History

This public building is an eclectic mix of informal and formal design. The first floor served as the City’s first firehouse, while the second floor contained the City’s meeting rooms and offices. The central double doors allowed the two-wheel wagons and later the firetruck to exit the building. The large three-part window in the center bay of the second floor is the location of the Council meeting room.

In 1972, Taneytown acquired the building on the west, formerly Burk’s Barber Shop, to use as office space. An advertisement for Zile’s Ice Cream is on the exterior wall, which was served at the Central Hotel, formerly located at 1 York Street in the early 1900s.

This structure was built around 1875. It was acquired by William H. Starr (1831-1901), one of the wealthiest and most influential men in Carroll County and ran as the Buffington House by James Buffington (1861-1930) until 1903. In 1903, John D. Kane (1856-1907) acquired Buffington House and the adjacent property (27 East Baltimore Street).

Kane had been engaged in the hotel business in Emmitsburg before acquiring the property in Taneytown. Hotel guests described Kane as a courteous and accommodating person who conducts the hotel in the best style so that guests are assured of first-class treatment.

Like its adjacent building, it is a local example of vernacular Gothic Revival (pointed arch, used for windows, doors, and decorative elements like porches, dormers, or roof gables).

Like 25 East Baltimore Street, 27 East Baltimore Street was owned by William Starr and later John Kane. Kane rented the building to John S. Bowers, who had been operating his hardware on the second floor, over the Taneytown Bakery as J.S. Bowers Hardware. When the hardware business and Bowers reputation grew, Bowers agreed with Kane to move his business. Bowers’ reputation as a fair and skilled businessman grew the business into one of the largest in the county.

In addition to his hardware line, Bowers enjoyed a large trade in paints, oils, wagon-making supplies, leather, woodworking, and mechanical supplies of all kinds. Bowers developed his mechanical skills and a reputation in repairing guns, locks, and bicycles, which he fixed for enjoyment and rarely charged a fee.

Bowers was very active in the community, serving on the Board of Town Commissioners, Director of Taneytown Savings bank, and the Carroll Record.

Like 25 East Baltimore Street, 27 East Baltimore Street was built in the vernacular English Gothic Revival style (pointed arches as part of windows, doors, and decorative elements like porches, dormers, or roof eaves).

Originally a small brick building owned by James Reindollar (1872-1938). The Birnie Bank Trust Company was begun by Dr. George T. Motter (1842-1903), Edward E. Reindollar (1853-1921), and George H. Birnie (1845-1923). In 1884, when the three men discussed opening a bank at the site, the town hooted in opposition as they had during the railroad construction through Taneytown. According to popular opinion, the town could not support a bank at the time.

After Dr. George Motter stepped down and Henry Swope (1817-1897) and his brother Dr. Samuel Swope (1806-1897) took his place, the bank flourished. As the bank’s business increased, the bank began to outgrow the small brick building in which it had begun. By the late 1890s, Birnie approached prominent architect J. A. Dempwolf to design the current structure. On July 4, 1899, the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place.

The left side of the building was Birnie’s residence, while the right side of the building was the bank. The bank’s more formal classical style with its fluted Ionic columns, third story dormer windows, and corner blocks, called “quoins,” – contrasts with the two-bay tower and balcony of the house. The building has been remodeled several times, including replacing the original residential entrance with a window in the 1960’sto accommodate a new lobby.

The original structure was burned down in the fire of 1897. The Carroll Record published a detailed description of the rebuilding of the Opera House on March 19, 1898. According to the Record, titled, “RISING FROM THE ASHES. The new Reindollar Building will be a Fine Structure”:

“The new Reindollar Building will be a Fine Structure. The plans furnished by architect J. A. Dempwolf, for the new Reindollar building, prociahn a structure which will be highly creditable to Taneytown and the equal of any public building in the county. The first plan, of three rooms on the first floor with a hall over all, will be carried out. This will give two rooms 17×74, and one 16×74, on first floor, with a hall, including stage and dressing rooms, 50×74, on second floor. The room on the west side of the building will be occupied by the CARROLL RECORD, thereby supplying us with the finest newspaper home in the state, outside of a large city. The centre room should be rented by our Fire Company, as there will be ample space for all the fire apparatus, a room for the transaction of the business of the Company and also a front room to rent for some small business. Besides, the character of the building and its location, leave nothing to be desired as a headquarters for this necessary town institution. The Hall may easily lay claim to the term, Opera House, as it will be a complete and handsomely equipped place for amusements of all kinds, with three dressing rooms, a large stage arranged for scenery and foot lights, and a back entrance. There will be two front stairways, and the heating and lighting appliances will be looked after properly. The seating capacity will be over 400, which means that 500 or more can be accommodated if necessary. The ceiling will be 12 feet at sides and increase to about 18 feet in the centre. The building will be of brick with Hummelstown stone trimmings, surmounted by a slate roof and cupola harmonizing in architectural beauty with the whole. The front of the structure is particularly pleasing, the first floor being largely plate glass. The brick work will be done by Myerly & Ridinger, and the wood work by Daniel H. Fair, all home mechanics, and will be commenced at once.”

