John's Harrold Reformed United Church of Christ is considered to be the Mother of the Reformed Churches of Westmoreland County. People of the reformed faith began to settle in the Harrold area as early as 1760. A School teacher, Balthazer Myer, taught school and conducted worship services in the first church building which was erected in 1772. Records dating back to 1772 relate that he baptized an
d read sermons in the German language. The first church building was a log building of pioneer fashion. Hewn logs served as seats. Records indicate that animals such as birds and squirrels had access to the building and sometimes made their appearance during the worship services. In these early days, Indian uprisings were a threat to all. Consequently, Fort Allen was built somewhere near the church in 1774. As new settlers came into the area, the need for a new church arose. The old log church was no longer adequate. On May 28, 1829, the cornerstone for a new church was laid. It was a sturdy structure built with stone and later became known as the "Old Stone Church". In 1892, the present church building was erected after the "Old Stone Church" was torn down. The present church building has many irreplaceable fixtures, such as the unique ceiling and chandelier, the windows, and the solid white oak pews. The sanctuary promotes an atmosphere of warmth and closeness of the worshiping congregation. The light of St. John's Harrold Reformed United Church of Christ has beamed out over the community these many years. The light still shines today. We thank God for these many years. We also realize that we cannot live on past tradition. We must continue to move on. John's Harrold Reformed United Church of Christ has no less days to worship and serve God than it did when it began in 1772.
