General Views 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9

(contributed by Ellis Michaels)

Map of Old Zion Cemetery

Transcription of Tombstones taken in 1927

(contributed by Nancy Garsteck

Taken from History of the County of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, edited by George Dallas Albert, L.H. Everts & Co., 1882

LUTHERAN AND (ZION'S) REFORMED CHURCH (UNION).

     This congregation was formerly known by the name of " Schwabs," afterwards changed to Swopes. The name was taken from that of a family in the neighborhood. The name of the family was doubtless derived from the country in Germany from which they came,—Das Schwaben Land. The congregation is now called " Zion's."  The church is located four miles southwest of Mount Pleasant, about two hundred yards to the right of Ragentown road, and nearly four miles northwest of Scottdale. It was organized about 1789, but no records are accessible prior to 1822. A log church which stood in the graveyard on the right of the road was used for many years as a place of worship. A brick church was built on the opposite side of the road, on land donated by Jacob Leighty, about 1862. It is a neat, comfortable, and substantial edifice. In the summer of 1872 the in side received a coat of paint, the chancel was completed and carpeted, and other improvements added. It was organized by Rev. John William Weber, and afterwards served by Revs. William Weinel, H. E. F. Voight, L. H. Keafauver, F. K. Levan, C.C. Russell, J. A. Peters, A. J. Heller, and D. B. Lady.  Mr. Weinel took charge in 1817, and continued as pastor until 1825, the last year in which record of his communions are found. At the communion held July 15, 1825, Rev. Nicholas P. Hacke, D.D., officiated, and at those of April 19 and Nov. 22, 1829, Rev. C. Zwidler officiated. These are the only communions held, or at least the only ones recorded, between 1824, when Rev. Weinel held his last, and 1835, when Rev. Voight held his first one. It is probable that there was no stated preaching between 1825 and 1835. Mr. Voight preached here until 1864. From 1858 to 1860, Rev. L. H. Keafauver was English supply, holding a service in this language once every two months. In 1860 Rev. C. C. Russell succeeded him, who was followed in 1861 by Rev. F. K. Levan, who continued in the office of English supply or assistant pastor until 1864, when, Father Voight being disabled, the congregation became part of the newly-formed Mount Pleasant charge, and was placed under the sole pastoral care of Rev. J. A. Peters. Under the ministry of Rev. William Weinel, especially from 1822 to 1825,  the congregation seems to have enjoyed a season of great prosperity. In 1822 twenty-three persons were confirmed. Two years afterwards there were twenty-five more. In 1835 forty-five communed at one time. During the interregnum from 1825 to 1835 the congregation became necessarily much scattered. At the communion held by Rev. C. Zwidler in 1829 twenty-eight persons communed, including nine who were confirmed on the occasion. The communicants during Rev. H. E. F. Voight's ministry ranged from ten to thirty-two, when the congregation numbered from forty to fifty. English services were first introduced into the congregation by Rev. Kefauver in 1858. The following year a class of fifteen were confirmed, and the congregation took a new lease of life. In December, 1865, under the pastorate of Rev. Peters, eight were confirmed, and in May of same year forty-one communed.
     In May, 1871, Rev. Heller being pastor, three persons were confirmed and thirty-four communed. The number of confirmations under the pastorate of Rev. Lady up to 1877 were twenty, and the highest number present at one communion thirty-nine. The congregation then number forty-eight confirmed and twenty-five unconfirmed members, with the following consistory: Elders, Peter Steinman, Jacob Leighty, Sr., M. J. Leighty; Deacons, M. M. Leighty, Jacob Felgar, and George S. Lowe.  Its flourishing Sunday-school numbers about one hundred teachers and scholars, of which for several years M. M. and J. R. Leighty were the superintendents.

(contributed by Nancy Garsteck

Taken from the Westmoreland County Historical Society Cemetery Index:

     As early as the mid 1770's a church which consisted of both Lutherans and Reformed members were worshiping in the area.  By 1792, when the first church records are available it is likely that a log school house was also used for worship.  A cemetery was developed next to it.  Since earliest times the church was known by the name Schwabs/Swopes.  Eventually a new church was built across the road.  Still later, the two church groups went their separate ways.  While the congregations [as] originally formed have ceased operations, the property is in the possession of "Swopes Zion Church, a Pa. non-profit corporation."

     DIRECTIONS TO CHURCH:  From Reagantown, take 981 North.  Make left onto Zion Church Road.  Cemetery is about 200 yards on right.

     Cemetery is currently administered by:

Zion Cemetery
c/o Sandy Lash
#10 High Street
Scottdale, PA 15683
(724) 887-2858