Union Church and Burial Ground facts for kids
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Union Church and Burial Ground
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | E. Presqueisle St., Philipsburg, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1820 |
| Architect | Turner, Samuel; Kinnear, William |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival, Gothic Revival vernacular |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002365 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 23, 1978 |
The Union Church and Burial Ground, also known as the Old Mud Church, is a historic church and cemetery. It is located on East Presqueisle Street in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. This special place was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This means it is recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
Contents
History of the Old Mud Church
Building the First Church
In 1820, the people of Philipsburg built a simple log meetinghouse. There were only 57 residents in the town at that time. The building cost $343 to build. This meetinghouse was very important to the community. It served as both a school for children and the town's first church. It was open to all Protestant ministers.
Rebuilding and New Style
The building was greatly changed in 1842. It was rebuilt in a Gothic style. This style often features pointed arches and tall windows. A three-story tower was added to the front of the church. A chancel, which is a special area for the altar, was added to the back. The original log walls of the meetinghouse were kept inside the main part of the church.
Why "Old Mud Church"?
The church got its common name, the "Old Mud Church," from its outside walls. These walls are covered with a rough mix of plaster and clay stucco. This gives the building a unique, earthy look.
Serving Many Faiths
A man named Hardman Philips gave a lot of money to rebuild the church. He wanted it to be an Episcopalian church. However, after a long legal disagreement, the church continued to serve many different Christian groups. These included Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and Methodists. The last regular church services were held by Free Methodists in the early 1920s. The building has also been used as a local museum.
The Historic Burial Ground
The church is surrounded by a cemetery. A stone wall, about three feet high, goes around the cemetery. Inside the burial ground, there is a very old white oak tree. This tree is known as the "Founder's Oak." It is about 330 years old. The oldest grave in the cemetery dates back to 1819.
National Recognition
The Union Church and Burial Ground was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This honor recognizes its importance in American history. It is also located within the Philipsburg Historic District.
Gallery
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Rear of the church in a 1935 photo from the Historic American Buildings Survey
