, 28x43' and costing $2000, was dedicated at Centre Line on the Warrior's Mark circuit.
1953, 55 - The Centre Line church is declared abandoned and its trustees are authorized to sell the property, the proceeds to be used by the Warrior's Mark charge.
1954, 129 - $400 received from sale; funds turned over to district superintendent

Brief History:
A class existed in the area at least since 1861, and the church was erected in 1869. The appointment was always part of the Warrior's Mark charge and received preaching services every two weeks. The last reported financial contribution to the charge was in 1948, and that may be the date of the last regular services. The 1883 county history credits the church with an average attendance of about 12 families, and a membership of about 20 persons. There were 8 members recorded in 1948 when the last financial contribution was reported, and 6 members reported in 1953 when the appointment was declared abandoned.

Final disposition:
The site is now part of the adjacent farmland.

11. Chestnut Grove ME

[no picture]

Location: Chestnut Grove Road [?]
Municipality: Boggs township [?]
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
North of Runville on PA 144, there is a Chestnut Grove Road going off to the west. This may be a clue to the location.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1878,52 - a new church was built on the Snow Shoe circuit

Brief History:
On Sunday September 9, 1877, pastor Isaiah Edwards of the Snow Shoe circuit dedicated a new church on that circuit at Chestnut Grove. This is all that is known about this church. The name "Chestnut Grove" does not appear in any other context, but the appointment appears to have been very short-lived.

Final disposition:
Unknown.

12. Coleville ME

[no picture]

Location: 326 Lower Coleville Road, village of Coleville
Municipality: borough of Bellefonte
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
High Street (PA 550) is the main street in the business district of Bellefonte. From the intersection of Water Street and High Street, along Spring Creek by the big spring, cross the creek and go two blocks. Thomas Street is the first street after the railroad tracks. Turn right on Thomas Street and go 0.5 miles, at which point Thomas Street turns left and becomes Upper Coleville Road. Proceed 0.5 miles on Upper Coleville Road and turn left (just before the railroad tracks) on to Lower Coleville Road. Go 2 blocks. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1907,60 - the church at Coleville on the Pleasant Gap charge is improved
1925,59 - the trustees of the church at Coleville are authorized to sell their building and apply the proceeds for the betterment of the parsonage at Pleasant Gap

Brief History:
The date of the founding of the class or the erection of the building is unknown. Coleville first appears in the Missionary Reports in 1894, and it seems to replace the Pleasant View appointment. A Sunday School of 81 members was organized in 1906, and the 1907 journal reports that the building was improved. The property was reportedly sold to the Pilgrim Holiness Church in 1925, which by denomination merger is now the Wesleyan Church.

Final disposition:
The structure now houses the Coleville Wesleyan Church.

Decker ME, see Locust Grove EV

13. Egg Hill EV

Description: Description: Description: Description: egg hill

Location: Egg Hill Road
Municipality: Potter township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From Potters Mills, the intersection of US 322 and PA 144, go north on PA 144 0.5 miles to Upper Georges Valley Road. Turn right onto Upper Georges Valley Road and go 1 mile to Egg Hill Road. Turn left and go 1 mile on Egg Hill Road. The church is on the left. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:

Brief History:
John Dauberman moved from New Berlin in Union County to Potter township in 1799. He erected a church on Egg Hill in 1837 that became the mother church of the Evangelical work in this part of the county. The original church was replaced by the present structure in 1860. The church was one of the few that remained with the Evangelical Association during the 1894-1922 split. It was closed in 1927. In 1979, the structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1980 the site was transferred to the Egg Hill Conservancy Corporation with a reversion clause should they fail to maintain the property.

Final disposition:
The site is in the care of the Egg Hill Conservancy Corporation.

14. Fairview EV

Description: Description: Description: Description: fairview

Location: on the old PA 150 that was relocated for the Sayers Dam
Municipality: Howard township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
[part of the Sayers Dam project]

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This class was organized in 1873 in the Fairview schoolhouse. A building was erected in 1880. When the Fairview (former Evangelical in Howard township) and Hunters Run (former Methodist in Liberty township) congregations were forced to relocate due to construction of the Sayers Dam, the congregations united in 1967 to form the present Faith Chapel United Methodist Church and erect a new building on 551 Hunter Run Road in 1968.

Final disposition:
The final service was held in the building on May 26, 1968. The site is now part of the Sayers Dam project. The 1880 cornerstone pictured above was placed in the 1968 Faith Chapel.

15. Fairview Union UB

Description: Description: Description: Description: fairview union

Location: Fairview Road
Municipality: Boggs township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of I-80 and PA 150, go 2 miles east on PA 150 to Curtin Hollows Road. Turn left on Curtin Hollows Road and go 2 miles to Fairview Road. The church is on the left, at the intersection of Curtin Hollows Road and Fairview Road.

Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1960,148 - all 31 members withdrew without certificates

Brief History:
The United Brethren had 1/2 ownership in this building, which was part of the Runville charge. When the Allegheny Conference disbanded in 1951, the Runville charge became part of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the EUB Church. The motivation for the congregation to withdraw en mass in 1960 was not documented.

Final disposition:
The building is not in use.

16. Green Grove EV (Evangelical Association)

Description: Description: Description: Description: green grove

Location: Green Grove Road, village of Green Grove
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Brush Mountain Road goes north off PA 45 2 miles east of Spring Mills (or 4 miles west of Millheim). Go north on Brush Mountain Road 1 mile to the intersection with Green Grove Road. Turn right and go 0.5 miles. The church site and remaining cemetery are on the right. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:

Brief History:
This congregation divided as a result of the 1894 denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical Association kept the building, but the congregation did not survive.

Final disposition:
The church building is gone, but the cemetery remains.

16. Green Grove St. Paul EV (United Evangelical)

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\closed_churches\church2.jpg$

Location: 301 Brush Mountain Road, village of Green Grove
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Brush Mountain Road goes north off PA 45 2 miles east of Spring Mills (or 4 miles west of Millheim). Go north on Brush Mountain Road 1 mile to the intersection with Green Grove Road. The church is near the southwest corner of the intersection of Brush Mountain and Green Grove Roads.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1929,99 - congregation discontinued, permission to move building to Spring Mills if desired
1937,71 - $189.80 realized from sale of Green Grove church building

Brief History:
This building was erected in 1897 by the dissenting members of the Green Grove Church of the Evangelical Association that chose to side with the United Evangelical Church. The congregation was discontinued in 1928. In 1932 the Brethren in Christ denomination began meeting in the adjacent brick school house located at the crossroads. When that congregation needed larger quarters, they purchased the Green Grove church building in April 1936 for $200.00.

