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.
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Luzerne | Lycoming
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| Montour
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YORK COUNTY PA
Aughenbaugh EV
Location: North Susquehanna Trail
Municipality: Manchester township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the Emigsville exit [exit #24] north of York on
I-83, go 0.1 miles west on Church Road to the Susquehanna Trail. Go north on the Susquehanna Trail 1.0 miles. Thr church is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
1861 – taken from York circuit and placed
on Dover [Conewago] circuit
1870 – taken from Conewago circuit and
placed on York circuit
Brief History:
This class dates from 1825, when (future
bishop) John Seybert served the York circuit.
Details about the Aughenbaugh family and the founding of the church are
given in the 1999 issue of The Chronicle,
pages 89-90. Although apparently erected
by persons associated with the Evangelical Association, the building seems to
have been more closely associated with the Church of the Brethren. It’s formal association with the Evangelical
Church is not well documented.
Final disposition:
Bald
Hill EV
[aka St. James EV]
Location: community of Erney
Municipality: Newberry township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the Newberrytown interchange of I-83 and PA 382,
go west on PA 382 1.4 miles to York Road.
Go south on York Road 2.0 miles to Erney Road and the community of
Erney. The church is on the right,
within the Y formed by York Road and Erney Road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
1957,71 – permission to discontinue the
appointment for the remaining members, at their own request, to become one
congregation with the Lutherans.
Brief History:
This building was erected
1856/57 as a union Lutheran-Evangelical church.
The appointment was one of the six (along with Alpine, Cross Roads,
Emmanuel, Mt. Airy. Paddletown St. Paul’s and Salem) original appointments on
the Lewisberry circuit when it was formed in 1875 by division of the Conewago
circuit. The membership was never large,
and the appointment was discontinued in 1957.
The appointment was known over the years as Bald Hill, Parkville, and
St. James.
Final disposition:
The building eventually became the property of the
Parkville Cemetery Association (owners of the cemetery across the road). It is well maintained and apparently was sold
in 1980 for $1 to the “Parkville Church of the Living God.”
Beavertown EV
Location: Campground Road, community of Beavertown
Municipality: Carroll township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the Dillsburg intersection of US 15 and Mountain
Road, go west ½ mile on Mountain Road to Campground Road. The Beavertown Evangelical church was located
west of Dillsburg on east side of Campground Road, near its southern terminus
at Mountain Road and just south of Pine Street.
The 1876 York County Atlas shows the exact location.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
1920,46 – no congregation,
building idle for several years, referred to Ways and Means
Brief History:
The building was purchased about 1921 by
John Baker and his son-in-law Henry Heisey.
They dismantled it and used the lumber to erect the house to the right
of the Cocklin Funeral Home in Dillsburg – but only used the material and did
not reconstruct the original building.
Final disposition:
Bittersville EV
Location: PA 624 at Winters Road
Municipality: Lower Windsor township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From Red Lion, go 5 miles east on PA 624 to the
village of Bittersville. The church is
on the north side of the highway.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
2010,43 – discontinued
2012,241 – sold to St. Michael the
Archangel Church
Brief History:
This congregation held their first services
in the schoolhouse and erected the church building in 1906.
Final disposition:
Blooming Grove EV
Location: 478 Blooming Grove Road
Municipality: Penn township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the square in Hanover, go 1 block east on
Broadway to York Street. Follow York
Street (PA 116) to the edge of town and the intersection with Blooming Grove
Road (PA 216). Turn right onto Blooming
Grove Road and go 1.5 miles. The
building is on the left.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This church building was erected
in 1882. Blooming Grove, Mt. Pleasant
and Porter’s Siding were split off from Dillsburg circuit in 1886 to form
Blooming Grove circuit – later renamed Hanover circuit. In 1928 Blooming Grove, Porter’s and Pleasant
Hill were joined to Hanover Grace – then on Spring Avenue, now Grace UMC on
Albright Drive.
Final disposition:
The building is now a private
residence. The cemetery is part of the
back yard.
Cassell's EV
Location: [possibly 570 Cassel Road]
Municipality: Conewago township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Cassel’s CMA church is on 570 Cassel Road. Leave the city of York on North George Street
[PA 181]. From the interchange with
I-83, go 7 miles north and cross the Conewago Creek. The first road to the west is Conewago
Avenue. Turn west on Conewago Avenue
(which becomes Cassel Road) and go 3 miles.
The church is on the right. There
was also a Cassell’s schoolhouse in the area.
The Evangelical appointment appears to have been in the old building on
that site – whether a union church or a schoolhouse – whose bell is in front of
the present CMA church.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This appointment was connected with Manchester
and appears in various records at least from 1917 to 1927. The church building apparently also had an
outdoor worship/picnic area. It is
believed to have been a Union church [or schoolhouse] near York Haven, quite
possibly with no Evangelical claims to the property.
Final disposition:
Cross Roads UB
Location: 500 Pleasant View Road
Municipality: Fairview township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the interchange of Fishing Creek Road [PA 262]
with I-83, go 1 mile west on Fishing Creek Road to Pleasant View Road. Go south on Pleasant View Road for 50
yards. The church is on the west side of
the road.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
1896,33 – Cross Roads appointment on the
York Haven charge is abandoned
Brief History:
The work here began in the nearby stone
schoolhouse about 1860. The stone church
was built in 1887 [some sources say 1891] as a union church, the primary
denominations being the Church of God, the United Brethren and the Evangelical
Association. At one time the United
Brethren predominated, but the work was abandoned at the same time as Yocumtown
in 1896, and both sites were left to the Church of God.
Final disposition:
The building is now home to the Crossroads
Independent Church.
Dallastown Trinity EV
Location: 16 S. Charles Street
Municipality: borough of Dallastown
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Charles Street crosses Main Street [PA 74] one block
west of the center of town where Pleasant Avenue [PA 214] intersects with Main
Street.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
2002,132&335 – no longer listed
2003,S178 – all members transferred out
Brief History:
The work here began with tent meetings in
the summer of 1905, moving to renting the Odd Fellows Hall when the cold
weather came. In 1906, a class was
formed and a Sunday School was organized.
The church building was erected in 1907.
Final disposition:
Dillsburg
ME
Location: 101 N. Baltimore Street
Municipality: borough of Dillsburg
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Baltimore Street [PA 74] is the main N-S route through
Dillsburg. The building is one block
north of the square on the northwest corner of Baltimore and Church streets.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1968,104 – merged into Dillsburg Calvary
Brief History:
The first Methodist preaching in Dillsburg
was by the preacher of the Gettysburg circuit in 1834. A small church was erected in 1843. A Sunday School was organized in 1873, and in
1879 the church building was enlar4ged by adding 10 feet to the rear and raising
the ceiling by 5 feet. In 1902 the old
church was torn dow, the parsonage was moved to that location and the present
structure was erected. It was dedicated
May 31, 1903, and the educational unit was added in 1966. In 1968 the congregation united with the
former Dillsburg Calvary United Brethren church to erect the present Calvary
UMC on Mumper Lane.
Final disposition:
The building now houses the Kindercademy Early
Learning Center.
Dillsburg Calvary UB
Location: 18 E. Harrisburg Street
Municipality: borough of Dillsburg
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Harrisburg Street is the main E-W street that intersects
PA 74 to form Dillsburg’s central square.
