THE BEGINNING
The congregation of Chapel Church was established in 1858 following a series of special revival meetings led by Rev. J.S. Wentz and Rev. Jeremiah Jones on the George Musser farm. Out of the eighty individuals who converted during these meetings, fifty-five formed the initial congregation, referred to as the “Musser Class”. Subsequently, Mr. Musser constructed a substantial springhouse with an upper room, which became the congregation's primary place of worship. The farm on Ruppert Road, a few miles northeast of the current church location, served as the congregation's early spiritual hub. In 2008, the present congregation managed to preserve several original elements, including the barn doors, some windows with their original glass, and a significant portion of the chimney's brickwork.
CHURCH BUILDINGS
In 1880, Mr. John Stabley generously contributed land for the church's current location along Route 24 in York Township, two miles north of Red Lion Borough. Initially, a modest church known as 'Union Chapel' was constructed, jointly utilized by the Musser Class (United Brethren in Christ) and a class of the Evangelical Association. After a decade, the United Brethren acquired the Evangelical Association's shares, leading to the adoption of the name "St. Paul's United Brethren in Christ of York County." Despite subsequent denominational mergers, the name 'Chapel Church' has endured.
In the early 1900s, additional land was acquired, leading to the construction of a frame building in 1919. The Heiland View Cemetery, situated adjacent to the church property, was incorporated in 1935. In 1936, the construction of the current brick structure commenced. The parish hall followed in 1950, with the parsonage completed in 1958. Ground was broken for the educational unit in 1982, culminating in its dedication on April 17, 1983. The installation of a steeple took place the same year. Furthermore, the Chapel Christian Daycare commenced operations in the autumn of 1983, providing childcare services to the local community.
LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE YEARS
During the 1800s, it was customary for 'circuit rider' preachers to minister to local congregations during their visits to an area. In the absence of a preacher, class leaders conducted church activities. In 1917, Reverend Martin Heiland assumed the role of the first 'stationed' pastor, ministering to the Chapel congregation until 1940. Subsequently, Reverend Elwood E. Needy became the first full-time pastor until 1962. The following individuals have served as pastors within our congregation:
- 1917 - 1940 Rev. Martin Heiland
- 1940 - 1962 Rev. Elwood E. Needy
- 1962 - 1968 Rev. Clarence Chubb
- 1968 - 1982 Rev. C. Wesley Willson, Sr.
- 1982 - 1994 Rev. Owen Walter
- 1994 - 2000 Rev. Thomas Young
- 2000 - 2006 Rev. Jonathan L. Bausman
- 2006 Rev. Ray Fravell [interim/5 months]
- 2006 - 2009 Rev. Gary Weaver
- 2009 - 2015 Rev. Robert Vizthum
- 2015 - 2019 Rev. Brendan Hock
- 2019 - Current Rev. Joshua Wargo
AFFILIATION HISTORY
In 1968, a new denomination was formed through the merger of various Methodist churches with the Evangelical United Brethren churches. As a result of that merger, Chapel Church, formerly known as St. Paul's (Chapel) EUB, became a United Methodist congregation. In 2022, the Chapel congregation voted to disaffiliate from the UMC; in 2023, the decision was made to formally align with the newly formed Global Methodist denomination. This new beginning reaffirms the foundational teachings of God's Holy Word and reinforces John Wesley's methods of 'Scripture, Tradition, Reason, Experience' for developing spiritual holiness and discipleship. Our commitment remains steadfast in following God's Holy Word, and we celebrate our 165+ years of Spirit-driven service to our Lord by sharing the love of Jesus Christ through mission and ministry to the community. Weekly worship services and prayer sessions, small groups and class studies, fellowship and special events, mission teams and outreach projects, music and drama, children and youth ministries, and our Christian Daycare, provide a wide range of possibilities for shining the Light of Christ into our corner of God's creation. We desire to 'Worship Passionately. Love Extravagantly. Witness Boldly.'