In the Churchville Presbyterian Church archives, there are records of membership, pastors, trustees, etc., going back to 1738. Also, Elder James Pannell’s diary, detailing church activities during the ministry of Rev. Finney, is preserved in the archives of the Historical Society in Bel Air.
It is commonly understood that our congregation was established in 1738, and originally met near Graveyard Branch, which is on the Old Level Road about half a mile east of Glenville Road. The Donegal Presbytery records indicate that the Deer Creek Presbyterian Congregation existed by 1738, and that the Presbytery sent supply preachers from time to time.
Tradition holds that in 1739 George Whitefield is said to have preached in a tent on what was later the Harlan Farm, known ever since as “tent field”, and recently purchased by the church.
The Deer Creek Congregation, originally connected with Donegal Presbytery, was transferred to New Castle Presbytery some time after 1738. The first regular pastor of the church was Rev. Andrew Bay who came by 1759. In 1760 the church moved its location to Deer Creek Lower Crossroads (now Churchville) and erected a brick building with no ceiling except the rafters and no means of heating it. Rev. Andrew Bay was pastor until 1767 when, after a stormy pastorate, he was given an honorable dismissal.
For 25 years the church was without a pastor, or had pastors who were not officially installed.
In 1792 the Rev. Caleb Johnson was called but was very unpopular. During his ministry the congregation was in much turmoil, some members joining other denominations and some just drifting away. Families were divided, and the effect on the church was almost disastrous. This pastoral relationship was dissolved in 1795.
The Rev. William Finney was called as pastor in 1813 and served for 41 years. He held the call under advisement for nearly a year in order to determine whether enough of the congregation remained to justify his acceptance. He had been pastor for about one year when chimneys were built and stoves were put in the church for the first time. In 1820 a badly needed new building was constructed. On March 1, 1824, the building debt of $1,791.75 ½ was retired. In 1830 money was collected for the erection of a stone wall along the Bel Air road, which still stands. In 1837 a group of people including 19 members of Churchville Presbyterian Church, met at the Prospect School House (still standing) near Darlington to form another church closer to their homes. This was the beginning of the Deer Creek Harmony Presbyterian Church. Rev. Finney filled the pulpit at both churches for two years.
The Rev. Amos H. Sill was called in 1856, but never was installed as the Presbytery declined to ordain him. The Rev. Smith G. Visschor then supplied the church for a short time.
The last joint pastorate with Deer Creek Harmony was under the Rev. Robert H. Williams who was called in 1861 and remained until 1864. Although this was a time when churches and communities were frequently divided or otherwise disturbed, Churchville and Deer Creek Harmony increased by leaps and bounds, so that after Rev. Williams left, each church could support its own minister. The church purchased a melodeon in 1862 for $50.00, and at Christmas time in the same year an offering was taken for Miss Elizabeth Chamberlaine who played the melodeon
The Rev. W. W. Ralston was called to the church in 1864 and remained for two years. During his pastorate 5 acres of land were purchased on the Aberdeen Road (Rt. 22) and a manse built, which was used until 1954. This is the former Mitchell Coale house which is still standing.
The Rev. John K. Cramer followed Rev. Ralston but due to ill health Rev. Cramer was never installed.
The Rev. John R. Paxton was called in 1870 and served for four years. His original preaching style gave new life to the congregation. During his pastorate the church was completely renovated, the bell tower was added, and the present pulpit alcove replaced the old high pulpit. The doors were moved to their present location.
The Women’s Missionary Society was first organized in 1872 and has continued to the present time.
The Rev. W. T. L. Kieffer became minister in 1875 and remained for 8 years. During this time the building debt was retired. One of his most valuable contributions was the collection of all available historical information concerning the church.
The Rev. Calvin D. Wilson ministered for 10 years beginning in 1883. During this time the 150th anniversary of the church’s founding was celebrated.
The Rev. Samuel Carson Wasson served as minister from 1894 to 1909. Many changes took place during this time, for example, the rental of pews was discontinued.