From the central square go one block straight east on Harrisburg Street
(i.e., after ½ block, do not follow the main flow to the left onto Harrisburg
Pike). The church building, greatly
enlarged and modified, is on the south side of the street.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
The Dillsburg circuit was created in 1887 by
taking Franklintown, Arnolds, Mount Zion and Chestnut Grove from the large York
Springs circuit – leaving Hampton, Gardners, Mt. Victory and York Springs as
the reduced York Springs circuit. In
1894, the Dillsburg circuit decided to erect a parsonage and a church building
in Dillsburg parsonage in Dillsburg. The
parsonage was dedicated November 12, 1894, and the church building on March 10,
1895, with most of the members coming from other churches on the charge. In 1968 the congregation united with the
former Dillsburg Methodist church to erect the present Calvary UMC on Mumper
Lane.
Final disposition:
The building, greatly enlarged and modernized now
houses the Dillsburg Brethren in Christ congregation.
Emigsville Bethany Chapel EV
[no picture]
Location: village of Emigsville
Municipality: Manchester township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
[exact location not determined]
Historic Conference:
Central
Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangeliocal Chuech
Journal references:
Brief History:
This building was erected as a union
structure in 1870 and appears in the records as an Evangelical appointment on
the Manchester circuit at least from 1916 to 1924. In 1924 the United Brethren church at
Emigsville was built, and the old Bethany Chapel was torn down two years later. Some Evangelical members then became United
Brethren while most others transferred either Manchest or to churches in
York. The Evangelicals never had any
ownership in the building – nor did the United Brethren, who also worshipped
here before erecting their own building.
Final disposition:
The chapel was torn down in 1926.
Franklintown UB
Location: 10 North Baltimore Street
Municipality: borough of Franklintown
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Baltimore Street [PA 194] is the main N-S road through
Franklintown. The church is on the east
side of the street in the north end of town.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania
Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This congregation began as the result of
missionary work in 1848 by John Fohl of the Littlestown circuit. In 1849 the class was one of the charter
appointments on the newly formed Franklin circuit. The church building was dedicated December
13, 1852. For a number of years the
United Brethren churches in the area were part of the York Springs
circuit. In 1887 York Springs circuit
was split into Dillsburg (Franklintown, Arnolds, Mount Zion, Chestnut Grove)
and York Springs (Hampton, Gardners, Mt. Victory, York Springs). In 1894 a parsonage was erected in Dillsburg,
and later that same year it was decided to erect a church building in
Dillsburg. At that time the Franklintown
structure was sold to the United Brethren Old Constitution denomination for
$450, with the proceeds applied to the project in Dillsburg.
Final disposition:
The new
and enlarged building on the site remains the home of Franklintown congregation
of the United Brethren (Old Constitution) denomination,
Glen Rock ME
Location: 98 Church Street
Municipality: borough of Glen Rock
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Near the center of Glen Rock, Church Street goes off
Main Street [PA 216] to east – one block west of the intersection where PA 616
heads south as Baltimore Street and PA 216 heads west as Manchester
Street. The site is the last property on
the left before the alley. While the
existing building appears to match the size and location on the lot given in
the 1876 county atlas, it seems very large for such a small congregation and
was likely considerably modified over the years.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
[East Baltimore] 1866,17 – church building
erected
1902,216 – last mention (missionary
offering statistics) in the journal
1938,33 – discussion; money from sale
never yet turned over to conference trustees; $3600 due
1939,31 - $1800 from sale turned over to
conference
1946,31 – Methodist share in joint
cemetery given to Evangelical Church
Brief History:
This congregation was organized in 1865 and
erected a church building the following year.
The congregation never was large and appears to have ceased to exist in
1902. It was part of the enduring
4-point (Glen Rock, New Freedom, Rock Chapel, Shrewsbury) Shrewsbury charge
created in 1877 and is mentioned every year in that charge’s statistics of
missionary giving up to and including 1902.
The charge reported having 4 church buildings up to and including 1902
and 3 church buildings beginning in 1903.
Final disposition:
The
building is now a multiple dwelling.
Goldsboro
charge UB
The 1874 journal, page 22 states “on Goldsborough mission a school
house has been purchased and fitted up as a church.” This has not been able to be matched up with the
history of any known closed or open UB church in area and remains a mystery –
but it does not appear to have been in Goldsboro itself.
Hanover Lohr Memorial UB
Address: 200 East Middle Street
Municipality: borough of Hanover
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Middle Street runs parallel to and two
blocks south of PA 194, the main east-west route through Hanover. The church is therefore in the southeast
quadrant of the borough, about two blocks east and two blocks south of the
square – on the northeast corner of Middle and Locust streets.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of
the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
2012,160 – merged into Hanover First
Brief History:
Martin Lohr moved to Hanover in 1829, and
his home soon became a preaching place for United Brethren circuit riders. The congregation’s first church building was
dedicated October 24, 1847 on 125-127 Broadway.
That structure was destroyed by fire in 1878 and replaced at the same
site at the personal expense of Martin Lohr’s widow by a second church building
– now remodeled into businesses. Looking
to expansion, the congregation purchased the present site in 1902. The first unit there was dedicated in 1913,
followed by the main sanctuary and parsonage in 1917. In 2012, because of dwindling attendance and
financial constraints, the church merged into Hanover First (former Methodist).
Final disposition:
The property is currently
the Middle Street Campus of Hanover First UMC and operating as a community
center.
Hanover Otterbein UB
Location: 117 Ruth Avenue
Municipality: borough of Hanover
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the square in Hanover, go 2 blocks south on
Baltimore Street to Walnut Street. Turn west onto Walnut Street and go one
block to Ruth Avenue. The building is on
the southwest corner of Ruth Avenue and Walnut Street.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United
Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This church has a mysterious history. With much fanfare in the denominational
publications, the congregation was organized by local pastor Rev. H.L.
Eichinger and erected this building in 1929.
There are unverified statements that the new group was formed due to
split in the Lohr’s congregation.
Despite continued press in the denominational publications, the
congregation does not appear in the Pennsylvania Conference journal or in
Holdcraft’s definitive 1939 Conference History.
It appears that Rev. Eichinger proceeded to lead them out of the
denomination. When Rev Eichinger died
suddenly in 1932, Paul Wineka, a local pastor from Spry Otterbein, served as
pastor from 1932 to 1969 – all the while the church being known as Otterbein
UB, but not associated with the mainline UB/EUB church or the Old Constitution
denomination. Paul Wineka states that
before he retired in 1969 he was offered full pension credit if he returned the
congregation to the denomination – and a vote was taken, but the congregation
opted to remain independent.
Final disposition:
The building is now the New Covenant Life Center
of the Hanover Community Church, which erected a new worship center at 1959
Smith Station Road in 2009.
Harmony Grove UB
Location: 6410 Harmony Grove Road
Municipality: Dover township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of Main Street [PA 74] and Canal
Street [PA 921] in the center of Dover, go 0.5 miles north on PA 74 to Harmony
Grove Road. Go west 3 miles on Harmony
Grove Road just past the modern Harmony Grove Community Church to the
triangular parking lot on the left formed when Clearview Road and Colonial Road
intersect with Harmony Grove Road. This
building is on the left, just past the triangular parking lot on the corner of
Clearview and Harmony Grove roads.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This building was erected under the
leadership and financing of Abraham Rudisill.
