Presbyterian Church (aka Union Church of Shenandoah)

Whereas: The English Presbyterian Congregation at Strasburg have concluded to build a church for the use and benefit of the said English Presbyterian Congregation ------ Isaac Longacre having offered a certain piece of land on which the said church is to be built, lying in the outbounds (sic) of the town of Strasburg, title to be made to Anthony Spengler, ---- therefore, Isaac Longacre and Elizabeth, his wife, in consideration of the premises and also the sum of five dollars, paid by the said Anthony Spengler, conveyed to Anthony Spengler the same piece of land that was conveyed to the said Isaac Longacre by Peter Smith by deed bearing date of March 6, 1824.

This church is built of brick, Flemish bond front and Common bond sides and rear. Two odd small chimneys are placed on the front corners. The entire structure has an odd appearance because of a clumsy type belfry on the roof of the porch. Four large pillars, made of solid logs, support this heavy roof and belfry. Rock doorsteps, or sills, form the entrance at the front doors.

The interior has been redecorated since the Civil War. There are small plain pews, paneled altar and chair rail. Decorated fancy metal ceiling, painted walls and two beautiful crystal chandeliers were added.

The Presbyterian Church at Strasburg, Va., was organized May, 1824, as the Union Church of Shenandoah, Winchester Presbytery, Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, by the REv. William Henry Foote, D.D., celebrated author of Roote's Sketches of Virginia. It was separated from the Woodstock congregation in September 1826, to form the Strasburg charge. The lot was deeded by Isaac Longacre to Anthony Spengler for use of the "English Presbyterian congregation" June 29, 1827. The building was dedicated May 16, 1830, and was used as a hospital by Federal Troops during the Civil War.

The pillars were made of solid logs, hewed and turned in front of the same church building. The original bell was hit by a bullet and cracked, but was in use for about fifty years after the war. It has since been replaced.

Source: Virginia W.P.A. Historical Inventory Project, 1937

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