Tionesta United Methodist Church

Sharing Christ's Light in Western Forest County

Sunday Worship 10:30 A.M.

Pastor David DeGroff

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About Tionesta United Methodist Church

Rooted in Faith. Serving Tionesta Since 1821.Tionesta United Methodist Church is a historic congregation with a living mission. For more than two centuries, generations of people have gathered here to worship God, care for their neighbors, celebrate life’s joys, and support one another through its hardships. Today, we remain committed to sharing the love of Jesus Christ through faithful worship, genuine fellowship, practical service, and an open door to the wider community.More Than Two Centuries of FaithThe Methodist presence in the Tionesta area dates to about 1821, when a log church was established on the James Dawson farm near Stewart’s Run. The congregation was originally part of the French Creek Circuit, served by the traveling ministers who carried Methodism into the small settlements and lumber communities of northwestern Pennsylvania.In 1829, John and Anne Range deeded an acre of land to the Methodist Society near what was then known as Dr. Marvin Webster’s grounds. The property formed part of the historic Sagualinget, or “Place of Council,” tract. Remarkably, the original church lot included a lane leading to the Allegheny River so that members of the congregation who traveled by canoe could reach the church. Construction of a church on the new property began in 1830 and was completed in 1835. That building served the congregation until it was replaced by a second church in 1871.The cornerstone of the present church was laid on August 26, 1908. Standing prominently at 208 Elm Street, the brownstone Gothic Revival building remains one of Tionesta’s most recognizable historic structures. It was constructed as a Memorial Church through the generosity and leadership of T. D. Collins, F. X. Kreitler, and G. F. Watson—three names closely connected with the development of both the congregation and the surrounding community.A Legacy of GenerosityAmong the notable people associated with the church, few left a larger mark on Forest County than Truman Doud “T. D.” Collins, also widely known as Teddy Collins. Beginning with a Pennsylvania timber operation in 1855, Collins became one of the region’s most prominent lumbermen and built an enterprise whose influence eventually extended across the country.Collins’s legacy, however, was not limited to business. He was deeply involved in the Methodist Church, taught Sunday school, helped finance Methodist churches in both Nebraska and Tionesta, and generously supported Methodist missions and other religious work. His participation in building the present Tionesta church reflected his belief that a strong community needed places devoted not only to worship, but also to learning, fellowship, generosity, and service. F. X. Kreitler and G. F. Watson shared in that vision, joining Collins in helping to provide the enduring church home that still serves Tionesta today.A Church at the Heart of the CommunityAlthough we treasure our history, Tionesta United Methodist Church is not simply a monument to the past. The church continues to be an active gathering place for the people of Tionesta and western Forest County.Throughout the year, our building welcomes worship services, community meals, musical programs, holiday cantatas, school and civic gatherings, recovery-support meetings, funeral and memorial services, and other activities that bring people together. The church has hosted the West Forest baccalaureate, Easter and Christmas musical programs, community fellowship meals, and activities connected with the annual Tionesta Indian Festival. Our facilities also provide a dependable meeting place for groups whose work strengthens and supports people throughout the area.Service extends beyond the walls of the sanctuary. The Lamb of God resale shop provides affordable clothing and household goods while supporting the church’s ministry. Outreach efforts have included providing backpacks and school supplies for local students, assisting families in need, supporting community organizations, and responding wherever our congregation’s time, resources, and compassion can make a difference.The people who once came to this congregation by canoe would find Tionesta greatly changed, but we hope they would recognize the same spirit of welcome. Our doors remain open not only on Sunday mornings, but whenever the church can offer a place to gather, a meal to share, a helping hand, or the reassurance that no one has to face life alone.You Are Welcome HereWe are proud of the generations who built and sustained Tionesta United Methodist Church, but we believe the most important part of our story is still being written. Whether you come to worship, attend a community event, volunteer, share a meal, visit the resale shop, or simply seek a place of friendship and peace, there is a place for you here.Come as you are, and join us as we continue spreading the light of Christ in western Forest County.

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Mail may be sent to:
P.O. Box 79
Tionesta, PA 16353

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Upcoming Activities

Lamb of God Ministries

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Lamb of God Ministries is one of the most visible expressions of Tionesta United Methodist Church’s commitment to practical, community-centered service. Located beside the church on Elm Street, its seasonal resale shop offers donated clothing, household goods, books, décor, and other useful items at affordable prices. It provides a place where neighbors can find what they need, visitors can discover an unexpected treasure, and good belongings can be put to use in another home rather than discarded.The ministry is about much more than operating a shop. It brings together the generosity of those who donate, the dedication of those who organize and staff it, and the support of everyone who stops in to shop. Through that simple cycle of giving and reuse, Lamb of God Ministries creates opportunities for fellowship, responsible stewardship, and service to others.Funds raised through Lamb of God Ministries and the church’s other outreach activities help extend that service throughout the community and beyond. Organizations and ministries supported by the church have included Shop with a Cop, the local food bank, the Ruth M. Smith Center, Wesley Woods church camp, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Each donation, purchase, and volunteer hour therefore becomes part of something larger: neighbors helping neighbors and the church putting Christian faith into action.

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Your generosity helps Tionesta United Methodist Church continue its mission of worship, service, and outreach in our community.Your gift has been successfully received."God loveth a cheerful giver."
2 Corinthians 9:7