Besides The Carroll Record, the building housed, on the ground floor, the shop of saddle and harness maker S.C. Reaver, and the cigar shop of F.S. Staley.
 

Cross East Baltimore Street to Antrim. You can view the house and the grounds from the sign. Then continue up this side of the street to the next house, the Hesson House at 202 East Baltimore Street.

While many in Carroll County know the name Antrim 1844 as a nationally recognized bed and breakfast in Taneytown, very few know the story behind the man who built that handsome home.
Andrew Galbraith Ege (pronounced Ay-geh) was born to Michael Ege III and Mary “Molly” (Galbraith) Ege of Boiling Springs, Pa. in 1812. He was educated at the Academy of Dr. McGraw in Cecil County, MD, and later at Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg. His father was the prosperous owner of the Carlisle Ironworks in Boiling Springs which he and a brother inherited in 1827 upon their father’s death.
In 1834, at the age of twenty-two, he ventured south to Frederick County, Maryland, and married Margaret Ann McKaleb, daughter of Major John McKaleb, one of Taneytown’s successful merchants. After their wedding, the couple returned to Carlisle where Andrew became very active in Whig Party politics. An article appearing in the June 3, 1835, Carlisle Weekly Herald noted that A.G Ege had been appointed as secretary of a group of Whigs opposed to “corruption and misrule.” The Eges were still in Pennsylvania in 1837 and Andrew continued his involvement in politics including a celebration the 61st anniversary of American independence. Andrew was listed as the “Secretary” representing Dickinson College at the celebration. Four years later he participated in a funeral procession honoring the memory of Wm. Henry Harrison, late President of the U.S. Presumably his income during his years in Pennsylvania came from operation of the iron furnace he inherited. It wasn’t sold until sometime in the late 1840s after he moved to Maryland.
Tragedy struck the Ege/McKaleb family in 1841 when Margaret’s only brother died. In January 1843 her father died leaving Margaret as the sole heir of his 420-acre estate in Taneytown. Also included in her inheritance was a home built in 1803 by her grandfather. It is unclear exactly when the young Ege family began life in Taneytown, but by August 1845 Andrew, Colonel James Shellman, and Colonel Thomas Hook, all of Carroll County, intended to run for the Maryland House of Delegates on the Whig Party ticket. A Baltimore newspaper referred to Ege as “Major A.G. Ege,” but a search of military records provides no insight into a military career unless he was active in a local militia group at some point. Later in life he was referred to as “Colonel.” He attended a picnic in Kansas in 1859 where he “and several Mexican War veterans made speeches telling that peace was here at last, and there would be no more wars.” That implies that he might have been a Mexican-American War veteran, but during those war years 1846-1848, he seemed to be living in Maryland.
Once Andrew and Margaret settled in Taneytown, they began construction of an impressive home which took several years. Benjamin Forrester, a talented Baltimore builder, and sculptor William Henry Rinehart were involved in creation of what became known as Antrim. No longer owner of the Carlisle Ironworks, Andrew’s life was that of a lawyer and gentleman farmer who operated a large plantation with slave labor. According to the agricultural portion of the 1850 U.S. census, Ege’s improved land alone was valued at $15,000 and another $5,000 for the unimproved acres. He owned 14 horses, 12 milk cows, and 18 other cattle with a value close to $2,000. His acreage yielded 900 bushels of wheat plus rye, corn, oats, potatoes, and hay, while the cows produced 1,000 pounds of butter during the prior year.
By 1850, 38-year-old Andrew had built a solid political reputation in Carroll County and among Maryland legislators after serving a term in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1845 – 1846. He was active in a movement in the state “urging reform and adoption of a new, or alteration of the constitution of Maryland. He gave a decided preference to conventional reform.”
In 1851, tragedy again struck the Ege family when Margaret died at age 37. The following year Andrew married Matilda Hester “Hetty” Craighead (1826-1898) and in 1854 he moved his family west to the border between Missouri and Kansas. His steamboat and stage journey ended in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he quickly entered a partnership in the real estate business with Gen. Meriwether Jefferson “Swamp Fox” Thompson, of Confederate fame. Over the early years, as settlement of Kansas grew, he became very successful and eventually the owner of over eight thousand acres of land and other valuable property. Among other real estate ventures, he laid off an addition to the city of St. Joseph, MO, just across the Missouri River from Troy, Doniphan Co., Kansas, which he called home from 1856 until his passing in 1876.
Though parts of the historic plantation have been sold off, the expansive grounds separate this Greek Revival home from the downtown for everyone to enjoy.

