The Old Log Church, located in Bedford County in Schellsburg, PA has been an iconic memory for me since I was a child. Today, the historical log cabin church represents even more. My Dad, Wayne Gordon (7/7/51 - 4/29/19) grew up in the cemetery where the Old Log Church was built. This week on his Birthday, we ventured up from York County to pay respect and celebrate my Dad who would have been 69 this year.

As a child, I have fond memories of visiting the church and hearing stories of Dad’s childhood. We would visit the graves of my Pappy (Wilford Gordon) and Grandma (Lottie Gordon). Dad was one of 4 children. He was born in the little white caretaker house that sat on the property, which has since been torn down. As I recall my Dad always joked saying “He was born on a stump!” as he was not conceived in a hospital.

Fun fact: Dad did not have a middle name!

In 2019, when my Dad passed after his journey with dementia among other health struggles, I was empowered to sketch this beautiful historic church. Pouring my emotions into my art, it became a catharsis for my empty and lost feelings. I felt closer to Dad as I honored him with a sketch that represented so much to the Gordon family.

Shown here, is the little white caretaker house where Dad was born and raised. His father, Wilford Gordon was the caretaker of the cemetery. Wilford, a PVT of US ARMY in World War II, would dig the graves by hand! Today he rests in a quiet space nea… — Shown here, is the little white caretaker house where Dad was born and raised. His father, Wilford Gordon was the caretaker of the cemetery. Wilford, a PVT of US ARMY in World War II, would dig the graves by hand! Today he rests in a quiet space near the tree line when you first enter the cemetery.

The first burial in the cemetery was in 1806, while the church was being constructed. Workmen who were roofing the church placed a child named Whetstone in an unmarked grave. Nevertheless, the cemetery was not formally organized until 1860, and did not receive a deed to the land until 1897.

Dad would tell stories of how he made a buck or two showing visitors thru the Old Log Church and tell stories. Him and is other 3 siblings would run across the cemetery in bare feet from the caretaker house to the Old Log Church when they saw someone pull in. They would show visitors through and tell stories. In the attic, Dad and his brothers and sisters found a trap door where they found old prayer books and other things that were stored away and forgotten.

When Dad wasn’t making some change showing folks around the church, he’d collect cans and bottles to recycle and night crawlers to sell to fisherman up the street.

My Dad lived there until the 1960’s.

His Dad, my Pappy lived there until he could no longer hand dig the graves, mow the graves and trim the trees. He would drill holes in rock and blast it to clear way to continue digging the holes for the graves.

Wilford, my Pappy was about 6’ 1” and never weighed over 165 lbs. his entire life. A hard working man, dedicated to his family. The cemetery did not get a back-hoe until after my Pappy retired.

The well pump in front of the Church still works today! John Gordon, my brother gives it a test!

My Dad as a small boy and some more memories from his past. Don’t tell anyone, Dad and his brothers and sisters used to ride the tombstones like horses when they were playing and helping out around the caretaker house.

HISTORY:

The Old Log Church was the first church built by the early settlers of the area. It was built on land donated by John Schell, the founder of the village of Schellsburg. John Schell arrived in this area about 1798-1799 from Montgomery County, after purchasing a large tract of land from John Anderson. John Schell was a very generous man, donating land for the first church and later for schools in the small community. He laid out the town of Schellsburg in November of 1808, and by spring had sold ten lots. Some of those original homes still line the main street (Lincoln Highway-Route 30).

The church was built to accommodate the union of the Reformed and Lutheran denominations. The deed for the church was given on March 17, 1807. The construction of the church began in 1806.

The church is 25 X 30 feet; two stories high, galleries on three sides with a wine glass pulpit. The church was built of logs that were furnished by John Schell, John Mowry, Jacob Hillegass, and George Rock, each furnishing one side. For six years the congregation worshipped by sitting on logs. In 1809, a stove and pipe were purchased. It is said that previous to the stove purchase, members brought their dogs to church to keep their feet warm! In 1812, the pulpit, the stairs and the pews were erected and installed. Two years later the gallery was built; and several years later the church was plastered. At one time the outside of the church was weather boarded, but in 1935 the weatherboarding was removed and has since been known as the “Old Log Church.”

Schell was very generous with his wealth and influence, donating both to the community. He donated a six acre plot of land on a beautiful hilltop overlooking the town. On that land in 1806 was built the first church in Bedford County. Originally called the Union Church, it served the Lutheran and Reformed congregations.

In previous decades, the early settlers of this area lived with constant conflict and danger. From 1750 to 1780, a period that spanned both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War, settlers, farmers, Indians, Tories, patriots and British fought a brutal back country war for control of the frontier. This war culminated with the massacre of Phillips’ Rangers in 1780.

By 1806, the frontier was hundreds of miles west and the new town of Schellsburg was chartered in peace in 1808. Sitting astride the main east-west route in the region, it prospered as center of farming, commerce and transportation. Some of the structures built back then still line the main thoroughfare as homes and shops.

The cemetery is still active, averaging 25 burials per year. Needless to say, it is huge. As you explore the cemetery you will find – people died young. Many graves are simply marked “infant”.

Generations of local families are buried here, including John Schell. Information cards are placed graveside on many plots telling their story. Sometimes it’s on the headstones themselves, which can get quite detailed. Walking through this cemetery is like reading a history book carved in stone, granite and marble. Many of the deceased are veterans of every conflict this country has fought back to the French and Indian War. Veterans’ graves have medallions, flags or other markers signifying their service. There’s even a Confederate soldier buried here complete with the Stars and Bars flying at his grave.