This outdoor chapel is on the grounds of the Bermudian Church of the Brethren, in Washington Township in western York County. It’s one of York County’s most beautiful scenes, the benches and cross overlooking Bermudian Creek. (Click to enlarge; see creek view below.) Also of interest: Washington Township area home to religious group affiliated with Ephrata Cloister.
Malachy, the tiny dog who scored big at the Westminster Kennel Club show, is York County’s newest celebrity.
The residence of the dog, originally reported to live in East Berlin, Adams County, actually lives in Washington Township, out near where York meets Adams County.
It’s one of York County’s least populated and most beautiful areas.
What is the region in and around East Berlin known for other than the home of Malachy?
Here are two:
Actor Eddie Albert visited there and Cold War theorist George Kennan lived there. Visit these respective posts: East Berlin veterans spotlighted ‘Green Acres’ Eddie Albert‘s heroism in World War II and ‘X-Man,’ historian George F. Kennan no stranger to Berlin, Germany – and East Berlin, Pa.
It’s also interesting that this bucolic region is the birthplace of the a major automobile company of old – Studebakers.
It all goes to show that even in the most remote areas of York County and the area surrounding it, history happened.
Here are two Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission markers noting this Studebaker link:
1. John Studebaker View
Dedicated: Monday, December 06, 1948
County: Adams
Location: Oxford Rd. (SR 1015), just off PA 234, 1/2 mile E of Heidlersburg
Marker Text: Had his wagon works 2.5 miles SE of here, 1830 to 1836, when he moved west. In 1852 his sons formed the Studebaker Company, the world’s largest maker of horse-drawn vehicles and, in 1897, a pioneer in the automobile industry.
2. Studebaker Home View
Dedicated: Saturday, August 15, 1970
County: Adams
Location: 200 W. King St. (PA 234) W of Abbottstown St. (PA 194), East Berlin
Marker Text: Built ca. 1790 by David Studebaker, carpenter, farmer, and minister. He was related to the family that later built wagons and automobiles. The house is privately maintained as a museum.
The creek from the worship area near Bermudian Church of the Brethren.
*Photos by Robert McClure
Welcome to York Town Square, 8 years of daily posts about journalism and history, topics that can easily become plodding and self important. My goal is to keep this blog fun and accessible. And I try to say something in each post. I welcome your comments and respond to every one you write. Please contact me at 
Don’t forget about Footlight Ranch in Washingtown Township. We host the annual Father’s Day Fly-In, weddings and receptions, company picnics, etc. and have been doing so since 1966. Now under new management.
I am looking for St Pauls evangelical lutheran church in Washington Township. Can you help me out. I need a phone number if you can get me one. I have some historical documents I would like to return to the family it belongs to.
Thanks Andrew
Andrew, I’d call Christ Lutheran Church in York, the mother church here in YC, and ask if they have contact info: (717)854-5589./Jim