Home of Daniel J. (D.J.) Hesson (1861-1941) was a prominent businessman who ran the Hesson Department store located on the square’s northwest corner for 55 years. Hesson served as the President of Taneytown Savings Bank until his death and was also head of the Taneytown Garage Company and Key Grain and Feed Company. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Taneytown Grain Company. In addition, Hesson served a term in the Maryland House of delegates and another term in the Maryland State Senate.
This house is a classic example of Carroll County residential architecture with its stone foundation and brick walls. Its painted center gable and two-story bay towers also display Gothic Greek influence.

Charles O. Fuss came to Taneytown in 1878 from Uniontown, where he had been raised and had learned the furniture-making trade from his father, David Fuss. He opened a furniture and casket business on George Street in Taneytown and soon expanded to include service to the community as an undertaker. Trade flourished, and he subsequently moved to the current location at 136 E. Baltimore Street.

In 1914, C.O. Fuss’ son, Merwyn, returned home from Ohio, where he had attended Findlay College and the Cincinnati College of Embalming. He joined his father in the business and, in 1919, became a partner in the firm. At that time, C.O Fuss & Son ceased furniture production to concentrate on furniture sales and the expanding funeral business.
With the death of C.O Fuss in 1930, Merwyn became the sole proprietor. The funeral home saw many changes in 1932 with the remodeling of the chapel, casket display room, and preparation room. In 1938, John H. Skiles became employed with the firm. In 1941 he graduated from the McAllister Institute of Embalming in New York City.

Furniture sales were discontinued in 1958, and the building was remodeled to suit the needs of the funeral home. John H. Skiles and John M. Skiles, Merwyn Fuss’ son-in-law and grandson, took over the business after Merwyn retired. As a result of a new Maryland state law, the name of the business was changed to Skiles Funeral Home in 1972.

In 1977 the business again expanded with Dutch Wilson’s Funeral Home in Emmitsburg, Maryland. However, with the passing of John H. Skiles in 1993, it was left to John M. Skiles, the great-grandson of the original owner, C.O. Fuss, to continue the business. John retired from the company in 2007. Skiles Funeral Homes in Taneytown and Emmitsburg were purchased by Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, P.A., at that time.

The Taneytown savings Bank was organized in 1897. When it opened in 1889, Amos Duttera (1842-1913) served as president and Henry Galt (1840-1909). The bank was closed in 1945 when it was merged with First National Bank.

The building is an early example of the Arts & Movement, a style characterized by its aesthetic design. The structure still retains its original decorative detailing on the second-story windows, cornice and roof. The red-brick and grey limestone block arches above the windows are the most distinctive part of the building. The cross-gable roof and the cast iron rail as well the tin cornice, add to the exuberance of the late 19th century building.

In 1807, Ludwick Rudisel (1778-1842) purchased 16 acres of “The Resurvey on Brother’s Agreement,” a part of a patent granted to Edward Diggs and Raphael Taney in 1754, containing 7,900 acres. This parcel of land, which adjoined his father’s farm, was situated along one of the southeastern boundaries of Taneytown, Maryland, on “Monocacy Road,” a well-traveled road leading from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania through Frederick, Maryland onward to Virginia. He established a successful tannery on this site, an industry in great demand, and built his spacious brick home.

According to 1841 records, this lot of ground was assessed at $170.00 per acre when most surrounding properties were valued at $12 to $30 an acre. In 1842, Ludwick was indebted to his creditors a sum larger than his cash inventory at the time of his death. The public sale of his land was held to settle his creditors’ claims. A May 1843 edition of the “Carrolltonian” newspaper carried the bill of sale. 