In 1895 the United Brethren turned the work over to the Lutherans, but
that denomination was not able to sustain a congregation. In 1918 a United Brethren Sunday was
organized, and in 1932 a United Brethren congregation was re-organized. In
1947 the church was left without a pastor and a part-time clergyman, C. Jack
Orr, began serving the needs of the church. Then, as an Independent church, the
congregation purchased the building in 1951 from the EUB Conference and it was
renamed Harmony Grove Community Church.
Final disposition:
The property is owned and maintained by the
Harmony Grove Community Church, now located in their newer building on the
other side of the triangular parking lot.
Hellam Bethany UB
Location: 265 W. Market Street, community of Hellam
Municipality: Hellam township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Market Street is PA 462, the old US 30. The church is on the north side of the
highway, 4 blocks east of the stoplight at the west end of town for the access
road to the new US 30 .
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
1979,261 – merged into Hellam St. Paul to
form Hellam Faith
Brief History:
This congregation’s first building was
dedicated December 27, 1885, by presiding elder Isaiah Baltzell. The present building was erected on the same
site in 1912, and the education unit was added in 1950. In 1979, Bethany merged into Hellam St. Paul
(former Evangelical) to form the present Hellam Faith UMC.
Final disposition:
Jerusalem UB
Location: Codorus Furnace Road
Municipality: East Manchester township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
The village of Starview is in PA 24, where it makes a
90 degree turn, about one mile south of Mt. Wolf. From the village of Starview, go one mile
east on Codorus Furnace Road to Jerusalem School Road. The church stood on the north side of Codorus
Furnace Road, next to the cemetery.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This class was organized in 1840. Services were held in the John Shelly spring
house and in private homes until the first church building was erected in
1850. That building was destroyed by
fires in early 1856 and replaced by the building pictured above, which was
dedicated June 22, 1856. In 1914 the
congregation relocated about one mile west to Starview and erected the present
Starview UMC. The name Jerusalem
followed the congregation to the new location for a while, but that has been
dropped. The one-room Jerusalem school,
now converted into a private dwelling, stands next to the site of the Jerusalem
church.
This congregation was affected by
the 1889 denominational split, and those maintaining loyalty to the Old
Constitution erected the nearby Mt. Hebron church – on Mt. Hebron Church Road,
about 1/10 mile from Codorus Furnace Road.
Final disposition:
The church
was dismantled, and the stones from the foundation were used in the foundation
of the 1914 Starview building. The site
is marked by remaining adjoining cemetery – variously called the Jerusalem
school cemetery, the Jerusalem UB cemetery, and Hoover’s Cemetery – although it
is unclear whether the congregation ever actually owned the burying ground.
Klinefelter’s Chapel EV
Location: Fissels Church Road
Municipality: Shrewsbury township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From Glen Rock, go south on Pa 616 0.5 miles to
Fissels Church Road – at the Y before the railroad underpass. Turn west on Fissles Church Road and go 0.5
miles to the Susquehanna Middle School.
The site is behind the Susquehanna Middle School. Follow the nature path up a slight incline
from the parking lot. The church stood
about 0.5 miles before, and on the same side of the road as, Fissels Lutheran
Church. The 1876 York County Atlas gives
the exact location .
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
1904,41 – permission to sell
1905,50 – permission to sell chapel
building and keep the cemetery
Brief History:
Also known as Seitz’s, the
chapel was erected when the congregation was organized in 1860. It was built by
Michael K. Seitz, William Klinefelter, Thomas Hunt and others in the community.
Prowell’s 1907 History of York County says the building was removed in 1905,
which agrees with the 1904 journal reference for permission to sell. However, the current website for the property
states, “By 1930, the congregation had dwindled considerably and was dissolved.
The chapel was donated to the town of Bonaire Maryland by Michael Seitz.” Today
only the cemetery remains. It is located on land originally farmed by John
Jacob Klinefelter (1737-1831) [father of prominent Evangelical pioneer
preachers John and Jacob Klinefelter].
Both John Jacob and his wife Margaret nee Gerberich (1737-1813) are buried
here. The cemetery was begun, well before the chapel was erected, to bury Mrs.
Klinefelter when she was refused burial by the established churches – and
claims to be the oldest property owned by the Evangelical Association. Michael K. Seitz purchased the land in
1842.
Final disposition:
Descendants of the Seitz family own the
cemetery today.
Kralltown EV
Location: village of Kralltown
Municipality: Washington township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of PA177 and PA 74 in Rossville,
go 3 miles west on PA 74 to Wellsville.
When PA 74 turn north at the stop sign, continue straight onto
Wellsville Road. Go west on Wellsville
Road 3 miles to the stop sign. Turn
right onto Kralltown Road and go 1 mile into Kralltown. Go straight at the main intersection in
Kralltown. For 100 yards. The building
is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church.
Journal references:
1950,111 – Evangelical’s
half interest in building sold to the Mennonite church
Brief History:
The Kralltown class met in homes and the
schoolhouse as a part of the Bowers [Red Mount] congregation for many
years. In 1889 they erected (in
conjunction with the Mennonites) their own church building and organized as a
separate congregation on the circuit. By
1950 regular services were no longer being held by the Evangelical Church and
they sold their ½ interest in the building to the Mennonites.
Final disposition:
In the early 1990’s, the Mennonites relocated to a
new building at 6719 Davidsburg Road, and the structure is now a community
building and recycling center.
Lewisberry Emanuel EV
Location: 1168 Pinetown Road
Municipality: Fairview township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection on the south edge of Lewisberry
of PA 177 and PA 382, go 0.5 miles west on PA 177 to Pinetown Road. The property is on the northeast corner of PA
177 and Pinetown Road,
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This class was organized about 1850 and met
in the Pinetown schoolhouse until this stone church was erected in 1871 and
dedicated in January 1872
Final disposition:
Lewisberry Grace EV
Location: 109 Market Street
Municipality: borough of Lewisberry
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Market Street is PA 177. From the intersection of PA 177 and PA 382 at
the south end of town, go two blocks north on PA 177 to Walnut Lane. The church is on the northwest corner of
Market Street and Walnut Lane.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
1980,268 – merged into Lewisberry Wesley
to form Lewisberry UMC
Brief History:
Emanuel Church, 1 mile west of Lewisberry,
was the area’s original Evangelical congregation. Because so many of the members lived in the
borough, an effort to erect a church building in the borough resulted in the
December 4, 1898, dedication of Grace United Evangelical Church. The Sunday School addition was dedicated
March 15, 1959. In 1980 the congregation
merged into Lewisberry’s formerly Methodist congregation.
Final disposition:
The
building was sold and is now used for storage.
Long Level Ebenezer EV
Location: 2100 Fishing Creek Road, community of Long Level
Municipality: Lower Windsor township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From Windsor, go 7.5 miles east on PA 624 to the
Susquehanna River. When PA 624 turns
north onto Long Level Road, turn south onto Long Level Road and go 0.25 miles
to Bull Run Road. At this point, Long
Level Road becomes Fishing Creek Road.
The church is at the intersection of Bull Run Road, Fishing Creek Road
and Long Level Road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
2004,173 – abandoned
2005,365 – sold to Donald Androsky
2006,338 – sold to Messrs. Androsky and
Farmer
Brief History:
This building was erected in 1868.
