SPRING MILLS — Deep in the woods of Potter Township, along a dirt road, stands a Penns Valley landmark — the historic Egg Hill church. The original church was built in 1838 and dedicated in September of that year. It was one of the first Evangelical Churches in Penns Valley. The church and adjoining cemetery were named Egg Hill because they were located on the bluff of a hill, which locals claimed to be eggshaped.
The present building was constructed by members in 1860 on the foundation of the earlier church building, which had been razed. Regular services ended there in 1927 due to decreasing attendance, but an annual homecoming service is still held there every September, and it is also used as a venue for weddings and other special events. The plain wooden building reflects the faith, simplicity and humility of its founding Evangelicals.
The church was slated to be sold and demolished 40 years ago, but the Egg Hill Conservancy was formed then and leased the church from its trustees to preserve it. That group’s current president, Vonnie Henninger, said the church now needs about $35,000 worth of renovations to its basement to halt any further deterioration. Henninger said an architectural inspection determined the building was basically sound, free of rot or insects, but needed some work on its foundation.
Henninger recently announced that sufficient funding from donations has been secured to begin the repair work in July.
“We needed $35,000. We have $30,000 and need $5,000 more to finish the work, but $30,000 is enough to get going,” said Henninger.
The work will include structural repairs in the church’s foundation, near the entrance, as well as the addition of an entrance ramp on the south side of the entrance.
“This ramp will help the elderly visitors a lot,” said Henninger.
All work will be done according to standards set by the National Historic Register.
A Go Fund Me account has been created for those who would like to donate money to help raise the $5,000 needed to finish the repairs. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/save-egg-hill-church. Donations can also be mailed to Vonnie Henninger at 100 Hawknest Way, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