The Rev. Frederick A. Kullmer served from 1910 until 1914. During that time the church purchased its first organ, a second-hand reed organ. Land was acquired which nearly doubled the size of the graveyard.
The Rev. Harold F. Pellegrin ministered here until 1920. In 1917 a Delco plant was purchased to supply the church with light and its use continued for 8 years until the power line came through Churchville.
In 1921, the Rev. J. Edward Grant became minister. In 1923 the stone wall was extended to surround the church property. In 1942 the church’ first organ was retired and a Hammond electric organ was purchased. During this time the Westminster Fellowship for teenagers was organized and remains active today.
In 1947, the Rev. Robert E. Hansen accepted a call to the pulpit. One of his many accomplishments was the erection and dedication of the Fellowship Hall, with pastor’s study, a kitchen and rest rooms.
The Rev. Prescott H. Williams was called in 1951. During his ministry, a rotation system for ruling elders was instituted. The boards of Trustees and Deacons had previously been so elected.
The Rev. Bruce R. Miller began his ministry in 1956. Sunday School classes were cramped in Fellowship Hall and the Christian Education Building was dedicated in 1958. A church secretary was hired for the first time. That position had previously been filled by volunteers.
The Rev. Charles P. Wright came to this church in 1961. He instituted a brief period of prayer with the Session in his study just prior to worship, and the custom continues.
The Rev. Eugene W. Stambaugh was called in 1964. In 1969, the church established a Day Care Center in the Christian Education Building which to this day provides a much needed community service. In 1972 the church sanctuary and grounds were designated as a Harford County Historic Site. An Allen electronic organ was installed and dedicated in 1973.
From November 1974, to January 1976, the Rev. David T. Tomlinson served the church faithfully as interim pastor.
In 1976, the Rev. J. William Kokie was installed as pastor and served until October 1989. During his ministry: Cemetery Guidelines were formulated in 1978; children’s sermons were instituted; Day Care Guidelines were formulated and placed in effect in December 1979; a Memorial Committee was formed in 1980; in January 1982 Churchville Presbyterian Church’s By-laws were established; in 1985 much needed administrative wing was added and in 1986 the church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In November 1989 Rev. William Berlin became the Interim Pastor and served until March 1991. Upon his death in June 1991 he was buried in the Churchville Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
The Rev. Dr. Edgar Caldwell Mayse became the pastor at Churchville in April 1991 and moved into the Manse on Rt. 22. Later in the year Rev. Mayse found more acceptable housing and in due process a decision by the Trustees to sell the manse was approved by the congregation. A Long Range Planning Committee was formed in July 1992 with the responsibility of developing a plan to implement the Vision Statement recently approved by the Session. The adjoining property owned by Dr. Streett became available and was purchased in 1996. Additional property available from the Harlan family was approved for purchase by the congregation and the purchase was finalized in 1998. In 1997 the sanctuary was completely renovated by refinishing the pews, wainscoting, doors and framework. The walls and ceiling were painted, the floors refinished and new carpeting was laid in the aisles and the choir loft expanded. During the renovations a new piano was purchased. Rev. Mayse completed his pastorate in August 1997.
Pastor Wesley C. Baker became Churchville’s Interim Pastor in November 1997 and remained until April 1999. The year 1998 brought forth a new “Mission Statement” and description of Churchville’s aims and goals. In 1998 the Pastor Nominating Committee made extensive use of information gathered from two Retreats, the Percept Program and its home meetings and the Percepts Task Force to complete the Church Information Form (CIF) for securing a new pastor.
In March 1999 Rev. Dr. Joseph Condro was called to be the pastor of Churchville Presbyterian Church and he assumed office in May 1999. Visitation, involvement in new membership classes, communicant’s class, officer training and extensive work with the youth have ingratiated Rev. Condro with the congregation. A new “Sand Mound” septic system, sketches for improved parking and building construction, large scale improvements to the church cemetery, initiation of an informal worship service, a first mission work camp experience, a “rotation” system for Sunday School, instituting a part-time Administrative Assistant and part-time Director of Christian Education is bringing to fruition ideas and programs that have been floating around for some time. In April 2000 a new Allen Organ was installed to replace the first Allen Organ that was purchased 1973. Then 4.6 acres of land (Harlan Property) was purchased in 1998 to provide an area for repair of the septic system and possible expansion of the church.
