Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Centenary Building
Walking Tour Stop 14
Photographed By Shane Oliver, October 30, 2021
1. Centenary Building Marker
In 1827, a German Reformed congregation built a stone church at this location. At the time, a Methodist congregation was housed in a church on Church Alley. The location was not ideal due to boisterous behavior in the alley during church services and “offensive” odors coming from nearby stables. In 1833, the Methodist congregation decided to find a more suitable building and purchased the stone church. In addition to regular church services, the church was used for the matriculation, baccalaureate and commencement services of Dickinson College. When tensions arose within the congregation, a college-oriented group withdrew from the church and formed a second Methodist congregation.In 1875, the two Methodist congregations decided to reunify. They tore down the stone church and replaced it with a two story brick church. Completed in 1877, it became known as the Centenary Church in recognition of the centenary of American Independence. The reunified Methodist congregation worshipped here for twelve more years until they decided to move closer to the Dickinson College campus. In 1889 the building was sold, and for the next 110
this page online
In December 1999, a devastating fire caused severe damage to the old structure. The building, which is now known as the Centenary Building, was restored through a public-private partnership led by 3-T Investors, LLP.
Images courtesy of the Cumberland County Historical Society.
Erected by Historic Carlisle, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1999.
Location. 40° 12.094′ N, 77° 11.476′ W. Marker is in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. Marker is at the intersection of High Street (U.S. 11) and Pitt Street, on the right when traveling east on High Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 54 West High Street, Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hot-Chee Dogs (a few steps from this marker); Carlisle's 250th Anniversary Mural (a few steps from this marker); Cumberland County Historical Society & Hamilton Library Association (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carlisle Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Prelude to Gettysburg (within shouting distance of this marker);
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 29, 2009
2. Centenary Building and Marker
Photographed By Shane Oliver, October 30, 2021
3. Centenary Building
Credits. This page was last revised on January 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,101 times since then and 120 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 19, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on February 12, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on December 19, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
