Welcome to Zion Reformed United Church of Christ
Welcome to Zion Reformed United Church of Christ
Welcome to Zion Reformed United Church of ChristWelcome to Zion Reformed United Church of Christ
About Us
All are welcome!
Zion Church is a friendly church where visitors are always greeted warmly and made to feel welcome.
Our people are excited!
Our congregation has people of all ages and faith backgrounds seeking spiritual enrichment and fellowship.
Our rich history
Built in 1770 by Germans upon solid rock, this stone church has endured nearly 250 years through many storms, natural and historic.
Meet Our Staff
Rev. Katie Penick, Interim Minister
Becky Owens, Consistory President
Susan Younkins, Administrator
Claire Marie Moblard, Organist/Director of Music
Byron L. Stay, Choir Director
Lisa Saum, Treasurer
Zion's History
History
Zion Reformed United Church of Christ, originally The German Reformed Church was founded in 1770 in Hagerstown, Maryland. The church, at 201 North Potomac Street, was the first within town limits. It is the oldest church building in Washington County, Maryland that has been in continuous use as a church since its construction. During the Civil War, the church's bell tower was used as a lookout by Union troops under the command of General Custer.
Our Common Goal
Zion Reformed United Church of Christ holds worship services every Sunday morning and extends an open door to all people who share a common goal to unite Christians together. Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month. All are welcome at the communion table in the United Church of Christ.
Zion's Background and Affiliations
Zion Reformed United Church of Christ is associated with the United Church of Christ, the Central Atlantic Conference, the Catoctin Association. The United Church of Christ, established in 1957, is fundamentally rooted to its predecessors, the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the Congregational Christian Churches.
Visit our Wikipedia article
For a more complete history of our church, visit our "Zion Reformed United Church of Christ" Wikipedia article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I park?
Zion has two parking lots and uses other lots provided by the City of Hagerstown. The church's first lot is located just north of the church on North Potomac Street; the entrance is the second driveway on the right after Bethel Street. The second church parking lot is located in the alley behind the church; parking is on the left side of the alley. There is also parking available in the City Lot on the right side of Church Street and the Farmer's Market Lot on the left side of Church Street. In addition to these parking lots, there is also curbside parking on North Potomac Street and the Potomac Street Parking Deck located 1-1/2 blocks south of Zion Church.
Is the building handicapped accessible?
Yes. On the main level, enter through the Church Office door at the north end of the building. On the basement level, there is a ramp at the alley entrance which leads to the fellowship hall and soup kitchen. Handicapped parking spaces can be found in the North Potomac Street parking lot.
What time are the services?
Sunday morning worship is at 11:00 am September through May. In the summer (beginning with the Sunday before Memorial Day and ending with the Sunday before Labor Day) the Sunday morning worship is held at 10:00 am. Sunday School for all ages is at 9:45 am on Sunday mornings (no Sunday School in the summer). Special Wednesday night services are held during Lent: Potluck Supper at 6:00 pm and a Lenten prayer Service at 6:45 pm. Special services are also held for Ash Wednesday, Maunday Thursday, Easter Sunrise and Christmas Eve.
Was Capt. Jonathan Hager, founder of Hagerstown, a member of Zion?
Yes and no, because he died during the construction of the church. However, he was a member of the Conococheague Area Reformed Congregation that was building the church. When he laid out his town, he gave two lots on North Potomac Street to the congregation. He was tragically killed December 6, 1775, when a heavy beam being lifted to the ceiling of the church slipped and fell, crushing Capt. Hager. He is buried in the churchyard and his gravesite is a local landmark.
Can I get answers about my family genealogy?
Yes. You can call the church office Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon or send an email to zionrucc@myactv.net with questions about your ancestors who may have been members of Zion Church. The church records include names and dates for marriages, infant baptisms, and burials in the churchyard. Records for burials and baptisms begin with 1766; records for marriages begin with 1826. This information is also available from the Washington County Historical Society and in the Maryland Reading Room of the Washington County Public Library.
Who can participate in communion at Zion?
Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month. All are welcome to Zion Church's communion table. There are options for wine or grape juice and our communion bread is always gluten-free.