Niles Valley United Methodist

1862 to Today

Situated in the picturesque and fertile valley of Middlebury Township, Tioga County, Pennslyvania. The Niles Valley United Methodist Church was first organized as a Methodist class in 1862-1863. Early meetings were held in a nearby schoolhouse. By 1886-88, local residents including Abram Lyon, a descendent of Joseph E Lyon, the first Methodist in the valley, donated sums of money from one to one hundred dollars. This money was to be used for the specific purpose of building a permanent church. Other local residents contributed lumber, stone as well as the teamwork and labor.

    The land for the church was deeded by Sarah, Charles and Bessie Niles from the Philander Niles homestead and farm. Work then began and the church opened soon after.

    Services were regularly held until 1979 when due to declining enrollment the services ceased. Then in 1985 through the efforts of former members and neighbors, who felt a void in the community, successfully reopened the church.

   Today the Niles Valley United Methodist Church continues in the Methodist tradition of welcoming all who enter its doors for the purpose of raising prayers, thanks and praises to God and spreading the message of his Glory.

   Worship today is under the direction of Kristi Webster ,Licensed Local Pastor. Weekly services are held at 10:30 A.M. every Sunday.

    Ongoing past and present activities include food distribution at Thanksgiving, Christmas and as needed by local families. Every February money is collected for the purchase of blankets to distribute worldwide to those less fortunate. Christmas gifts are also gathered for those in need and less fortunate children. Bibles have been collected for a local teen center as well as clothing, household items, paper goods, personal and cleaning supplies which are collected several times a year for our local centers.

     Niles Valley United Church members and friends participated, along with other local churches in the collection of bedding and mattresses. Members also donated labor for the building of over 50 bunk and twin beds for area needy children a few years ago.

    Prayer has an important role in the church as members pray daily and weekly for those on our prayer list. An email prayer chain is supported by members and activated as needed.