Zion Stone United Methodist Church

Zion Stone Church History

When one takes a position on the summit of Peter’s Mountain and looks northward, there stretches out before one a rolling country drained by the Powell’s Creek which flows westwardly into the Susquehanna River. In this valley are four United Brethern: Zion in Halifax Township; Jacob’s and Union in Wayne Township; and Trinity in Jefferson Township.

Zion Stone is the oldest stone edifice in the conference. It was erected in 1842, thirty-six by 40 feet in size. Mountain stone of variegated buff and yellowish colors was brought from Peter’s Mountain to the site. John Wolbert, a stone mason, who later became a member of the congregation, built the walls. After the turn of the century, it is as substantial as they day it was erected. In later years a vestiblue was attached which matches the original structure.

Prior to the erection of the church, services were held in a public school building known as “Funk’s School”. It stood on the north side of the road, opposite the site of the church lot.

A deed transferring 80 perches of land at a cost of $10 is dated December December 1844.

Knocking At The Door

The painting at from of the sanctuary was dedicated September 2, 1943. Reverend Harry Fogelman was the pastor at Zion Stone Church. Pastor Fogelman served as pastor for 8 churches.

The improvements to the church and the painting cost $375.