Final disposition:
The
building is now home to Ebenezer Baptist Church
Manchester Albright EV
Location: 210 Cooper Street
Municipality: borough of Manchester
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Cooper Street runs parallel to and 1 full block north
of Maple Street [PA 921]. At the
stoplight on Maple Street at Hartman Street (for the public schools), go north
1 full block to Cooper Street, and then wets 1.5 blocks on Cooper Street. The property is on the north side of the
street.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This congregation was organized in 1858 and
met in the union church until erecting their own church building on Cooper
Street in 1902. This building was
enlarged in 1924. On April 8, 1956,
Manchester’s former Evangelical and United Brethren congregations to form St.
Paul’s EUB Church, and on June 17, 1962, they dedicated a new building at York
and Loucks Streets. In the meantime,
both buildings were utilized for various ministries and, since neither building
was large enough to accommodate the united congregation, combined services on
special occasions were held in the high school auditorium.
Final disposition:
The Coper Street building and lot was sold in 1964
to Mr. A.B. Musser for $3,000.
Manchester St. Paul’s UB
Location: 37 High Street
Municipality: borough of Manchester
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
High Street goes north off Maple Street [PA 921]
across from the Manchester Union Cemetery.
Go north on High Street 1 full block to Cooper Street. The site is on the southwest corner of High
and Cooper streets.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
Noted United Brethren circuit rider
Christian Newcomer preached in Liverpool (now Manchester) on January 11,
1824. The United Brethren class here was
organized in 1832 and met in the union church until erecting their own church
building on High Street in 1878. In
1941, a new church was built on the same site.
On April 8, 1956, Manchester’s former Evangelical and United Brethren
congregations to form St. Paul’s EUB Church, and on June 17, 1962, they
dedicated a new building at York and Loucks Streets. In the meantime, both buildings were utilized
for various ministries and, since neither building was large enough to
accommodate the united congregation, combined services on special occasions
were held in the high school auditorium.
Final disposition:
The High Street building was sold in 1963 to the
Manchester Borough Council for $5,500.
Margaretta Furnace ME
[no picture]
Location:
Municipality: Lower Windsor township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From East Prospect, go 1 mile west on PA 124 to the
cross roads with Cabin Creek Road (north) and Prayer Mission Road (south). This marks the site of the village. The exact location of the Methodist building
is not known.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
The
furnace was built by Samuel Slaymaker of Lancaster in 1823, put into operation
in 1825, and was a leading iron-making center in nineteenth century York
County. According to Gibson’s 1886
History of York County, the appointment was active at least from 1844 to
1886. In the January 11, 1849, Christian Advocate, the Wrightsville
charge reports six new probationary members at Margaretta Furnace. It is not known for certain whether the
Methodists ever owned a building in Margaretta Furnace.
Final disposition:
Marsh Run Mt. Olivet UB
Location: 198 Old York Road
Municipality: Fairview township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Leave New Cumberland heading south on Bridge Street,
which becomes Old York Road upon crossing the bridge into York County. Go 1 mile south on Old York to the cemetery
entrance, immediately after the airport, on the east side of the highway.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This class was organized in the nearby
schoolhouse in 1855 with 32 charter members and erected a church building in
1860. This considered the Mother Church
for New Cumberland Trinity, which was organized in 1873. Worship at Marsh Run continued until 1897,
when it was clear that the population shift to New Cumberland was
permanent. The building was razed in
1915
Final disposition:
Only the cemetery remains. The first burial here was in 1808 and the
cemetery was incorporated in 1870.
Maytown UB
Location: Church Road, village of Maytown
Municipality: Warrington township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of PA 177 and PA 382 just south
of Lewisberry, go 3 miles west on PA 177 to Church Road. Bear right onto Church Road and go 0.25
miles. The site is on the north side of
the highway.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
1981,255 – merged into Alpine to form New
Bethel UMC
Brief History:
This class worshipped in the wooden
schoolhouse (now gone) in the village of Maytown before erecting a frame church
building in 1871. A vestibule was added
to the front of the building in 1948, and Sunday School rooms to the back in
1956. In 1980, Maytown merged into
Alpine (former Evangelical) to form the present New Bethel UMC.
Final disposition:
The building is now a private home.
Moore's Mountain ME
Location: 1062 Siddonsburg Road
Municipality: Fairview township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of PA 177 and PA 382 just south of
Lewisberry, go 0.4 miles north on PA 382 (just past the Silver Lake Inn) to
Siddonsburg Road. Go west on Siddonsburg
Road 3 miles (just past the intersection with Moores Mountain Road). The church and cemetery are on a driveway on
the south side of the road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This building was erected in 1831, but its origins
are uncertain and the building has been used by various groups – and it is
unclear if the Methodists ever had any ownership here. In February 1994, while being used by an
independent Baptist congregation, the building collapsed under the weight of
snow and ice and was rebuilt patterned after the original building.
Final disposition:
The building is now home to the independent Moores
Mountain Church.
Mount Carmel ME
[no picture]
Location: [uncertain]
Municipality: Chanceford township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Baltimore Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church
East Baltimore Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
The history of this appointment is
vague. This class was known as the
Blaney schoolhouse appointment on the Castle Fin Circuit that is listed in the
circuit record book from 1854 tom1859, with a Mr. Robert Karr as the
appointment representative for 1859. The
circuit record book (page 98) for 1857 states that the Blaney schoolhouse
appointment is now called Mt. Carmel, and the Franklin Zarfos book Bits and bytes of trivia and facts: churches
of York County, Pennsylvania (page 41) refers to a Mt. Carmel ME Church in
Chanceford township in 1855. The most
likely scenario is that Mt. Carmel was a local name for the location of the
Blaney schoolhouse and that there never was an actual church building at the
site.
Final disposition:
Mount Hebron UB
Location: Mt. Hebron Church Road
Municipality: East Manchester township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From PA 24 at Starview go east 0.4 miles on Codorus
Furnace Road to Mt. Hebron Road. Go
north 0.1 miles on Mt. Hebron Road. The
church was on the east side of the road.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
(Old Constitution)
Journal references:
Brief History:
This congregation was formed after the 1889
denominational split by those maintaining loyalty to the Old Constitution. It appears to have begun in 1895. It is reported that when services here
ceased, the membership was transferred to the Strinestown United Brethren (Old
Constitution) Church. Although never
within the United Methodist structure, it is included here for
completeness.
Final disposition:
The church building was torn down about 1939.
Mount Olivet UB
Location: 2323 Plank Road
Municipality: Hopewell township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From Shrewsbury, go 0.4 miles north on the Susquehanna
Trail to Plank Road. Go 1.5 miles east on
Plank Road to Mt. Olivet Road. The
church is on the southeast corner of Plank and Mt. Olivet roads.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
1883,6 – building dedicated
July 30, 1882
2002,80 – abandoned
2002,S187 – members withdrawn
2003,287 – sold to Grace Chapel
Brief History:
In 1872 the Conference passed a resolution
to establish a mission charge in lower York County and appointed Rev. G.W.
Beatty the task. In 1873 he reported the
establishment of six appointments with three organized classes. One of those organized classes was as
Bowman’s schoolhouse, which was assigned to be served as part the Rayville MD
circuit. By circuit action the
appointment was dropped in 1877.
In 1882, Mr. Charles Gable and family
moved to the area from Windsor township and gave leadership resulting in the
re-establishing of a permanent appointment.
He donated land for a church building, which was dedicated September 3,
1882, and placed on the York circuit. In
1884 the York circuit was divided and Mt. Olivet was placed on the Winterstown
circuit, where it remained for most of its existence.
Final disposition:
The building now houses an independent
congregation.