Final disposition:
The renovated building now houses the Green Grove Brethren in Christ congregation.

17. Hecla EV

[no picture]

Location: south off PA 64, between Zion and Hublersburg
Municipality: Walker township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From Pleasant Gap, go 7 miles east on PA 64 to Hecla Road. The Hecla Furnace operations and community were 0.5 miles south of PA 64 on Hecla Road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1928,70 - membership transferred to Hublersburg
1930,54 - former parsonage at Clintondale sold, Hecla's share of the proceeds reverts to the conference

Brief History:
The Hecla Furnace was built in 1820 and ceased operating in 1864, but Hecla Park was opened by the Central Railroad in 1894 as an amusement park on the former furnace grounds. While the Evangelicals had a long-standing appointment at Hecla, it is unclear where they met and whether they ever owned a building.

Final disposition:
Unknown.

18. Howard St. John's EV

Description: Description: Description: Description: howard

Location: 136 Grove Street, Howard
Municipality: borough of Howard
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Walnut Street (PA 26) is the main north-south road through Howard. From the intersection of PA 150 and PA 26 north of town, cross the lake and enter the borough. The first cross street is Main Street. Turn right on Main Street and go one block to Grove Street. Turn left on Grove Street and go two blocks to Maple Street. The church stood on the southeast corner of Gove and Maple Streets.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
2009,341 - church building sold
2009,341 - parsonage sold

Brief History:
In the 1880's a group of Evangelical people living in the borough of Howard felt the need for a church of their denomination within the town. A plot of ground was purchased at the corner of Grove and Maple Streets, and the corner stone for the new building was laid November 15, 1885. The Howard congregation was formally organized on January 12, 1886, and the new building was occupied May 30, 1886. In 1894 an 8-point Howard circuit was created by detaching 5 appointments from the Nittany Valley circuit 3 appointments from the Milesburg circuit. In 1902, a parsonage was constructed in the borough, solidifying the Howard congregation's position as the home church on the charge.
Over the years the membership dwindled down to less than 25 members. Talks of closing the church began in 2002. With with help of lay speakers and nearby Faith Chapel United Methodist Church, and a determination to revitalize itself, the congregation was able to continue for a few more years. Finally, a decision was made to close the church. A service of decommissioning was held November 20, 2005.

Final disposition:
The church building is now owned and operated by the Howard Area Museum and Historical Society.

19. Hublersburg EV

Description: Description: Description: Description: hublersburg

Location: Hublersburg Road, village of Hublersburg
Municipality: Walker township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Hublersburg Road is the old PA 64. The church stood on the north side of the road, two lots east of the post office. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church.

Journal references:

Brief History:
This class was formed prior to 1870, and the church building was erected in 1873. For many years Hublersburg was (along with Howard, Wingate and Zion) one of the four enduring appointments on the Howard charge of the Evangelical Church. In October 1963 Hublersburg voted to join with Zion for worship, and the church was officially closed in 1965. The building was sold in 1966.

Final disposition:
The church building was dismantled in 1975. The site is now occupied by a mobile home.

20. Hunters Run ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: hunters

Location: on the old PA 150 that was relocated for the Sayers Dam
Municipality: Liberty township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
[part of the Sayers Dam project]

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The Hunters Run congregation was organized about 1856. The appointment was called Runner's until 1864 and then Schenk's until 1870, when the name Hunters Run was adopted. The congregation met in schoolhouses until erecting a brick building in 1896. When the Fairview (former Evangelical in Howard township) and Hunters Run (former Methodist in Liberty township) congregations were forced to relocate due to construction of the Sayers Dam, the congregations united in 1967 to form the present Faith Chapel United Methodist Church and erect a new building on 551 Hunter Run Road in 1968.

Final disposition:
The final service was held in the building on September 24, 1967, after which the building was razed. The site is now under water. The 1896 cornerstone pictured above was placed in the 1968 Faith Chapel.

21. Jacksonville EV

[no picture]

Location: village of Jacksonville
Municipality: Walker township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From Howard go 2 miles south on PA 26 [Walnut Street] to Jacksonville Road. At this point, PA 26 turns right and Jacksonville is 0.5 miles to the left. The Frain/Evangelical/Oak Grove Cemetery is on the southeast corner of this intersection and assumed to be the site of the church.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1901,39 - I.S. Frain holds the deed and offers the deed with certain restrictions; congregation advised to accept the restrictions
1902,42 - problem of 1901 not yet resolved; advice repeated

Brief History:
The history of this congregation is vague. The 1883 History of Centre County states that the class "was formed a few years ago, their house of meeting is situated at Jacksonville, and services are held every two weeks." It also states that the building is called Albright's Church, after denominational founder Jacob Albright, and that the building "is also occasionally used by the Lutherans." The appointment appears to have been dropped during the reorganization and consolidation in the years following the 1922 re-merger of the Evangelical Association and the United Evangelical Church. The congregation was United Evangelical during the split.

Final disposition:
Unknown.

22. Julian Faith UB

julian

Location: Railroad Avenue, village of Julian
Municipality: Huston township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions: The village of Julian is off Eagle Valley Road [old US 200], 8 miles northeast of Port Matilda. Cross the railroad tracks into the village of Julian. Railroad Street is the first cross street. Turn right and go 3 blocks. The church stood on the southeast corner of Railroad Avenue and Bald Eagle Street. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1991,222 - merged into the former Julian Methodist church to form the present Christ United Methodist Church

Brief History:
The United Brethren class in Julian was organized in the fall of 1869, in which year also a house of worship was erected. From 1905 to 1983 the church was part of the 4-point Port Matilda United Brethren charge consisting of Black Oak, Centre Line, Julian and Mount Pleasant.

Final disposition:
The building has been razed, and the site is now an empty lot.

23. Kennedy ME

kennedy

Location: Nursery Road
Municipality: Howard township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From the interchange of I-80 and PA 150, go 4 miles north on PA 150 to Nursery Road. Turn right onto Nursery Road and go 1 mile.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1973,99 - congregation discontinued
1974-210 - building sold to the Church of Christ

Brief History:
The Methodist society at Mt. Eagle [then called Mechanicsville] began in a private home in 1848. The cornerstone for their first building was laid in 1896, and the building was ready for use in 1898. The building was sold in 1974, with the proceeds going to Faith United Methodist Church, the united successor of the former Fairview Evangel and Hunters Run Methodist congregations.

Final disposition:
The building was purchased and used by the Mt. Eagle Church of Christ. The structure was destroyed by arson on January 1, 2007. The congregation has since built a new structure at the same location in 2008, but the front-back orientation of the new building is the reverse from the original one.

