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 America.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Old Mud Church
Building the First Church
In 1820, the fifty-seven people living in Philipsburg built a log meetinghouse. It cost them $343, which was a lot of money back then! This building was used for two main purposes. It served as the community's first school. It was also the first church, open to all Protestant ministers.
Rebuilding and New Style
In 1842, the building was greatly changed and rebuilt. It was made into a Gothic-style church. This style is known for its pointed arches and tall windows. A three-story tower was added to the front. A special area called a chancel was added to the back. The original log walls of the meetinghouse were kept inside the main church area.
Why It's Called the "Old Mud Church"
The church is covered with a rough mix of plaster and clay stucco. This gives it its common name, the "Old Mud Church." This unique covering makes the building stand out.
A Church for Everyone
Hardman Philips gave a lot of money to rebuild the church. He wanted it to be an Episcopalian church. However, after a long legal discussion, the church continued to welcome 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 Cemetery
The cemetery around the church is surrounded by a three-foot stone wall. Inside, you can find a very old white oak tree. This tree is about 330 years old and is known as the "Founder's Oak." The oldest grave in the cemetery dates back to 1819.
National Recognition
Both the church and the cemetery were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This shows their importance in American history. The site is also part of the Philipsburg Historic District.
Gallery
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Rear of the church in a 1935 photo from the Historic American Buildings Survey
