The Advent Historical Society was established in 1985 to save the historic Advent Church building from demolition. Thanks to the preservation efforts and support of local families, the old Advent Church survives as an important document of the religious history of Centre County and as a symbol of the community of farmers and iron workers who settled the area in the 19th century.
The Resides Family: Early Centre County Scots-Irish and Adventist Pioneers
The Resides family, several members of which were prominent in the early Adventist/Messiah's Church movement in Centre County, have been a presence here for more than two hundred years.
The Advent Historical Society
1303 Moose Run Rd, Bellefonte, PA 16823, USA
Advent Historical Society is once again participating in Centre Gives, a yearly 36-hour online giving event to benefit nonprofits in Centre County.
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Following the Memorial Day observances at the Advent Cemetery (from 9 to 10 a.m.), all are invited to join and sing along with our program of traditional music, including patriotic songs and hymns.
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Our second event of the 2026 season features The Lockport Drifters who play Bluegrass, Folk, and Old Timey favorites.
Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
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The historic Advent Church was built in 1849 by followers of William Miller, a Vermont farmer who predicted the end of the world and second coming of Christ in the 1840s. The church was built on land donated by General Irvin and Colonel Gregg, owners of the Milesburg Iron Furnace. It continued under the auspices of the Evangelical Adventists until they disbanded in the early 1900s. The congregation later affiliated with God's Missionary Church in the 1940s.
Explore the Advent History
The early families of the Yarnall and Marsh Creek areas associated with the Advent Church and Cemetery tell important stories about Centre County, family connections, and everyday life in rural communities.
Explore Family History