Church History

The idea for a Christian & Missionary Alliance church in Glen Rock started as a vision in the minds of two men - Mr. Dwaine Flemmens, a York local, and Mr. William Eshbaugh, a Summit Grove camp manager. The vision started to become a tangible reality in February 1979, when they met with the Rev. Raymond Dibble, the Director of church growth for the Eastern district.

Throughout 1979, the interest in starting a new C&MA fellowship grew. Several families committed themselves to making this vision a reality, establishing Shrewsbury as the location. There was a flurry of activity between March and November, 1979 towards achieving this goal, including:

distributing a survey at the York CMA to determine the new church location
family meetings at Summit Grove to determine level of interest & commitment
Wednesday evening prayer meetings about the new church
meeting with Rev. Dibble to work on & establish a working budget.
establishing a start date for the first new service
appointment of Rev. Gerald Mapstone as Pastor & his move into a rented parsonage in Shrewsbury in September, 1979
Commissioning service held at the York CMA
First service held at the New Freedom Community Center on the 3rd Sunday in October, 1979; there were 27 attendees.

New Church Building

Sept. 1980: Clarence Streiwig sells 5 acres of land to the church and gifts an additional 2 acres for a total of 7 acres - located close to Rt. 216 on the Susquehanna trail
Nov. 1980: Construction of new parsonage starts
May 1981: Pastor Mapstone moves into new parsonage

Dec. 1981: Incorporation papers filed for the Glenview Christian & Missionary Alliance (GAC).
Apr - Oct 1982:
- Start of construction of church building in Glen Rock
- Seventy (70) charter members received into fellowship.
- First service in new church building & dedication service for new church and parsonage (October)

Church Growth

1984:

Pastor Mapstone leaves to accept new position as Minister of Christian Education & Church growth for the Western PA District.
Reverend David Anderson replaces Pastor Mapstone, moving from the Jersey Shore & delivers his first Sunday service in July

1989:

Ground improvements made to new church site this year.

If, after reading this history, you have additional, helpful, information to add to, modify or complete it please e-mail the church office.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16