History of the Church

The History of the Presbyterian Church of Wrightsville, Pennsylvania date back to May 8, 1828. For ten years prior to this the Presbyterian's met informally in Wrightsville in what was known as "The Union Church."

From 1838 to 1847 the congregation worshiped in "The Old Brick Meeting House." The church was incorporated on March 17, 1845 as "The Presbyterian Church in the Borough of Wrightsville, York County, Pennsylvania," and in 1847 a lot was purchased at the corner of Second and Locust Streets. This location is where the church's first structure was built.

The next event of major importance was the erection of the present edifice under the leadership of Rev. George Bell. The words show that the congregation first worshipped in the "Lecture Room" on April 28, 1885. In November of 1903 the first and present organ was installed in the sanctuary.

The longest ministry of this congregation was that of Rev. Nathaniel Chestnut who served our church from June 24, 1914 until his death on June 11, 1933. His leadership marked the largest period of growth in membership peaking at 166 members in 1924.

A new addition was begun in the 1950s, with a date stone placed in the wall of the new building. The Rev. Bruce Hile and the congregation dedicated the new addition to the glory of God on May 3, 1955 as part of the church's one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary.

In December 28, 1964, the children of Dr. and Mrs. B.A. Hoover presented the manse to the church.  This provided housing for the pastor and his family for more than 30 years.  The manse was sold to the Wilson's in 1999.

Also, thanks to the leadership of Rev. George McCredie, the church held its first retreat in 1976. Since 1983 the Fall weekend retreat has become a yearly family
experience.

Planning for a second addition began in 2001 under the leadership of Dr. Rev. Robert D. Sayre with groundbreaking in March 2002.  The official dedication was held on Sunday, November 3, 2002 under the leadership of interim pastor the Rev. Suzanne Uittenbogaard. The new addition provides a new kitchen facilities, fellowship hall, choir room, two offices, and 4 new classrooms. 

We of the Wrightsville Presbyterian Church, though small in number, have long been a bright beacon of Christian faith to the people of Wrightsville. It is a tradition built nearly 179 years ago by this church's founders, and one we pray we will have the strength to carry on into the next millennium and beyond.

1st--Mary Louise Sechrist, Mrs. Reba Gohn, Mrs. W. McElwain
2nd--Mrs. R. Andrew Hoover, Mrs. Charles Kerr
3rd--Miss Eleanor Clark, Mrs. George Scott, Miss Louise Levergood