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 out his town, he gave two lots on North Potomac Street to the Zion congregation. He was tragically killed on November 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.
as a church since its construction. When Capt. Jonathan Hager laid out his town, he gave two lots on North Potomac Street to the Zion congregation. He was tragically killed on November 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 (beginning with 1826); infant baptisms (beginning in 1766); and burials in the church yard. Zion also has a genealogy room in our parsonage. Additionally, information is also available from the Washington County Historical Society and in the Maryland Reading Room of the Washington County Public Library.
