History:

Beginning in 1938, Mennonite families from the Conestoga Valley (Morgantown) area began settling in the Oley Valley to farm. 1942 saw an influx of Mennonites to the Oley Valley, while World War II’s effects led to blackouts and gas rationing. Commuting back to Morgantown for church became impractical, so a group arranged to used the vacant Union Church building for services. On May 17, 1942, 130 people gathered together for services, singing hymns including “How Firm a Foundation” and “This is My Father’s World.” John S. Mast preached from 1 Timothy 4:12.

A lot was cast to determine the pastor, and Omar Kurtz was ordained on January 3, 1943. Services continued in the Union Church building until 1950, when construction began on a new building. On September 24, 1950, a Dedication Service was held for the new building, with 700 people in attendance.

Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, the church continued to grow, with ladies’ groups knitting and crocheting, Mennonite Youth Fellowship groups developing, and revival meetings being held at various times. Individuals and families were commissioned for service & mission around the country and world, from Port Allegheny, PA to Argentina to Red Lake, Ontario.

In the late 1970s, our area conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, was formed through the merger of Conestoga / Maple Grove and Atlantic States Districts merging as a conference. Myron Augsburger spoke at the first annual meeting of ACC in 1979.

God has been faithful to our congregation, from its humble beginnings to activity in missionary service. We’ve been blessed by gifted pastors, elders, and deacons. We celebrate our history and look forward to God’s future.