HARRISBURG – Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) recently introduced legislation to authorize the land transfer of the historic Peace Church from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to the Friends of Peace Church. With the passage of House Bill 2559, that authorization is now set to become law, ensuring Peace Church is preserved for future generations.
“The Peace Church is a treasure, and ensuring its preservation is critical to our local history and community,” Rothman said.
The church property is situated at the corner of Trindle Road and St. John’s Church Road in Hampden Township, Cumberland County. The remarkable Georgian-style limestone building is nearly as old as our nation.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this year, historic landmarks serve as physical reminders of our heritage,” Rothman said. “By facilitating this transfer, we ensure the Friends of Peace Church can preserve this important structure and educate our community, the commonwealth and the nation on its historic and structural significance.”
Built from June 1798 to May 1799, the Peace Church is believed to be the oldest church in Cumberland County that remains in its original condition. The church was the site of the Battle of Sporting Hill in June 1863, which was a part of the Gettysburg Campaign and the northernmost engagement of the Civil War. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The Friends of Peace Church have been the property’s stewards since 1975, providing meticulous care for the structure, its contents, the adjoining cemetery and the White Ash “witness tree” that has stood for more than 300 years.
The nonprofit organization has sought ownership of the church for many years and “gratefully acknowledges Senator Rothman’s work” to bring it to fruition. “We have been the stewards of Peace Church for the last 50 years and look forward to continuing to preserve it and its history for generations to come,” said the Friends.