24. Lemont EV

lemont_ev

Location: Mount Nittany Road
Municipality: College township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From the interchange at the north end of State College of PA 26 and US 322, go one mile north on PA 26 to the next major intersection: Houserville Road goes to the left into Houserville, Pike Street goes to the right into Lemont. Turn right and follow Pike Street 1 mile to Mount Nittany Road. Turn left. The church building is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The cornerstone was laid May 13, 1883 ― one of two Evangelical cornerstones laid the on same day on the same charge, the other being at Milesburg. The building was 36x50'. On January 1, 1972, the congregation merged into the former Lemont Methodist congregation at the latter's new building at 1500 Branch Road to form the present Mount Nittany United Methodist Church.

Final disposition:
The building is now a specialty store.

25. Lemont ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: lemont me

Location: Mount Nittany Road, village of Lemont
Municipality: College township
County: Centre
State: PA

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The Methodist presence in the village of Lemont dates from 1888, when the growing congregation at Centre Furnace decided to divide in two and establish congregations in the more populous communities of Lemont and State College. On September 18, 1966, the congregation broke ground to relocate at 1500 Branch Road. That facility was ready for use in January 1968. On January 1, 1972, they were joined by the former Lemont Evangelical Church to form the present Mount Nittany United Methodist Church.

Final disposition:
The building is now an art studio.

26. Linden Hall EV (Evangelical Association)

[no picture]

Location: Brush Valley Road, village of Linden Hall
Municipality: Harris township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Brush Valley Road is the main east-west road through Centre Hall ― it is PA 192 east of Centre Hall. From Centre Hall, go 6 miles west on Brush Valley Road to Rock Hill Road, which only goes to the left. The church stood on the right side of the road, opposite Rock Hill Road. The 1850 Evangelical Association structure stood to the left of the 1897 United Evangelical building pictured below. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:
1928,105 - permission to sell

Brief History:
The church was built about 1850. This congregation divided as a result of the 1894 denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical Association kept the building, but the congregation did not survive.

Final disposition:

27. Linden Hall EV (United Evangelical)

Description: Description: Description: Description: liden

Location: Brush Valley Road, village of Linden Hall
Municipality: Harris township
County: Centre
State: PA

―Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1928,105 - permission to sell

Brief History:
This building was erected in 1897 by the dissenting members of the Linden Hall church of the Evangelical Association that chose to side with the United Evangelical Church. The congregation was discontinued in 1928.

Final disposition:
The building has been restored and is now part of the Linden Hall Historic District. The United Evangelicals were commonly called Dubsites (after their leader Bishop Rudolph Dubs) and the Evangelical Association loyalists commonly called Esherites (after their leader Bishop J.J. Esher). Within the Historic District, the United Evangelical building pictured above is known as the Dubsite Church.

28. Locust Grove EV
Deckers ME
[Synagogue Church]

Description: Description: Description: Description: locust grove

Location: Lower Georges Valley Road
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of US 322 and PA 144, go 0.5 miles north on PA 144 to Lower Georges Valley Road. Turn right on Lower Georges Valley Road and go 3 miles to Synagogue Gap Road. The church is on the southwest corner of Lower Georges Valley Road and Synagogue Gap Road. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1975,116 - sold

Brief History:
This building was erected by the Methodists on the Decker farm in 1844, but the area was never fertile Methodist territory. By 1882 the used building had deteriorated to the point that sheep were taking shelter in the ruins and it was known locally as "Decker's Sheep Pen." That year it was purchased for the Evangelical Association, given a steeple, and siding to cover the original log walls. The congregation dwindled over the years, and on November 26, 1961, there was a unanimous vote to merge into the EUB (former Evangelical) congregation in Spring Mills. The last recorded regular service in the building took place February 11, 1962.

Final disposition:
The property was sold in 1975 and has remained unimproved.

29. Madisonburg EV (United Evangelical)

$Description: Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\madisonburgchurch.jpg$

Location:
Municipality:
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
    1904,40 - lost use of rented hall; permission to build
    1924,35 - parsonage sold
    1928,105 - permission to sell church building

Brief History:
The 1883 History of Centre County lists the four Evangelical Association churches (and their memberships) along PA 192 on the Brush Valley charge: Yearick's (39), Madisonburg (50), Rebersberg (45), Wolf's Store (17). The congregation at Madisonburg divided as a result of the 1894 denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical Association kept the building ― and untypically to the area it was the stronger of the two congregations and the one whose building was used after the 1922 denominational reunion (and is now houses the United Methodist Church). Those siding with the United Evangelical Church found themselves without a place to worship.
The congregation worshiped in a rented hall for ten years. When that lease expired they erected a small chapel that they used until remerging back into the congregation that had remained with the Evangelical Association during the 1894-1922 split.

Final disposition:
The United Evangelical church building became the KGE [Knights of the Golden Eagle] lodge. In 1954 the Madisonburg EUB (former Evangelical Association) congregation purchased the structure and added it to the rear of their building. This is the addition in the picture above of the Madisonburg United Methodist Church.

30. Marsh Creek EV

[no picture]

Location: 172 S. Summit Hill Road
Municipality: Curtin township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From the borough of Howard, travel north 1 mile on PA 26 to the intersection with PA 150, at which point PA 26 ends. Continue straight across PA 150 on Howard Divide Road. Follow Howard Divide Road 3 miles until it ends at March Creek Road. Turn left on Marsh Creek Road and go 2 miles to Summit Hill Road. Turn right on Summit Hill Road and go 1 mile to Mantown Road. The church is on the northeast corner of Summit Hill Road and Mantown Road. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building, which was then a schoolhouse.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The property appears to have been deeded to the Evangelical Association 1890. In 1894 the appointment was placed on the newly created Howard charge. The appointment appears to drop off the Howard charge in 1897 or 1898, and its fate after that is not known.

Final disposition:
The building now houses the Summit Hill Wesleyan Church. It is reported to have first been sold to the Brethren in Christ denomination, and then to the Pilgrim Holiness denomination ― which, by merger, is now the Wesleyan Church.

31. Milesburg EV

[no picture]

Location:
Municipality:
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
exact location unknown

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The cornerstone was laid May 13, 1883 ― one of two Evangelical cornerstones laid the on same day on the same charge, the other being at Lemont. The building was a 28x48' sanctuary with an attached 12x16' classroom. For many years there was a Milesburg circuit, then it was demoted to the Milesburg mission (a circuit that is not self-supporting). In 1919 the Milesburg mission was discontinued and the remaining appointments were added to the Howard circuit, but the exact fate of the Milesburg congregation was not recorded.

