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WELCOME

Thank you for visiting the 1855 Alleghany Mennonite Meetinghouse.

2025 Events

You are cordially invited to attend these events hosted by the Alleghany Mennonite Historical Association at the Meetinghouse.
 

July 20, 2025 - Sunday, 6:00  Outdoor Historical & Inspirational Meeting

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September 21, 2025 - Sunday, 2 p.m. Indoor Hymn Sing  

 

December 7, 2025 – Sunday, 4 p.m. Old Fashioned Christmas Carol Singing

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December 8, 2025 – Monday, 7 p.m.

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To ensure seating, free tickets are required for the carol singing.

For tickets, contact Delton Leid (717) 305-0231   leidcountry@outlook.com

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Our History

    The history of the Mennonites of the Allegheny Valley dates back to October 1745, when Jacob Bowman received a land grant in this area. Jacob, who lived in the Pequea Colony in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was a descendant of a Swiss Mennonite immigrant, Wendell Bowman, who came to America in 1707. As a young man, Jacob was known as the "nimrod" of the Pequea Colony. According to local tradition, while he was searching for a better game and fish country, an Indian offered to show him a hunting ground to the east of the Pequesa Colony. He told Jacob that to be successful in life, he should settle near a stream where the water runs toward the rising of the sun. Although Jacob's friend strongly advised against following this Indian, Jacob followed him east, along the Muddy Creek, then north on an Indian path leading from Sinking Spring to the Delaware River. Crossing a hill, he entered a valley called "Olleghany" by the Indians. Here, Jacob settled and enjoyed a friendly relationship with the Indians until his death. 

     The Mennonite congregation in the Allegheny Valley was probably organized as early as 1754, meeting in homes for worship. Christian Bowman, Jacob's brother, was the first minister. Later, they met to worship in a log schoolhouse/meetinghouse that formerly stood in the old part of the cemetery at the present Allegheny United Church of Christ. Three denominations used that building at the same time: the Reformed, the Lutherans, and the Mennonites. Later, the Mennonites again met for worship in their homes. One location was a little stone house that stood a short distance south of the present meetinghouse. In 1855, the Alleghany Mennonite Meetinghouse was built along Horning Road in Brecknocdk township, Berks County, on land donated by Solomon Weber. Today, this historic sandstone structure is one of the oldest surviving, least altered, and originally furnished Mennonite meetinghouses in the nation. It is an outstanding example of the primitive places of worship used by the early Mennonites. The Bauman/Eshleman Cemetery, located across the road, has gravestones dating from the mid-1700s.

      The Meetinghouse was used for regular monthly services for many years. However, when the congregation dwindled to nine members, they were assimilated into nearby Mennonite congregations. Regular services at the meetinghouse were discontinued in 1954. Over the next years, the building was used occasionally for weddings, church youth-group events, and song services. A summer Bible school was held on the grounds for many years. Since 1977, a historical and inspirational outdoor service is held on the meetinghouse grounds in the summer.

     In 1994, the Alleghany Mennonite Historical Association (AMHA) was formed to oversee this property and all programs.

In 2009, the Alleghany Mennonite meetinghouse was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS application explains that "because of the limited alteration to both the exterior and the interior of the building, the property retains the ability to convey the architectural design and construction methods used by the Pennsylvania German Mennonite congregations in the 1850s.

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1855 Alleghany Mennonite Meetinghouse

39 Horning Rd Mohnton, PA 19540

P: 717-682-2872  Email: ggehman58@gmail.com

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