First Church of the Brethren Moves to Haines Acres – 1965-66

In the early ’60’s, the York First Church of the Brethren purchased land just north of Fireside Terrace in an area which is now the Northwest Shopping Center. There were inklings that a new highway was to be built between this site and Fireside Terrace. If the plans came to fuition, a highway would form a “20 foot high wall” in front of the church facility, cutting it off from the Fireside neighborhood.

Meanwhile, engineering studies indicated that the now 10 year old Haines Acres development in East York and the surrounding area would be the fastest growing area in York. Therefore, the York First Church of the Brethren voted to move out of the city and into the new, mostly undeveloped, but rapidly growing area in East York.

Background

The First Church of the Brethren was formerly located at the corner of King and Belvidere Streets in York. “A growing problem was where to park cars that were bringing a scattered membership to Sunday Worship. For decades, members chose to establish their homes within a walking distance of the church. But more and more young couples wanted to live in the suburbs or in the country. So after making marked improvements on our facilities, there was talk about a possible relocation for space that was needed.”

– A comment made in the early 1950’s by the pastor, Rev. Bernard N. King

The Chronology

January 9, 1958 A Long Range Planning Committee is appointed to study the feasibility of rebuilding, expanding, or relocating.
February 19, 1959 The First Church, in council, votes to relocate on a Loucks Road site.
April 12, 1964 Because of zoning problems, the First Church votes to adopt the recommendation of the Building Committee that the church relocate on a Haines Acres tract, rather than on Loucks Road.
January 17, 1965 Bids based on architects’ drawings are solicited.
April 18, 1965 Groundbreaking Service.
April 19, 1965 Construction Phase begins.
September 19, 1965 Cornerstone Laying Service.

The Building Committee

Dr. John Herr, Chairman

John Minnich Lowell Landis Sanford Trimmer
Orville Lauver Robert Klucher Galen Trimmer
George Heindel Henry Nelson Lehman Crist
John Bortner Pastor M. Guy West

Construction Phase

April 19, 1965 Construction Phase begins.