Worship at First Lutheran

At First Lutheran Chambersburg, worship is central to our faith life. Through the preaching, teaching and hearing of God’s Word, Baptism, Holy Communion prayers and hymns, we are nurtured in faith and sent out into the world. We gather every Sunday morning in the Sanctuary on the second floor.

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Upcoming Events

Sunday Services

Worship 9:30AM

Our Staff

Rev. Jane Nicholson

Pastor

God is always doing surprising things and Pastor Nicholson treasures how the Holy Spirit inspires each of us to pursue the mission God has entrusted to us – to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world.
Pastor Nicholson began her ministry with the people of First Lutheran in September of 2014. She has served congregations as an ordained pastor and a non-ordained minister relating to children, youth, and senior adults. Prior to her arrival at First Lutheran, she has served at Trinity Lutheran in Latrobe, PA; First Lutheran in Norfolk, VA; Bethlehem Lutheran in Fairport, NY; Augsburg Fortress Publishers in Atlanta, GA and throughout the Southeastern United States; St. Michael Lutheran in Greenville, SC; and at the North Carolina Synod Office. Pastor Nicholson is a 1996 graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. She completed her undergraduate work at Luther College in Decorah, IA.
Pastor Nicholson is married to Mr. Mark Nicholson and they live in Chambersburg. She enjoys time in the flower beds, going for walks, visiting antique malls, and keeping in touch with friends and family. And of course she and her husband are both avid Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates fans (how can they not be?)

Freda Dorand

Deacon/Director for Church Music

Freda Dorand uses her God given gifts and talents as Music Director at First Lutheran. Having grown up in Franklin County, PA, she attended Waynesboro Area Senior High School and graduated in 1975. Freda received her BS in Music Education from Millersville University in 1979 and her MA in Ministerial Studies from Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary in 1996. She was consecrated as a Deacon of the ELCA in 1997. Freda teaches music in the Fannett-Metal School District. Prior to her work at First Lutheran, she has served as the Organist and Director of Music at First United Methodist Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church both in Mercersburg, PA; Christ Lutheran in Hagerstown, MD; and St. Paul’s Lutheran in Biglerville, PA.

Carol McCoy

Financial Secretary

Carol has been the Financial Secretary at First Lutheran Church since January 2017. She previously worked as a secretary and Police Communications Operator with the State of Pennsylvania and retired in 2013. She has been a lifetime resident of Chambersburg and a member of First Lutheran Church since 1968. Carol and her husband enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. They also love watching and attending the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins games.

Sally Herritt

Treasurer

Sally Herritt is a life member of First Lutheran Church and has served in many capacities including Sunday School teacher, youth group advisor, lay reader, and choir member. She retired in 2017 as Executive Director of Chambersburg Community Theatre after 25 years. Beginning in October 2019, Sally faithfully and conscientiously serves as Treasurer. She and her husband Gene enjoy traveling, golfing, and entertaining friends.

History

Founding

Founding

Rev. Bager & Colonel Benjamin Chambers

The early history of the Lutheran Church in the Chambersburg area began with the settlement of German immigrants during the eighteenth century. Lutheran pastors probably visited the area as early as the 1750’s. The Rev. Bager, pastor at Hanover, began preaching at Grindstone Hill about 1765. When the Rev. Young succeeded the Rev. Bager about 1770 he began to preach also in Chambersburg, continuing until 1783.
On June 28, 1780 Colonel Benjamin Chambers, founder of the town, and his wife Jane conveyed to the trustees of the congregation a plot of ground “for building a Lutheran Church in the town of Chambersburg”. The cost was one pound ten shillings plus “annually forever one rose in June”. Rose Rent Sunday is observed each June when a rose is presented to a descendant of Colonel and Mrs. Chambers as the annual rent.

Two Story Log Church to Brick Building

Two Story Log Church to Brick Building

A two story log church was erected immediately and shared by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations until they separated in 1808. The log church was then replaced by a brick building which was used until 1854. The early records of the church were destroyed during the burning of Chambersburg by Confederate soldiers in 1864. Although the church was not burned, it is believed that the records had been moved for safe keeping to the courthouse which was destroyed in the fire.
The congregation was incorporated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1832 as “the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Chambersburg.” A few years later a number of families, dissatisfied with the introduction of the English language in the service, withdrew to organize what is now Second Lutheran Church. In the 1890’s a number of members organized Trinity Lutheran Church in the north end of town, so the walk to church would be closer for families.

Growth & Renovation

Growth & Renovation

Numerous renovations and improvements have been made to the property over the years. In the early 1950’s the present chapel replaced old Sunday School rooms on the first floor of the Sanctuary building and the Parish Hall, originally a high school, was remodeled for social and Sunday School rooms. Memorial Hall was built to connect the two buildings. In the renovation process the graveyard was closed, but headstones still remain in the yard behind the church.
Throughout the many years, First Lutheran has had many faithful pastors, congregational leaders and members. God has certainly blessed us to be a blessing to others.

Reach out to us

Find us at the office

43 W Washington St., Chambersburg, PA 17201

Give us a ring

(717) 264-2015
Church office hours: Mon-Thur 9AM-1PM