New Bridgeville Shenberger's Chapel EV
Address: Chapel Church Road
Municipality: Chanceford township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From Red Lion. Go 2 miles south on PA 74
to Burkholder Road (by Mack’s iced cream).
Bear east onto Burkholder Road and go 6 miles to New Bridgeville and PA
425. Go north on PA 425 0.25 miles to Chapel
Church Road. Bear right onto Chapel
Church Road and go 0.25 miles. The site
is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Central
Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
Shenberger’s Chapel is the outgrowth of a
Sunday School that began in nearby Arnold’s school house in 1860. In 1865, leader of the Sunday School, Adam W.
Shenberger, deeded land to the group on which to erect a church building. He entered the itinerant ministry in 1870 and
went on to serve as a pastor and district superintendent in several western
conferences before returning to Central Pennsylvania in 1912. The May 1877 quarterly conference of the East
Prospect circuit, meeting at Trinity South, gave the class official
recognition, and, upon investigation of the Shenberger deed, and a small chapel
was immediately erected. The church
building pictured above was erected in 1898, just a few feet north of the
original chapel. A Sunday School room
was added in 1956, and the educational wing was completed in 1980.
On February 2, 2009, the Shenberger
Chapel building was destroyed by fire, and the congregation united with Craley
St. Paul’s to form Water’s Edge UMC. The
new congregation has purchased additional land adjacent to the Shenberger
property and plans to erect a new worship center.
Final disposition:
New Freedom St. Paul’s EV
Location: 42 E. Main Street
Municipality: borough of New Freedom
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
The church stood in the east end of town on the empty
lot on the northwest corner of Main Street and Constitution Avenue. Constitution Avenue is the main road from New
Freedom to Shrewsbury.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This class was organized in 1859 and
worshipped in a building that had been a blacksmith’s shop. In 1871 they erected a building at the above
site and prospered for many years until the membership began to dwindle. In 1934 the congregation disbanded and the church
building was sold and razed.
Final disposition:
The site is now an empty lot.
Pleasant
Hill Trinity EV
Location: Tollgate Road
Municipality: West Manheim township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the square in Hanover, go 6.5 miles south on
Baltimore Street (PA 94) to Tollgate Road in the village of Pleasant Hill. Go
west on Tollgate Road 0.1 miles. The
site is on the left.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1915,45 – iron fence placed around church
at a cost of more than $100
1951,112 – permission to sell (some? all?)
property to Hanover Water Company
Brief History:
This congregation worshiped in the community’s
band hall before erected a church building in 1866. In the 1894 denominational split, the
congregation sided with the United Evangelical Church – prompting a long and
bitter legal value before the congregation finally managed to keep the building. The building was used until 1928, when the
congregation merged into Hanover Grace on Spring Avenue.
Final disposition:
The
building was dismantled in the 1930’s and only the cemetery remains. The bell is in a display case in the Hanover
Grace UMC, now relocated to Albright Drive.
Pleasant Hill EA ME
Location: Hively Road
Municipality: Chanceford township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From Red Lion,
go south on PA 74 for 12 miles to Collinsville.
Turn east onto Collinsville Road and follow Collinsville Road for 1.5
miles [in 0.5 miles Collinsville Road made a left turn] to a cross road. Go straight at the cross road [where
Collinsville Road goes to the left and Chanceford Road goes to the right] onto
Grove-Hively Road. In 0.5 miles there is
a Y, with Grove Road going right and Hively Road going left. Bear left onto Hivelt Road and go 0.25 miles. The site is on the right, as pictured above
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
Central
Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church
Journal references:
Evangelical
Association
1883,11 – Trinity South, Shenberger’s
Chapel, Pleasant Hill, York Furnace, Union Chapel and
Bryansville be detached
from Prospect circuit to form Chanceford circuit
Methodist
Episcopal
1910,79 – money spent to improve the
building
1915,67 – listed on the Airville charge
(with Bethel, McKendree and Salem) as a Methodist-
owned building.
1937,31 – permission to sell
Brief History:
This church building was erected by the
Evangelical Association in 1875 at a cost of $1,000. The appointment did not thrive and was
discontinued in 1891. In 1898 it
appeared in the Methodist journals, and the Methodists eventually purchased the
building from the Evangelical Association.
It appears on a 1900 map of Conference church buildings. The appointment apparently did not
thrive. It is listed irregularly in the
Methodist journals in the 1910’s, 20’s and 30’s – but without membership
figures or budgetary contributions. The
building was sold in 1937 and in 1938 was reportedly being used to store hay.
Final disposition:
The building was razed
Porter's Siding Zion EA
Location: Marburg Road
Municipality: Heidelberg township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the square in Hanover go 5.5 miles east on York
Street (PA 116) to Porters Road. Go 1.2
miles south on Porters Road to Marburg Road, at the south end of the village of
Porters Siding (a.k.a. Porters Sideling).
Go 0.4 miles west on Marburg Road.
The site is on the left, at the corner of Marburg Road and Kelley
Avenue.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
Journal references:
East Pennsylvania Conference of the
Evangelical Association
1896,28
– instruct immediate action to prevent sheriff’s sale
Brief History:
The church building at this site was erected
in 1886. In the 1894 denomination split
the vast majority of the congregation sided with the United Evangelical Church
and was forced to erect a new building in the village of Porters Siding. The Evangelical Association attempted to
maintain a congregation, but could not.
In 1898 the Association stopped supplying Porters Siding and Adamsville
in order to concentrate on York. The
building was sold to satisfy the debt, and the structure was eventually
dismantled. Only the cemetery remains.
Final disposition:
The cemetery is maintained by Heidelberg township.
Porter's Siding Bethel UE
Location: village of Porter’s Siding
Municipality: Heidelberg township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the square in Hanover go 5.5 miles east on York
Street (PA 116) to Porters Road. Go 1.2
miles south on Porters Road to the village of Porters Siding (a.k.a. Porters
Sideling). The site is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the
United Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This building was erected in the village in
1896 by the United Evangelical faction of the original Evangelical Association
building outside the village. The
cornerstone reads “Bethel United EV Church 1896.” The building was used until
1928, when the congregation merged into Hanover Grace, then located on Spring
Avenue.
Final disposition:
The building was sold in 1928 and used by another
denomination for many years. It has now
been converted into a private dwelling.
Providence ME
[no picture]
Location: Stone Ridge Road
Municipality: Springettsbury township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
The land and roads have been greatly
reconfigured. The church was
approximately across from the existing Evangelical Cemetery at the southeast
corner of Stone Ridge Road and Eastern Boulevard, but across Eastern Boulevard
– and likely on a section of Stone Ridge Road that has been relocated. The site was near the back exit to the old
Stony Brook Drive-in Theater at 3690 East Market Street.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
In the January 11, 1849, Christian Advocate, the Wrightsville
charge reports two new probationary members at Providence Chapel. This appointment was on the Wrightsville
circuit until 1870 when it was transferred to join “York Second” and Goldsboro
on the Duke Street charge. The building
was destroyed by arson on October 10, 1878, in retaliation for what was perceived
as overly aggressive evangelistic services.
On December 21, 1878, the property was sold to the Evangelical
Association and has now become Yorkshire UMC on Edgewood Road.