On March 14, 2002, settlement was made to purchase the “Mitchell Property”. In the summer of 2002 the expansion of the Church’s parking lot was begun and completed. In 2002 the Parish Nurse program and the Stephen Ministry program were started as a means of feeding our congregation spiritually and taking better care of physical and medical needs as well. The beginning of the Words of ‘Wisdom (WOW) program enables our college students to have continued contact with church members, which has blessed their lives and as a result a ministry with older adults has emerged.
In November 2003, the Congregation voted to proceed forward with the Christian Education expansion project. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on 18 July 2004 for construction of the new Christian Education/Day Care Facility. December 2004-January 2005 is the expected completion time for construction of the new building. Renovation of the current Christian Education Building will then proceed toward an estimated project completion of mid-2005.
On October 2004, the Congregation voted to merge the Session and Trustees into one governing body known as the Session to begin 1 January 2005. The Session will then conduct the Congregational and Corporation business with twelve Elders.
In 2004 the Stephen Ministry program was expanded and a Grief Share program was initiated to help members and neighbors to recover from their grief after their loss of a family member, friend or acquaintance. The Presbyterian Coffee House opened on Friday, September 24, 2004 and provides an outreach to WF age youth in the Churchville area.
In 2005 the three parcels of land owned by Churchville Presbyterian Church were consolidated and recorded in the land records of Harford County. The Mitchell Property is not included in this consolidation. The Session approved a five year Scope and Sequence for Nursery through Grade Five; a Middle and Senior High Task Force Report; and a five year Scope and Sequence for Adult Studies prepared by the Christian Education Committee. A first annual get acquainted Undershepherds’ luncheon was held in April, with all Undershepherds and their Flocks, after the Worship Service. On May 22, 2005 A Dedication Service was held for the Christian Education Building Renovation and completed construction of the new Day Care Building as three dozen monarch butterflies were given flight, and a red ribbon was cut.
A portion of the construction loan provided for new furniture, carpeting, painting and decorations for the Pastor and Secretary’s offices, the Church Lounge, new chairs for Fellowship Hall, and changes to the Library and Computer rooms and for the installation of new signs on the corner of Routes 22 and 136 and in front of the parking lot. Organization of church’s archives and artifacts was begun as storage facilities were now available.
In 2005, the Presbyterian Men’s Ministry hosted a communion breakfast which was attended by 24 men representing 6 Presbyteries and including the Presidents of the Synod Men’s Council and the National Council of Presbyterian Men. Christian Education Children raised $5,000.00 for Heifer International and raised an additional $1,300.00 toward the $3,600.00 needed to provide a complete water well for an African village under the Water and Life program.
In 2006, a new part-time Direction of Christian Education, Robin Bradley, was hired to replace Nancy Gavin, who was called to a full-time DCE position. Peace, Justice and Mission Committee supported an orphanage in Kenya. Homeless people were housed for one week. The committee also sent money to Bread for the World and to Adopt a Minefield programs. The Men’s Ministry hosted a second communion breakfast for Baltimore Presbytery which was attended by 21 men from four Presbyteries. The Pres-Box Coffee House averaged 48 in attendance throughout the year and had 152 in attendance one night. Don Rogers, Jr., served as overall ministry leader and had a complete staff of leaders and helpers to keep the program going.
In 2007, healing services were held after the 11AM worship service. Church Archivist, David Hodge, resigned due to illness and Doris Barben was appointed to replace him. Several Stephen Ministry Churches in the area met to form a local Stephen Ministry Network. Presbyterian women held their first-ever “Something Bazaar”, with the proceeds being used to support PW mission activities. The church sponsored a monthly Family Movie Night which featured a Veggie Tales Movie, popcorn, refreshments and kids’ prizes.
