St. Peter's Kierch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Peter's Kierch |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Evangelical Lutheran Church in America |
| Region | Lower Susquehanna Synod |
| Location | |
| Location | 31 West High Street Middletown Pennsylvania United States |
 Location in Pennsylvania
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| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Georgian |
| Groundbreaking | July 13, 1767 |
| Completed | 1769 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 225 |
| Materials | Sandstone |
| U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
| Added to NRHP | June 17, 1983 |
| NRHP Reference no. | 7301621 |
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Pennsylvania Historical Marker
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| Designated | February 28, 1969 |
St. Peter's Kierch is an old and important church in Middletown, Pennsylvania. People also call it the Old Kierch or St. Peter's Church. It is a Lutheran church, which is a type of Christian church. Building started in 1767. A famous pastor, Henry Muhlenberg, officially opened it in 1769.
The church was used for regular services until 1879. That's when a bigger church was finished. St. Peter's Kierch was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it's a special historic building.
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What St. Peter's Kierch Looks Like
St. Peter's Kierch is a two-and-a-half story church. It is built in the Georgian style. You can find it where Union and High Streets meet in Middletown. The church is made from red sandstone.
Inside, there were once balconies on three sides. The special "wineglass" shaped pulpit was on the north side. A bell tower was added to the west side in 1813. It was built 46 years after the main church. The tower was not meant to be the main entrance.
The sides of the church have three tall windows. These windows reach up to the top floor. Each window has 44 small glass panes.
History of the Church
On September 18, 1764, some local people bought land. They wanted to build a Lutheran church. They bought the land from George Fisher, who founded Middletown. They paid 7 shillings and 6 pence. This was a small amount of money back then. They also agreed to pay a yearly rent of one grain of wheat.
Building the Church
The first stone of the church was laid on July 13, 1767. This important step was done by James Burd. The church was officially opened on September 12, 1769. Henry Muhlenberg, a very important Lutheran leader, led the dedication.
The bell tower was built much later, in 1813. The church bell was made in Philadelphia. It was cast by Hedderly and Leverin. The bell was hung in the tower in 1815.
A New Church and Special Events
By 1876, the church community had grown very large. They decided to build a new, bigger church. This new church was a few blocks south of the old one. The last regular church service at St. Peter's Kierch was on January 26, 1879.
Even though it's not used every week, the Old Kierch is still important. It is used for special services and funerals. Other special events are also held there. St. Peter's Kierch was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 17, 1973.
The Church Cemetery
Next to the church is a cemetery. People in the area call it "God's Acre." About 210 people are buried there. Many of these people fought in the American Revolution.
See also