The property was purchased by one of his sons, Thomas (1811-1880). Thomas was Ludwick’s successor in the business and had taken charge when his father bought and moved to a house in town circa 1838. It is speculated that around 1850, a second floor was added to the kitchen wing, probably to accommodate the servants or hired hands needed for the tannery. However, as with most things, the tanning business soon reached its zenith and began to decline to the point that it had become obsolete. The 16 acres and its improvements were incorporated into the other adjacent holdings of its owner, and their way of life became focused on farming and local business investments. The land was bequeathed by will to Thomas’ only son, William 1838-1882). William died young and bequeathed the land to his only living sister, Mary Louisa Motter (1844-1930), wife of Dr. George Motter, in 1882. 

Since the Motters were established in another home in Taneytown and later in Washington, D.C., the house was rented first. In time, the property passed to their two daughters, Anna Mary “Nancy” (1870-1930) and Virginia Rudisel (1878-1937) and finally to their only grandchild, George Motter Cunningham (1903-1985). The property, then consisting of 147 acres or more, was sold in total to a developer, Taneytown Associates, in 1977. In 1978, the Tannery House and its 9.7950 acres were the first part of the property to be conveyed to Donald Lee (1935-2021) and Virginia Dreyer Stenley. 

Fortunately, due to its long years as a rental property belonging to out-of-town landlords, there was little change in the interior and exterior aspects of the house. The original nine over six window sashes, door graining, fireplace mantel marbelizing, and stove-plate firebacks dating 1726, 1754, and 1762 are among some of its unique features that still can be found. Unfortunately, the exterior part of the bake oven is missing exterior shutters and most of the original door hardware. However, most of this can easily be reconstructed or replaced. The most extensive alteration on the exterior is a back porch which has evolved from an open porch to an enclosed porch to its final incorporation with the interior living area. 

The house and several lesser out-buildings remain of the original buildings on the 16 acres. The original barn was destroyed by fire around the turn of the century. The speculated site of the tannery underwent massive electric power line and sewerage line renovations. The wagon shed/corncrib was intact but had to be removed because of the developer’s new placement of property lines. 

Local historians have long ignored this western end of Taneytown, possibly since its later owners failed to promote an interest in the property. Nevertheless, it is significant that this house was once home to successful businesspeople who were essential to the community’s financial, religious, and social aspects and provided the local citizens with a service much needed in the early days of our country’s development. 

Before the Revolutionary War, the first Catholics settled around Taneytown were from the Jesuit community at Conewago, Pennsylvania, and the Jesuits also provided the first services. However, before the Masons Dixon’s line survey, Maryland proprietaries claimed the country to some distance beyond Hanover, Pa. The survey settled the dispute, placing Taneytown in Maryland and Conewago in Pennsylvania, but the Catholics in Taneytown were, for the most part, still in charge of the Conewango community.

Prominent among the early Catholics were the Taney’s, Coskreys, Brookes, Hughes, Spaldings, Boyles, Elders, Adelspergers, Diffendals, Gougers, Riffles, and others. As far back as 1790, there are records of Mass celebrated in private houses by Fathers Frambaugh, Pellentz, Brosius, and Cerfoumont.

Although a Sulpician, the Prince Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin (1770-1840) was for the time resident with the Catholic community at Conewango and attended this mission, as well as Hagerstown and Cumberland, and Chambersburg other places and other places in Pennsylvania. He was the first pastor of this church. Gallitzin was born at The Hague and his father was a Prince of the Russian Empire. As the eldest son, he inherited the family estate and title. However, he forfeited them by becoming an American citizen and Missionary priest, the functions of which he exercised in this area from 1795 to 1799.

About 1796, Mr. Brookes (Possibly referring to Raphael Brookes (1747-1816)) built the first church in Taneytown at his own expense. It was built of brick which had been made at the brick yard in Taneytown and stood until 1876 when the present church was erected. Father Nicholas Zocchi (1773-1845), born in Rome, was the next pastor. He Was appointed priest here in 1804. In addition to his local labors, he visited Westminster, Martinsburg, W. Va., and other places equally far distant, the same territory which were later served by twelve priests. He died at Taneytown on December 17, 1845, after a pastorate of 41 years, and was buried at St. Joseph’s on December 20. A famous record of this church is the following: “January 7, 1806, Roger Taney married Ann Key. Witness, Michael Taney.” This is the record of the marriage of Chief Justice Roger Brook Taney to the sister of Francis Scott Key, author of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Rev. John D. Parsons was pastor of the church for three months in 1847, but the balance of the time from the death of Father Zocchi to 1851, the congregation was served by priests from Mt. St. Mary’s College, at Emmitsburg. In 1851, Rev. Thomas O’Neill (1805-1874) became pastor, and during his charge, the present Rectory was built. He also served Westminster and New Windsor, leaving here in 1862 to become pastor of St. Paul’s church, Ellicott City.

