Here we will tell the story of the beginnings of our churches and how we became the charge we are today.
The information for this page was supplied from Church Records / Western PA Conference of the United Methodist Church
The Hyndman Larger Parish
The Charge consists of six churches, Gravel Pit UMC, Hyndman UMC 1st Ave., Grace UMC, Palo Alto UMC, Cooks Mills UMC, Wellersburg UMC.
They came together in 1986 and have been a part of a charge family ever since.
Hyndman 1st Ave.
Started Methodist Episcopal - Baltimore Conference. A Methodist Society was organized in 1840. it met in private homes. A frame building was erected on Gooseberry St, then called Bridgeport. It was dedicated October 12, 1851. In 1876 a new church was built of brick construction. A social room was added and dedicated on June 19, 1927. A renovation of the building was made in 1958. Hyndman Church was transferred from the Baltimore Conference to the Central PA Conference and in 1961 it was transferred to the Western PA Conference in 1970.
Palo Alto UMC
Started Evangelical Association - Pittsburgh Conference. The church began in 1872 when the preacher of Southampton Circuit held services at the home of Jacob Fichner. In 1873 they moved to a nearby converted log home. A church building was erected in 1880. In 1891 the Church became United Evangelical and the building was purchased for $60.00. The church was closed from 1933 - 1934. Renovations were made in 1951 and 1955. In 1970 it was linked with Gravel Pit and Wellersburg.
Wellersburg UMC
Started Evangelical Association - Pittsburgh Conference. A congregation was organized in 1846. In 1850 the church was built. Basement class rooms were added in 1962. From 1891 to 1922 the church was United Evangelical. In 1970 it was linked with Gravel Pit, and Palo Alto.
Gravel Pit: Bethel
Started Evangelical Association - Pittsburgh Conference. First meetings were held about1875 in a shook shop. It was a part of the Hyndman Circuit. A society was organized and a little Church built about 1877. In 1891 the group withdrew to become a part of the United Evangelical Church. A building was erected and dedicated November 20, 1898. In 1970 was linked with Palo Alto and Wellersburg.
Grace UMC
Started Evangelical Association - Pittsburgh Conference. It had its origin in 1874 when Frank Bone preached, first in the Methodist Episcopal Church, then in the home of A. J. Beal. A class of six was organized as part of the Bridgeport Circuit. In 1877 a church was built on Shellsburg St., then Bridgeport. In 1895 the Grace Evangelical Church was erected. A new Church was built in 1915. Additions were made in 1959.
Cooks Mills UMC
Started Methodist Episcopal - Baltimore Conference. Known as Wills Creek Chapel. It was organized in 1843. It later was Evangelical and then was transferred to Western PA Methodist Conference in 1970. It was part of the Bridgeport Circuit.