Churchville Presbyterian Church: A Brief History

Our congregation was established in 1738. It first met near Graveyard Branch on the Old Level Road about one-half mile east of Glenville Road. In 1739 the famous British evangelist George Whitefield is said to have preached in a tent on what was later the Harlan Farm, known ever since as "tent field" and recently purchased by CPC.

The Presbytery sent supply preachers from time to time. CPC's first regular pastor was Andrew Bay, who was called in 1759. In 1760 the church moved to Churchville (then called Deer Creek Lower Crossroads) and erected a brick building with no ceiling except the rafters and no heating!

The Reverend William Finney was called as pastor in 1813 and served very successfully for 41 years. In 1820, a badly needed new building was constructed. On March 1, 1824 the building debt of $1,791.75 was retired. In 1830, a stone wall was erected along Churchville Road, which still stands today. In 1837 a group of CPC members began meeting near Darlington, which was closer to their homes. This marked the beginning of Deer Creek Harmony Church.

The Reverend John Paxton was called in 1870 and served for four years. His original preaching style gave new life to the congregation. During his pastorate, the church was completely renovated, the bell tower was added, the present pulpit alcove replaced the old high pulpit, and the doors were moved to their current location.

In 1947 Reverend Robert Hansen was called to CPC. One of his accomplishments was the erection and dedication of the Fellowship Hall with pastor's study, kitchen, and rest rooms.

Reverend Bruce Miller began his ministry in 1956. Sunday school classes were cramped in Fellowship Hall, and in 1958 the Christian Education Building was dedicated. The first church secretary was hired that year.

Reverend Eugene Stambaugh was called in 1964. In 1969 a Day Care Center was established in the Christian Education building and to this day continues to provide a much needed community service. In 1972 the CPC sanctuary and grounds were designated as a Harford County Historic Site. In 1985 a much needed administrative wing was added, and in 1986 the church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Adjoining property owned by Dr. Richard Street was purchased by CPC in 1996, and another parcel owned by the Harlan family was purchased in 1998. In 1997 the sanctuary was completely renovated, new carpet was installed, and the pews, wainscoting, doors, and framework were refinished and the choir loft expanded.

In March 1999 Reverend Dr. Joseph Condro was called to be the pastor of CPC, and he was installed in May 1999. His visitation of the sick and prospective new members, conduct of new membership classes, officer training, work with the youth, solid preaching, and his care for all members and friends have ingratiated Rev. Condro to the congregation. Pastor Joe has overseen the installation of a much needed new church parking lot, the planning and building of a new CPC Day Care Center, and renovation of the Christian Education Building, the addition of a part-time administrative assistant, and a Director of Christian Education, and the installation of a new Allen Organ, as well as the establishment of a Stephen Ministry Program and outreach programs to meet local needs of the homeless and those devastated by Hurricane Katrina.