Little Meadows church celebrates 175th anniversary

A local church is celebrating its 175th anniversary this month. The Little Meadows United Methodist Church (UMC), located at 843 Pennsylvania Ave. in Little Meadows, Pa., was first chartered on Aug. 20, 1844.

Original settlers of Little Meadows, some of who came to the region as early as 1809, established the longstanding structure that has welcomed generations of families.  

Still exuding a small-town country charm 175 years later, the Little Meadows UMC rivals other Methodist Churches in the U.S. that have operated continuously beyond their first century. The oldest Methodist Church in continuous use in the United States is St. George’s UMC in Philadelphia, Pa. which dates back to 1769.  

Little Meadows UMC Pastor Paul Reed explained that the church is part of the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church, and shared, “Actually, about ten to twelve churches close each year,” and added that to remain viable for 175 years is a remarkable accomplishment.

Call it meant-to-be, when Little Meadows UMC faced closure in 2011 following a break from the Apalachin UMC, it was at that same time Reed came on board and where he recognized pockets-of-faith keeping the church grounded.   

Little Meadows UMC draws people from northeast Pennsylvania and the neighboring southern tier of New York. Approximately 40 people attend the regular weekly Sunday morning service. For individuals unable to attend, the church sets up a weekly Facebook Live feature.

Reed keeps the door open for all, whether individuals are church members or not, and perhaps one aspect that distinguishes Little Meadows UMC from others.

“You don’t need to be a regular member to come here,” Reed said, and explained that more members are certainly welcome, but non-members are not turned away.

Cheryl McCauley, a Johnson City resident, has attended the church since the early 1960’s. Today, she carries on the tradition left by her family members.

McCauley, along with several others, volunteers to reach out to neighbors in need. The monthly food pantry, in operation since 2011, distributes food to dozens of individuals and families, and has become one of the church’s most successful contributions to the community.

The church also hosts an annual ice cream social along with movies during the winter months, and have pulled together other fun events, too, such as a chili cook-off. The church partners with the local fire department for a popular Easter Egg Hunt, and in addition, the church has reached out to local schools and other churches to offer assistance.  

Twice a year, a popular rummage sale is held, and also noteworthy, church members pick up trash along a two-mile “Adopt a Highway” section of Route 858.

It’s these combined efforts, along with countless acts of generosity and kindness that affirms Little Meadows UMC as a vital link in the community.

The 175th celebration will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 17 and 18. Featured on Saturday is a picnic, live music and games, activities for children, as well as a walk through history. Historic signs will be placed inside the church and memorabilia will be on display, and visitors will be treated to the ringing of the historic church bell. Special items commemorating the 175th, to include a cookbook, will be available for purchase.

Former pastors of the church will conduct a service starting at noon on Saturday, and the regular Sunday service will begin at 9 a.m. Bring a dish to pass for a covered dish dinner after the Sunday service.

Little Meadows UMC is also holding vacation Bible School the first week of August.

For additional information about the anniversary celebration, find the event page on Facebook, message the church on Facebook, or call (570) 623-2746 and leave a message.