St. John's Reformed Church (Fredericksburg, PA)

St. John's UCC is the offspring of the old Swatara Church which was located along the road from Jonestown to Fredericksburg. The Reformed congregation was organized about 1739. Conrad Tempelman, a layman who was later ordained, served as the first pastor. In 1766, a log church was erected in Fredericksburg. From 1766 until 1970, the Reformed congregation shared the church building with the Lutheran congregation. In 1826, the log church was replaced with a brick building. Since 1891, St. John's has been a part of Bethel Charge. Prior to that St. John's has been part of Tulpehocken Charge, Stumpstown Charge and Swatara Charge. In 1970, the decision was made to purchase the Brethren Church building. The congregation, at this time, also became a two point charge with St. Paul's UCC, Hamlin. In 1979, the Christian Education and Fellowship building was added. Pastors: William Hendel 1765-1767, J.C. Bucher 1767-1780, John Runkel 1780-1784, Andrew, Lorentz 1785-1786, Ludwig Lupp 1786-1798, William Heister 1800-1824, John Gring 1824-1870, William Reily 1870-1872, C.H. Mutchler 1872-1878, A.R. Bartholemew 1878-1882, Tobias Kessler 1882-1889, J.A. Wickert 1889-1891, Henry Hilbish 1893-1899, H.A. Keyser 1900-1905, C.A. Bartz 1905-1908, T.H. Bachman 1909-1910, Charles M. Rissinger 1911-1954, Ralph Todd 1954-1961, Kenneth Mulholland 1962-1966, Eilus haldeman 1966-1976, S. Shay 1977, David R. Goode.