Hello all, As all of you know Martha Breene has been generously sharing information on the Mohney family of the Alcola Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church, Redbank Twp, Clarion Co. The following was published in The Leader-Vindicator, New Bethlehem, Clarion Co on July 2, 1997: DECLINING MEMBERSHIP CLOSES DOOR OF CHURCH After 177 years, Alcola church property seeks new owners (There is a picture of the church with the following written under the photo: The picturesque brick church along Route 28 is the fourth such structure built on the property since the first log church was built there in 1820. The current building, now vacant, was constructed in 1913) Article written by Jennifer J. Algoe, L-V Staff Writer: ALCOLA - After 177 years in the Redbank Valley area, Trinity United Church of Christ held a final service and communion before closing its doors on June 21.(1997) Due to lack of members, the congregation voted to dissolve the church at a special meeting on May 29. "It's a sad thing," said Albert Ripple, a past president and long-time member of the congregation. "There weren't many dry eyes the night we decided to close." There were 24 members of the congregation at the time of the final service. "A membership of seven families can't support the building along with other things", Ripple explained, adding that it was a decision of practicality. At the special meeting, church officers were disbanded, and a special committee was formed to continue maintenance of the building and grounds until definite plans can be made concering the property's future. Ripple chairs the committee. According to Ripple, some families will transfer to Alcola's sister church, Nevin Memorial Church in Frogtown. Many of the remaining families are undecided of their plans. Church offficials are optimistic that the church can be used again for worship. There have been two inquiries, but the church is continuing its search for occupants, hoping to have a new congregation using the church building before the end of summer. The historic church was first incorporated as the Reformed Church of America in 1818 under the direction of Henry Koch, the church's founder and first minister. Koch, a circuit rider preacher from Indiana, PA, traveled into the tri-county region and founded many churches, including St. Paul's in Beaver Township near Knox, Ripple recalled. The first structure at the Alcola site was built in 1820 in the northeast corner of the church property, which today is the site of the Alcola Trinity Cemetery. After that log cabin church burned, another log structure was built in 1849; it was used until it burned in 1891. That year, the structure known as the "white church" was built in the location of the present building. In 1913, fire again struck the church; a funeral was to be held that day, and a fire was built to warm the mourners. It is believed that this fire caused the destruction of the white church. At that time, the present red brick building was constructed. As one of the oldest church organizations in the tri-county area, the congregation celebrated its 175th anniversary two years ago. As part of the celebration, many of the church's documents were displayed; those records will be sent to church archives in Lancaster. Under terms of a merger with the Evangelical and Reformed Church of America and Congregational Christian Church, the United Church of Christ was formed in 1962. In 1981, Alcola joined with five Presbyterian churches to form the Northwest Area Ministry. ***end of article*** I do not have church or cemetery records, but would certainly like to have them. If anyone has such records and would be willing to share either by email or snail mail, I would appreciate it if you would contact me. I have quite a large number of ancestors buried in the Alcola Trinity Cemetery. While I grew up in that area, I have not lived there for many years, so have not done onsite research. As far as I know the church is still unoccupied and unsold. If anyone has secured the church archives in Lancaster referred to in the preceding article will you share the address and what type of info you were able to secure? Thanks and Happy New Year to One and All, Joyce (Copenhaver) Sherry Albany, GA (Class of 55 - Redbank Valley High School, New Bethlehem, PA)