Ambridge in Beaver County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Harmonist Church / St. John's Lutheran Church

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, September 20, 2022

1. Harmonist Church / St. John's Lutheran Church Marker

Inscription. Under the leadership of George Rapp, the Harmonists left the Lutheran church in Württemberg, Germany in the late eighteenth century. They felt the Lutheran Church was corrupt, and wanted to return to the way of the early Christian church just after the death of Jesus Christ, when Christians lived communally. They believed they were Christ’s chosen people to reign with Him when He returned.
Built in 1828-31, the church of the Harmony Society saw service twice on Sunday until the Society closed in 1905. Afterwards the building held services for all denominations before churches were built in the newly-founded town of Ambridge. The St. John’s Lutheran Church congregation formed in 1907.

Erected by Ambridge Historic District, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Ambridge Rotary Club, Old Economy Village.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Communal and Utopian Societies, and the Rotary International series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 40° 35.771′ N, 80° 13.939′ W. Marker is in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, in Beaver County. Marker is at the intersection of Church Street and Creese Street, on the right when traveling

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south on Church Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ambridge PA 15003, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Harmony Society Church (a few steps from this marker); Carriage House and Summer Kitchen (a few steps from this marker); Old Economy (within shouting distance of this marker); Greenhouse and Bakery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Harmonist Wool Block (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Economy Memorial (about 500 feet away); Economy Hotel (about 500 feet away); Water Pump, Bank, Restaurant, Croatian Club (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ambridge.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, September 20, 2022

2. Harmonist Church / St. John's Lutheran Church Marker

Left Side Photos
In October 1935, Fred Schotsinger and his men bravely repaired the steeple.

St. John's German Sunday School at Easter, March 31, 1907.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, September 20, 2022

3. Harmonist Church / St. John's Lutheran Church Marker

Right Side Photos
In Harmonist times the pulpit was on the south side of the church, and men and women sat on opposite sides of the church. The the service faces east.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, September 20, 2022

4. Harmonist Church / St. John's Lutheran Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2022, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 139 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 20, 2022, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.