In 2008, Jeff Snodgrass, a member of Chestnut Grove PC and a candidate for ordained ministry began his seminary field work for a year or more here at Churchville PC. Dean Youngberg, Treasurer, completed a report of memorial gifts for the period of 1883 to October 2008. This was a huge project which was put into the church’s database for ease of tracking and distributing memorial gifts. The Stephen Ministry expanded as five new trainees began their training; four new ministers were commissioned on June 1st and five more extended their commitments to serve another year. The Fellowship Committee held its first Valentine Dance during a snowstorm and the annual Church Birthday Luncheon featured a Hawaiian Luau theme. The adult Finney Class, which was under the leadership of Wayne Copes, continued its program of reading through the Bible in one year. The Presbyterian Women held their second “Something Bazaar.” The Westminster Fellowship produced an evening outdoor Live Nativity Program: “Faces Around the Manger” featuring a newly constructed stable and live animals. The Preschool and Day Care Center continued one of their favorite ventures with a caroling trip to Jacob’s Well Nursing Home, where the children presented the residents with Christmas Cards which they had made themselves.
In 2009, a listing of those buried in the cemetery was completed by Bob Muse and Doris Barben and placed in a binder in the church office. This complements the listing of who bought lots in the cemetery, which was completed earlier. The Memorials Committee voted to purchase a sundial to be placed outside near the Fellowship Hall entrance, as a memorial to Betty Swan and Dottie Foster. An electric handicap door was installed at the office entrance in memory of Eula and Don Mackey. This was paid for by the Eula and Don Mackey memorial funds, the Presbyterian Men, and resources remaining from several other memorial funds. The Pres-Box Coffee House program ended in July when the New Covenant Church of God ordained the leader, Don Rogers, Jr.
A “Lighthouse Fountain” was installed in the courtyard during the fall of 2009 in memory of Rebecca (Becky) Heizer Kropkowski.
In 2010, the church was involved in the formation of the Harford Hammers, a group that does repair and upkeep work for folks who are unable to do it for themselves. The third “Something Bazaar” was held by the PW and the proceeds were over $3,600.00. The Presbyterian Men’s Ministry helped send Benjamin Condro to Kenya to participate in the Synod Men’s Council Mission Trip. Most of our men’s group traveled to a communion breakfast at the First of Howard County PC in October.
In May 2011, a new Fellowship Hall entrance door was installed in memory of Betty Muse. This was provided by her husband, Bob Muse, at a cost of $3,200.00.
Pastor Joe Condro resigned effective June 30, 2011, to enter the Interim Pastor Ministry field of service. In August 2011, Rev. Ken Osborne began as our Interim Pastor. The church Community Assistance Fund of the Deacons assisted 13 times to the community for electricity shutoff, eviction and gas bills. The impact that was shown to CPC and the Deacons was often expressed with statements of thank you and tears of joy for helping in desperate situations. In May, the Presbyterian Men hosted a Presbytery-wide communion breakfast, with 24 men present representing several Presbyteries. Men’s Day was celebrated on Father’s Day and a portion of the offering received was sent to the Presbytery to be held in escrow for future men’s programs. Later in the year, contributions were made to the Synod Men’s Council 2012 Mission to Kenya and to Presbyterian Disaster relief. Rev. Lonna Smith R.N., was commissioned as the Parish Nurse on October 25.
