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Nestled amid wooded hills in the hamlet of Farmers Mills, St. John’s Union Church brings together United Church of Christ and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregations. Early settlers of the German Reformed and Evangelical Lutheran traditions needed a church to meet their worship needs. As a result, they effected a Union Church that still maintains a "harmony beyond reproach."

St. John’s Lutheran congregation was organized in 1798 and the Reformed congregation in 1835. They came together as a union congregation in 1853 and constructed the present church building. In 1883 it was extensively renovated, with on-going improvements throughout the years. In 1965 a new two-story educational unit was built and dedicated. The interior of the sanctuary was redecorated in 1974. Recent improvements include a sound system and overhaul of the heating system.

Changes have occurred with both congregations. The Lutheran’s five-point charge was dissolved in 1955, and St. John’s joined with two other churches – St. Mark’s in Spring Mills and Holy Cross in Georges Valley – to form the Spring Mills Lutheran Parish. The Reformed congregation became first Evangelical and Reformed and in 1958 United Church of Christ through denominational mergers. In 1968 the Centre Hall Charge, of which they were a part, dissolved and St. John’s United Church of Christ congregation joined with Emmanuel in Tusseyville and Grace in Spring Mills to form the Tri-Penn Charge.

The Sunday School has played a vital role in the educational and fellowship life of St. John’s. An active choir and beautiful handmade banners add to the service of worship. From it’s quiet corner of the world, St. John’s continues to embody the spirit of unity and faith in it’s Christian witness.

Sunday Worship: 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School: 10:15 a.m.

Council President: Ron Grove, e-mail: rkg1@psu.edu