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 , Certified Candidate for Ministry . Weekly services are held at 11am every Sunday.

    Ongoing past and present activities include food distribution at Thanksgiving, Christmas and as needed by local families. Every February money is  being collected for the purchase of blankets to distribute world wide 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.

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

    We invite you to visit our small ,white church in the valley and to join us in our celebration of life through Jesus Christ, our Savior. Our Sunday 11am services are informal and are filled with music and fellowship. All are Welcome !!!. Sunday School for children is held during the regular service. Come visit our church that lets the light shine for the Glory of God.