Neilltown Church

Early pioneers settled the area surrounding Neilltown, PA during the 1790s. As the area’s population grew, itinerant circuit riders, including Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian ministers, visited the communities to hold religious services. In 1822, local Scots-Irish Presbyterians organized the Concord Presbyterian Church. After an argument over doctrine led to a split, the Neilltown church was constructed in 1842. Services in the building ended in 2003. In 2004, the Oil Region Alliance rehabilitated the Greek Revival style church and it now operates as a special events venue. Memorial services, educational programs, and cultural events are occasionally held at the building.

Early pioneers settled the area surrounding Neilltown, PA during the 1790s. As the area’s population grew, itinerant circuit riders, including Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian ministers, visited the communities to hold religious services. In 1822, local Scots-Irish Presbyterians organized the Concord Presbyterian Church. After an argument over doctrine lead to a split, the Neilltown church was constructed in 1842. Services in the building ended in 2003. In 2004, the Oil Region Alliance rehabilitated the Greek Revival style church and it now operates as a special events venue. Memorial services, educational programs, and cultural events are held at the building, in addition to being open for tours (by appointment). Neilltown church is located just outside the boundaries of the Oil Region National Heritage Area, known as “The Valley that Changed the World”.

Neilltown’s congregation started off in 1826, building a log church at Tyrell Farm (today east of Pleasantville, PA along Route 36). The Concord Presbyterian church were spartan in their services. Followers were expected to attend all-day services on Sundays. The sermons were devoid of music, and the log church was devoid of heating. It was believed that these were distractions. After a the Presbyterian church split into the Old and New schools in 1837, the churchgoers of Tyrell farm sided with the former. As a result, their once-thriving congregation dwindled until the farm was abandoned.

Unwilling to abandon the old school, the original settlers of the area (the William Neill family) donated land for a new church. Built in 1842 in Neilltown (then known as Neillburg), the church contains two rooms. The narthex (or alcove, lobby, entrance room) leads to the sanctuary, which can seat 110 people. This was needed, as the congregation grew until the 1860s-1870s. Surrounding settlements were flooded by men and women looking to make a fortune in the oil boom, and the 1880s saw the church’s attendance dip below thirty. Paradoxically, Neilltown’s own increased activity in the oil boom correlated with a record high of 64 sermon attendees. Music and heating were both added during this time, but by the time the 1920s rolled around the church was once again in decline.

The deterioration of this historic building, neglected for years, was partially remedied by a restoration committee which replaced the floor. Services resumed briefly, but in 2003 the church was once again abandoned, and in 2004 the Oil Region Alliance purchased it for $1. Repairs commenced in 2010 with the addition of a historically accurate cedar-shingled roof. Extensive repairs were needed, reflecting Preservation PA, Inc.’s 2006 classification of the Neilltown church as one of Pennsylvania’s Most Endangered Historic Properties.

In accordance with the recommendation of the architect, the building’s north wall was reinforced. Additionally, the church’s framework had to be replaced as two timbers were severely rotted. The graveyard behind the building was marginally tended to, with historic headstones being cleaned and straightened. Since then it has often served as a concert hall for local musical talent.

Burden, Jennifer. Historic Properties Series Neilltown Church. Oil City, Pennsylvania: Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism, 2019.