In 1862 Rev. John Gloyd (1832-1901) succeeded to the pastorate and in 1869 removed to Westminster. In 1871, Rev. R. W. Hazel was appointed as his assistant. Rev. Caspar Schmitt (1849-1930) followed the latter in by Rev. John T. Delaney (1843-1895), the Taneytown charge being served by them and several others in the county until 1879 when the charge was divided, Father Delaney serving Taneytown and also New Windsor.

Fathers Gloyd and Delaney built the present church in 1876, raising the money before the work was finished. It is an example of vernacular Gothic Revival and was designed by Joseph Wolf, a local builder from Union Bridge.

Subsequently, it has been several times renovated and improved, both interior and exterior. The pipe organ in the church was made in England in 1801 and later rebuilt.

Feeling the need for a school, the congregation worked hard to raise the necessary funds during Father Delaney’s pastorate. As a result, the two-story brick schoolhouse adjoining the parsonage was built in 1890.

Named after Tobias H. Eckenrode (1836-1908), A prominent merchant and grain dealer in Taneytown (T.H.) owned a sawmill and grain business. Additionally, he served as a tax collector and council member. He was also responsible for organizing the Taneytown Savings Bank.

In 1876, Eckenrode demolished the brick-encased log tavern and store, erecting the present building using bricks from his brickyard, which was located by the railroad. The three-story building is an example of Gothic Revival style and reflects the prosperity of the owner and the era. Like other Taneytown buildings from the late 19th century, the Eckenrode building has bricks set in a decorative sawtooth pattern. The limestone window arches, and other decorative elements emphasize the height of the building which remains one of the tallest in Taneytown.

Throughout the church’s 240-year history, Grace Church has changed many times. First the German Reform Church, then the Reformed Church, then the Evangelical and Reformed Church, and finally, in 1957, the United Church of Christ. One of Carroll County’s oldest places of worship is the United Church of Christ in Taneytown, which is said to be the “oldest village” in the county. The exact date of the congregation’s organization cannot be determined because of the lack of definite records. However, it is known that Synod of The Reformed Church of Holland sent Michael Schlatter (1716-1790) to the colonies in 1747 to establish churches. Between 1756 and 1760, Rev. Steiner from Switzerland traveled from Frederick to conduct services in German under the auspices of the Reformed Church even before Taneytown existed. People often traveled twenty miles or more, packing guns to protect themselves from wild beasts and Indians. The area, known as ‘Pipe Creek,’ became Taneytown in 1762.
In 1764, the land was conveyed by Raphael Taney; the first church (known as the ‘Old Yellow Church’) was built where the cemetery stands today, with Lutheran and Reformed congregations sharing the building. In 1812, the Lutheran congregation moved to a new building, and the Reformed congregation continued to use the facility for eight more years.

It was common for congregations to meet in homes, barns, or even outdoors in this period. Ministers were responsible for several congregations (called charges) simultaneously. In some cases, ministers served as both the schoolmaster and minister to dozens of congregations at once. During those early years, schools were the responsibility of the churches. Since there were few ministers in the area, services were held infrequently and usually only during the summer. Sermons were lengthy, lasting one to three hours, and were known for being quite dry. There were no musical instruments, but singing was an essential part of the worship.

The Lutheran and The Reformed congregations shared the first church building until 1812, when the Lutherans dedicated their owning building. Then, together with the Presbyterians, the Reformers built the Union Church in 1820, the nucleus of the present church. Built-in 1822, the church remained a Union church until 1884. At this dedication, special hymns were sung. For example, in the first verse of one of the hymns, “Today we lay the cornerstone, in hopes that we shall build, thereon, a house of God, who loves to dwell, where’er His people worship well.”

