MECHANICSBURG CHRISTIAN CHURCH HISTORY
In the year 1840, a small group of men organized a Christian Church, cut logs, and built a log church. The plot of ground was given to them to be used only as a church. It was a thick woods and we think it stood on the same ground as the other church or very close by. This church was used for 13 years, then became too small, and gave way for the second church structure.
The second church building was a frame structure built in 1852, with native lumber and faced the east. It had two doors on the east side and was built on the same ground. This building was used 27 years before the congregation outgrew it. It was sold to Stan Moore and used as a post office and blacksmith shop. Part of that building was torn down in 1972.
The third building, brick, was built in 1880, faced the south, and was used for 32 years. In this period of church history, a beautiful communion set was bought - 2 large pitchers, 2 drinking cups and 2 plates. This building was used until the old brick became unsafe, and was torn down.
In 1912, the fourth church building was built at the cost of $4,500. This was used 40 years, with all four of the early churches built on the same ground. An addition was made to this building shortly before it was destroyed by fire in September, 1961. It was in this period of church history that a new communion set was bought. This was a round tray with individual glass drinking cups and since these were easily broken were replaced with silver cups when the old communion set was set aside.
In 1961, this congregation bought a tract of land from Ed and Rena Virtue. On this ground the fifth church structure was built and dedicated August 19, 1962. This building stands a little west of the old structure and faces east. The cost was $45,000. Again, a new communion set was purchased and is in use today. In 1973-74 an educational wing was added to the north at a cost of $33,500. Also the youth of the church surprised the congregation by presenting the old communion service which they had rejuvinated and given to the church for display.
A new worship center was built in 1984-85 at a cost of $340,000. The first worship service as held in the new auditorium on February 24, 1985. Dedication of the new facilities was held June 30, 1985.
We have done a great deal of remodeling over the past several years to accomadate our continued growth. Our fellowship hall has been moved from the basement to the main floor where it is more convenient for everyone. Our basement has been remodeled into a center for our youth.
We recently bought more property and have expanded our parking.
It has been said that Mechanicsburg is just a speck on the map. When the ground was dedicated, it was dedicated for church use only. It has stood the test for 170 years. Today, as always, it sends out a message of love, hope, faith and worship for you and me.
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