History of The Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church

On April 10, 1858, a group of like-minded Presbyterians of the Mechanicsburg area gathered together to form a Presbyterian Church in the town of Mechanicsburg.  It is interesting to note that most of the original charter members of this church were former members of the Silver Spring Presbyterian Church.  At that time it was difficult for them to get to the Silver Spring Church and they desired to establish a church here in town.  After the necessary steps were taken, the charter of the new church was filed on August 27, 1858, and recorded on December 10, 1858. A church building was erected on South Market Street in that same year.

During the next 21 years the membership grew from the original 50 charter members to 300. Growth continued to be steady, and in May, 1945, a letter went out to members in an effort to raise $20,000 for the remodeling and enlarging of the church which was located on South Market Street.  Times and thoughts changed.  A corn field was purchased at the edge of town and on June 24, 1956, the present church building was dedicated to the service of the Lord, at a cost of over $225,000.

Continued growth necessitated the addition of a Christian Education wing. This was dedicated on September 15, 1963.  Membership had now reached over the 1,000 mark and the church was continually expanding its service to the community.  During this time, in addition to the Senior Pastor, the church had several Assistant Pastors and installed their first Associate Pastor in 1972. 

In the 1990's the church facilities were expanded and renovated with the purchase of the Parish House/Youth Center, which is located at 303 East Keller Street, and a one million-dollar building and improvement program.

Since the turn of the century, the Church has added an Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults, purchased a manse on Shepherdstown Road, and the house at 300 East Keller Street.  In October 2008 the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church celebrated their 150th anniversary.