The Reformed ministers preached in German, and the Presbyterian preached in English. Over the next one hundred years, the congregation witnessed many changes. In 1890 the building was extended back 20 feet, and the bell tower and front entrance were constructed. In 1924 under the pastorate of Rev. Guy P. Bready, the sanctuary’s interior was remodeled to its present appearance. In 1952 under the pastorate of Rev. Morgan Andreas, the parish house was built, including a Sunday School room, stage, and altar. The present organ was also purchased.

From 1961-70 under the pastorate of Rev. William Wiley, air conditioning and a sound system were installed. The lower level was remodeled to provide classrooms and offices, the Lay Life & Work Committee was formed, and the Hesson Scholarship Fund was established. In 1972 under the pastorate of Rev. Fred Wenner, a new parsonage was built on Roberts Mill Road, and the old parsonage on West Baltimore Street was sold. The yoke between the Keysville and Taneytown churches was dissolved. In 1998 under the pastorate of Rev. Keith DeBord, the church building was made handicap accessible with an elevator and renovated restrooms, and a youth meeting room and nursery were added. In 2000 a new sign was placed on the front lawn. In 2002 during the interim pastorate of Rev. Lois Ann Ferguss-Oler, the church took over ownership and management of the daycare center now known as Grace United Learning Center. Steeple lights were installed, illuminating the steeple at night.
In 2002 under the pastorate of Rev. Sam Askew, cabinets were constructed for the church’s treasures and artifacts. In 2003 a memorial garden was erected in front of the church.

In 2004, the current pastor, Rev. Steven Ostendorf-Snell, began serving in the pulpit. In addition, the front doors were replaced with solid mahogany doors. Also, in 2004, plaques were mounted on the original cement post of the cemetery entrance reflecting the current name of Grace UCC Cemetery, and a wrought iron fence was added.

In 2006 the parsonage on Roberts Mill Road was sold for $350,000. Also, in 2006, the entire sanctuary was painted, and the pews refinished in preparation for the 250th celebration.
For the last sixteen years, like many churches, Grace UCC has seen a drastic decline in its congregation. But those who remain continue to be active in providing services to the community.

Trinity Lutheran Church of Taneytown is one of the landmarks of early Lutheranism in America. No one can fix its beginning date, but it was undoubtedly not many years after the first Lutheran services held west of the Susquehanna. The oldest record preserved is that of a baptism in 1788. The most accurate descriptions of the church began around 1792. At that time, the pastor was Reverend John Guenther Wingandt. The officers of the church at that time were recorded as Michael Null and Ulrich Reaver, Elders, and Matthew Shriner and John Zumbrum.

The congregation was first known as the “German Lutheran Congregation of Taneytown.” Services were conducted exclusively in the German language until 1828 when the demand for English preaching became so strong that an English-speaking assistant was secured for the pastorate. From that time until several years after the Civil War, ministers conducted services in both languages. Today services are conducted only in English.

During the latter part of the eighteenth century, the congregation was served by pastors who were not residents. Around the beginning of the nineteenth century, Taneytown’s church became the center of a pastoral charge, which included, at various periods, Emmitsburg, Fountain Dale, Mount Joy, Emmanuel (Baust), Uniontown, St. Luke’s (Winters), Mount Union, and Keysville. Some of the pastors were almost entitled to be called itinerant missionaries, so faithfully did they labor to establish churches in the surrounding communities. In Taneytown there was tremendous success in attracting people to the church and, from the early records, this appears as a large congregation. In 1920, when the population of Taneytown was around 800, there were six hundred seventy confirmed members of the congregation.

Five buildings have been used in the history of this congregation. First, the Lutherans in conjunction with the Reformed and Presbyterian congregations used a frame building that stood on the ground, which is now part of the Reformed Cemetery behind Grace United Church of Christ, but in 1811, the community laid the cornerstone for a building where the church now stands. The West Baltimore Street location being chosen for its excellent location on the main artery through town. Two years later, the structure was formally dedicated. About thirty years later, this building was remodeled and enlarged. Beginning in the fall of 1870, a new church was built. After more than twenty-five years, that building was extensively remodeled, enlarged, and improved to give the present beautiful and spacious church the appearance of an entirely new structure. The new design was dedicated on May 9, 1897.

An act of incorporation was approved at a special congregational meeting held February 19, 1900, making the name “Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Taneytown, Carroll County, Maryland.” The act was acknowledged before Henry C. Wilt, Justice of the Peace, on March 5, 1900, and duly recorded according to the law on March 6, 1900, at the county seat.