Final disposition:

32. Millheim Simpson ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: millheim

Location: 119 East Main Street, Millhein
Municipality: borough of Millheim
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Main Street is PA 45. The church is on the south side of the street, near the east end of town. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
After Methodist circuit riders preached outdoors in Penns Valley in the 1830's, a congregation was formally organized in 1840. The class met in the Penn Street School and in the Evangelical Association Church across the street. Revivals increased the membership to the point that the present brick church was erected in 1857. Nine years later the building was remodeled, including the addition of stained glass windows. The congregation began to decline after the turn of the century, and the appointment was discontinued in the 1920's. The appointment was for many years on the 5-point Penns Valley charge with Centre Hall, Smullton, Spring Mills and Sprucetown. Its last reported membership was 43 in 1926, with most of the membership apparently transferred to Spring Mills the following year.

Final disposition:
The Millheim Lodge of the IOOF purchased the property in 1927. The structure currently houses the Millheim post office and several apartments.

33. Millheim St. Lukes United Methodist Church

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\open_churches\centre\millheim_st_lukes.jpg$

Address: 117 S. Penn Street
Municipality: borough of Millheim
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of PA 445 (which goes north) and PA 45 in Millheim, go south on Penn Street 2 blocks. The church is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:

Final disposition:

34. Millheim UB

Description: Description: Description: Description: millheim ub

Location: 142 West Main Street, Millheim
Municipality: borough of Millheim
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Main Street is PA 45. The church is on the north side of the street, near the west end of town. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
In the early 1880's, a United Brethren class worshiped in the English schoolhouse located on this site. Prominent United Brethren circuit rider Adam Noon was buried in the graveyard across the alley from the back of the schoolhouse in 1846. In 1860 the congregation purchased the schoolhouse property, assumed the responsibility for the cemetery, and erected the existing building. There was a Millheim United Brethren circuit (the most consistent appointments being Eastville [in Sugar Valley, Clinton County], Millheim and Rebersburg0 from 1877 to 1898 ― but it never was strong, and was sometimes served irregularly by pastors coming from Bellefonte or South Williamsport. The congregation disbanded about 1901, and the property was sold in 1904.

Final disposition:
The building is now a private home. The attic reportedly still bears religious decorations and inscriptions. A subsequent owner of the cemetery property plowed over and the land and placed the grace stones in a pile ― and over the years neighbors and descendants of those interred there have gradually removed the stones.

35. Mountain Emanuel EV
Mountain Emanuel ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: mountain

Location:
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
original site: From the intersection of US 322 and PA 144, go 0.5 miles north on PA 144 to Lower Georges Valley Road. Turn right on Lower Georges Valley Road and go 4 miles to Vonada Gap Road. Turn right and go 2 miles to where Lingle Valley Road goes to the left, at which point Vonada Gap Road becomes Mountain Church Road. Continue straight on Mountain Church Road about 20 yards to a lane to a cemetery off to the left. This was the original site of the building. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.
relocated site: From the original site, return 20 yards to Lingle Valley Road. Turn right on Lingle Valley Road and go 3 miles to the village of Zerby and Penns Creek Road. Turn left on Penns Creek Road. The church is on the left, hidden among the foliage.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:

Brief History:
This building was erected by the Methodists in 1856 and later sold to the Evangelical Association. The Evangelical Association kept the building in the 1894 split, but moved it off the mountain to a more populous location. The congregation still did not thrive, and the work was abandoned before the 1922 denominational re-union.
This is believed to be the church used by the Brethren in Christ 1929-32, before they relocated their efforts to Greene Grove in 1933 and eventually purchased the United Evangelical church in that community.

Final disposition:
The building is in ruins and falling down.

Mountain Emanuel ME, see Mountain Emanuel EV

36. Mountain St. John's EV

Description: Description: Description: Description: green grove

Location: Vonada Gap Road
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This building was erected in 1897 by the dissenting members of the Mountain church of the Evangelical Association that chose to side with the United Evangelical Church. The land was donated by Benjamin Ripka. The congregation ceased holding services sometime before 1935, as the building was sold about that year to Austin Confer.

Final disposition:
Austin Confer and his then 14-year old son Warren dismantled the building and hauled it to their farm in Georges Valley, where they erected a shed, believed to be the building pictured above, with the lumber. The land returned to the donor's property.

37. Nittany EV

Description: Description: Description: Description: nittany

Location: PA route 64, village of Nittany
Municipality: Walker township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
The church stood on the south side of PA 64, a few lots west of the intersection with PA 445.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The Evangelical work in Nittany began about 1887, using a Union church which later became the property of the Disciples. The Evangelical building was erected in 1896. Declining membership led to the closing of the church in 1965. During the last years, church services were held only once a month ― although the Sunday School continued to meet every week.

Final disposition:
By deed, the ground and building reverted to the original parcel of land from which it had been taken. When the building could not be sold to someone willing to move it, it was dismantled in 1985. A stone planter marks the site of the church building.

38. Oak Hall EV

[no picture]

Location: village of Oak Hall
Municipality: College township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
The 1874 atlas of Centre County [Harris township, as College township was not created until 1875] indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:

Brief History:
The 1874 atlas of Centre County identifies and "Albright Church". The 1892 Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Blair County, while discussing William G. Waring [great-grandfather of noted musician Fred Waring], states: "He called together the first county teachers' institute, which met during the first week of October, 1850, in the old Oak Hall school house (since used as an Evangelical church) in Centre county, where Mr. Waring was teaching at the time." These are the only known references to the Evangelical work at Oak Hall. The Oak Hall school house functioned at least until 1857, and so the Evangelical Association acquired the building sometime between 1857 and 1874. It is assumed the congregation remained with the Evangelical Association during the 1894 split and did not survive.

Final disposition:
The 1975 Centre County Heritage, published by the Centre County Historical Society, page 106, states that the school building described above was "located near what is now the office of the Neidigh Brothers Stone Quarry...Some years later a new school building was erected... The old building was demolished and Victor Grange built a hall in its place.. Grange meetings were held there until about 1918."

39. Paradise EV
[Mussers Church]

Description: Description: Description: Description: paradise Description: Description: The place where John Seybert was elected Bishop

Location: Paradise Road
Municipality: Penn township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From the borough of Millheim, go 1 mile west on PA 45 to Paradise Road. Go south on Paradise Road 2 miles. The cemetery and church site are on the left. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church.

