Is Blair's Valley Conservation Group a registered nonprofit?

Yes. Blair's Valley Conservation Group is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 99-1253700. All donations are fully tax-deductible.

What is the Blairs Valley Union Church?

The Blairs Valley Union Church is a hand-hewn log church built in 1844 in Blair's Valley near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. It is one of the oldest surviving structures in the valley and is the primary restoration project of Blair's Valley Conservation Group.

How can I donate to the Log Church restoration?

You can donate securely through PayPal at https://blairsvalley.org/donate. Blair's Valley Conservation Group is enrolled in the PayPal Giving Fund, meaning 100% of your donation reaches us with no processing fees deducted.

Where is Blair's Valley located?

Blair's Valley is located near Mercersburg in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, approximately 7.5 miles north of the Maryland border and near the Tuscarora Mountains.

How can I volunteer with Blair's Valley Conservation Group?

We welcome volunteers for restoration work, research, and community outreach. Contact us at info@blairsvalley.org or through our website contact form.

Mercersburg, PA · Est. 2024

Help us save Blair's Valley's Historic Log Church

For nearly two centuries this small Appalachian church has watched over the hills near Mercersburg, PA. Help us preserve the history, land, and stories of Blair's Valley before they disappear.

Donate to the Log Church Restoration Explore the Valley's History

The 1844 Log Church, Blair's Valley

Blair's Valley Conservation Group is working to protect the land, historic places, and stories of a forgotten Appalachian valley — before they disappear entirely.

From Our Executive Director

Blair's Valley Needs You

Hear directly from our Executive Director about why Blair's Valley matters, what we've found, and how you can help preserve this irreplaceable piece of Appalachian history.

Blair's Valley Conservation Group — Mercersburg, PA

Blair's Valley road, looking toward the hills

About the Valley

A Hidden Appalachian Valley

Blair's Valley is a quiet historic landscape near Mercersburg, PA. For generations, families farmed these hills, worshiped in the valley's log church, and buried their loved ones in small community cemeteries that still remain today.

Today, much of that history is fading from memory. Blair's Valley Conservation Group was founded to protect the land, preserve its historic places, and share the stories of the people who shaped the valley.

Learn the Valley's History

What We're Doing

Current Preservation Projects

1844 Log Church Restoration

Stabilizing and preserving one of the oldest surviving buildings in Blair's Valley.

Lawson Cemetery Preservation

Protecting historic graves connected to the valley's early families.

Blair's Valley Historical Archive

Collecting photographs, records, and stories from the valley's past.

Early photograph of the Log Church congregation

The Church

Nearly Two Centuries of History

The Blair's Valley Log Church was built in 1844 by local families who settled the valley. For generations it served as a place of worship, community gatherings, and shared life.

Nearly two hundred years later, the church still stands — a quiet witness to the valley's history.

But time has taken its toll. Without preservation, this historic building may not survive another generation. Blair's Valley Conservation Group is working to stabilize and restore the church so that it can continue telling the story of the valley's early communities.

1844

Year the church was built

180+

Years it has stood

Active restoration projects

2024

Conservation group founded

Interior of the Blair's Valley Log Church

"Without preservation, this historic building may not survive another generation."

Blair's Valley Conservation Group

Fundraising

Log Church Restoration Fund

$200

raised toward our $50,000 goal

0.4% funded

Roof stabilization
Structural repairs
Foundation support
Interior preservation
Interpretive exhibits

Donate to the Restoration

The 1844 Log Church congregation, historic photo

"A place where history still quietly survives."

Our Purpose

Why This Work Matters

Blair's Valley Conservation Group was founded to protect a place where history still quietly survives. When founder Bill Leasure rediscovered land connected to his family's past in the valley, he realized how much of the region's heritage had been forgotten.

The organization was created to preserve the valley's historic sites, protect its landscapes, and ensure that the stories of the people who lived here are not lost.

Get Involved

Help Preserve Blair's Valley

Donate

Support the Log Church restoration and other preservation projects across the valley.

Volunteer

Join us on the ground for restoration work, historical research, and community outreach.

Share Your Family History

Help us build the historical archive with your photographs, records, and family stories.

Our 501(c)(3) Status & Credentials

Transparency & Trust

We are a fully recognized
501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Every dollar you donate is tax-deductible. Our IRS determination letter is public record — and we're proud to share it openly.

🏛️ IRS Status 501(c)(3) Public Charity Section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi)

🔢 Employer ID (EIN) 99-1253700 Verifiable on IRS.gov

📅 Effective Date February 24, 2024 Determination: March 7, 2024

✅ Donations 100% Tax Deductible IRC Sections 170, 2055, 2522

About Our Organization

Your gift goes to work.
Not overhead.

Blairs Valley Conservation Group is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. We were granted federal tax-exempt status effective February 24, 2024 — meaning every contribution you make is fully deductible from your federal income taxes.

We believe donors deserve complete transparency. That's why we publish our IRS determination letter openly on this page. You can read it, download it, and verify our status independently at any time on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.

📄

IRS Determination Letter Issued March 7, 2024 by the IRS Tax Exempt and Government Entities division. Letter 947 (Rev. 2-2020). Signed by the Director of Exempt Organizations.

🔍

Independently Verifiable Search EIN 99-1253700 at apps.irs.gov/app/eos — the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search — to confirm our status at any time.

📊

Annual Reporting We are required to file Form 990 / 990-EZ or 990-N annually with the IRS, ensuring ongoing public accountability for our finances and activities.

🏦

Gift & Bequest Eligibility Qualified to receive tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers, and gifts under IRC Sections 2055, 2106, and 2522 — including estate and trust gifts.

What this means for you as a donor

💰 Tax Deduction Your cash donation is deductible from your federal taxable income. Keep your receipt — we'll provide written acknowledgment for gifts over $250.

🛡️ IRS Oversight As a 501(c)(3), we are subject to federal regulations that protect donors and ensure funds are used for our stated charitable mission.

🏛️ Estate Planning Leave a legacy gift in your will or trust. Bequests to BVCG are deductible from your taxable estate — consult your estate attorney for details.

📣 Public Accountability Our annual 990 filings are public record. We welcome scrutiny — it's the foundation of trust between a nonprofit and the community it serves.

Official Document

⬇ Download Letter 🔍 Verify on IRS.gov

IRS Letter 947 · EIN 99-1253700 · Effective Feb 24, 2024
This document is public record under IRC §6104.

Ready to Help?

Your tax-deductible gift preserves Blairs Valley for generations to come.

Every donation goes directly toward restoring the historic Blairs Valley Methodist Church and protecting this irreplaceable community.

Make a Donation Back to Homepage