Church History Founded by German immigrant Ludwig Lindemuth in 1767, the congregation first worshiped in a log church. Frederick V. Melsheimer, chaplain to German mercenary troops during the Revolutionary War and pioneer American entomologist was one of 42 pastors who served. Henry M. Muhlenberg, "Patriarch" of the Lutheran Church in America, visited in 1769. A 1770 deed by Jacob Downer, founder of Maytown, placed the church on a double lot along North Queen Street. The present stone church, with its Germanic, hexagonal cupola and lovely Georgian portals was erected in 1804. In 1896, the tower, stained glass windows, and distinctive red mortar were added. Additions to the building occurred in 1959 and 1988 The brick sidewalk and street lantern date from the 1980's Custodian to a historic cemetery, and graced by a 1915 Moller pipe organ, the congregation has served the people of southern Pennsylvania for 238 years.

Some History The Luther Window on the east wall of our sanctuary fashioned by the Rudy Glass Company of York, Pa., it was installed in the remolded church in the fall of 1896, and is the third window to occupy the space in the 1804 wall. The window shows the Great Reformer of Christ's Church in the sixteenth century dressed in his academic preaching gown and pointing to the Word of God which he translated into the German language from the original Hebrew and Greek and made accessible to the common man. Several copies of the Luther Bible are found in the congregation archives.

Our Beliefs Lutherans still celebrate the Reformation on October 31 and still hold to the basic principles of theology and practice espoused by Luther, such as Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura: We are saved by the grace of God alone -- not by anything we do; Our salvation is through faith alone -- we only need to believe that our sins are forgiven for Christ's sake, who died to redeem us; The Bible is the only norm of doctrine and life -- the only true standard by which teachings and doctrines are to be judged.

 

	Visitor Information We are happy that you chose to worship with us, and welcome you back anytime! If you do not presently have a church home, and are interested in possible becoming a member of St John's, talk to the Pastor. Membership classes for those from non-Lutheran background are held periodically as the need arises. We generally use the green hymnal in the pew rack in front of you, but sometimes use the red or blue hymnal underneath the pew in front of you. If you need help with worship, please ask a neighbor. Every Sunday night, at 6:00 PM, we offer a contemporary communion service using a dozen-members "Praise Band", "Luther Rocks!", that leads the singing of contemporary music. After the service, at 7:00 PM, people enjoy snack food and casual conversation in the parlor. Join us at either service or both! The rest rooms and nursery are found on the ground floor of the annex. They are accessible by stairs or the elevator. Please sign our guest book in the tower vestibule. Thanks again for visiting our page.
	Volunteers Needed: St John's is in need of people to step forward and fill several ministries. They Will not happen if no one volunteers. Please talk to Pastor today. God Bless You!   Someone to be our camp person, encouraging members to use our church camps and handling registration, etc. Individuals to sign up to be head usher.  Please sign up on the sheet hanging on the board in the Narthex.
	Social Hall -
	Add a hyperlink here