Final disposition:
Rock Chapel ME
1815 site 1885 site
Location:
first site: Oakwood Road
second site: Susquehanna Trail
Municipality: Shrewsbury township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
first site: From the MD-PA state line, go 1 mile north
on the Susquehanna Trail to Southwood Road (across from the New Freedom
Restaurant). Go east on Southwood Road 0.25 miles to Oakwood Road. Turn right
onto Oakwood Road and go 0.25 miles (onto private access road at the circular
cul-de-sac). The cemetery is on the
left.
second site: From the MD-PA state
line, go 1 mile north on the Susquehanna Trail to the New Freedom
Restaurant. The church stood in the
south end of the restaurant parking lot.
The house to the left of the church in the above picture is still
standing.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1885,48 – new building
contemplated
1886,51 – new building completed for $1700
Brief History:
The first Rock Chapel building was erected
in 1815 on the John Low farm at the site of the existing Rock Chapel Cemetery,
along an access road between the Susquehanna Trail and I-83. The class has been meeting in the Low house
since 1788. In 1885 a new Rock Chapel
building was erected on the Susquehanna Trail and a Cemetery Association was
formed to care for the cemetery at the original site. Rock Chapel was the Mother Church for the
Methodist work at New Freedom and Shrewsbury and continued in use until 1934.
When the building was sold and converted into a two-family apartment house.
Final disposition:
The cemetery at the first site may be accessed and
visited with permission. The building at
the second site has been razed to extend the restaurant parking area.
Rohler's UB
Location: Bluebird Lane
Municipality: Dover township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From Rossville, go 2 miles south on PA 74 to Conewago
Road. Go 1 mile east on Conewago Road,
through Mount Royal, to Rohler Church Road.
Follow the main road bearing right onto Rohler Church Road. Go 2 miles east to the crossroad with
Bluebird Lane. Go south on Bluebird Lane
¼ mile. The church is on the left.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
Christian Newcomer preached at the home of
Jacob Roller in June 1799 – and in the area again in 1802, 1806 and 1807. Preaching was held in a schoolhouse until the
present building was erected in 1870. In
1920, members Charles and Elmer Crone traveled to Chicago to investigate the
Baptism of the Holy Spirit and returned to introduce Pentecostal experience/preaching
– which was ultimately banned from the premises, but led to the formation of
the nearby Rohlers Assembly of God Church.
The last regular service was held here October 24, 1943.
Final disposition:
Salem EV
Location: East Camping Area Road
Municipality: Warrington township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From Rossville (the intersection of PA 177 and PA 74),
go 0.5 miles south on PA 74 to East Camping Area Road. Go east on East Camping Area Road 0.4
miles. The site is on the left.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This church building was erected in 1849 and
served as part of the Lewisberry charge.
By 1927 the building was no longer in use, and it was razed so that the
lumber and pews and bell could be used by the Mount Royal appointment to erect
a church building. The remaining
cemetery is cared for by the Lions Club.
Final disposition:
Seven Valleys St. Paul's EV
Location: 3 Church Street
Municipality: borough of Seven Valleys
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Church Street is PA 214. From the north end of Loganville on the
Susquehanna Trail, go west on PA 214 for 5 miles to Seven Valleys. At the intersection of Church Street and Main
Street in Seven Valleys, PA 214 turns north for 1 block to terminate at PA
616. The church building is on the
northwest corner of Church and Main Streets.
Historic Conference:
Central
Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1978,178 – discontinued
1979,A61 - abandoned
Brief History:
The Evangelical Sunday School at Seven
Valleys was organized in 1885, and the church building was erected in
1896. The appointment was always part of
the Glen Rock charge. The final service
was held December 11, 1977.
Final disposition:
The
property was sold January 24, 1980, to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Redding for $7,500 for
the stated purpose of being used as an antique shop.
Shrewsbury EV
Location: 2 Park Street
Municipality: borough of Shrewsbury
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the center
of Shrewsbury, the intersection of PA 851 and the Susquehanna Trail, go two
blocks west on PA 851 to where PA 851 turns left onto Park Street. The church is on the southwest corner of that
intersection.
Historic Conference:
Central
Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1926,103 – closed,
permission to sell, proceeds to New Freedom charge and the Missionary Society
Brief History:
The first log church built on this site, the
property of Joseph Klinefelter, was erected in 1821. After the log church was destroyed by a
tornado in 1840, the church pictured above was built on the same site in
1853. The building is still sometimes
referred to as Albright’s Church, and the burial ground behind it referred to
as the Albright Church Cemetery. The
headstones immediately behind the church were moved to the western end of the
property when a parking lot was installed.
The original log church claims to be the second building [after New
Berlin] in the entire Evangelical Association.
Final disposition:
After being used by independent congregations for
many years, since 2010 the building has housed a day care center.
Slab Union Chapel EV
Location: 168 Slab Road
Municipality: Lower Chanceford township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From Red Lion, go south on PA 74 for 15 miles to Slab
Road – just south of Sunnyburn and the first road to the east past the Pine
Grove Presbyterian Church. Go 1 mile on
Slab Road, across PA 372. The site is on
the right.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church
Journal references:
1883,11 – Trinity South, Shenberger’s
Chapel, Pleasant Hill, York Furnace, Union Chapel and
Bryansville be detached
from Prospect circuit to form Chanceford circuit
Brief History:
This building was erected about 1874 through
the instrumentality of Christopher Witmer, Alexander Snodgrass and Sample
Scott.
Final disposition:
South Mountain Union EV
Location: 1048 S. Mountain Road
Municipality: Franklin township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the
Dillsburg intersection of US 15 and Mountain Road, go west 3½ miles on Mountain
Road. The church is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Central
Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
This building was erected in 1867 and used by
the Evangelicals, United Brethren, German Baptists, and Church of God. The congregation was re-organized in 1925 as
a United Brethren (Old Constitution) Church and in 2008 as Celebration
Community Church, which added a family life center and affiliated with the
Assembly of God denomination in 2009.
Final disposition:
Spring Grove UB
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the
United Brethren Church
Journal references:
1912,58 – property sold for $1425.00, with
$804.68 used to pay mortgage and expenses
conference treasury
receives $620.32 from Spring Grove church account
1914,69 – conference treasury receives
$20.00 from sale of Spring Grove church organ
Brief History:
Final disposition:
St. John's EV
Location: St. John’s Road
Municipality: Manheim township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From Glen Rock, go 6 miles west on PA 216 to the
village of Glenville. Enter Glenville
and turn onto Glenville Road. Go 2 miles
west on Glenville Road to St. John’s Road, just past the village of Hokes. Go ½ mile north on St. John’s Road. The church is on the southeast corner of the
intersection of St. John’s Road and Camp Woods Road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church.
Journal references:
1995,221 – abandoned
2009,341 – sold to David E. Rohrbaugh
[this sale was not completed]
2014,191 – sold to St. John’s Cemetery Association
for $500
Brief History:
This building was erected in 1904, with
services presumably held in area homes before that. Beginning in 1909 and continuing at least into
the 1920’s, the United Evangelical Church operated Hoke’s Grove Camp Meeting
just west of, and within sight of, the church.
The camp meeting grounds had cottages, and auditorium, dining hall, etc. This rather isolated congregation has had
various alignments over the years. In
1928, St. John’s was detached from Hanover circuit and added to the New Freedom
mission. In 1932, it was detached from
the New Freedom mission and added to Wellsville. In 1935, Hanover missi0on was revived and St.
John’s became a part of it. In 1939,
Hanover mission was dissolved and St. John’s became part of the Glen Rock
charge – where it remained until being closed.
