Zion Union Church (Maxatawny, PA)

The church was organized in 1826, in a schoolhouse, apparently as a pulpit of the reformed church secessionist movement formed by Rev. Charles Herman. The first Lutheran service was held in 1827 by Rev. John Knoske, a local pastor. Cornerstone for the two-story, brownstone building was laid in 1828. In 1890, members of both congregations met and approved plans for a new church of red brick; cornerstone for this building was laid in the same year. In 1969, the Lutheran congregation became a single church parish under Rev. Willard Weida. In 1972, the Reformed church became single church parish under Rev. Elwood Williams. In 1985, became a shared ministry. Lutheran pastors: John Knoske 1827-1828, Benjamin Herman 1828-1832, Isaac Roeller 1832-1860, Benjamin E. Kramlich 1860-1900, Franklin K Bernd 1900-1921, William S. Dry 1921-1942, Luther F. Schlenker 1943-1948, Daniel F. Newhart 1949-1952, John L Long 1953-1957, Francis J Heine 1957-1961, Willard G Weida 1962-1979, David R Stroebel 1980-1985, Willis K Heckler 1987. Reformed pastors: Joseph S. Dubbs 1826-1828, Charles G. Herman 1826-1861, Alfred J Herman 1861-1892, George B. Smith 1892-1937, Franklin D Slifer 1937-1964, Charles E Fogle 1960-1964, H. Elwood Williams 1964-1977, Roderick H Sutliff 1977-1980, Michael L Iski 1980-1983, Ronald T. Haney 1984-1985, Willis K Heckler 1987.