It was an ordinary day. Walking around the city of Lancaster, taking photographs of the First Reformed Church UCC which is located at 40 E. Orange Street. It is one of Lancaster's oldest churches and sits a half-block from my church of St. James Episcopal which is located at 119 North Duke Street. Across from St. James and a half-block east of First Reformed sits First Presbyterian Church at 140 East Orange Street and a block to the south of St. James sits Holy Trinity Lutheran Church which is located at 31 S. Duke Street. All these churches were founded within 14 years of each other and are still part of downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania's thriving church scene.
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| The First Reformed Church UCC at 40 E. Orange St. |
I have written about all the churches listed except the First Reformed Church UCC which is where I am standing with my camera in hand, today. The oldest of these four churches is Holy Trinity which began in 1730 followed by First Reformed in 1736, First Presbyterian in 1742 and then St. James Episcopal in 1744. All four churches are close to 300 years old and the history shared between the four is amazing. Today's story will give a brief history of the First Reformed Church UCC and if you care to read about the other three...type their name in the white box, top left and you can read my stories I have written over the past several years about their histories.  |
| Historical marker in front of the church. |
As far as the First Reformed Church UCC, it at one time was log church that sat on the same piece of ground as the brick church does today. The land where the church now sits was at one time land that was rented. Eventually lawyer and future politician James Hamilton executed a deed granting the property to the congregation. The original log church was only big enough to seat 100 people. Wasn't long before it's membership outgrew it's size. On one Sunday in 1747 Rev. Michael Schlatter administered communion to 225 people with the overflow standing in the surrounding forest.  |
| Another plaque tells more of the history of the church. Click on images to enlarge them. |
The old church remained until 1752 when membership grew too large for the small log church. A new, larger stone church was constructed on the same site and was dedicated in 1753. There were times in the early history of the church that members departed the congregation and joined to form other churches. Many congregants did continue with the church and even with a conflicting parish, there was always a group of congregants that were committed to being in this place. When the American Revolutionary War began, more than two dozen members of the church fought for the Colonies. And, even some of the Hessian soldiers who were of German ancestry and fought on behalf of Britain, worshiped at the church as prisoners of war. To top that off, they even ended up marrying some of the people in the church. A debate grew as to whether they should use English or German during their services.  |
| Photo from a different view. |
Since the church was originally founded by German-speaking parishioners, that was the language that was used for the services. It was during this time, 1849 to 1851, that the English speaking congregants disagreed and changed their membership to St. Paul's Church. Today the First Reformed Church is an "open and affirming church," a movement of over 1,500 churches and ministries in the United Church of Christ that welcomes LGBTQ members. Although a few members left due to their mission, most are committed to that ideal of being open and accepting of all people. The current pastor is Rev. Devin B. Jeffers and says they always say on Sunday, "Whether you're Black or white, gay or straight, rich or poor, whoever you are, wherever you are on life's journey, you're welcomed and you're loved here." Rev. Jeffers is the 43rd minister and the first Black pastor of the church. He recently was troubled with keeping the somewhat older congregation together due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.  |
| The sign on the front of the church tells their story. |
He is so excited that he is able to do so being he has 90-year-old congregants on Facebook and 95-year-olds doing Zoom. The virtual services are able to reach a far greater congregation than having to come to the church proper. The church recently celebrated their 285th anniversary with an organ and piano concert, a German meal and an anniversary service with German hymns and readings. They now are looking toward their 300 Anniversary with a goal of becoming more diverse, reconcile the past and grow in the future. Today they are the oldest church congregation in Lancaster and actually were in existence when the town of Lancaster was laid out in 1730. Records show a church called "Conestoga" or "the Hill church". It was always mentioned with respect as the earliest Reformed Church in all this region. It is said that the organization known as "Conestoga" began in 1718 and consisted of early settlers who were led in devotions by a tailor named John Conrad Tempelman. An early letter written by this man is dated February 13, 1733 and says "The church in Canastoka had its origin in the year 1725, with a small gathering in private houses, here and there, with the reading of a sermon, with singing and prayer, according to the German Reformed order; on all Sundays and holidays; but, for want of ministers, without the administration of baptism and the Lord's Supper." I have read other accounts of the start of the church, but too many differing opinions exist for me to understand exactly when the church began. Could this denomination be the earliest in Lancaster County? It really doesn't matter as far as my story is concerned. The church at 40 E. Orange Street is still one of the oldest in the city of Lancaster and always will be. Amazing that four churches can stand within a few blocks of each other and share so much of Lancaster's history. And, after finally visiting each church, I am amazed at both the exterior and interior of each of the four churches. Lancaster is certainly blessed with some of the best architecture in the United States. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
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