Final disposition:
In 2014 the
church was sold to the Cemetery Association.
Stewartstown Calvary MP
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final disposition:
Stewartstown ME
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final disposition:
Strinestown UB
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
1896,33 – Strinestown appointment on the
York Haven charge is abandoned
Brief History:
Final disposition:
Trinity North EV
Location: Trinity Church Road
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final disposition:
Trinity South EA, ME, EV
Location: 667 Main Street extended
Municipality: Chanceford township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From Felton, go 1.3 miles east on Main Street to
Trinity Road. The property is on the
northwest corner of Main Street extended and Trinity Road.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Association
Central Pennsylvania Conference of
the Methodist Episcopal Church
Central Pennsylvania Conference of
the United Evangelical Church
Journal references:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Association
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church
1910,35 – $147.92 received from sale
of building
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Evangelical Church
Brief History:
This building was erected by the Evangelical
Association in 1871. The property was
sold to the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1895 and to the United Evangelical
Church in 1908. The history is vague –
but it appears that at the time of the Evangelical Association split, the
majority of the congregation sided with the UE church and the remaining EA
supports attempted to become Methodist.
The original building may have been moved into Felton in 1896 to become
Bethany UE, after which the property consisted of only the cemetery.
Final disposition:
The
cemetery is owned and maintained by Felton Bethany UMC,
Weiglestown UB
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final disposition:
Wellsville ME
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
1977,154 – resolution for Conference to
supply $1000 per year for support
Brief History:
Final disposition:
Wentz
UB
[Mount Zion UB]
Location: 378 St. Bartholomew Road
Municipality: West Manheim township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the square in Hanover, go 6.5 miles south on
Baltimore Street (PA 94) to Tollgate Road in the village of Pleasant Hill. Go west on Tollgate Road 1 mile to Impounding
Dam Road. Go north on Impounding Dam
Road 1 mile to St. Bartholomew Road. Go
west on St. Bartholomew Road 1 mile. The
site is on the right.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
1928,29 – brief history and status report
as an inactive church
Brief History:
This congregation was organized in 1847 by
Samuel Enterline of individuals who left the nearby St. Bartholomew’s
Lutheran-Reformed union church. They worshiped in the home of John Wentz until
their building was erected in 1860.
Regular services were discontinued about 1918, with the remaining
members served for several years with services few times a year from the
Hanover charge. John’s brother Jacob
Wentz (1824-1899) became a United Brethren preacher, and John’s first cousin
Henry Wentz (1827-1875) is the noted former Gettysburg resident who removed to
Virginia, fought for the Confederates at the Battle of Gettysburg, and wound up
attacking his own property and the family house in which his father was hiding
in the basement.
Final disposition:
The property has been restored, is available for
weddings and special services, and is maintained by members of the Wentz family
and by St. Bartholomew’s, which in 2000 officially became St. Bartholomew’s
United Church (ELCA).
66. Windsor Grace UB
Address: 11 W. Main Street
Municipality: borough of Windsor
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of
the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final disposition:
The property was sold at public
auction on 11/12/2022 for a total of $110,000.
Winterstown Emanuel UB
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final disposition:
Winterstown St. Paul EV
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final disposition:
Woodbine EV
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final disposition:
Yocumtown UB
Location: 160 Red Mill Road, village of Yocumtown
Municipality: Newberry township
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the
interchange of I-83 with PA 392, go east 2 miles on PA 392 to Red Mill Road, at
which crossroad is the center of the village of Yocumtown. Go north 100 yards on Red Mill Road. The church is on the east side of the road.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania
Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
1896,33 – Yocumtown appointment on the
York Haven charge is abandoned
Brief History:
As far back as 1857, when Rev. John Dickson was
appointed pastor of Shoop’s [Shiremanstown], Yocumtown was already one of the
appointments. The building was erected
as a union church.
Final disposition:
The building now houses a Church of God
congregation.
Yoe Christ EV
Location: 107 W. Broad Street
Municipality: borough of Yoe
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Exit Red Lion heading west on High Street (which
becomes Springwood Road) and continue 2 miles to the “square” in Yoe. Turn south onto Main Street and go 3 blocks
to Broad Street. Turn west onto Broad
Street and go 2 blocks. The church is on
the northwest corner of Broad and Maple Streets..
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
1948,111 – request
permission to sell parsonage; request referred
1977,196 – merged into Yoe Salem (which
then took the name Yoe Christ)
Brief History:
This class was organized in the home of D.S.
Hildebrand in 1893. A revival was held
the same year, and many members were added.
The church building was dedicated in 1894. The church has had many charge affiliations
over the years – the most enduring ones being with Freysville 1902-1927 and
Dallastown 1937-68.
Final disposition:
York Bethlehem EV
Location #1: Queen Street, between Market and Philadelphia
Streets
Location #2: State and Wallace Streets, northeast
corner
Municipality: York city
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Association
Journal references:
East Pennsylvania
Conference of the Evangelical Association
1899,21
– permission to sell church and parsonage to erect new church and parsonage
1904,27
– permission for mortgage to purchase parsonage
1908,30
– permission for additional mortgage to meet debts
Central Pennsylvania Conference of
the United Methodist Church
1970,93 – merges into Ridge
Avenue ME
Brief History:
This congregation had its beginning with
Jacob Albright, who visited York in 1806 and preached in the courthouse. Services were held in the courthouse until
1836, when the congregation began meeting in homes. In 1842 a church building was erected on the
east side of Queen Street, between Market and Philadelphia Streets. The congregation was served by the Atlantic
(German) Conference 1877-84. In 1903 the
congregation moved to State and Wallace Streets. In 1970 the congregation united with the
(former Methodist) Ridge Avenue congregation to worship in the Ridge Avenue
building as the Bethlehem United Methodist Church.
Final disposition:
The building has been sold and now houses the New
Life Ministries congregation of the Church of God.
York Christ EV
Location: 629 S. Pershing Avenue
Municipality: city of York
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
1982,304; 1983,322 – merged into York St.
Paul’s
Brief History:
Final disposition:
York Christ Hope Community UM
Location: 215 Chestnut Street
Municipality: city of York
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United
Methodist Church
Journal references:
2004,173 – discontinued
Brief History:
Final disposition:
The property was transferred to the Northeast
Neighborhood Association.
York Crosswalk Community UB
[no picture]
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final disposition:
York Duke Street ME
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final disposition:
York Epworth ME
Location: 155 South Hartley Street
Municipality: city of York
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the square in York, go south on
George Street 2 blocks to Princess Street.
Go west on Princess Street 5 blocks to Hartley Street – where the “diagonal”
Salem Street also “crosses” Princess Street.
Go north on Hartley Street. The
building is immediately on the right, on the corner of Hartley and Salem
Streets.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1921, 60 – sale authorized, proceeds to be
used for erection of the proposed Grace Church
Brief History:
The former Princess Street ME relocated to
Hartley and Salem Streets in 1898 to become Epworth ME. In 1921, Epworth and West Street ME merged to
form Grace ME (now Calvary UMC) and erect a new building at 11 N. Richland
Avenue (the corner of Market and Richland).
Final disposition:
Having housed a Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod)
congregation for many years, the building now (2020) is home to The Well
Worship Center – a non-denominational congregation.
York First UB
York Otterbein UB
Address: 301 W. Philadelphia Street
Municipality: city of York
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Philadelphia Street (which
is one way, PA 462 west) runs east and west and is one block north of Market
Street (which is one way, PA 462 east).
