Supriya Ghosh (Editor)

Zion Reformed Church (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania)

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Built
  
1811-1813

Opened
  
1811

Architectural style
  
Georgian architecture

Added to NRHP
  
17 December 1979

NRHP Reference #
  
79002228

Area
  
3,200 m²

Phone
  
+1 717-264-2854

Zion Reformed Church (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania)

Location
  
S. Main and W. Liberty Sts., Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Address
  
259 S Main St, Chambersburg, PA 17201, USA

Similar
  
Zion Reformed United C, Rocky Spring Presbyter, Liberty Bell Museum, John Brown House, Franklin County Courthouse

Zion Reformed Church of the United Church of Christ, more commonly known as Zion Reformed Church or Zion UCC is a congregation of the United Church of Christ in the borough of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, United States. It belongs to the Mercersburg Association of the Penn Central Conference of the United Church of Christ.

The congregation was organized in 1778 or 1779, but its first church building was not built until 1811-1813. This structure is still used for weekly worship, besides special services and other events, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History

The church is one of three churches in Chambersburg known as "rose rent churches." Every June these churches pay a single rose in rent to the descendants of Benjamin and Jane Chambers, according to the terms of the 18th century deeds. The church is built in a classic Georgian style. For many years it had the largest auditorium in Chambersburg and hosted many well-known speakers, including Archbishop John Hughes in 1842 and Schuyler Colfax in 1867, then Speaker of the House and later Vice President.

Besides the building itself, its two original chandeliers are of interest. The chandelier in the entryway is plain and has been electrified. The other, in the sanctuary, is a Waterford crystal chandelier, and is similar to some which are found in St. Paul's Cathedral, although it is larger than them. It is lit on Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve every year.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and is located in the Chambersburg Historic District.

References

Zion Reformed Church (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania) Wikipedia