Journal references:

Brief History:
Jacob Albright himself preached in Penns Valley, and in 1804 Centre County was included on the Northumberland circuit. John Sebastian Musser was an early convert and one of the grantors of the land for this church ― which was the first church of the Evangelical Association in Centre County. The denomination's very significant 1839 General Conference was held in this church, but soon thereafter many of the key families migrated to Illinois and the relative remoteness of this location made it less desirable than other Evangelical churches erected in surrounding communities. After being inactive for ten years, the church was officially closed in 1960 and dismantled in 1963. The 1975 Centre County Heritage, published by the Centre County Historical Society, pages 182-183, gives a history of the church.

Final disposition:
The cemetery is maintained by St. Luke's United Methodist in Millheim. The site of the church building is marked by a stone monument erected in 1974.

40. Paradise UB

Description: Description: Description: Description: paradise

Location: Buffalo Run Road
Municipality: Patton township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of North Atherton Street [old US 322] and PA 550, go north on PA 550 1 mile. The site is on the right.

Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1933,64 - declared vacant, placed in hands of conference trustees
1936,89 - removed and rebuilt at Houserville, the ground reverting to the original owners

Brief History:
The United Brethren class here was formed in the summer of 1880, and the church building was dedicated in September of that year. The neighborhood was originally a rough area called Helltown, where the men were known to be cruel and uncivil. Then there was a revival, thew church was built, and the area became Paradise. There were 7 members when the class was founded in the summer of 1880, and 42 members by September 1881. Always a part of the Houserville charge, its membership began to dwindle in the 1920's. The appointment was declared vacant in 1933.

Final disposition:
The site is now an empty lot, surrounded by shrubbery. The former Paradise church building is now the eastern addition to the Houserville Church, moved and reconstructed there in 1935.

41. Pennington Chapel ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: pennington

Location: PA 192
Municipality: Potter township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of PA 144 and PA192 in Centre Hall, go east on PA 192 0.7 miles to a farm lane on left. The site is approximately 200 yards up the hill on left, surrounded with a chain-link fence.

Historic Conference:
Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
as the church was vacated before the formation of the Central Pennsylvania Conference in 1868

Journal references:

Brief History:
Robert Pennington Sr. came to Penns Valley in 1786, and his home soon became a Methodist preaching point. A log church building was erected in 1814 and used regularly until 1854, when Robert Pennington Jr. died and the Pennington descendants moved west. The church building was purchased about 1863 by Jacob and Samuel Harpster, who razed the structure and sawed the timbers into planks to construct houses in Centre Hall.

Final disposition:
A cemetery remains.

42. Pine Grove Mills ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: pine grove

Location: West Pine Grove Road, village of Pine Grove Mills
Municipality: Ferguson yownship
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Pine Grove Road is PA 45. The church building is on the north side of the street, the second structure west of King Street, across from the Lutheran Church. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This one one of four Methodist Episcopal church buildings in Ferguson township in the 1800's (viz., Gatesburg, Meeks, Pine Grove Mills, Pine Hall). Methodist preaching in the area goes back to 1811, when Bishop McKendree visited a home just west of town. Pine Grove Mills appears as an appointment on the Warriors Mark charge as early as 1846. This building was constructed on land deeded to the Methodists on September 19, 1859. Membership dwindled over the years and the last regular services were held about 1943. The decision to formally close the church and sell the property was made in 1946.

Final disposition:
The property and fixtures, including the pews, were sold at a public sale on August 31, 1946. The building is now a private residence.

43. Pine Hall ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: pine hall

Location: Pine Hall Road
Municipality: Ferguson township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
This section of Pine Hall Road is the old West College Avenue [PA 26], now by-passed by a sweeping curve in the relocated West College Avenue southwest of State College. Go 1.5 miles southwest of State College on West College Avenue [PA 26] to Science Park Road. Turn right on Science Park Road and go 0.5 miles to Pine Hall Road. Turn right on Pine Hall Road. The site is on the right. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This one one of four Methodist Episcopal church buildings in Ferguson township in the 1800's (viz., Gatesburg, Meeks, Pine Grove Mills, Pine Hall). The church was erected on 1850, and regular services there were discontinued in 1882. The property was sold in 1885 to be used as a band hall and community building, with the condition that no dancing be held in the structure. Illingsworth's 1896 A Passing Glance at Penns Valley states: "There stands the remains of the old Northampton Methodist church, one of the first churches of that denomination in the county. A remarkable fact in the history of Rev. Asbury Guyer, now located at State College, is that over forty years ago he served this old church as pastor, and now he returned to preside over his charge of long ago to find the complexion of everything changed."

Final disposition:
The church building was torn down in 1896 and eventually replaced by the Washington Grange Hall, the structure pictured above. The property is now in private hands ― but the owners of the building do not own the former Pine Hall Methodist Cemetery, which remains unkept.

44. Rebersburg EV (United Evangelical)

[no picture]

Location:
Municipality:
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1924,35 - church building sold

Brief History:
The 1883 History of Centre County lists the four Evangelical Association churches (and their memberships) along PA 192 on the Brush Valley charge: Yearick's (39), Madisonburg (50), Rebersberg (45), Wolf's Store (17). The congregation at Rebersburg divided as a result of the 1894 denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical Association kept the building ― and untypically to the area it was the stronger of the two congregations and the one whose building was used after the 1922 denominational reunion (and is now houses the United Methodist Church). Those siding with the United Evangelical Church erected a new building in 1897, which they used until remerging back into the congregation that had remained with the Evangelical Association during the 1894-1922 split.

Final disposition:

45. Rebersburg UB

Description: Description: Description: Description: rebersburg

Location: East Main Street, village of Rebersburg
Municipality: Miles township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
East Main Street is PA 192. The structure is on the south side of the street, east of the intersection with PA 880. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Allegheny Conference of the United Brethren Church

Journal references:
1894,14 - building sold

Brief History:
United Brethren work in Rebersburg began about 1842, when Adam Noon held meetings here. The first services were held in the schoolhouse, and the church building was erected in 1850. The congregation never was large, and the 1883 Centre County History reports a membership of 13. Rebersburg was part of the Millheim charge. The appointment was discontinued in the early 1890's.

Final disposition:
The building was a Chevrolet garage in the 1950's, and more recently a small shop.

46. Rock ME

[no picture]

Location: Rockview State Correctional Institution
Municipality: Benner township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
The site is on the grounds of the correctional institution and is not accessible.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1884,56 - church building dedicated
1917,33 - $383.50 realized from the sale of church

Brief History:
The Methodist church building at Rock was dedicated October 24, 1883. It was discontinued when the property was taken for the Rockview State Correctional Institution. The September 1916 expenses for the construction of the "New Western Penitentiary" list $400 payment to "the trustees of the Rock Methodist Episcopal Church of Benner Township."

