Johnstown in Cambria County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Methodist Episcopal Church
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 26, 2026
1. First Methodist Episcopal Church Marker
On May 31, 1889, this massive sandstone church, made from stone blocks from the abandoned Pennsylvania Canal System, took the brunt of the flood wave without a crack in its walls. The wave parted at the church and continued its path of destruction across town but several buildings that stood in the church's protective shadow were saved.
Although the church's exterior was undamaged, the interior was ruined. The Citizen's Committee in charge of Johnstown's reconstruction ordered the church dynamited and cleared away. Adjutant General Hastings, commander in charge of relief troops, recognizing its significance in protecting lives and property, placed a guard around the church, saving it for restoration.
(Caption):
View taken from rear of upper Main St.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is May 31, 1889.
Location. 40° 19.546′ N, 78° 55.045′ W. Marker is in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in Cambria County. It is on Franklin Street just south of Locust Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map.
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Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Franklin Street United Methodist Church (a few steps from this marker); Sgt. John T. Boxler (within shouting distance of this marker); 28th Military Police Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Greater Johnstown Flood Victims (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnstown Veterans and War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Monument to the 54th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Johns (about 300 feet
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 26, 2026
2. First Methodist Episcopal Church Marker
The marker is located in the lower center of the photo.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 26, 2026
3. First Methodist Episcopal Church Marker
This building survived the 1889 Johnstown Flood
Marker is located at the right of the church's front double doors.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