The church is 4 blocks west of George Street (the central north-south
street) on the northwest corner of Philadelphia and Newberry Streets.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of
the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
The rural York circuit of the United
Brethren church was formed in 1823, and by 1840 it was apparent that a
significant number of United Brethren people had moved into the city and the circuit
a board of trustees for the purpose of buying or building a church house
there. Accordingly, as the Methodists
had moved to a new structure at Philadelphia and Beaver streets in 1837, the
old brick Methodist church at Newberry and Philadelphia streets was purchased
for $1500. That was eventually replaced
by the present sanctuary in 1869, and the educational building was added in
1918. This became the mother church of
all the other United Brethren churches – Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth having
been organized at a quarterly conference of First. The membership peaked at 1021 in 1857, but
remained in the 900’s until the 1970’s.
For a time the building was also home to York’s Spanish-speaking United
Methodist congregation. In 2017, under
the pressures of dwindling membership and limited finances, the congregation
merged in Asbury UMC – successor to the congregation from which it had
originally purchased the property in 1840.
Final disposition:
York Princess Street EV
Location: 131-137 W. Princess Street
Municipality: city of York
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the square in York, go south on George Street 2
blocks to Princess Street. Go west on
Princess Street 1.5 blocks. The chapel
stood on the north side of Princess Street midway between Beaver and Pershing –
directly south of the Lutheran church’s educational annex.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical
Church
Journal references:
1908,50 – taken up as an
appointment and placed with Yoe
1922,56 – placed with Dallastown
1924,56 – attached to Manchester mission
,89 – permission to sell parsonage
to pay off debts and fix chapel roof
1926,103 – permission to rent the property
to Grace and Hope Mission for 5 years
1947,110 – terminate lease to the property
so it could be sold
Brief History:
In 1907 the conference signed a 99 year
lease (for $1.00/year) with the “trustees of the Princess Street Chapel and
Bethany Chapel” to establish the mission.
It operated until 1926, when the conference abandoned the mission and
sub-let the buildings to the “Grace and Hope Mission.” The conference never actually owned the
property and essentially walked away from the lease. In 1947 the Bethlehem Baptist Church was
using the property and wanted to formally purchase it.
Final disposition:
In 1947 the Bethlehem Baptist Church was using the
property and wanted to formally purchase it from its rightful owners. In order for that sale to take place, the
conference was called upon to legally terminate the lease they had previously
walked away from. That was accomplished,
but the property is now part of a large parking lot across from the William
Penn Senior High School.
York Princess Street ME
[no picture]
Location: Princess Street
Municipality: city of York
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
This may or may not be the same property given above
that the Evangelical Church took control of in 1907. That property is identified in the 1903 atlas
(plate 9) as the “Princess Street Union Chapel.”
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1892,56 – church building
“greatly improved”
1892,56 – “Two eligible lots have
been bought in York for a new building for our Princess Street congregation.”
Brief History:
Gibson’s 1886 History of York County, page 541, states the following: “West Princess Street Methodist Episcopal Church and Ridge Avenue Church grew out of mission work from Beaver Street Church when under the pastoral care of Rev. S. C. Swallow. The Princess Street Church was the direct result of a Sunday-school opened in September, 1881, in a schoolhouse in West York, then known as Smysertown. Prof. W. H. Shelley was the superintendent. A church was built and dedicated in 1882. The Sunday-school now numbers 150 pupils.”
Beginning with the 1898 journal, the name “Princess Street” becomes “Epworth”
Final disposition:
York Ridge Avenue ME
Location: 121 Ridge Avenue
Municipality: city of York
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1970,53 – receives members
of Bethlehem EV; renamed Bethlehem
2002,337 – no longer listed
2003,288 – abandoned
2004,279 – abandoned; sale pending
2005,365 – sold to Unity Church of
God in Christ
Brief History:
Final disposition:
The building has been sold and now houses the
Unity congregation of the Church of God in Christ.
York
Second UB
York Faith UM
Location: 401. South Queen Street
Municipality: city of York
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
Brief History:
Rev.
William B. Raber pastor of York First
Church, took the initiative that resulted in the organization of York Second
Church. Acting on his own, he purchased
in January 1873 the plot of ground having a dwelling on it at the southeast
corner of Duke and South Streets. Before
the end of the year, the quarterly conference of First church elected trustees
for the property, twenty-six members of First Church became the charter members
of Second Church, and a frame church building had been erected at the site.
In
1892 a brick structure replaced the original chapel, and in 1906 an addition
doubled the size of the building. In
1926 the congregations relocated a few blocks east to the southeast corner of
Queen and South Streets. Following the
1968 union to create the United Methodist Church, the congregation was renamed
Faith, and in 1969 they joined with Wesley Memorial [the former Duke Street
Methodist Episcopal Church which had relocated to Tyler Run Road in 1964] to
form the present Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Tyler Run Road.
Final disposition:
York
Third UB
York St. Luke UM
Location: 116 S. West Street
Municipality: city of York
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
From the intersection of West Market Street and
Richland Avenue (in the west end of York, by the York Fairground), go 2 blocks
south on Richland Avenue to King Street.
Go east 4 blocks on King Street to West Street. The church building is on the southeast
corner of King and West streets.
Historic Conference:
Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren Church
Journal references:
1953, 58 – clarification on deed necessary
when Church of the Nazarene sells original Princess Street location to AME
church
Brief History:
In 1886, overcrowding at First UB prompted
whip manufacturer Jacob Allison to donate a lot on West Princess Street and
erect, at his own expense, a church house in memory of his deceased son. Originally designated Allison Memorial
Church, it became officially known as York Third. The congregation purchased the lots on West
King Street in 1925 but moved in a cautious and financially responsible manner
– finally erecting the Sunday School auditorium there in 1939 and the sanctuary
in 1956. The original building on
Princess Street (above, left) was sold to the Church of the Nazarene in
1939. That structure is now (2018) the
Bethel AME church.
Following the 1968 denomination merger the
church became St. Luke UMC. From 1975 to
1995 the congregation was part of a cooperative inner-city parish with nearby
St. Paul’s UMC (a former Evangelical church).
Declining membership forced the church to close in 1999, and the
building (above, right) was sold to the Maranatha Church of God in Christ
congregation. The structure is now (2018)
the New Covenant Community Church.
Final disposition:
Both the buildings were sold as indicated in the
above history.
York Trinity EV
Address: 241 E. King Street
Municipality: city of York
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final
disposition:
York West Street ME
Location: 601 W. Philadelphia Street
Municipality: city of York
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Philadelphia Street runs parallel to and one block
north of Market Street. The church stood
at the northwest corner of Philadelphia and West Streets. The site is now occupied by a large commercial
building. The former parsonage, next to
the church at 611 W. Philadelphia is still standing as a private home.
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1921,60 – sale authorized,
proceeds to be used for the erection of the proposed Grace Church
Brief History:
In 1921, West Street and Epworth ME merged
to form Grace ME (now Calvary UMC) and erect a new building at 11 N. Richland
Avenue (the corner of Market and Richland).
Final disposition:
York Haven UB
Location: 50 Front Street
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Journal references:
Brief History:
Final disposition:
Zion ME
Location:
Municipality:
County: York
State: PA
Directions:
Historic Conference:
Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church
Journal references:
1963, 83 authorization to raze and/or sell
Brief History:
Final disposition: