Our History
Zion has a rich history.
Zion Reformed United Church of Christ, originally The German Reformed Church, was founded in 1770 in Hagerstown, Maryland. The church 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. When Capt. Jonathan Hager laid our his town, he gave two lots on North Potomac Street to the Zion congregation. He was tragically killed on December 6, 1775 when a heavy beam being lifted to the ceiling of the church slipped and fell, crushing him. He is buried in the churchyard and his gravesite is a local landmark. During the Civil War, the church’s bell tower was used as a lookout by Union troops under the command of General Custer.
Visit our Wikipedia page here.
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.