In 2011, Robin Bradley resigned as DCE, and Sabrina Floros was hired as the new DCE on March 1, 2012. Interim Pastor Ken Osborne continued to serve throughout the year 2012. A Pastor Nominating Committee was elected in May. The Peace, Justice and Mission Committee created a “sun catcher” based upon a drawing by Bill Turner. The Session also approved the design of an anniversary plate. The sun catcher and the plate were for sale to provide funds for the 275th anniversary planned for 2013. CPC volunteers provided food, transportation, and companionship for the Homeless Shelter on the 21st day of every other month. Presbyterian Women offerings and other activities produced over $6,800.00 in income to support more than 15 mission projects. The “Something Bazaar” was used to support missions over and above those regularly budgeted. The five years of the program produced nearly $14,000.00 for local, national and international projects. David Hodge retired as the Presbyterian Men Coordinator, and Matthew Floros took over this assignment. The income from the Father’s Day offering and other sources enabled seven national and international mission projects to be supported. The Sky Theme Vacation Bible School was a collaborative effort of many volunteers. Approximately 65 children attended and had the opportunity to learn of God’s sovereign love in a fun and exciting way. The Stephen Ministry decided to become inactive, pending the arrival of our new pastor. The Pastor Nominating Committee was formed in June and followed the procedures of the Baltimore Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry to solicit and evaluate pastoral candidates.
In 2011, the CPC agreed to sell to the State Roads Authority a strip of land between the stone wall along Priestford Road and the Priestford Road right-of-way, for $36,000.00 so the State could improve the traffic pattern at the intersection. The CPC Session and the Congregation approved the sale on July 29, 2011. The funds were to be applied to the Renewed-In-The-Spirit Building Fund.
In memory of Dock Lee, a new drinking fountain was installed in late 2012. This was done with Dock Lee memorial funds of about $1,000.00.
2013 Scott Sauers began as CPC’s new Director of Music Ministry on January 1.
2013 Rev. Kenneth Osborne submitted his resignation effective January 20. The Pastor Search Committee had selected a candidate and he was expected to arrive in a few days; but he declined as he accepted another position.
2013 The Rev. John Markel began as Interim Pastor in February and served until the end of April.
2013 Pulpit Supply was obtained for the month of May.
2013 A special Session search committee was commissioned to find an interim pastor. They recommended to the Session that Rev. Ronald Martin-Minnich be approved for a 6-month term beginning on 9 June and ending on 9 January 2014.
2013 The Churchville Presbyterian Church celebrated its 275th Anniversary on the 21st of September with many special events that had been in planning for over seven months by the special committee chaired by Kim Little. The Rev. Ronald Martin-Minnich portrayed Rev. George Whitefield throughout the celebration. On this day, Pastor and Mrs. Martin-Minnich arrived by horse drawn carriage in colonial dress; then our celebration moved to the church cemetery to honor Stevenson Archer, a veteran of the War of 1812, with a wreath laying ceremony and placement of a historical marker. This was followed by tours of the cemetery and opening of the Time Capsule of 1988. At 4:00 p.m., a High Tea and Luncheon followed by a “Historical Dress” Fashion Show. Then Pastor Martin-Minnich shared the heart of Rev. Whitefield’s sermon “Walking with God” which was based upon Genesis 5:24.
2013 Ralph Austin, a long time CPC member died in March 2012 and left his home to a good friend. This friend donated this house to Ralph’s church. Ralph Austin’s nieces, Beverly Billings and Janice Hopkins, members of CPC, requested that Louise Umbarger manage the transfer of title to the church, and to make it compliant with local jurisdiction zoning requirements. The Session approved acceptance of the gift. The Session later approved selling the property and applying the proceeds to the outstanding loan on the Christian Education and Day Care buildings. This all occurred in 2013 - 2014.
2014 The Rev. Dr. Stephen Melton began his pastoral ministry at Churchville Presbyterian Church on October 21, 2014.
2014 David J. Petr was under the care of Churchville Presbyterian Church during the process of preparation for the ordained ministry as a teaching elder. David received financial support to complete his course work during the 2014 – 2015 years. He graduated and took a ministerial position at a Veterans hospital in PA.
2015 The Rev. Lonna Smith completed the process for approval for the “Privilege of Call” (Enrollment) with the Presbytery.
Dean Youngberg retired after serving twenty years as the CPC Treasurer and handed the duties over to Diane Nelson on January 31.
An Information Technology (IT) Committee was Session approved to maintain and establish existing and proposed video and communication requirements of the church.
Memorial funds were used to pay for the removal of the old and the installation of new storm windows in Fellowship Hall and for the re-glazing and re-painting of the windows.
