‘Apple Fest’ and ‘Log House Days’ Celebrate Milestones in Greenock

Last Updated on Sunday, 31 August 2025 13:12

Events Feature Food, Crafts & Friends

‘Apple Fest’ and Greenock ‘Log House Days’ will again combine for a popular celebration of food, crafts, vendors, history and entertainment in Elizabeth Township Saturday, Sept. 27. Greenock U. M. Church and Elizabeth Township Historical Society annually hosts these events as neighbors and this year is special because each is marking milestones to share.

Greenock U. M. Church members are ready to make apple dumplings for the Apple Fest to be held from 12:00 noon to 5:00PM on Saturday, Sept. 27. This year’s festival will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the church.

Greenock ‘Log House Days’ will feature artists, crafters, 18th Century reeanactors, bake sale and log house tours from 10:00AM – 5:00PM Saturday, Sept. 27.

Crafters welcome

The day will kick off at the Greenock Log House when crafters and artists will sell their creations of jewelry, candles, quilted and sewn items, wreaths and much more from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. Additionally, wooden and handmade crafts will be sold in The Barn where members of the Elizabeth Township Historical Society (ETHS) will also sell baked goods. Spaces are still available and may be reserved for $25 by calling Debbie Gilbert at 412-807-8452, or by sending a $25 check payable to ETHS Log House and mail to Debbie Gilbert, 1109 Sommerset Street, McKeesport, PA 15135

Historical society members will stand in formations with the 8th PA Regiment of the Continental Line and pitch their tents to share hands-on experience with living in the 18th century. Students of the the Regimental Fife and Drum Unit of the Mon Valley Academy of the Arts will be featured performers.

“For almost 15 years Log House Days has been growing in popularity as a regional event since the 1790 home was “uncovered” and restoration began,” said Linda Bennett, ETHS president. “Each year visitors see the progress made with replacing window frames with original wavy glass to rechinking the logs from 250- year-old, oak trees to collecting antiques to fill the two-story home,” she added.

150th Celebration

The ‘Apple Fest’ is actually part of Greenock U. M. Church’s 175th anniversary with three events planned this year. This annual event draws a crowd from 12:00 noon to 5:00PM serving BBQ pork and chicken with all the sides. Visitors know to come early for the “famous” apple dumplings and the all-day bake sale with many apple favorites and a good selection of gluten -free sweets.

“This celebration is more like a family reunion asking former pastors, choir members and parishioners to enjoy the food and mingle with those in the congregation as well as those coming for the good food from throughout the South Hills and Pittsburgh,” said Diane Frank, Apple Fest chairman.

Mrs. Frank, who teaches at the preschool, extended a special invitation to former teachers and students to come and celebrate as the preschool is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary, as well.

“Our preschool has really had an impact on local families,” said Frank. She added “Lois Verminski who just turned 90 is the first generation to be a part of the school as a teacher. Her daughter Karen Verminski attended, then her granddaughter Meghan Sorton Janicki and expected to be enrolled is her great-grandson Nolan Janicki.”

“The preschool is a vital outreach and service for the community,” said Pastor Scott Lawerence, who with his wife, Kristi also hosts a Lunch Bunch with the children. They also hold a monthly gathering for children and parents called ‘Messy Church’ with crafts, lessons and light dinner.

“The Apple Fest celebration with new and former friends, preschool anniversary and historical society for Log House Days are a great way to appreciate our past and look to the future,” said Pastor Lawrence.

He also said the reunion will continue with the Rev. David Morse, former pastor, giving the 11:00AM sermon on Sunday, Sept. 28, in the Greenock U. M. Church sanctuary. Now retired, Dr. Morse and his wife Penny and daughters were a part of the Greenock neighborhood for 10 years.

The church will welcome Bishop Sandra Steiner-Ball to speak at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, to close its anniversary celebration.

The church’s history goes to 1850 when members met in the Greenock School House until construction of its original building in 1858. Then in 1957, members dedicated its current structure at 1213 Greenock Buena Vista Road. For details about the church events call 412-751-7726 or the log house call 412-807-8452