Easton in Northampton County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Worshipping, Learning, Healing, Peacemaking
Karl Stirner Arts Trail
— City of Easton, Pennsylvania —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
1. Worshipping, Learning, Healing, Peacemaking Marker
The German Reformed Church was originally constructed at 3rd and Church Streets in 1775-76 and was the largest building in Easton at the time. The church congregation's office building, on Church and Sitgreaves Streets, dates from 1778, and was originally Easton's second school building. The Church served as a Revolutionary War hospital, treating wounded soldiers from the Battles of Brooklyn and Brandywine. It was during that time that George Washington came to the church to visit the wounded. The Church was also the site of the Indian Treaty Conference of 1777.
The brick portions were designed by Thomas Ustick Walter, who was the architect of the dome of the United States Capital and later served as President of the American Institute of Architects from 1876-1887. Known today as the First United Church of Christ of Easton, it stands as the oldest existing church building in the City.
Karl Stirner Arts Trail
City of Easton, Pennsylvania
Erected by City of Easton, Pennsylvania.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Native Americans • War, US Revolutionary
this page online
Location. 40° 41.53′ N, 75° 12.542′ W. Marker is in Easton, Pennsylvania, in Northampton County. Marker is on North Third Street north of Church Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located beside the fence on the west side of the subject church, near the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 229 Church Street, Easton PA 18042, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Reformed Church (a few steps from this marker); Millionaire's Row (within shouting distance of this marker); Lafayette College Founding (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldiers and Sailors Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Soldiers and Sailors Monument (about 300 feet away); The Declaration of Independence in Easton (about 400 feet away); The Great Square (about 400 feet away); Founding of Easton and Northampton County (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Easton.
More about this marker. Marker is included in Easton's "Karl Stirner Arts Trail" series.
Related markers.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
2. Marker detail: Church west side image
The land on which the church was constructed was deeded to the trustees for the congregation by John and Richard Penn, heirs of Pennsylvania's founder William Penn.
Also see . . .
1. The First Reformed Church. Waymarking website entry:
On June 8, 1775, the cornerstone of the present sanctuary was laid. Construction began immediately, and the Church was consecrated on November 17, 1776. Only the four stone walls remain of the original Church. First Church played a prominent role in the turbulent years of the American Revolution. Since the Church and the courthouse were the largest buildings in Easton, both were used as hospitals for wounded and infirm soldiers after the battles of Trenton, Brandywine, and Germantown. It is believed Gen. George Washington visited these soldiers in the Church during one of his visits to Easton. In 1777, meetings were held at the Church between the peace commissioners appointed by Congress and representatives of various Indian nations. Thomas Paine, the famous Revolutionary pamphleteer and author of “Common Sense”, served as secretary to the commissioners at these meetings. (Submitted on March 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Our Steeple & Clock Tower. First United Church of Christ website entry:
Thomas Ustick Walter was already showing his genius with many beautiful buildings done in the Greek Revival style, and would go on to design many more, including the extensions for the Capitol building in 1851, which more than doubled the size of the existing building, and
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
3. Marker detail: Stained glass Star of David
The church has a Star of David in honor of Meyer Hart, Easton's first Jewish citizen and a contributor to the original church building fund.
3. Thomas Ustick Walter. Britannica website entry:
Thomas Ustick Walter, (born Sept. 4, 1804, Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.—died Oct. 30, 1887, Philadelphia), American architect important for the quality and influence of his designs based upon ancient Greek models. (Submitted on March 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
4. Worshipping, Learning, Healing, Peacemaking Marker (tall view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
5. Church entrance (brick portions designed by Thomas Ustick Walter)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
6. Church west side (stonework & window detail)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 5, 2022
7. Church Chimes Electrification Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 284 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7. submitted on April 7, 2022, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
