Mission
Continually refreshed by the fountain of God's love in Christ Jesus,
we of the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church are sent by the Holy Spirit
to direct that flow into the lives of our neighbors so that they too
might be refreshed.
Location
The sanctuary is located at
30 Chambersburg Street. The Preschool, church office and meeting rooms are located next door at
44 Chambersburg Street.
Church History
Originally named Christ's Church, Christ
Lutheran Church was founded in 1836. It is the third of three Lutheran institutions started in
Gettysburg by Samuel Simon Schmucker and colleagues. These forward-thinking Lutherans also founded the Seminary in
1826, and Gettysburg College--originally named Pennsylvania College--in 1832.
Christ Lutheran was founded for two primary
reasons. First, it was created so Lutherans, especially Seminary and
College faculties and students, could worship in English. In 1836, there was already a Lutheran presence
in Gettysburg, but
worship services were conducted primarily in German. Second, in addition
to offering worship services in English, Christ Lutheran was created to
serve as the main assembly hall for the Lutheran Seminary and Gettysburg
College. Often called The
College Church, it hosted numerous graduation ceremonies and similar
large gatherings from 1836 until the 1940s.
Built in 1835~1836, the church has undergone
significant change in only one area--the south end of the building was extended to accommodate the
current chancel. Today, Christ Lutheran still has its original foundation, brick walls, front
pillars, bell tower, bell, floor joists, rafters, and beams. The original, plain glass windows were destroyed
during the Battle, and were later replaced with stained glass.