Zion Reformed Church

Story

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.HistoryThe 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.