Armagh is the oldest community in Indiana County as it was first permanently settled in 1792. Eight families led by James and Margaret Graham immigrated from Northern Ireland and started roots in this area, which was originally called Plainfield. In 1798, the new land owners renamed this community Armagh after their home town and county back in Ireland.

Armagh United Methodist Church has roots that go back to 1867 when the first Board of Trustees was formed to plan the building of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The original church was built in Armagh Borough by Findlay Bracken at a total cost of $2,153 and was dedicated for service on April 26, 1868. Reverend Baker was the first minister. The building was renovated several times with plaster, carpeting and new pews and served as a worship and gathering place for over 90 years. Then in 1959, the congregation voted to build a new church as the attendance was growing beyond the building's capacity.

Initially, the building fund held only $896.98, but by March 1960, member donations had increased the fund to $2,429. The congregation voted to build the new church at it's present location on land donated by Samuel H. and Ruth M. Hutchison in East Wheatfield Township, along Philadelphia Street just west of the Armagh borough line. Henry Wagner of Builders Construction in Ebensburg, PA was contracted to build the new church at a cost of $50,000. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 13, 1961. The first worship service in the new Armagh Methodist Episcopal Church was held on Mother's Day, May 13, 1962, with the official service of Consecration following on June 3, 1962. The total costs including the furnishings were $80,000. 

The Raymond Elliot Estate gave a generous gift to the church which brought the debt down to $13,000. Two additional properties behind the church were purchased from Hutchison Family Heirs in 1968 and 1969. A mortgage burning service was held on June 22, 1969.

The national church was also changing. In 1968, The Methodist Episcopal Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged to form The United Methodist Church. Therefore, the local church was renamed Armagh United Methodist Church, or Armagh UMC.

Armagh UMC shared a Pastor with another church until 1976 when it was declared a station church able to support it's own minister. A two story parsonage was built across from the church. Elliot Hall was constructed in 1991 to add a large meeting area, an education wing and more office space.

Our church has a long history within the Armagh community. We serve as an anchor in this small town on the southern edge of Indiana County. Our worship service is a comfort that gives spiritual food to many. Our modern facility is a meeting place for Scouting groups, Senior Citizens and WIC. We host Spaghetti Dinners, mission programs and other outreach events for the community. Our loving and caring congregation has grown over time to serve together in Our Lord's Family. Please explore this web site to learn more about us. We'd love to learn more about you.

   

   

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Staff

  The Rev. Scott Hamley, Pastor

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

Barb Stewart - Choir Director

   

   

    

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

Mary Ann Walters - Pianist

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

Gloria Blankenship - Office Manager