Steeped in history, Heidelberg Union Church has the unique distinction of having been the only church In the area for more than 100 years. Heidelberg Township (which at first included Washington and Slatington Townships) opened for settlement in 1736 with an influx of immigrants from Germany and Switzerland. By around 1740, these settlers had begun to organize into Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformed Congregations. These meetings formed the foundations for our current congregation, Heidelberg Union Church a Federated Congregation with equal affiliation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and the United Church of Christ.   

In 1744, the original two congregations "erected a church in which to hold divine services as long as we live... in order that we may serve God in our neighborhood in peace and harmony...for ourselves, our heirs and descendants". For over two and a half centuries, Heidelberg Union Church has fulfilled that promise, serving God in our community. The heirs and descendants of those original founders remain among today's congregants--Rex, Newhart, Oswald, Hoffman, Peter, Hunsicker, Blose, Lauchnor, Rehrig, Geiger, German, and Handwerk.

In 1757, the second church structure was built. The agreement between the two congregations discusses how the costs would be shared between the congregations, even down to how many acres of farmland and how much timber the schoolmasters were allowed to clear.

    By 1772, all of the land in Heidelberg Township was occupied by 117 families, almost of all of whom were church members. As the population in the township continued to grow, the church outgrew the 1757 structure. In 1787, the third church structure was built. It was made of wood--most likely logs--and measured 42 feet long by 34 feet wide.

     Early in 2021 the congregations combined to form Heidelberg Union Church, unifying the congregations together as one federated church. Our congregation voted on our mission & vision statement in 2022.  Trusting our Governing Board to make decisions to help us fully live into those statements. In March 2023 our Governing Board voted to be declared an Open & Affirming and Reconciling in Christ Congregation. Our Welcome Statement was adopted in July 2023.  When we say ALL are welcome, embraced and celebrated through God's love, we really mean ALL!