Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

"…the pathos of those poor wounded men…"

Photographed By Craig Swain, April 4, 2009

1. "...the pathos of those poor wounded men..." Marker

Inscription. Completed in 1836, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church's building is the oldest in Gettysburg used continuously for religious worship.

During the battle of Gettysburg it became a haven for serving humanity. When the first wounded appeared along Chambersburg Street, the church's doors were thrown open to serve as a hospital. Within a few hours the chancel, pews and aisles were filled to capacity with stricken and suffering Union soldiers who remained under care under late July.

On the Sunday, July 7th, following the Confederate withdrawal, the church was able to conduct a brief service for parishioners and patients. Mary Horner long remembered, "…the pathos of those poor wounded men as they sang."

This was the last service until July 29th, after the wounded were removed to the consolidated army hospital, Camp Letterman, east of town.

Funding for this project assisted by NPS / American Battlefield Protection Program

Erected by Main Street Gettysburg.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.

Location. 39° 49.848′ N, 77° 13.948′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is on

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Chambersburg Street (U.S. 30) just east of South Washington Street, on the right when traveling east. Located in front of the Christ Lutheran Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 28 Chambersburg St, Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Reverend Horatio S. Howell (here, next to this marker); Christ Lutheran Church (here, next to this marker); "…expecting to find all dead." (a few steps from this marker); Parish House (a few steps from this marker); Thaddeus Stevens (a few steps from this marker); The James Gettys Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Citizens of Gettysburg (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ice House Complex (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

More about this marker. On the right is a photo of The Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church ca. 1885 appears essentially as it did in 1863. The dwellings seen on both sides still exist.

Also see . . . Gettysburg's Christ Lutheran Church. From Gettysburg Daily. The article includes a tour by Pastor Stephen R. Herr and Dr. Conrad B. Richter. Two versions of Reverend Howell's death are discussed. (Submitted on April 20, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 14, 2013

2. "...the pathos of those poor wounded men..." Marker

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 14, 2013

3. "...the pathos of those poor wounded men..." Marker

The Christ Lutheran Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

4. The Christ Lutheran Church

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,749 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 20, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on April 14, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.