Christ Lutheran Church, 29 South George Street, York, PA, will reconsecrate the graves of former pastor John George Schmucker, D.D., and his wife Anna Maria during the congregation's Anniversary Sunday liturgy, September 21, 2025. The congregation was founded in 1733, the first Lutheran congregation west of the Susquehanna River. Dr. Schmucker was pastor from 1809 to 1836.
During renovations several decades ago the obelisk marking the Schmuckers' graves was moved to the courtyard, but the remains were left in the original location. As the result of recent research, a new marker has been installed at the original burial site.
The Rev. Dr. Maria Erling, professor of Modern Church History and Global Missions at the United Lutheran Seminary-Gettysburg Campus, will preach at the 10:00 a.m. liturgy an teach a class at 9:00 a.am.
In 1821 Schmucker was instrumental in organizing the General Synod of the Lutheran Church in the United States. He was a member of the committee that founded in 1826 the Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary. His son, Samuel Simon Schmucker, was the first professor and president of the seminary. Dr. Schmucker helped to establish Pennsylvania College (now Gettysburg College) and served as one of its trustees.
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