The history of Grace United Church of Christ
David Buie
(2/2022) Throughout the church's 240-year history, Grace Church has changed many times. First the German Reform Church, then the Reformed Church, then the Evangelical and Reformed Church, and finally, in 1957, the United Church of Christ. One of Carroll County's oldest places of worship is the United Church of Christ in Taneytown, which is said to be the "oldest village" in the county. The exact date of the congregation's organization cannot be determined because of the lack of definite records. However, it is known that Synod of The Reformed Church of Holland sent Michael Schlatter (1716-1790) to the colonies in 1747 to establish churches. Between 1756 and 1760, Rev. Steiner from Switzerland traveled from Frederick to conduct services in German under the auspices of the Reformed Church even before Taneytown existed. People often traveled twenty miles or more, packing guns to protect themselves from wild beasts and Indians. The area,
known as 'Pipe Creek,' became Taneytown in 1762.
In 1764, the land was conveyed by Raphael Taney; the first church (known as the 'Old Yellow Church') was built where the cemetery stands today, with Lutheran and Reformed congregations sharing the building. In 1812, the Lutheran congregation moved to a new building, and the Reformed congregation continued to use the facility for eight more years.
It was common for congregations to meet in homes, barns, or even outdoors in this period. Ministers were responsible for several congregations (called charges) simultaneously. In some cases, ministers served as both the schoolmaster and minister to dozens of congregations at once. During those early years, schools were the responsibility of the churches. Since there were few ministers in the area, services were held infrequently and usually only during the summer. Sermons were lengthy, lasting one to three hours, and were known for being quite dry. There were no musical instruments, but singing was an essential part of the worship.
The Lutheran and The Reformed congregations shared the first church building until 1812, when the Lutherans dedicated their owning building. Then, together with the Presbyterians, the Reformers built the Union Church in 1820, the nucleus of the present church. Built-in 1822, the church remained a Union church until 1884. At this dedication, special hymns were sung. For example, in the first verse of one of the hymns, "Today we lay the cornerstone, in hopes that we shall build, thereon, a house of God, who loves to dwell, where'er His people worship well."
The Reformed ministers preached in German, and the Presbyterian preached in English. Over the next one hundred years, the congregation witnessed many changes. In 1890 the building was extended back 20 feet, and the bell tower and front entrance were constructed. In 1924 under the pastorate of Rev. Guy P. Bready, the sanctuary's interior was remodeled to its present appearance. In 1952 under the pastorate of Rev. Morgan Andreas, the parish house was built, including a Sunday School room, stage, and altar. The present organ was also purchased.
From 1961-70 under the pastorate of Rev. William Wiley, air conditioning and a sound system were installed. The lower level was remodeled to provide classrooms and offices, the Lay Life & Work Committee was formed, and the Hesson Scholarship Fund was established. In
1972 under the pastorate of Rev. Fred Wenner, a new parsonage was built on Roberts Mill Road, and the old parsonage on West Baltimore Street was sold. The yoke between the Keysville and Taneytown churches was dissolved. In 1998 under the pastorate of Rev. Keith DeBord, the church building was made handicap accessible with an elevator and renovated restrooms, and a youth meeting room and nursery were added. In 2000 a new sign was placed on the front lawn. In 2002 during the interim pastorate of Rev. Lois Ann Ferguss-Oler, the church took
over ownership and management of the daycare center now known as Grace United Learning Center. Steeple lights were installed, illuminating the steeple at night.
In 2002 under the pastorate of Rev. Sam Askew, cabinets were constructed for the church's treasures and artifacts. In 2003 a memorial garden was erected in front of the church.
In 2004, our current pastor, Rev. Steven Ostendorf-Snell, began serving in the pulpit. In addition, the front doors were replaced with solid mahogany doors. Also, in 2004, plaques were mounted on the original cement post of the cemetery entrance reflecting the current name of Grace UCC Cemetery, and a wrought iron fence was added.
In 2006 the parsonage on Roberts Mill Road was sold for $350,000. Also, in 2006, the entire sanctuary was painted, and the pews refinished in preparation for the 250th celebration.
For the last sixteen years, like many churches, Grace UCC has seen a drastic decline in its congregation. But those who remain continue to be active in providing services to the community.