An installation service for Rev. Dr. Stephen Melton, the 29th Pastor of Churchville Presbyterian Church, was held on June 28, 2015 (after serving since October 21, 2014).
2016: The Peace, Justice, and Missions Committee applied for and received approval for CPC to become an Earth Care Congregation as part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Environmental Ministries Action Network. Fawn Palmer and John Paul, Jr., led the church environmental ministries program which was committed to annual benchmarks in recycling, energy efficiency and storm water management.
A weeping Cherry Tree was planted North of the Day Care and Preschool building as a memorial for Nolan Gallion III.
During the 1950’s, when the Fellowship Hall addition was built, they had to move several grave markers to make room for the addition. In August 2016, a group of dedicated workers reset those 39 markers back in sacred ground. These markers are located in three rows north of the Sanctuary. A map and names on the markers have been recorded.
The tenants, who have been renting the house at 310 Priestford Road since 2002, left in July after they were notified that the house was no longer for rent.
The Peace, Justice and Mission (PJM) Committee embraced an action to establish CPC as an Earth Care Congregation. A team was assembled and started an educational program.
2016 Inquirer Jeffery Snodgrass, serving as a field worker in 2009 under Pastor Joseph Condro, continued participating at CPC as pulpit supply, a teacher of the Finney Class and participated as a leader in many church programs and activities. He held degrees from multiple institutions, including his master’s degree in Divinity from Columba International University in Columbia, SC. He was looking for a pastorate position when he suddenly became ill and died in February 2016.
The memorial window in the church lounge had deteriorated to where it was not feasible to repair. A replacement window was funded from the Walter Vikestad memorial fund. Walter was a church Elder and was a teacher of the Finney Class which met in the lounge.
On October 9, 2016, a recognition for 25 years of service as a church organist was held for Sara Margaret Hodge. She was honored for not only the past years as an organist, but also her years as choir director at other churches and her many years as a music teacher in the local schools. A Korean Dogwood tree was planted east of the church in her honor.
The Presbyterian Women’s Sarah Circle solicited the congregation for recipes for a new cookbook. The proceeds from the sale of the cookbook provided support for the Welcome One Shelter and other mission projects.
2016 – The Cemetery Committee proposed a plan for an Urn Garden to the Session which was approved. This proposal converts two cemetery lots into spaces where cremations may be interred.
2015 and 2016 saw a healthy surge in church membership: four infant Baptisms, nine Confirmands and twelve Professions of Faith, or transfers, or Reaffirmations.
In 2017, funding was obtained, and all plans were completed, including permits to complete the demolition of the #10 Priestford Roadhouse. This included capping an old well, clearing the ground and seeding the property.
The church kitchen was upgraded with a new floor and two new gas stoves to replace the old Viking stove. In addition, the kitchen received a fresh coat of paint, thanks to Kim Little. The Churchville Presbyterian Men’s Group provided the funding.
The Earth Care Ministries (ECM) group transformed an area behind the Christian Educational Building/Child Care Building into a garden for native plants and shrubs. Plans are to expand the size when feasible. The ECM group has excellent conservation practices, good stewardship principles and a faithful teaching ministry in each of the four categories: worship, education, facilities and outreach. The ECM group investigated the possibility of reducing the church’s electric bill through the use of solar power. Several options were investigated using church facilities and/or grounds. A solar-panel company was seeking a property where they could install a solar array for multiple purposes. They rejected the plans due to insufficient array space.
The Session voted to remove an oak tree in the cemetery that was nearly 100 years old. A three-foot diameter slice of the trunk was placed on display in Fellowship Hall. Birthdate tags of church members were displayed upon the age rings of the tree.
A plaque honoring former Churchville Presbyterian Church Minister, Rev. Samuel Carson Wesson was affixed to the wall inside Fellowship Hall near the Sanctuary entrance.
