Farmers Valley Church

photo credit: Bradford July 22, 1949

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EUB Church in Farmers Valley

Built More Than Century Ago

The Evangelical United Brethen Church of Farmers Valley, one of the oldest churches in the country, was constructed 101 years ago in 1848.  The church became affiliated with the United Brethen in 1867.

The land for the church was donated by Judge Otto.  Dan Lennox, carpenter, did most of the construction work in the building of the church.

The present United Brethen pastor, Rev. Cecil E. Ross, serves the church at Farmers Valley as well as United Brethen Churches in Coryville and in East Smethport.

In 1948 the church celebrated its 100th anniversary at a three day centennial celebration.  Many of the former pastors of the church were present at the ceremonies.

One of the most prominent ministers in the Evangelical United Brethen Church today was present at the ceremonies held at the Farmers Valley Church on Friday evening, June 18, 1948.  He is Bishop J. Palmer Showers of Harrisburg, present head of the Eastern Area of the Evangelical United Brethen Church, and former pastor of the Farmers Valley congregation.  Bishop Showers spoke briefly at the anniversary ceremonies.

More than 200 persons attended the anniversary celebrations.  Other outstanding clergymen present at the centennial included Dr. Paul S. Weaver of Jamestown, superintendent of the Erie Conference of United Brethen Churches, and the Rev. A. A. Luther, pastor of the First Congregational Church in North Collins, N. Y., both former pastors of the Farmers Valley Church. The Rev. Mr. Luther is a noted writer of hymns, he is the composer of "Jesus Never Fails."  The Rev. F. Willis Chase was the pastor of the church during the Centennial Observation.

The following ministers have served in Farmers Valley since its connection with the United Brethen Organization in 1867: the Revs. John Holmes, T. J. Butterfield, J. A. Thomas, N. T. Luce, H. H. Barber, I. B. Weaver, T. E. Evans, Alfred Bronson, M. D. Altice, Lee A. McIntyre, W. A. Bennett, Jerome Smith, O. H. Dunbar, A. B. Sprague.

Also William Summergill, R. E. Shaner, S. R. Parrot, A. A. Luther, L. A. Thayer, W. D. Fullom, W. D. Brainard, V. M. Thompson, A. L. Pang, V. H. Oviatt, W. H. Chase, F. G. Finlay, M. B. Erickson, H. H. Atkins, F. Willis Chase, and the present pastor, Cecil E. Ross.
 
 

McKean County Miner
April 12, 1895
Church Locks Out Prohibitionists In Farmer's Valley
We have heard of strikes and lockouts, but have always located them at a distance, thinking our little hamlet free from any such disturbance. But alas, we find something new every day even in Farmers Valley, for we came in contact with as complete a lockout last Friday as we ever care to meet. Arrangements had been made with the Smethport W. C. T. U.(Women's Christian Temperance Union) to hold a silver medal contest at the church. During the afternoon the church was cleaned, lamps filled and everything put in readiness for the evening. When our Smethport friends arrived we conducted them over to the church where we found ourselves locked out with a padlock and chain. Our indignation knew no bounds, but our Smethport friends would allow no trouble to be made in their behalf, so we repaired to the hall, where an indignation meeting preceeded (sic) the contest. Some time elapsed before we could proceed with the contest, but at last all was in order and we listened with pleasure to the speaker. The judges decided in favor of Miss Madge Rifle, who received the medal amidst loud applause. Come again, friends, and if locked out we will receive you into our own homes. 

The Church Today 2008

walk in church go back
Photo Source: Diana Phalon