AREA HISTORY:  Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH – Page 546

In the year 1819, the first colored church in York was built on North Duke 
Street.  The building then erected was dedicated on the 28th of November of that 
year.  The trustees of the church when organized were John Joice, John 
Lindenberger, Edward Young, Israel Williams and Richard Butler.  The church 
services and the colored school were conducted in this building until the new 
one was built.

The members of the congregation who had, for more than half a century, worshiped 
in this old landmark were now compelled to yield to the onward march of the many 
increasing manufacturing industries by which their little frame fabric was 
surrounded.  A very liberal offer for the purchase of their property having been 
made by the Billmyer & Small Co., was accepted after mature deliberation.

Their present place of worship is on East King Street, near Queen.  It is a very 
handsome brick edifice, two-stories high, and built with architectural design, 
finish, and comfort, at a cost of over $5,000.

J. A. Dempwolf was architect, and Jerome Heidler, builder.  The supervisory 
committee for church was A. Howard, G. S. Robinson, I. Gooden, R. S. Wilson and 
J. L. Smallwood.  Ground was broken September, 1880, and corner-stone laid with 
impressive ceremonies, October 24, 1880.  The new church was dedicated, Sunday, 
August 14, 1881, with very appropriate services, followed by encouraging 
financial results, entirely liquidating its indebtedness.

There is another colored church on the west side of the Codorus.