History
of St. John's UCC of Woodsboro, MD
Situated in the heart of Woodsboro, Maryland, St. John’s United Church of Christ has served as a steadfast witness to faith and community since the early 1800s. The cornerstone of the Church was laid on April 9, 1802 by Stonemason, Henry Clantz—a foundation that has supported generations of worship, service, and spiritual growth.
Our church stands as a living testimony to God’s enduring presence and the generations who have worshiped here.
Today, we continue that legacy
Early History 1747 – 1802
of St. John's UCC of Woodsboro, MD
The congregation of St. John’s Church, Woodsboro, traces its founding to May 7 and 8, 1747. On those days, the Rev. Michael Schlatter came to this area and baptized 26 children and gave communion to 86. The Rev. Schlatter was Swiss-born, Dutch-educated and was sent to the New World in 1746 to organize the German Reformed settlers who were scattered throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York.
According to the writings of the Rev. Schlatter, he came to the village of Monocacy on May 7, 1746. The exact location of Monocacy is still unknown, but is believed to be just south of the present day Woodsboro-Creagerstown Road bridge. The first church in the settlement was erected in 1734 by Lutherans and was known as
“The Church of the Monocacy.” In the first years, regular pastors were not used for services. Instead, the village schoolmaster led the singing, read printed sermons and gave religious instructions.
After Rev. Michael Schlatter visited, the Church of the Monocacy became a “union church” shared by the Lutherans and Reformed.
Records from the Evangelical Reformed Church of Frederick state that the Rev. Carl Lang, pastor of the Evangelical Reformed Church from 1766 to 1768, preached, confirmed and administered the ordinances at the Glade, Millerstown (Woodsboro) and Taneytown churches. The inference is that the congregations were organized during the preceding pastorate of the Rev. Phillip Otterbein, 1760-1765, who preached at “other places” but did not specify where.
It is believed that Woodsboro was one of the “other places.”
Note: Rev. Phillip Otterbein later left the Frederick Reformed Church and went to Baltimore and founded the United Brethren Church.)
After 1768, there is no record of the church in Woodsboro until 1802.
1802 – 1860
of St. John's UCC of Woodsboro, MD
The cornerstone of the St. John’s Church was laid on April 9, 1802,
by Henry Clantz, stone mason. The property was deeded from Adam Creager to the “trustees of the Lutheran and Presbyterian (Reformed) congregations.” (In the early years of the church, Reformed and Presbyterian were used synonymously.) The property lot known as
#48 South Second Street was bought for five shillings. Act 35 of the Maryland legislature, dated December 31, 1803, gave the trustees authority to raise up to $2,000.00 by lottery to finish the union church which was presently under construction. The stone church which was completed in 1822, was 35’ x 45’ with a tower and spire in the front which served as a vestibule. The church was known as Solomon’s Church and was a Union Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church.
Between 1802 and 1833, the congregation is believed to have belonged to the Littlestown (PA) Charge, or to have been served by a pastor from that locality. In May, 1833, by action of the Maryland Classis, the Glade Congregation was separated from the Frederick Charge and Glade (Walkersville) with St. John’s, Rocky Hill and Creagerstown constituted a pastoral charge.
On April 4, 1825, a constitution for the Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed congregations (Solomon’s Church) was adopted in which it is said, “The church and the burying ground having been purchased, the price paid, as stated in the deed five shillings, built and consecrated to the service of God for the benefit of the Evangelical Lutherans and German Reformed residing in and about Woodsboro. It is hereby declared that the said property shall be forever the joint property of said Lutherans and Reformed and that each of the afore said denominations shall have equal rights with the other and no regulation or act of either shall be valid which could in any way deprive the other of its rights and privileges.”
1855 – 1892
of St. John's UCC of Woodsboro, MD
This was a time of stormy history between the Lutheran and Reformed congregations. At a meeting of the joint councils on November 3, 1855, it was unanimously agreed that it was “absolutely necessary to tear down the church steeple in consequence of it giving away from the building. There then arose a dispute between the congregations about whether to rebuild or repair the church. When the two councils met on April 4, 1860, the Lutherans offered to sell their interest in the church for five hundred dollars, reserving the rights of the graveyard. On April 19, 1860, the Reformed Council accepted the proposition of the Lutheran Council.
On February 9, 1892, the Glade Charge again divided and the Glade (Walkersville) and Woodsboro churches constituted a pastoral charge. Glade and St. John’s shared ministers until the charge was dissolved on September 30, 1983.
Timeline
of St. John's UCC of Woodsboro, MD
1802 – Cornerstone laid for the original church building.
• 1822 – Sanctuary completed; shared by Lutheran and Reformed congregations.
• 1860 – Congregations separate; St. John’s becomes exclusively Reformed.