Final disposition:
The structure is reportedly is being used by the penitentiary as a barn

47. Scotia ME

Description: Description: Description: Description: scotia

Location: village of Scotia
Municipality: Patton township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
The village of Scotia was located about two miles south of the I-99, US 220, US322, Asherton Road interchange west of State College.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
Scotia was a mining community that prospered for a few decades in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The first Methodist services were held in the red schoolhouse west of Scotia in an area known as Rabbit Hill. Susscessful revival services there produced a number of converts. A church was erected in upper Scotia [Marysville] in 1882 on land that was formally deeded to the Methodists February 5, 1885. In 1899 it was decided to tear this church down and move it to lower Scotia, to the location known as the picnic grounds. The church at lower Scotia was dedicated in the summer of 1900. A belfry was built on this church, and a large bell purchased. For most of its existence Scotia was part of the Half Moon charge. When the church was disbanded in the early 1920's, the building was torn down and the bell was donated to the Stormstown church. The bell was salvaged from the Stormstown church when it burned in 1943 and is reported to be privately owned.

Final disposition:
Nothing remains of the town of Scotia, and most of the area has been re-graded so as to destroy any of the old landmarks.

48. Smullton ME

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\smullton.jpg$

Location: village of Smullton
Municipality: Miles township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
The village of Smullton is one mile south of Rebersburg on Town Lane. Town Lane crosses East Main Street [PA 192] in Rebersburg 3 blocks east of the intersection with PA 880.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1893,49 - successful revivial leads to purchase of town hall
1894,48 - church building dedicated

Brief History:
Very successful 1892 Methodist revival meetings in Smullton [also known then as Kreamersville] resulted in the formation of a class. The town hall was purchased and converted into a church, the dedication occurring August 12, 1893. The congregation continued until 1934.

Final disposition:
The structure is now a private home.

49. Spring Mills (Evangelical Association)

[no picture]

Location: village of Spring Mills
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
The exact location of this building is unknown.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:
    Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association:
        1910,44 - parsonage purchased
    Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church:
        1929,99 - parsonage sold

Brief History:
The Evangelical work in Spring Mills was taken up in 1886. Just before the 1894 division in the Evangelical Association, the congregation erected its first building. The portion of the congregation that chose to remain with the parent denomination maintained ownership of the building. Illingsworth's 1896 A Passing Glance at Penns Valley states: "There are two Evangelical congregations in Spring Mills but only one church. That branch known as the United Evangelical Church worships in the town hall, as their edifice which was erected before that late division occurred,was turned over to the Esher faction. Linn's [1883] history credits Gregg township with but one Evangelical building; lately, however, this denomination has multiplied and there are now several well established societies. Some of the properties are still in dispute, but it is hoped that all difference will be harmoniously adjusted, and that this body of Christians will be as aggressive in good as in days gone by."

Final disposition:

50. Spring Mills EV (United Evangelical)

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\spring_mills.jpg$

Location: Long Street, village of Spring Mills
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
The village of Spring Mills is just south of the new PA 45. The old road that dips south into the village and then back to PA 45 is Fire Hall Road. From Old Fort (the intersection of PA 45 and PA 144), take PA 45 west 6 miles to Fire hall Road. Turn right on Fire Hall Road and go 0.5 miles to Water Street. Turn right on Water Street and go 0.5 miles to the T at the end of the road. Long Street is to the right and Cooper Street is to the left. The church is at the T.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1960,95 - parsonage sold; appointment attached to Centre Hall charge

Brief History:
The Evangelical work in Spring Mills was taken up in 1886. Just before the 1894 division in the Evangelical Association, the congregation erected its first building. When those choosing to side with the United Evangelical Church lost their newly constructed sanctuary as a result of the denominational split, they worshiped for a while in a shop refitted for services. After that, they held bi-weekly services in the Methodist church. Finally they were able to purchase the building pictured above. Formerly a hall, it was sold at sheriff's auction to a member of the Grange who did not want the responsibility of ownership. He sold it to the Evangelical congregation, with the understanding that the Grange would be able to rent the upstairs. The structure was dedicated January 13, 1901.
A meeting held in the Spring Mills Church on March 25, 1960, determined that Bethesda (7 members), Locust Grove (17 members) and Spring Mills (16 members) should unite into a single congregation. While it took almost 2 more years of planning and preparations, the union was finally accomplished. The vision of erecting a new church building was never realized, however, and the united congregation, named Spring Mills Faith, met in the Spring Mills facility. In 1966, as part of an area-wide EUB-Methodist agreement that predated the denominational merger, the congregation merged into the Spring Mills Methodist congregation.

Final disposition:
The property is now a business.

51. State College St. John's EV

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\state_college.jpg$

Location: West Beaver Avenue & South Burrowes Street
Municipality: borough of State College
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Beaver Avenue is northbound PA 26 and Burrowes Street is parallel to an one block north of Asherton Street ― which is business US 322, the main east-west route through State College. The church is on the southeast corner of Beaver Avenue and Burrowes Street. [The street labels call Beaver Street an east-west route and Burrowes Avenue a north-south route.]

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
    1993,219 - named Jacob Albright congregation & yoked with the Mary McCleod Bethune congregation
    1994,221 - returned to the name St. John's
    1997,199 - discontinued

Brief History:
    Evangelical preaching services were held in State College in the late 1800's but were discontinued shortly after the turn of the century. St. John's congregation began on February 14, 1915 with a service held in the home of W.H. Minnich at 226 West Beaver Avenue. Eighteen persons attended this service, and twenty attended a second service at the same place two weeks later. This encouraged the district superintendent and annual conference to appropriate funds for renting a hall and to instruct the pastor at Bellefonte to investigate the possibility of establishing a congregation here. The 1916 annual conference accepted State College as a mission congregation, and the 1917 annual conference assigned the first regularly appointed minster to the work.
    Ground was broken for a Sunday School auditorium in July 1921, and the building was dedicated June 25, 1922. The sanctuary was completed in 1956. The congregation was always a vibrant and effective body. In the 1990's the Conference Board of Global Ministries acquired very desirable land in Harris township, just north of Boalsburg, in the developing US 322 corridor. Being a growing church in a land-locked situation, the St. John's congregation enthusiastically sought permission to relocate to this suburban site. When they were denied permission to relocate, the congregation lost its enthusiasm and began a rapid decline. The conference finally sold the Harris township properties in the spring of 1991.
    In 1985 the conference cooperated with other agencies to organize a congregation with an African-American orientation. In 1993 that congregation was renamed the Mary McLeod Bethune United Methodist congregation yoked with St. John's, which was then re-named the Jacob Albright United Methodist congregation, with both congregations meeting in the former St. John's facility. The yoked congregation was designated the Albright-Bethune United Methodist Church. In 1994 the former St. John's congregation returned to their original name, and in 1997 the congregation was discontinued.

