On December 13, 1777, as General George Washington and his troops were making their way to a site for their winter encampment, they saw lights burning on the west side of the Schuylkill River near Matson’s Ford. Making their way across the river, they came to Christ Church in Swedesburg during the church’s festival for the feast of St. Lucia. Washington and his officers were welcomed into the church for the evening. After the service, Washington asked the men of the church to join his effort and 8 volunteers joined Washington’s army.
(Source: Upper Merion Township: The First 300 Years, page 36)
E-History Fact published 12/12/2014 Upper Merion Township E-Newsletter