“White Church” (founded in 1789) was already an active church before the Battle of Gettysburg.  In 1863, the building was described as a wood church constructed of hewed logs, weather-board on the outside plastered on the inside. Locally it was called “White Church.” The Church became a hospital immediately following the Battle of Gettysburg.

By July 1, 1863, it was found the doors were taken off the church and one door was being used as as amputation table. The pews were taken out and some were cut up to make bunks. Tables were used as beds for the soldiers. There were 1229 wounded soldiers treated at the 1st Corps hospitals. The hospital was under the supervision of General Patrick, Provost Marshall of the Army of the Potomac. He recalled “I took possession the evening of the 1st, of a small white church building on the Baltimore road…Besides the men of our army, the next day 2nd July Gen. Patrick had placed on the lawn and grove near the church were several hundred wounded rebels, who were fed and had their wounds cared for….”