Final disposition:
The remaining former Mary McLeod Bethune congregation is now called the Albright Bethune United Methodist Church and worships in the former St. John's building ― which is also home to other specialized ministries.

52. Stormstown ME

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\stormstown.jpg$

Location: Halfmoon Valley Road, village of Stormstown
Municipality: Half Moon township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Halfmoon Valley Road is PA 550. From the intersection west of State College of Asherton Street [old US 322] and PA 550, go 4 miles south on PA 550. The church is in on the left, in the village of Stormstown. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The Half Moon Valley was fertile ground, beginning in the early 1800's, for circuit riders of both the United Brethren and the Methodist Episcopal denominations. The classes in Stormstown met in houses and/or school houses until the Methodists erected a building in 1837, at which point the village became essentially exclusively Methodist. In July 1943 the church was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Services were conducted without interruption in the IOOF Hall until the present chapel was completed in 1947. Stormstown was on the Warriors Mark circuit from its founding until 1865, when the Half Moon circuit was split off from the large Warriors Mark circuit. Then was on the Half Moon circuit for 130 years, from 1865 to 1995, when it was returned briefly to the Warriors Mark circuit before being merged into Grays Church in 1996.

Final disposition:

53. Tusseyville Zion Hill EV (Evangelical Association)

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\tusseyville.jpg$

Location: Church Hill Road
Municipality: Potter township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection of US 322 and PA 144 at Potters Mills, go 3 miles west on US 322 to Church Hill Road. Tun left on Church Hill Road and go 0.5 miles. The structure is on the right, across the road from the Tusseyville Bethany (former United Evangelical) United Methodist Church. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:
1928,105 - permission to sell

Brief History:
The date of the first Evangelical preaching here, and of the organization of the congregation, has been lost. On October 4, 1858, the deed for the church property was conveyed to the trustees by Daniel Kerr and his wife Rebecca. The congregation divided in the denominational split of 1894, and those siding with the United Evangelical Church erected the current Bethany United Methodist Church across the road.
This may be the so-called Colyer Church listed among the Evangelical Association appointments.

Final disposition:
The structure is now a private residence. The cemetery across the road was a part of this church. In August 2009 the cemetery bought additional land and updated all their deeds to read "Zion Hill Cemetery Association, Inc." ― as some of them still read "Zion Church of the Evangelical Association" and "Zion Evangelical Church Cemetery."

54. Unionville Bethel EV

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\unionville_ev.jpg$

Location: 160 Chestnut Street, Unionville
Municipality: borough of Unionville
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Unionville is on the old US 220, 12 miles north of Port Matilda. From Port Matilda, go 12 miles north on Eagle Valley Road [old US 220] to the intersection PA 504 in Unionville. At that intersection, PA 504 goes to the left and Chestnut Street goes to the right. Turn right onto Chestnut Street. and go 2 blocks.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1902,41 - in danger of forclosure

Brief History:
This substantial brick building was erected by the United Evangelical Church in 1897 and used for only 6 years. In 1903 the property was purchased by the Free Methodist Church.

Final disposition:
The building, with a large Sunday annex completed in 1964, now houses the Fleming Free Methodist Church. Fleming is the name of the post office in the borough of Unionville.

55. Unionville ME

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\unionville.jpg$

Location: Union Street
Municipality: borough of Unionville
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Unionville is on the old US 220, 12 miles north of Port Matilda. Union Street is the name of Eagle Valley Road [old US 220] in the borough. From Port Matilda, go 12 miles north on Eagle Valley Road [old US 220] to Unionville. The church is on the left, before the intersection with PA 504. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
Regular Methodist preaching in Unionville began sometime between 1818 and 1822, with preaching either in a schoolhouse or in homes. When the Union Church, which was open to all denominations, was erected in 1830, the Methodists began meeting there. In 1855 the congregation requested and received from the Conference permission to erect their own building. This they did in 1860. In 1925 the dirt road in front of the church was replaced with a concrete highway which was higher than the old road. To keep water from collecting between the highway and the church, the congregation responded by installing a concrete sidewalk and adding a vestibule that extended the church building to the sidewalk. The vestibule also included an enclosed stairway to enter the basement level.
For most of its existence, Unionville was on the Milesburg Methodist charge. In 1991 it was made a 2-point charge with the former EUB church at Wingate. In 1999 Unionville merged into the church at Wingate to form the Bald Eagle Valley Community United Methodist Church.

Final disposition:

56. Upper Marion St. Paul's EV

[no picture]

Location: unknown
Municipality: Marion township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1929,99 - "that the church at Marion on Bellefonte charge be sold, and disposition of the same be placed in the hands of...the pastor at Bellefonte, with power to employ whatever means necessary"

Brief History:
This class started in the Harter home, about six miles from Bellefonte on the Jacksonville Road, possibly as early as 1835 when the Harters moved to the area from Penns Valley. The class later moved to a schoolhouse and was called the Harter school house appointment. When Elmer Bartley donated a site for a church, the cornerstone was laid on October 16,1904, and the building was occupied in 1905. The structure was 28x40' with a tower on the corner. The congregation had only 18 members when it erected the building, and it was never large. Sometimes simply referred to as Marion, the appointment spent most of its existence being shuffled back and forth between the Howard and Milesburg circuits. By 1926 the Upper Marion congregation had ceased to exist. The building was torn down by 1948.

Final disposition:

57. Waddle ME

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\naddle.jpg$

Location: Stevenson Road, village of Waddle
Municipality: Patton township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
From the intersection west of State College of Asherton Street [old US 322] and PA 550, go 2 miles north to Stevenson Road. Turn right on Stevenson Road and go 0.5 miles. The site is on the left.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:
1915,71 - building reroofed

Brief History:
This class was established in 1831 or 1832 by William B. Henderson, a gifted layman who served as the class leader. For many years prior to 1880, meetings were held in the Waddle schoolhouse. The meeting house was dedicated October 5, 1880, and the class reported 65 members in 1883. The appointment was on the Half Moon charge. In the 1921 charge report it listed 19 members; starting in 1922 Waddle is no longer listed, but the membership at nearby Fillmore has increased by 16.

Final disposition:
The building is now a private residence.

