Paxtang in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Paxton Presbyterian Church
Founded in 1716
American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site
Erected 1935 by Paxton Church Historical Society. (Marker Number 46.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the American Presbyterian and Reformed Historic Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1716.
Location. 40° 15.781′ N, 76° 49.881′ W. Marker is in Paxtang, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. Marker is at the intersection of N. Paxtang Ave. and Sharon Road, on the right when traveling north on N. Paxtang Ave.. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harrisburg PA 17104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Paxton Church (a few steps from this marker); Original Location of the Paxton Congregation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Harris, Jr. (about 500 feet away); William Maclay, Esq. (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Paxton Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Parson John Elder House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Harrisburg High School and Former John Harris High School (approx. 1.1 miles away); Bellevue Park (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paxtang.
Regarding Paxton Presbyterian Church. Paxton Presbyterian Church is one of 445 American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Sites registered between 1973 and 2003 by the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS), headquartered in Philadelphia. Approved sites received a metal plaque featuring John Calvins seal and the sites registry number (PHS marker location unknown).
The following text is taken from the Presbyterian Historical Society website:
Mother of Harrisburg Presbyterianism, the Paxton congregation was organized in 1732 by the Presbytery of Donegal. The present stone structure was built in 1740 and is the oldest Presbyterian church building in continuous use in Pennsylvania. John Harris II, Founder of Harrisburg, and William Maclay, first U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, are buried in the adjacent graveyard, which dates back to the French and Indian War.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other Paxton Church Markers
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4,159 times since then and 230 times this year. Last updated on August 24, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1. submitted on April 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on February 27, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on April 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4. submitted on May 17, 2008, by John K. Robinson of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 5, 6, 7. submitted on April 1, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.