Christmas Tour of Heritage Churches

Organized worship was a part of Lancaster from the city's beginnings. Records exist of services conducted in log cabins by traveling ministers as early as 1799. As the town grew, so did the congregations of the faithful. By the mid-1830's, the Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, German Reformed, and Episcopalians had all established churches in Lancaster. These churches were not only places of worship, but important social centers where like-minded citizens gathered to exchange news of their community and the world. As the town prospered, so did the churches. Many of those on the tour have been rebuilt several times since their inception. The new churches were built in the architectural style of the day, from Gothic Revival to Colonial, with each one larger and more splendid than the earlier version. This year's tour shows you eight Heritage Churches, with a short Christmas program at each. Join one of several small groups for a Walking Tour, and experience beautiful stained glass, candlelight, and choral music that celebrates this most joyous time of the year. The 2002 tour will be held on the evening of December 14. Your tour ticket also admits you to the Georgian, the Sherman House, and the Reese-Peters House on the day of the tour between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

 

			St. John's Episcopal Church		St. Mary of the Assumption
			St. Peter's Lutheran Church		The First United Methodist Church
			Mills United Methodist Church		First Presbyterian Church
			Emanuel Lutheran Church		First English Lutheran Church

Square 13 Historic District Tour, Anytime

Local Legends and Myths Tour, Elmwood Cemetery, fourth Friday in October

Christmas Tour of Heritage Churches, second Saturday of December

Pilgrimage Tour of Homes, first weekend of May