The Gemeinhaus
North America’s oldest German-built wooden schoolhouse, still standing behind the church.
A log meetinghouse from 1732
In 1732 the Lutheran and Reformed congregations bought land from the Penn family and built a log meetinghouse, a Gemeinhaus, that served as both church and school. It still stands behind the church, described as North America’s oldest German-built wooden schoolhouse.
Today it is cared for by the Friends of the Gemeinhaus, a 501(c)(3) that preserves it for worship, events and tours and helps tell the story of the early German settlers of Montgomery County. Gemeinhaus tours are part of the Oyster Picnic every September.
The teaching that began here continues in Firm Foundation, our parent-led homeschool co-op.
The Gemeinhaus stands beside a church that still gathers every Lord’s Day at 10 AM, where God’s Word is preached and the Lord’s Supper is served.