Our Founding Story
Union was the 4th Lutheran church in York, and the first church west of the Codorus Creek. In January of 1859, a group of citizens from the neighborhood met to form the church. The name "Union" was chosen because the new church unites members of other existing congregations into a new neighborhood church. Union Lutheran was chartered by the State of Pennsylvania on March 22, 1859.
On March 29, 1859, the lot for the church was purchased for $1,000., and the contract to build the church was awarded for $5,636. On June 2, 1859 the cornerstone was laid for the original building. February 11, 1860, Rev. John Menges was called as Union's first pastor, at a salary of $400 a year. In 1916, the property adjacent to the church was purchased from the Loucks family for $17,500 and in 1926, J. A. Dempwolf was employed as the architect to design a new sanctuary.
January 1928, the cornerstone was laid for the new (and present) stone sanctuary, which was dedicated on Sept. 15, 1929. Union's sanctuary is an exceptional example of neo-gothic cruciform architecture, meaning in the shape of a cross. The Transepts and Baptistery are the arms, with the Nave and Chancel forming the upright. As you enter the building, you will notice that there are seven steps leading from the street to the entrance. There are also seven steps leading from the Nave to the Altar. The number seven is often called the perfect number Biblically, as it includes the Holy Trinity, representing heaven and the four points of the compass, representing earth.
The ceiling is in the shape of an inverted ship's hull. This part of the church is the Nave, from the Latin "navis" meaning ship. In medieval times, construction such as this was done by shipwrights, since they were the only people who could work on this scale. The altar is hand-carved oak. The two figures on either side are Moses (on the left), holding the Ten Commandments and representing the Old Testament, and Luke (on the right) with an Ox. The ornate structure framing the altar is topped by two angels supporting the crown and dove. Beneath the cross are grapes and wheat, with the cup in the center, representing the Holy Eucharist. The pulpit and lectern are enhanced with grapes, vines and acorns, representing life.
The Cross, the focal point of the Christian way of life, hangs in front of the dossal at the altar. This silver cross, made by Gorham & Company of New York, originally sat on a three-step base. It was later converted to the hanging cross that you see today.
Our stained glass windows were installed in 1928-29 and were supplied by three different manufacturers at a total cost of $17,980. The windows speak for themselves. They are unique and absolutely beautiful. The windows in the Nave depict the life and teachings of Christ, from birth to death, and resurrection and the great commission. The Clerestory windows are representations of Prophets, Apostles and Disciples. The choir window features Martin Luther, along with the original and present sanctuaries. These art glass windows are likely the most compelling features of Union.
On March 29, 1859, the lot for the church was purchased for $1,000., and the contract to build the church was awarded for $5,636. On June 2, 1859 the cornerstone was laid for the original building. February 11, 1860, Rev. John Menges was called as Union's first pastor, at a salary of $400 a year. In 1916, the property adjacent to the church was purchased from the Loucks family for $17,500 and in 1926, J. A. Dempwolf was employed as the architect to design a new sanctuary.
January 1928, the cornerstone was laid for the new (and present) stone sanctuary, which was dedicated on Sept. 15, 1929. Union's sanctuary is an exceptional example of neo-gothic cruciform architecture, meaning in the shape of a cross. The Transepts and Baptistery are the arms, with the Nave and Chancel forming the upright. As you enter the building, you will notice that there are seven steps leading from the street to the entrance. There are also seven steps leading from the Nave to the Altar. The number seven is often called the perfect number Biblically, as it includes the Holy Trinity, representing heaven and the four points of the compass, representing earth.
The ceiling is in the shape of an inverted ship's hull. This part of the church is the Nave, from the Latin "navis" meaning ship. In medieval times, construction such as this was done by shipwrights, since they were the only people who could work on this scale. The altar is hand-carved oak. The two figures on either side are Moses (on the left), holding the Ten Commandments and representing the Old Testament, and Luke (on the right) with an Ox. The ornate structure framing the altar is topped by two angels supporting the crown and dove. Beneath the cross are grapes and wheat, with the cup in the center, representing the Holy Eucharist. The pulpit and lectern are enhanced with grapes, vines and acorns, representing life.
The Cross, the focal point of the Christian way of life, hangs in front of the dossal at the altar. This silver cross, made by Gorham & Company of New York, originally sat on a three-step base. It was later converted to the hanging cross that you see today.
Our stained glass windows were installed in 1928-29 and were supplied by three different manufacturers at a total cost of $17,980. The windows speak for themselves. They are unique and absolutely beautiful. The windows in the Nave depict the life and teachings of Christ, from birth to death, and resurrection and the great commission. The Clerestory windows are representations of Prophets, Apostles and Disciples. The choir window features Martin Luther, along with the original and present sanctuaries. These art glass windows are likely the most compelling features of Union.
