Nixon United Methodist Church in Penn Township is getting ready to celebrate 225 years on July 17, and the Rev. William “B.T.” Gilligan recently talked about the church's rich history. Cary Shaffer/Butler Eagle

PENN TWP — More than two centuries of history will be celebrated next month when Nixon United Methodist Church, 334 Airport Road, marks 225 years.

Pastor William “B.T.” Gilligan said the church will have a special worship service at 10 a.m. July 17 attended by United Methodist Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi of the Western Pennsylvania Conference and featuring the son of a former pastor from the 1950s as a guest speaker.

Tom Balliet, the son of the Rev. John Balliet, was born in the former parsonage that used to be attached to the church building.

In addition, the church will also be presented with a quilt containing the names of church members from 1936.

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com.