PENLEY CORNER BAPTIST CHURCH

In the south section of Auburn that at one time was called Danville sits the historic Penley's Corner Church on the South River road. Only used once a year since the early 1900's, the church has been kept in good shape through the efforts of the locals whose ancestors are buried in the grave yard located next door to the church. In the 1800's the church was used by the the baptist or “free Baptist” of the area. In 1833 thirty members of three other smaller churches in West Danville, that had been around since the 1700's, built the church on the land owned by Captain John Penley. Captain Penley who derived his title from service in the militia of the time, was a pioneer in the sending of Maine cattle to the Brighton market near Boston. At one time he ran the largest independent meat packing plant in New England. The tradition of the cattle business continued in the family for years. One of Penley's sons Albert served as Auburn mayor from 1887-88. The church was originally called the Danville Church but changed later to honor the family on whose land it still sits.. Every summer Penley family members and friends, journey to Auburn from all over the U.S. and gather at the 1833 church for an afternoon service, followed by an outdoor reception.