58. Weaver ME

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\weaver.jpg$

Location: Jacksonville Road
Municipality: Spring township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Jacksonville Road is the extension of East Howard Street in Bellefonte. Leave Bellefont on East Howard Street and go east on Jacksonville Road 2 miles to the extended intersection of I-99 and I-80 (and US 200 and PA 29). The church stood on the south side of Jacksonville Road at the beginning of that extended interchange, and the congregation had to vacate the property to allow for the completion of the interchange.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
For several years Sunday School was held in the nearby Oak Grove schoolhouse. When an 1888 revival meeting at the schoolhouse, led by Rev. Gideon Sarvis, resulted in the conversion of over 90 persons, plans were made to build a church. Land was donated by the Weaver families, and the newly built church was dedicated December 16, 1888. In 1938 the church was wired for electricity, and in 1956 a basement was dug for a hot air furnace. In 2005 the congregation had to vacate its property for the construction of an extended interchange involving I-99 and I-80. Weaver merged into Axemann to form the New Hope United Methodist Church, meeting in the Axemann building but looking forward to erecting a new structure at a more spacious location.

Final disposition:

59. Wolf's Store EV (Evangelical Association)

[no picture]

Location: Brush Valley Road, village of Wolfs Store
Municipality: Miles township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Brush Valley Road is PA 192. The village of Wolf's Store is 18 miles east of Centre Hall on Brush Valley Road [PA 192]. The church stood on the north side of the road, across from the existing church building. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:

Final disposition:
The church building was converted into a house, owned for many years by Johnny Y. Stover. The site is now the empty lot to the east of the cemetery. The cemetery, hardly recognizable as such (with a mobile home sitting in the midst and the tombstones piled up at one end), is believed to have been associated with the church.

60. Wolf's Store EV (United Evangelical)

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\wolfs_store.jpg$

Location: Brush Valley Road, village of Wolfs Store
Municipality: Miles township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Brush Valley Road is PA 192. The village of Wolf's Store is 18 miles east of Centre Hall on Brush Valley Road [PA 192]. The church is on the south side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The congregation at Wolf’s Store divided as a result of the 1894 denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical Association kept the building across the road on the north side of the road. The cornerstone for this building was laid June 27, 1897.

61. Woodward Grace EV (United Evangelical)
[Dubs Church, Lower Church]

Description: Description: Description: Description: woodward

Location: Pine Creek Road, village of Woodward
Municipality: Haines township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
In the western end of the village of Woodward, Pine Creek Road goes off PA 45 to south. The church stood about 0.1 miles down Pine Creek Road, on the right side of the road.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This building was dedicated December 1, 1895, by the dissenting members of the Woodward Church of the Evangelical Association that chose to side with the United Evangelical Church.
Following the 1922 denominational reunion, both congregations continued to exist for several years: Grace served by the former Millheim United Evangelical charge, and St. John's served by the former Rebersburg Evangelical Association charge. On Palm Sunday, March 18, 1929, the St. John's congregation merged into Grace. In 1956 the united congregation purchased the former Woodward schoolhouse, remodeled it for use as a church, and took the name Trinity. It was dedicated November 3, 1957, and is now Trinity United Methodist Church.

Final disposition:
A mobile home now occupies the site.

62. Woodward St. John's EV (Evangelical Association)
[Esher Church, Upper Church]

Description: Description: Description: Description: woodward

Location: Mountain Avenue, village of Woodward
Municipality: Haines township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Mountain Avenue is PA 45. The church was on the south side of the road, almost directly across from the road to the present Trinity United Methodist Church. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:
1957,104 - permission to dismantle the building

Brief History:
This congregation was formed in 1811 and dates back t the early days of the Evangelical Association. Services were conducted in private homes for many years, and the denomination's 1830 General Conference was held here in the home of John Adam Henig. A plot of ground was purchased from Daniel Wise in 1854, and shortly thereafter a frame church was erected. That structure was destroyed by fire in 1871 and replaced by the structure pictured above.
Following the 1922 denominational reunion, both congregations continued to exist for several years: Grace served by the former Millheim United Evangelical charge, and St. John's served by the former Rebersburg Evangelical Association charge. On Palm Sunday, March 18, 1929, the St. John's congregation merged into Grace. In 1956 the united congregation purchased the former Woodward schoolhouse, remodeled it for use as a church, and took the name Trinity. It was dedicated November 3, 1957, and is now Trinity United Methodist Church.

Final disposition:
A mobile home now occupies the site.

63. Yearicks EV (Evangelical Association)
[East Bethesda Church]

[no picture]

Location: Brush Valley Road
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Brush Valley Road is PA 192. From the intersection of PA 144 and PA 192 in Centre Hall, go 8 miles east on PA 192. The site is on the left, across from the Mennonite Church Cemetery. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association

Journal references:

Brief History:
The 1883 History of Centre County lists the four Evangelical Association churches (and their memberships) along PA 192 on the Brush Valley charge: Yearick's (39), Madisonburg (50), Rebersberg (45), Wolf's Store (17). The Yearick's church building was dedicated in 1869. The congregation divided as a result of the 1894 denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical Association kept the building, and those siding with the United Evangelical Church erected a new structure across the road.
The building at this site was erected in 1869. The congregation did not survive to the 1922 denominational reunion.

Final disposition:
The site is an empty lot.

64. Yearicks EV (United Evangelical)
[St. Paul's Church]

$Description: Description: Description: X:\image\closed_churchs\centre\yearick.jpg$

Location:
Municipality: Gregg township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
Brush Valley Road is PA 192. From the intersection of PA 144 and PA 192 in Centre Hall, go 8 miles east on PA 192. The site is on the right, beside the Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
The 1883 History of Centre County lists the four Evangelical Association churches (and their memberships) along PA 192 on the Brush Valley charge: Yearick's (39), Madisonburg (50), Rebersberg (45), Wolf's Store (17). The Yearick's church building was dedicated in 1869. The congregation divided as a result of the 1894 denominational split. Those remaining with the Evangelical Association kept the building, and those siding with the United Evangelical Church erected a new structure across the road.
This building was erected by the United Evangelical faction in 1897. The congregation did not survive to the 1922 denominational reunion.

Final disposition:
The building, moved 40 feet from its original location, is now the Valley Mennonite Church.

65. Zion EV

Description: Description: Description: Description: zion

Location: PA 550, in the village of Zion
Municipality: Walker Township
County: Centre
State: PA

Directions:
The community of Zion is 4 miles east of Bellefonte on PA 550. The church stood on the south side of the highway. The 1874 atlas of Centre County indicates the exact location of the building first building..

Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church

Journal references:

Brief History:
This class was formed shortly after the visit of Bishop Seybert to Nittany Valley in 1850. The first church was built in 1859 on the south side of the highway. A new building was erected later, on the north side of the highway and several lots to the east. The congregation ceased to exist in 1967 when it combined with the United Church of Christ in Zion.

Final disposition:
The most recent site is now a parking lot across from the United Church of Christ.