A Brief Church History 

            Rev. Ernest Bauman initiated the work of the C & MA in Donegal, PA in March, 1952. Services were held in the old Baptist Church [present site of the Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Dept.] Following his resignation in May 1958, Mr. Wesley V. Meyers assumed the pastorate and arranged the acquisition of the old Methodist Church building which has been retained as the fellowship hall.

            Information passed down several generations has been substantiated by remnants found during the excavation of the basement of the old brick church which establishes this site as the location of a log structure that had been the Presbyterian Church. History indicates that settlers were probably worshipping at this site prior to 1792. Praise God that nearly two centuries later this is still hallowed ground.

            The present parsonage was built in 1962 and additional land was purchased to provide a parking area.

            Early consideration was given to the eventual need of a new building. Plans were drawn for a Sunday School Annex which was, in fact, designed to be the foundation for a future sanctuary. The completed annex was dedicated to the Lord in 1969.

            Action to consummate the provision of the new sanctuary began in earnest over two years ago. The complicated process of obtaining funding, selecting an architect, reviewing plans, taking bids to choose a contractor and preparing a contract was finally completed and construction was started in the fall of 1983.

            We praise God for the realization of this achievement. His control over the whole procedure was evident through the manner in which seemingly impossible matters were resolved. His will be done.