Preserving the past today as we look toward the future
Thank you for considering the Elk Creek Township Historical Society on Erie Gives Day. We are a small but committed group of volunteers who continue to keep the lights on and the activities moving at the "Little Church on the Hill" in Wellsburg, PA through lots of love, prayers, hard work, and perseverance. Our day to day expenses such as insurance and utilities are paid through donations from our community events and our fundraising efforts since we do not have a guaranteed revenue source.
The Elk Creek Township Historical Society was formed for the preservation of "The Little Church on the Hill" in 1981 and continues the legacy of preserving the beautiful beacon on the hill while hosting community, cultural, and private events in the historic 1855 Universalist church building. Our many events include monthly coffeehouses from March through December with a special mini coffeehouse held at the Albion Fair during fair week.
The Elk Creek Township Historical Society hosts a monthly speaker series featuring local historians, entrepreneurs, and artisans. We host seasonal events including a Mother's Day Tea and Bazaar in May, Coffee Toast and Jam and Vendor Fair in August, Harvest Fest in October, and a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
In February of 2023, we hosted our first annual Midwinter Masquerade dinner/dance fundraising event, and were pleasantly surprised at the wonderful response from our local community. We have continued our annual fundraising dinner/dance and on February 28, 2026 we hosted our Northern Lights, Jazzy Nights dinner dance with great support from the community. We will continue our partnership with VFW Post #4965 who provides us with the social hall and phenomenal support for our Mardi Gras themed dinner/dance in February 2027.
Summer events include coffeehouses and movie nights held on our outdoor stage which allows our supporters to enjoy the beauty of our tree shaded setting while enjoying local musicians and movies under the stars.
We hold membership in Erie Yesterday where we have been honored to receive matching ECGRA grants for our ongoing improvements and maintenance of the church plus local grants through the Rees Foundation and the Paul Kostkan Foundation.
We have an ongoing partnership with Loyal Christian Benefit Association Branch 2022 which co-sponsors our events and provides us with support in our fundraising.
We are proud to be supported by many local organizations including the Albion Lions Club, the Albion Moose Lodge #381/481, the Albion American Legion Post 246, the Springfield VFW Post #4965, Northwestern School District (Weekend with the Arts), the Albion Chamber of Commerce, the Cranesville Community Church, the Northwester Community Educational Foundation, and the Albion Library plus our local business supporters.
Our historic church is available to community members for private events with reservations and has hosted many memorable weddings and memorial services in the historic and intimate venue.
For more information about our events and happenings go to https://sites.google.com/view/ecths/home
Thank you again for your consideration and we hope to see you at one of our future events.
Blessings, The Elk Creek Township Historical Society