In 2018, an adult/youth mission trip was made to Harrisburg/Hersey Pennsylvania to participate in their programs of preparing care packages for people recovering from disasters and/or a local ministry which provides food and counseling for people in need. A third ministry is a soup kitchen in the inner city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where some went to work.
For the month of May, (National Historic Preservation Month), the political leaders in Harford County Maryland, invited Churchville Presbyterian Church to express why this congregation should be so recognized. Photographs of the congregation were taken and submitted along with other historical material.
The CPC Session laid the groundwork for a major project called the Holy Cow Survey which is a church assessment tool to determine the strengths, areas of growth and the yearnings of the congregation. The survey was scheduled for January 2019.
Dan Davis, the Minister of Music, inventoried and refiled the massive collection of choir music, which has been alphabetized and categorized as Easter, Christmas and General.
In early 2019, the results of the Holy Cow Survey were compiled from the 91 responses of 139 members. The Session compiled the results down to ten insights. A meeting was scheduled with the Study Consultant to review the results and discuss future development and action. The results indicate 40% of the congregation were satisfied with CPC, which means 60% feels the need for improvement. This church shows potential strengths related to stability and clarity of belief and weaknesses that show a tendency to become tradition-bound and conflict-prone. Although concerning, it shows a desire for growth and change. Meetings will continue to study the survey findings.
Kyle Cockerham and Holden Cross represented CPC at the Presbyterian Youth Trienium at Purdue University. The theme for the 2019 event was “Here’s My Heart.”
The congregation approved a change in the holder of the mortgage from PNC Bank to the Presbyterian Church (USA) Investment and Loan Program Inc., (PILP). The initial interest rate is 4.75% with an adjustment every three years and the monthly payment is lower.
A committee of The Churchville Presbyterian Church was formed to make plans to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Sanctuary (1820 – 2020). The CPC is the oldest congregation in continuous use in the Presbytery of Baltimore. It was established in 1738 and has offered a house of worship at the crossroads of Harford County ever since. Initially, the members met in homes, then in a log cabin. In 1759, they built a brick structure which fell in disrepair. Finally, in 1820, they contracted to build a new brick sanctuary. This is the same building we worship in today. For two centuries and countless generations, this church was the one building on a rise on the corner of State Roads 136 and 22. On the sea of green fields and rolling hills, the sanctuary and the congregation have served as a lighthouse – a place for hope, inspiration, direction and comfort. We begin our recognition of our Sanctuary’s 200th Birthday with Heritage Day, October 12, 2019, and end it with Heritage Day, October 10, 2020. Special events were planned throughout the year. The theme for the celebration: “A Light for the Generations.”
The first Heritage/Family Festival on October 12, 2019 was a great success with greeters estimating about 175 persons attending. The Heritage Day Committee Chair, Cindy Givans, ably organized and managed the festival with much to do with tours, entertainment, education, refreshments, reminiscing and exercising. Representatives were present from the Harford Historical Society, Soil Conservation Service, re-enactors with cannon, Master Gardeners and Monarch Butterflies.
The CPC Bell Choir participated in the 2019 Christmas Eve Service with bells donated by the Deer Creek Church. The bells were originally given to the Deer Creek Presbyterian Church by Mr. George Tester in honor of his wife, Jeanette. Mr. and Mrs. Tester were supporters of the music ministry at Deer Creek, and we are blessed that the Deer Creek Church gave the bells to CPC.
During the first quarter of 2020, the congregation scheduled to get photographs taken for a new Church Directory. John Paul Jr., volunteered to take the photographs. Other members volunteered to take photographs of shut-ins. The completion of the Directory was suspended due to the raging Coronavirus.
The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) became a major threat during the Spring of 2020 and closed down everything. Church services were closed down and services were held virtually. That is, services were planned and conducted from the Church Sanctuary or from the Pastor’s home via video and audio (using Facebook and/or Zoom) over the internet. During the summer and Fall Seasons, outdoor services were held when weather permitted. Official church meetings were held via the same process. During periods when the COVID-19 case rate dropped below a selected rate, the in-house church activities would partially resume. Variants to the original Coronavirus kept the church activities limited for extended time (beyond 2021). All meetings for the Holy Cow Program ceased until more favorable health conditions prevailed. The Heritage Family Festival for the 200th Anniversary of the Sanctuary, which was scheduled for 10 October 2020, was cancelled.
