Historic William Tennent House Acquired By Local Nonprofit Group

The William Tennent House Association has announced that it has taken possession of the William Tennent House on York Road in Warminster. Christ’s Home, Inc., previous owner of the house and adjoining property, has signed over the deed so that work can now begin to repair and restore the property.

“We are excited to finally be able to move forward with the restoration of the William Tennent House,” said Ed Price, Treasurer of the William Tennent House Association. “Over the past four years, association members have worked long hours, and borne considerable expense, to take ownership of this historic home. Our efforts have finally paid off and now we can begin restoration work so one day soon the property can be made available to the public as a museum and education center.”

The Tennent House property was the home of the 18th century Presbyterian minister and founder of Log College, Reverend William Tennent. Log College was the first academy in America for the training of Presbyterian ministers and the first college in Pennsylvania. Many colleges throughout the nation, including Princeton University, can trace their spiritual origins back to Log College.

The William Tennent House contains several examples of materials and construction that date back to the early 18th century. Now that the settlement is complete, the association has started work on projects including, installing a split-rail fence, reconnecting the utilities, painting the exterior and replacing windows and the main roof.

The association also wants to conduct a historic structure study, which includes dating of the timber frame and support beams and other material analyses, as well as an examination of the remains of the recently exposed “west wall” open hearth fireplace and bake oven feature which was hidden behind a later wall in the dining room. These studies will provide necessary information to guide the group in its restoration efforts.

Because of the extensive work that needs to be done to restore the house, volunteers skilled in restoration, the construction trades, maintenance and landscaping are needed. In addition, volunteer opportunities are available for website development, newsletter publication, and social media support.

The goal is to eventually open the house for educational tours, lectures, presentations and special events. The Association also plans to establish a museum and the John M. Woodward Memorial Library, named for one of the Association’s dear friends. The museum and library will include Tennent and Warminster Township related artifacts, documents, publications and books for public education and research. To learn more about the William Tennent House, visit www.facebook.com/william.tennenthouse

About the William Tennent House:

In 2003, a group of citizens began an effort to save, restore and preserve the William Tennent House, built in the early 18th century and located at 880 York Road in Warminster. This was the home of Reverend William Tennent, the founder of Log College, the first academy in America for the training of Presbyterian ministers and the first college in Pennsylvania. Unknown to many is the profound impact that William Tennent and his Log College graduates had on education in the American colonies, the roots of which extend to the present day. Many colleges and universities in the U.S. can trace their roots back to Log College, including Princeton University.

For more information about the William Tennent House, volunteering opportunities or to make a tax-deductible donation, email friendsofthetennenthouse@yahoo.com, visit the association’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/william.tennenthouse, or contact William Tennent House Association, P.O. Box 2572, Warminster, PA 18974.

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Photos courtesy of William Tennent House Association

Photo Caption #1: William Tennent House – southeast view

Photo Caption #2: Remains of west wall open hearth fireplace and bake oven feature in tennent house dining room.