During both World War I and World War II, the congregation felt its losses. Verle E. C. Snider enrolled at Gettysburg Seminary volunteered for service during World War I. He died in France in 1918. In addition, to die in France from complications brought on by the Spanish influenza was Corporal Raymond L. Hesson.

Similar to WWI two members of Trinity were killed in World War II: Paul Copenhaver and Richard Sell. A “Service Flag” honoring the 68 men and women of Trinity who served their country during World War II was enclosed in a glass case and placed alongside a brass plaque in the front vestibule. All four service members found their final resting place in the cemetery at Trinity.

Though not all-inclusive, below is a list of the pastors who have served Trinity Lutheran Church since the calling of the first permanent, full-time pastor in 1788.

• John Guenther Wingandt 1788 – 1795
• John R. Ruthrauff 1796 – 1799
• John David Young 1800 – 1803
• John Grobp 1803 – 1828
• John N. Hoffman 1828 – 1833
• Samuel D. Finckel 1834 – 1837
• Ezra Keller 1837 – 1840
• Solomon Sentman 1841 – 1858
• Levi T. Williams 1858 – 1867
• Peter Bergstresser 1867 – 1874
• W. H. Luckenbaugh 1875 – 1878
• Samuel G. Finckel 1878 – 1883
• Oliver C. Roth 1883 – 1889
• George W. McSherry 1890 – 1896
• D. Frank Garland 1896 – 1899
• Charles A. Britt 1899 – 1904
• William E. Wheeler 1904 – 1910
• Luther B. Hafer 1911 – 1923
• Wouter V. Garrett 1924 – 1928
• Alfred T. Sutcliffe 1928 – 1945
• Glenn L. Stahl 1945 – 1955
• Stanley B. Jennings 1955 – 1960
• Howard W. Miller 1961 – 1968
• Maurice A. Arsenault 1968 – 1973
• Emil Gustafson 1974 – 1981
• Arthur L. Mentzer 1982 – 1993
• John S. Douglas 1994 – 2000
• Rev. John Douglas, September 1994 through November 2000
• Interim Pastor, Rev. Janyce Jorgenson, January 2002 through May 2002
• Rev. Nicholas Brie, May 2002 through November 2008
• Rev. Linda Fernandez, September 2005 through December 2006
• Interim Pastor, Rev. Charles Frederick, November/December 2008 through October 2009
• Rev. Joshua and Rev. Rachael Semovoski, October 2009 through November 2013
• Interim Pastor, Rev. Stacy Marsh, December 2013 through March 2016
• Rev. Cristopher Frigm, March 2016 through Present

While Trinity’s pastors have served with devotion, several pastors have been singled out for special mention because of their acknowledged contributions. One was the Rev. John Grobp, a German pastor, who served the congregation for 25 years. Following his resignation in 1828 because of the trend toward English services, he remained in the community, later died here, and is buried in the church cemetery. Another was the Rev. Solomon Sentman who is most often remembered for building the present parsonage as his home and later selling it to the congregation at a discount. However, judging from the young men who he tutored and subsequently entered the ministry, he must have made a tremendous impact on the lives of his constituency.

Another outstanding pastor, the Rev. Ezra Keller, founded Wittenberg College in Ohio, soon after leaving Taneytown. The Rev. Luther B. Hafer researched and wrote the booklet “A Brief Sketch of Trinity Lutheran Church” in 1911 in time to celebrate the centennial of the laying of the church’s first cornerstone, Sept. 3, 1911.
The longest pastorate at Trinity in the twentieth century was Rev. Alfred T. Sutcliffe who arrived in November 1928 and served until his death on May 26, 1945. Rev. Glenn L. Stahl, in accepting a call to Trinity in 1954, also accepted the challenge to raise funds and begin a building program at Trinity. He rose to that challenge which resulted in the educational wing dedicated Sept. 5, 1954. It was also during his ministry that Trinity celebrated its bicentennial, which culminated in the memorable pageant, “The Seven Books of Trinity.”

Rev. Arthur Mentzer, who was Trinity’s beloved pastor from Dec. 12, 1982, until his sudden passing on January 27, 1993, will be remembered for his keen interest in music and, most particularly, the Felgenmaker organ. In 1987 the pipe organ was dismantled entirely, tonal additions made, and completely restored at the cost of $43,000. In 1988 it was rededicated as the “All Saints Organ” and is the pride and joy not only of Trinity congregation but of every musician who plays it.