HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Churches are a big part of the history of Washington County. Whenever a new town was founded, one of the first buildings to be erected was a house of worship, which often doubled as the local school. The churches in Washington County date back to the days when Hagerstown was founded and the legacy of kindness and faith has continued throughout the years.
Oldest church in Hagerstown
Can you imagine that a building that was built in 1770 is still being used? For over 250 years the Zion Reformed United Church of Christ has sat on North Potomac Street welcoming one and all to congregate and has continued to be a symbol of community. The land on which the church stands was provided by Hagerstown founder, Jonathan Hager (1714-1775), who died when a ceiling beam fell on him during the church’s construction in November 1775.
During the American Civil War (1862-1865), the church was called into duty as a lookout for Union troops who took advantage of the bell tower which oversaw the entire city from its height of 60 feet. One of the church’s most notable visitors was Gen. George Custer (1839-1876) who at the time was in command of the Union troops in Hagerstown.
Short history, lasting impact
Some may think that 30 years would not be enough to leave a lasting impact on a community. However, this was the case with the St. James Parish of Boonsboro. The small church was founded in 1868 by the Smith family — Dr. Otho Joseph Smith, Dr. Josiah Smith and Dr. Otho B. Smith. Located on National Pike, the church would feature a small congregation at first. But through the work of missionaries, the congregation would gain followers over time. However, as other churches were built throughout Washington County the small church would see declining membership and would close its doors in 1898.
But 110 years later, the St. James Parish returned as part of the South Washington County Pastorate. The church on North Main Street was reopened and continues to serve followers of the Catholic faith.
Smithsburg’s Trinity Lutheran Church
In 1822, a new committee was formed to help build up the town of Smithsburg. One of the most important tasks was the building of a new church to accommodate the growing community. Building began in the summer of 1822 for the Trinity Lutheran Church under the guidance of the Rev. Benjamin Kurtz (1795-1865), who was a very well-known German Lutheran minister. Two years later in June 1824, the church was dedicated with services led by Kurtz and other well-respected Lutheran ministers. The church still stands on North Main Street and is still in use today. It stands as a testament to the faith and strong leadership of the men and women who worked hard to build the small town into the community it has become.
The church that touched 2 counties
Jacob’s Lutheran Church once sat on the north end of Leitersburg between Hagerstown, Smithsburg, and Waynesboro which meant drawing in residents from both Washington and Franklin counties. The exact construction date of the red brick building is not known, but the land rights for the property where the church was built were obtained in September 1787. This makes the construction date likely around 1790-1791, making it one of the earliest buildings erected in Leitersburg. Today, only the cemetery remains, but the history of the church is yet another chapter of the Germanic immigrants who settled in Washington County.
These are but a few of the churches that can be found around Washington County. Each one has its own story to tell. The history of churches helps tell the story of early settlers building the small towns and cities that we know today. They reflect stories of tragedies and loss, but also of courage and unity.
