SHENKEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST,
Pottstown, Pennsylvania


Shenkel United Church of Christ, Shenkel and Unionville Roads in Chester County, Pottstown Pennsylvania, was established in 1837 as the Second German Reformed Church. It was incorporated in August 1843. At that time, a division occurred among the membership, some preferring to worship according to the old German Reformed faith, others according to Methodism. According to the signatures on the Constitution or Charter, as recognized by the county, after the division, there were only 12 members left to continue the work of the German Reformed faith. Following this division, the Temple Methodist Church was founded.
During its 166 years of history, Shenkel Church as grown physically and spiritually, and has undergone several name changes.
The first building was a school house, known as Shinkel schoolhouse, and was used for worship until 1838, when the members built their first church structure. The cornerstone was laid on June 4, 1838. This structure was used until 1884, when it was torn to the floor and a new building erected.
In 1892, the church building was again renovated to provide space for the Christian Education programs. An additional building program took place in 1958, when a new Christian Education wing was added to the existing church structure.
In 1968, the church purchased six acres of land adjacent to the church property. Now known as Shenkel Grove, it is used for outdoor worship services during the summer months, and has also been the setting for numerous outdoor weddings. A pavilion was constructed soon after that purchase and named Schlingman Pavilion, in memory of a former pastor, Edward Schlingman. The pavilion is the setting for picnics and family reunions.
The most recent construction took place in the year 2000, resulting in the addition of a new social hall on the main floor, and additional classroom facilities on the ground level. Dedication of this new building took place October 29, 2000, with special recognition and appreciation extended to William Boyer, a life-long member of Shenkel church and a master craftsman.
Beginning as the Second German Reformed church, the name was changed in 1894 to Shenkel Reformed Church, and then became known as Shenkel United Church of Christ in 1957, when the denominations of the Evangelical and Reformed Churches and the Congregational Christian churches merged to become the United Church of Christ.
At the time of its 100th anniversary in 1937, it was known as “The Church by the Side of the Road”. Now 70 years later, while it is fondly known by its member as “The Little County Church”, its member ship has grown from its original 12 founders to over 300 members.
Pastor Bonnie Moore is the 26th pastor of Shenkel church, having begun her pastorate in 2007.