Our History

The original spire and town clock have reliably served Frederick as integral elements of both the skyline and of daily life in Frederick for 260 years. It’s our turn to be stewards of the structure so that centuries from now, future generations of local citizens and visitors can enjoy this living history that reflects Frederick’s founding.

1763
German Reformed Church congregation that helped settle Frederick in 1745 constructed the stone tower base in 1763 using stones contributed by congregation members.

1790
The City of Frederick installed the town clock into the stone tower in the 1790s, helping the City of Frederick residents mark time and keep appointments.

1807
In 1807, the German Reformed congregation replaced the stone steeple with a graceful wooden steeple designed by Frederick architect Stephen Steiner, who drew inspiration from the churches of Christopher Wren in London. The town clock was reinstalled into this new steeple.