A Brief History of Camp Allegheny

The United Brethren Church first began its camping program in the 1930's at Camp Harmony, a camp of the Church of the Brethren. After a number of years, the program outgrew the Camp Harmony facilities and it was decided to purchase a site along Route 30. About that same time, the United Brethren and the Evangelicals merged to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The merged church began an ambitious building program and Camp Allegheny was born. The Camp consists of two hundred and sixty-seven acres, most of which are heavily wooded. The abundant water and wildlife make Camp Allegheny a cherished memory for thousands of people in Western Pennsylvania.

In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Churches merged to form the United Methodist Church and with the new strength the camp has grown and developed. The Dining Hall, and some twenty small cabins were among the first buildings. Later the pool, the caretaker's house and the Camp Center were added. In the late 60's Cedar Lodge was added, thus opening the possibility for winterized camping. In the late 60's and early 70's Hemlock and Pine Lodges were added. In the years to follow major building projects included: a new gravity feed water system, a sewage treatment system, elimination of the small cabins and out door bath-houses, new paved tennis courts, Spruce Lodge, Hickory Lodge, Chestnut Lodge and a new Director's Residence.

The most recent addition is a seventy-five acre parcel to the East of Main Camp, known as the Williamson Property. The farmhouse has been completely remodeled, the Barn has been rebuilt by Men's Retreat in a weekend, a garage has been added and a cabin for the horse staff and retreat groups was built. The cabin was named the Baumann Cabin in memory of Mark Baumann. The Baumann Memorial Fund provided the funds for the down payment on the Williamson Property thereby making it possible for this addition. In 1991, the Camp Center renovation was begun, using a combination of contract workers, volunteers and camp staff, the project was completed and the mortgage of $125,000.00 burned in 1997. A log cabin named Hawthorn was constructed by a group of volunteers from Kantner UMC (cement work) and the men of the Indian Creek Charge along with the Camp Allegheny Maintenance Staff. This cabin is for summer staff and deans use in the summer and for family and adult retreats during the remainder of the year.

The old staff cabins are moved to Tent and Trailer and the laundry building to a spot beside Baumann Cabin. This was done to accommodate our new building. August 8, 1998 began a yearlong celebration of our fiftieth anniversary. The camp rededication service took place and a groundbreaking ceremony occurred for the construction of the new sports center and dining hall. The Gym portion of the sports center was completed in 2002 and work began in late summer on the rest of the building. Phase 2 includes the locker/rest rooms, the new camp store, a new dining hall and kitchen. Just as Christ grows in the hearts of those who come here, the camp is growing to serve more people in bigger and better ways.

Heartwood Center (the new Sports/Dining Center) was consecrated by Bishop Hae-Jong Kim on Sunday, May 23, 2004 and the Booster Dinner became the first meal served in the new dining room. A record crowd attended and over 250 people celebrated.

Camp Allegheny is dedicated to be a witness to Jesus Christ and His transforming power. The camp has a tradition of providing faith-deepening experiences in a beautiful mountaintop setting. Truly, the greatest events in Camp Allegheny's history often go unnoticed and unhailed by all but God in heaven as individuals connect or reconnect with their Maker, Savior, and Lord.