Rev. Stephen Melton ministered for almost seven years and resigned effective August 31, 2021. Rev. Melton arrived with much energy and with plans to unite the fellowship after some residual conflict from the previous pastorate and after multiple interim pastorates. Rev. Melton had researched and coordinated the 2016 emplacement of cemetery headstones that were moved some years earlier for construction of the Fellowship Hall. The essence of several of his ongoing programs never came to fruition due to the imposing coronavirus shutdown of all activities. He assisted church staff in the application for multiple grants which aided the church and the daycare immensely during the COVID-19 close down.
Carroll Fitzgerald began serving as an intern at CPC during his Seminary’s Fall Semester in 2020. Because of COVID-19 concerns, his work was limited. He led Bible Study via Zoom and served in the capacity of pulpit supply in the absence of Pastor Stephen Melton during 2020 and early 2021. After the departure of Pastor Melton, Carroll was asked to fill the pulpit on a somewhat regular schedule in 2022. Carroll anticipates receiving his Master of Divinity from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in April 2022. In compliance with course requirements, he has coordinated with CPC Session to be available for Pastoral Care and for office hours at CPC.
Addendum
At a meeting of all the male members of the Churchville Presbyterian Congregation convened by public notice at the Church of Congregation situated at Herbert's Crossroads in Harford County on Monday the 7th day of March, Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-five at the hour of eleven o'clock, the same being the time and place ordinarily used for public meeting of the said Congregation, the Reverend William Finney was called to the Chair and James Pannell was appointed Secretary.
Whereupon it was resolved as the unanimous sense of the Congregation that it would be advisable that the same be incorporated in conformity with provisions of the Act of the General Assembly of Maryland passed on the Eighth day of January in the year 1803, entitled, "An Act to incorporate certain persons in every Christian Church or Congregation in the State": And that to carry said intention into effect it was further resolved that the Congregation should proceed to choose five persons, each of whom shall be twenty-one years of age and of the Presbyterian persuasion, as Trustees of said Church or Congregation.
The members of said Church did then proceed to choose five Trustees by an election viva voce, the same being the usual method by which elections are made in said Congregation, and it appeared that Thomas Jeffrey, S. Archer, John Kirk, John Hanna, and James McGraw were elected Trustees, the which said persons are of the Presbyterian denomination, to manage the estate property and interest and inheritance of the said Church in conformity with the provisions of the aforesaid Act. It was further resolved that the name, style and title of this Church as an incorporated body shall be "The Trustees of the Churchville Presbyterian Congregation".
It was further resolved that all vacancies which shall accrue in said body of Trustees shall be filled by a majority of male members of said Congregation who shall be convened at the Church by public notice delivered from the pulpit by the pastor of said Church, and that the qualification of persons so to be elected to said vacancies shall be the following: He shall be over twenty-one years of age and a member of the said Congregation. Resolved that in case of the death, removal from the bounds of the Church, resignation or removal by majority of the male members of the Congregation aforesaid, who shall be convened as aforesaid for the appointment, election shall be held to fill the vacancy thus created in said body.
James Pannell, Sec'y W. Finney, Chairman
HARFORD COUNTY TO WIT:
On this seventh day of March, in the year 1825, personally appeared before us, two of the State of Maryland Justices of Peace for said County, Thomas Jeffery, S. Archer, John Kirk, and John Hanna, a majority of the Trustees as above named, and did acknowledge that the aforegoing proceedings were had at the time and place herein stated in the order in which they are set down in the proceeding instrument of writing, all being satisfied that the proceedings in the said instrument contained, have been legally and duly conducted.
James McGraw
F. Bayless
Received and recorded the Twelth day of march, Eighteen Hundred and twenty-five, and examined by
Henry Dorsey, Clk.
