St Paul's United Church of Christ
50 North Main St.
PO Box 129
Manheim, PA 17545
717-665-2447
The Reverend William J. LaSalle, Pastor
email:stpaulsucc@dejazzd.com

History of St. Paul's

The early foundations of the congregation were laid by the German Reformed people who fled from the Palatinate and France. Landing at New York, they traveled across the State of New York and entered Pennsylvania through the Wyoming Valley. Coming southward many settled in what is now Lancaster County.

Early records are unclear, but in a history written in 1902 reference was made to a gathering and preaching place in Manheim as early as 1753. However the first records date the start of the church in 1769, when Christian and Elizabeth Killhafer sold to the trustees of the High Dutch Reformed Church lot No 330, fronting 57' on North Prussian Street and extending westward 2701. The only monetary stipulation was, "The annual ground rent of 10 shillings, Sterling Money of Great Britain was to be paid yearly and every year." The rent was to be paid to the town fathers, making Christian and Elizabeth Killhafer the first benefactors of the congregation.

The first building was a simple weather boarded log structure. It had a gallery on three sides where the able-bodied men and boys were seated. The first floor was occupied by the women and old men. There was a goblet shaped pulpit attached to the north wall supported by a pedestal and was reached by stairs.

It is interesting to note the church building was used as a hospital after the Battle of Brandywine, and the sick and wounded Continental soldiers were brought here to be treated be the most prominent physicians of the Revolutionary period.

In 1852, the little log church was razed to make way for the present church. All the money for the church was not raised at once, for in 1853 $1,000.00 was borrowed to pay the balance and at the same meeting of the Consistory it was determined to rent the center block of pews in the church. Whether this was carried into effect or not we have no record.

During 1886, $4,200.00 was spent extending the church 18 feet to the rear of the old building. This renovation altered the building to Gothic revival style and stained glass windows were added. The first pipe organ was purchased in 1906, funded in part by a donation of $500 from Andrew Carnegie, a well known benefactor in many fields, throughout the country. This organ was replaced with a new organ in 1930 when a second addition was made to the church, adding space for a Junior and Primary Department of the Sunday School, rooms which today serve as the library and youth room. In 1949 the lot to the south of the church was purchased and between 1955 and 1957 the current Christian Education wing of the church was built.

In 2002 a Memorial Garden was consecrated in the front yard of the church, replacing a "church yard" cemetery in the rear which had fallen into disuse in the mid 1800's, and which had been relocated as various church expansion projects were undertaken.

Today St. Paul's United Church of Christ is a strong, growing congregation. Worship is based on the Evangelical and Reformed worship service but is conducted in a contemporary style. Our music is diverse, including several instrumental and vocal groups. There is a strong focus on children's ministries, including Sunday School classes for all ages and Youth Fellowship groups beginning with a preschool story hour through a High School Youth Fellowship that meets every Sunday evening. There are also a variety of small groups that provide opportunities for fellowship and growth in faith, including Bible Studies, Men's and Women's Fellowship, Softball and Stiegel Roses, a Senior Citizens group that meets twice each month. Due to growth in membership and worship, a second worship service was added in 1998, which has provided space for our continued growth.