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Marker at St. Luke’s gives nod to regional legend and lore

Sign unveiled to commemorate legend of visit from abolitionist Brown

By Colette Costlow 3 min read

A Legends & Lore sign commemorating a famous abolitionist's stay at St. Luke's Episcopal Church was unveiled Saturday night.

Local historian Jared Frederick found circumstantial evidence that abolitionist John Brown either met at the church, stayed at the church or gathered resources there months before the Harpers Ferry Raid of 1859, an event that sparked the Civil War.

With help from local developer Chris Cook, they commemorated a piece of folklore in 2025 using the William G. Pomeroy Foundation's Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program.

"I think it's important to have awareness about these buildings and instill a sense of stewardship about them, their preservation and ensure that their stories are told," Frederick said.

Built in 1858, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, originally named St. Luke's Rectory, is believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad with help from the Rev. Robert W. Oliver, according to their website.

Altoona's atmosphere was supportive of those moving to the community who were previously enslaved or who didn't have the materials or knowledge to be successful, Penn State Altoona academic advisor Harriett L. Gaston said.

"More than likely, Brown came to the town and stayed in that rectory and met some of the leading men of the community, both white and Black," she said.

Frederick stumbled upon the Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program in 2024. The program analyzes folklore stories passed down through generations and connected St. Luke's Episcopal Church with John Brown's alleged visit.

For three years, Cook's Family Businesses owned the church-turned-cultural center located on 806 13th St. in Altoona. Cook was familiar with the building's lore before purchasing it, but conversations about those legends with Frederick grew serious over time.

Frederick then contacted Cook and filled out an application for the Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program in 2025, with a sign commemorating Brown's stop. Soon enough, they were accepted, and they received the marker.

Looking for an opportunity to install the marker, Frederick reached out to Cook and suggested adding a sunset marker unveiling to their annual Civil War Living History event held Aug. 28 and 29.

Keeping it a surprise from the public, about 100 attendees, made up of Civil War Living History participants and members of the St. Luke's congregation, were surprised when the marker was unveiled.

"It was a pretty amazing reception," Cook said. "There were lots of cheers and claps and congratulations from everyone."

Gaston said the sign will also invite the younger generation to learn that Altoona played a part in the Civil War.

"The things we learn about the Civil War were part of this community," she said. "We were part of the conflict of whether people will be freed, whether Black people are freed or stay enslaved, and after that, whether they get citizen rights. I was very happy to see this sign."

According to Frederick, he's not currently working on adding other Legends & Lore signs in Blair County, but he considers legends such as The White Lady of Wopsy, The Lost Children of the Alleghenies, Birthplace of the Mallo Cup and The Tyrone Circus Train Wreck contenders for future markers.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church is one of the few existing buildings built during the city's first chapter that wasn't demolished, he said. Older buildings preserve history.

"A tangible and notable thing like a marker will help do that," he said. "People pass away, stories fade, oral tradition diminishes, but cast iron signs can last forever."

Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.

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