Shiremanstown in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Church of God - Dedicated 1838
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., December 7, 2025
1. First Church of God - Dedicated 1838 Marker
From 1827 to 1838, members of the Church of God met in homes, the Shiremanstown schoolhouse, and outdoors during nice weather. September 24, 1838, this property was purchased from Henry and Elizabeth Zearing, and titled to Jacob Rupp and John M. Smith, a committee in trust and their successors, "for the worshipping of the Almighty in said House."
This building was dedicated November 23, 1838. The frame structure was 40 feet by 32 feet, and cost $700. Entrance was gained by two doors on the south end and the pulpit was between these two doors. In 1876, the building was remodeled and twelve feet added to the length, a bell tower erected, and new windows, roof and doors added. Major remodeling projects were undertaken in 1906 and 1952. In the 1930's, the building was lifted, and a basement was excavated and prepared for a kitchen, Sunday School rooms, and restrooms.
In 2000, an addition of approximately 46 feet by 33 feet nearly doubled the size of the building. This addition allowed for increased sanctuary space, pastor and secretary's offices, a new narthex, nursery, increased social hall area, handicap lift, storage,
this page online
Erected by Shiremanstown Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Shiremanstown Historical Society Walking Tour series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 23, 1838.
Location. 40° 13.361′ N, 76° 57.175′ W. Marker is in Shiremanstown, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It is on Locust Street north of Green Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 35 South Locust Street, Camp Hill PA 17011, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania and in Greater Harrisburg. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., December 7, 2025
2. First Church of God and Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Starr Tin Shop (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Atticks Tailor Shop - Built Mid 1800s (about 400 feet away); The Home of Primroses - Built About 1885 (about 400 feet away); Rupp General Store - Built Before 1862 (about 600 feet away); Rupp Carriage Factory - Built Around 1875 (about 700 feet away); Jacob Miller - 1874 (about 700 feet away); Shiremanstown Sesquicentennial Time Capsule (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shiremanstown.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., December 7, 2025
3. Lawrence C. Dieterich Memorial Parking Lot Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., December 7, 2025
4. Lawrence C. Dieterich Memorial Parking Lot and Marker
Church of God in background
Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 625 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 8, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
