Members of Scotch Hill United Presbyterian Church, 489 Centertown Road, Pine Township, have begun the holidays right with fresh improvements to the parish.

The church was rededicated at a service on Nov. 22, which was followed by a Thanksgiving dinner. A musical celebration that night featured local music groups and soloists.

Among the church’s improvements has been a serious renovation to the roof, which caused some alarm to local residents who mistakenly interpreted the boarded up windows of the church as a sign that it had closed.

It hadn’t, and members are pleased to display the new handiwork in the church to all who are interested.

Scotch Hill was unofficially organized in 1837 under the name of Wolf Creek Church, and were members of the Associate Reformed Church.

It’s believed that the exact location of that church was in the woods behind the current building. It’s likely that services were held at a school house or in the homes of various members.

Little is known of the original church prior to 1851, when members official built a meeting place. At that time, locals frequently called the new church “Scotch Hills,” because of the Anderson family who was buried at a farm nearby (since cemeteries were uncommon during that time). They were the original descendants of the Scottish Hills.

The church underwent additional work in 1955 when a basement was built for Sunday School lessons and Bible study. A kitchen and indoor bathrooms were also included.

Following that renovation, the sanctuary was overhauled due to signs of wear and tear, and the church was rededicated on July 21, 1957.

When the United Presbyterian Church of North America and the Presbyterian Church merged, Scotch Hill became a member of the Presbytery of Shenango in 1959.

It also became of member of the Grove City Larger Parish, along with Amity, Ebenezer, Irwin, Millbrook and Springfield Presbyterian churches. The members shared a pastor and director.

In 1980, after a variety of changes in directors, Scotch Hill, Springfield and Millbrook joined the Trinity Parish.

Scotch Hill became independent in January of 2002, however.

The recent church improvements have also included a new PA system, wiring, painting, pew coverings and handicapped chair lift; as well as the dedication of an alter set and repair to the rafters and driveway.

The church continues to grow and welcomes new members. It has been under the leadership of the Rev. Russell Babcock since 2006.