Camp Curtin Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Camp Curtin Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church
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Camp Curtin Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, c. 2010
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2221 N Sixth St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1895, 1916 |
| Architect | Badgley, Sidney R.; Hamilton, Thomas; Savage, George E.; Sollenberger, C.A. |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 10000400 |
| Added to NRHP | August 5, 2010 |
Camp Curtin Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church is a historic Methodist Episcopal church located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is also known by other names like Curtin Heights Church. This special building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
In recent years, there have been talks about selling the church. In 2021, it was almost sold to a group planning a veterans' ministry. However, that deal didn't happen. The church is still an important part of its community. It is also a reminder of the historic Camp Curtin, a major training camp during the American Civil War.
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History of Camp Curtin Church
The story of this church began in February 1889. Eight people in Harrisburg formed a Methodist group. Soon after, in May 1889, they started a Sunday school. About 50 people attended classes above a local grocery store.
As more people joined, the group needed a bigger space. A leader named Rev. J.S. Wilcox helped them build a new chapel. The first stone for this new building was placed on May 11, 1890. The chapel was officially opened in December 1891. It was called the Curtin Heights Episcopal Church. It stood on the same spot where the famous Camp Curtin once was.
Building and Rebuilding
The church added two new sections in 1893 to make more room. But sadly, this expanded building didn't last long. A fire destroyed it on December 30, 1894. The church community quickly decided to build again on the same site.
Under the guidance of Dr. S. Fasick, the new church was finished by July 1895. It was officially dedicated on December 15 of that year.
Name Changes and Expansion
The church's name changed in September 1914. It became the Camp Curtin Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. Later that year, church leaders decided to make the church even bigger. They raised money to support this effort. They rededicated the church as a special memorial to all soldiers from the Civil War.
In 1915, the pastor, Rev. Alvin S. Williams, encouraged more expansion. The church needed to grow for its increasing members. More money was raised, and construction began on December 3, 1916. This new part included a large sanctuary and an auditorium. It had enough seats for 700 people.
That same year, a special painting was ordered for the church. It showed Christ appearing to a dying soldier. C. Day Rudy, who had lost his parents in the Civil War, was chosen to create this artwork. It was dedicated on Memorial Day weekend in 1916. Rudy also made the beautiful stained glass Rose Window. This window is still in the church today.
In June 1916, church members asked the Pennsylvania Legislature for help. They wanted a monument near the church. This monument would honor the site of the Civil War training camp. Their request asked for land to build a statue or monument. It would remember Governor Curtin and the 100,000 soldiers from Camp Curtin.
Dedication Events
Starting on December 3, 1916, the church held a week of dedication events. Important Methodist leaders attended the opening. Bishop W. F. McDowell and Rev. Dr. John Krantz gave speeches.
On December 6, Civil War veterans and their descendants attended a special service. This service honored the new church building. It was also a monument to Camp Curtin. About 300,000 men had joined the Union army from this camp. The veterans marched to the church together. Local veteran groups gave an American flag to the church leaders. A professor from Dickinson College spoke about Camp Curtin's role in the war. The event ended with a meal and a Civil War song.
The dedication events finished on Sunday, December 10, with another sermon.
Later Years and Mergers
In 1917, the church hosted a performance of Handel's Messiah. It also held special programs for its members. In 1919, William R. Stonesifer became the church's organist and choir director.
Over the years, the Methodist church had several mergers. In 1939, three branches of the Methodist church joined. The church in Harrisburg then became the Camp Curtin Memorial Methodist Church. In 1969, the Methodist church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The church's name changed again to Camp Curtin Memorial United Methodist Church.
Finally, on June 25, 1989, this church joined with Mitchell United Methodist. It became the Camp Curtin Memorial-Mitchell United Methodist Church, which is its name today.
Architectural Details
The Camp Curtin Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church is a strong building made of stone and brick. It has a Late Victorian and Romanesque style. The main church building has one of the largest pipe organs in Harrisburg. This organ was built in 1917 by the M. P. Moller company.
The back part of the church was built first, in 1895. This was the congregation's main worship area. A new, larger front section was added later. Its first stone was placed in the fall of 1915. This front part was completed in 1916. It features a tall tower and a belfry with decorative tops.
This church was recognized for its historical importance in 2010. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Present Day Importance
In December 2018, the United Methodist Church announced plans to sell or combine about 10 churches in the Harrisburg area. In February 2021, news reports said the Camp Curtin Memorial-Mitchell United Methodist Church would be sold. The buyer was a church from the west coast. They wanted to use it for veterans. However, the deal did not go through. The church was put back up for sale.
The church property was listed for $155,000. It is zoned for "commercial neighborhood" use. This means it could be used for different purposes. However, many people want to save the church. Historic preservationists and church members have resisted the sale plans.
People who support the church say it is very important to its community. Even though about 40 people attend services each week, the church helps many more. It offers important social services throughout the week. These include health care services and a soup kitchen. These services are vital for the neighborhood.
David Morrison, from the Historic Harrisburg Association, said the church is a "landmark." He believes it has great value for history, tourism, and learning about the Civil War.
See also
- Camp Curtin: Information about the Civil War training camp.
- Camp Curtin Fire Station: A historic fire station in Harrisburg.
- Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Details about the Camp Curtin neighborhood.
- Harrisburg School District: Information about schools, including Camp Curtin School.
