PDC & Community News

“Save America’s Treasures” Federal Grant

Congressman Sherwood has announced a $250,000 “Save America’s Treasures” federal grant to the Mifflinburg Heritage & Revitalization Association’s Historic Elias Church for the restoration of the 200 year old building. The Elias Church was built in 1806 and is believed to be the oldest wood structure remaining in Pennsylvania. It served as a church until 1857. Since then the building was a high school, a barn, a store house for buggies made by the Gutelius Carriage Company and finally a double house. In 2005, the building was put up for sale on ebay for $37,000. A buyer was found, but it was a buyer who planned to demolish the building. Historic minded Mifflinburg residents went to Mifflinburg Bank & Trust for help. The Bank agreed to help save the Elias Church from destruction by purchasing it. The Bank gave it to Preservation Mifflinburg Inc. and they in turn passed it to the Mifflinburg Heritage & Revitalization Association (MHRA). The restored Elias Church will be used as a center for performing arts, including theatrical performance, lectures, concerts and other purposes to meet the community needs. Located in the oldest part of Mifflinburg, the Church will be linked to other historic properties by a self guided walking tour.