Embedded Files
Transitioning to a New Sign
Past History of Signage
The Preservation Society is not aware that the Methodists of the Pine Grove Union Church ever had a sign to identify the building.
Some people recall a large billboard-type sign in the triangle of grass between the Austin Road, Pine Grove Road, and the one room schoolhouse. This sign displayed scripture from the Bible and may have been erected by the Methodists or Mennonites.
Ed Ford
After the Preservation Society gained ownership of the property, the first sign to identify the church was placed in the yard. Ed Ford, a local woodworker and husband of a member of the Board of Directors, constructed a wooden sign with hand-crafted letters that spelled out the name of the church with the construction date of 1896 and two pine trees for embellishment. It was positioned near the Austin Road and to the left of the church. From 2003 until 2025, his sign identified the structure for travelers who were not familiar with the local landmark.
In 2014, a historical marker commemorating the placement of the church on the National Register of Historic Places, was provided courtesy of the William C. Pomeroy Foundation. The marker was installed near the church steps. As years have gone by, the metal marker from the Pomeroy Foundation has endured, but Mr. Ford’s wooden sign gradually deteriorated.
The Lewis County Highway Department added to the church signage in 2022. Their two directional signs on the Pine Grove Road made it easier for motorists to locate the church. Given the abundance of trees, the unusual angle of the intersection, and the building's placement set back from Austin Road, many travelers missed seeing the church.
Our New Sign
In July of 2025, Mr. Ford's deteriorating sign was replaced with a new, durable, and more informative sign. The new sign displays our website address which provides a way for interested passers-by to connect to information about the building and to contact the Preservation Society that is responsible for the building. Its message board will allow for the advertising of events. This is especially important for our promotion of performances that take advantage of the theater design and excellent acoustics of the structure. It also displays our 911 address.
The sign was designed, constructed, and installed by Stewart Signs from Cape Vincent, NY.
The new sign stands where Mr. Ford's sign had been located.
The sign was partially funded by money awarded from Naturally Lewis – an organization that combines the efforts of four Lewis County agencies to promote local tourism. Donations to help cover the remaining cost of the sign would be appreciated!
We hope that the public will begin to watch our new sign for upcoming entertainment!
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