‘Art in Sacred Spaces’ honors our legacy
Historical society invites community to uncover hidden treasures
The United States is marking its Semiquincentennial this year — 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone invites us to reflect on the
freedoms that have shaped our country: to seek a better life, to live in peace, and to worship as we choose.
These ideals brought new communities such as Souderton and Telford to life and inspired remarkable creativity.
To honor this special national anniversary, the Souderton-Telford Historical Society is proud to hold its first fund-raising event: 
Art in Sacred Spaces. In partnership with six local churches and the Mennonite Heritage Center, we invite you to join a self-guided driving tour celebrating the artistic and historical gems in our own backyards.
The idea for Art in Sacred Spaces was inspired by a tour guide in Ireland, who told a group of American visitors that we ignore the history in our small towns in favor of grand cathedrals, castles and museums in Europe.
While many admire the masterpieces found in European churches and cathedrals, our own community is home to extraordinary works of art, stained glass, and architecture. Too often, these treasures remain behind walls that most of us simply drive by, unaware of the beauty and history within. Art in Sacred Spaces is an opportunity to discover and appreciate the art, stained glass, architecture, and stories that make our communities special.
“Cultivating an appreciation for local art and congregations enriches the community and breaks down barriers that might be in place on Sunday morning visits,” is how Educational Curator Regina B. Wenger put it in the Mennonite Heritage Center Quarterly last spring.
Why churches? Our houses of worship in all their diversity represent a value that distinguished Pennsylvania among the other colonies in 1776. Founder William Penn, whose own Quaker faith was persecuted in Great Britain, set up a colony in which there was no government-endorsed religion but rather freedom to worship as one wished.
This promise was important to those who settled in Pennsylvania, many of whom came from European homelands where they were persecuted for their beliefs dissenting from the official faith. Penn had traveled in German-speaking areas in 1677 and found a receptive audience for his message about a new kind of religious freedom in the American colonies: “All men have a natural and unalienable right to worship almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences and understanding.”
The first Pennsylvania constitution was ratified in September 1776. The National Constitution Center describes it as one of the most democratic and radical of the state constitutions as the delegates experimented with new forms of republican government. It would later inspire the framers of the U.S. Constitution.
Commemorating America 250
Art in Sacred Spaces will offer visitors a combination of art appreciation and history as well as the opportunity to explore these spaces. It follows the model of the popular holiday home tours.
Tickets are being sold online and are available now. If you visit the payment page before March 31, you can choose the discounted $12 price per ticket. The discount goes away on April 1, and each ticket will be $15. Children up to age 12 are free. Families and groups are welcome.
Once you have made your payment, you will receive an email with your receipt to use as the ticket.
We encourage getting tickets online for your convenience. They will be sold on the day of the tour, but only at Zwingli UCC (350 Wile Ave, Souderton, PA 18964). You’ll need to start your tour at that location before visiting any of the others to purchase ticket(s).
A map and schedule soon will be available to plan your route in any order you choose. There will be special scheduled activities at some of the churches. Check those
out so you can plan to be at the venue at the scheduled time.
Knowledgeable guides will be at each site all day to direct your attention to artistic and historical features — or wander through designated areas on your own.
And ask questions! The historical society and our partners look forward to sharing the history of their buildings and congregations.
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Hours: noon – 5 p.m.
Locations: All are a short drive from each other, have parking available and are accessible. Use the map key, right.
1. St. Paul’s Lutheran. After the original church — built in the early 1900s — was torn down, a new church was built and completed in 1980. The new church sanctuary was designed to “speak” about God’s love and salvation. You will learn how our church building was designed to tell God’s story. Visitors will “see” this story through our stained-glass windows and the design of the sanctuary. You will be warmly welcomed by St. Paul’s church members leading the tour and providing light refreshments. (107 W. Lincoln Ave., Telford, PA 18969)
2. Trinity UCC. This is perhaps the most iconic and beautiful building in the Borough of Telford. Visitors will learn the 127-year history of the congregation, its current ministry and mission, and enjoy pondering the gorgeous stained-glass windows that surround its worship space. Docents will be on site to assist. (101 S. Main St., Telford, PA 18969)
3. St. Philip Orthodox. The art, architecture and customs at St. Philip represent an Orthodox Christian parish of the ancient Patriarchate of Antioch, where “the disciples
were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26). During your visit, you can learn about how Orthodox worship engages all the senses with candlelight, incense, music, and color. Icons, art, and architecture work together to inspire the faithful. (1970 Clearview Rd., Souderton, PA 18964)
4. Zwingli UCC, Souderton. Visitors will view the contemporary stained-glass window installed after the fire in 2008. A member of the church will interpret the panels in the window. Then, visitors can go across the hallway to the parlor where a video presentation of the church’s history will play continuously. The church was founded in 1887. Also, the Mennonite Heritage Center’s display of “fraktur” — a vibrant and distinctive art form practiced in our area — will be set up here. Reminder: This is the only location where you can buy tickets on the day of the tour. (350 Wile Ave, Souderton, PA 18964)
5. Emmanuel Lutheran. This historic early 1900s church will welcome you with a self- guided tour of the sanctuary, as well as information and viewing of the stained-glass
windows, the gothic style architecture, the 44-rank Shultz organ, and the Theodore Hallman paintings. Light refreshments will be served at the end of the tour. (69 West
Broad Street, Souderton, PA 18964)
6. Zion Mennonite. Stop in and see our newly created “From Zurich to Zion Timeline,” which takes you from the birth of Anabaptism in1525 to the present-day Zion
Mennonite Church! The sanctuary will be open to enjoy both music and historical facts, our architecture, the stained-glass windows, and the Fisk organ. The newly renovated
library is just steps away. Refreshments will top off your visit with a treat. (149 E. Cherry Lane, Souderton, PA 18964)
Watch our website (soudertontelfordhistory.org) or Facebook page (@SoudertonTelfordHistory) for more details as the event approaches.
All of us look forward to welcoming friends, neighbors, and art lovers as we celebrate the rich heritage and creativity of our community in our country’s 250th year.
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The Souderton-Telford Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of our towns, businesses, and residents. Follow us on Facebook (@SoudertonTelfordHistory) and enjoy posts about local history. Do you have old photographs we can scan for our collection? Or a story to share about growing up in the Souderton-Telford area? We would love to hear from you!
Email to newsletter@soudertontelfordhistory.org.
The Souderton-Telford Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your contribution helps to collect, preserve, and share the history of our towns. Use the DONATE button on our Facebook page. Or mail tax-
deductible donations to:
Souderton-Telford Historical Society
127 E. Broad St.
Souderton, PA 18964
Have you visited the new website of the Souderton-Telford Historical Society? (soudertontelfordhistory.org) You can find our newsletter archive tagged and filed for easy reading. We thank pixelMIGHT for donating its services.