• 1889 – Church struck by lightning; major alterations and rebuilding undertaken.
• 1940 – Significant rebuild completed at a cost of $1,200.
• 1957 – Rear addition constructed, expanding space for ministry and fellowship.
• Mid-20th Century – German Reformed Church merges with Evangelical Church, later joining the Congregational Christian Churches to form the United Church of Christ (UCC).
• Present Day – St. John’s continues as a vibrant UCC congregation, honoring its history while welcoming new generations into faith and community.
Church Building
of St. John's UCC of Woodsboro, MD
The first electric lights were installed in 1919, donated by
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Shank
The oak altar was installed in 1922, in memory of William E.
Graham who died in World War I, donated by his parents.
The baptismal font was donated in 1922, by Mr. G. A. Lough,
in memory of John Q. and Mary A. Lough.
The oak pulpit was donated in 1922, by Mrs. Nollie B. Sharretts,
in memory of her parents Jacob and Lily A. Bowers.
The altar railing and *oak floor were installed in 1924.
The stained glass windows were installed in 1928,
at a total cost of approximately $2,500.
(In 1997, value was assessed at $18,000 to $20,000 each.)
The windows were contributed by:
*The Heidelberg Workers: (two windows)
*Mr. & Mrs. Raymond R. Shank (two)
*Jeremiah Etzler (one)
*P. F. Feiser (one)
*Mrs. G. F. Smith – the window in the Gable
*Mrs. Laura Barrick – the windows above the back doors.
*The six hanging lights were installed in 1941.
*The ceiling lights above the altar were replaced in 1996.
*An oil furnace replaced the coal furnace in 1947.
*A new oil furnace and *wall to wall carpet were installed in 1988.
*Ceiling fans were installed in 1992, donated by Roy and
Juanita Snyder.
*In 1996, a handicapped accessible bathroom was installed, replacing
the previous (two) bathrooms.
*In 1997, the Sunday school room received new lights, new ceiling
and fresh paint.
*In 2004, a sound system was installed in the sanctuary. A speaker in
the office (sometimes used as a nursery) makes the service audible
to that part of the building as well.
*In 2006, two Memorial stones were erected behind the educational
building, listing all those buried in the Solomon’s Cemetery.
*In 2007, a handicap entrance with ramp and rails was installed.
*In 2008, the parking lot was completed, followed by the completion
of the Memorial Garden.
EDUCATIONAL BUILDING
During the pastorate of the Rev. Charles Price, the present educational building was constructed. In 1952, the first plan for a two story structure costing $20,000 was defeated. In 1956, Leslie Grove drew up plans for the present floor level building. In June, 1957, ground breaking ceremonies were held. Dedication of the completed addition was held in October 1957. The cost of the addition was $14,000 and was paid in full by April, 1961.
Cemetery 1799 – 1957
of St. John's UCC of Woodsboro, MD
Behind the church (presently under the educational building) was the Solomon’s Cemetery. According to tombstone records, recorded in 1957, the first burial was of
Josiah Hedges (4 mos., 22 days) who died on May 9, 1799.
The last person buried was Caroline Saylor (86 yrs., 9 mos., 4 days) who died on March 31, 1907.
Records on file at the church indicated that 242 tombstones were crushed and buried when the new educational building addition was constructed in 1957.
Ages at time of death:
Ages 0-5 68 Ages 51-60 8
Ages 6-10 6 Ages 61-70 23
Ages 11-20 19 Ages 71-80 22
Ages 21-30 19 Ages 81-90 12
Ages 31-40 17 Ages over 91 2
Ages 41-50 14 Others – unknown
Denominational Change
of St. John's UCC of Woodsboro, MD
- In the first half of the 20th century, the German Reformed Church merged with the Evangelical Church, forming the Evangelical and Reformed Church.
- Later, this body joined with the Congregational Christian Churches of America to create the United Church of Christ (UCC).
- St. John’s embraced this new identity, becoming part of a denomination known for its emphasis on unity, inclusivity, and social justice.
- Mid-20th Century – German Reformed Church merges with Evangelical Church, later joining the Congregational Christian Churches to form the United Church of Christ (UCC).
- Present Day – St. John’s continues as a vibrant UCC congregation, honoring its history while welcoming new generations into faith and community.
Women
of St. John's UCC of Woodsboro, MD
WOMEN
The Heidelberg Workers, which usually met at the home of Mrs. George F. Smith was organized in 1941. They were the forerunners of the Women’s Guild. Mrs. Steiner S. Cramer was the first president.
Church Consistory:
First Woman Elder – Mrs. Charles Wills, 1956
First Woman Deacon – Mrs. Steiner S. Cramer, 1956
First Woman President: Mr. Betty Crum, 1981
