On Nov. 19, the congregation of New Holland Mennonite Church, 18 Western Ave., celebrated 100 years of existence. Church historian Brenda Hurst said that the event was the conclusion of a year of looking back into the history of the congregation and that in addition to centennial Sunday, the church held a covenant renewal. Pastor Dawn Ranck-Hower noted that the celebration finished with a fellowship meal and cake.
"The first Mennonite worship service in New Holland was held at what was called the New Holland Methodist Episcopal Church, now the New Holland United Methodist Church (UMC) at 120 W. Main St.," commented Hurst, who noted that the service was held on Aug. 21, 1910. The congregation formed because young Mennonites from outlying farms who had attended Weaverland and Groffdale Mennonite churches had moved into the borough of New Holland. The new congregation rented space from the UMC church for some time before purchasing property on Roberts Avenue in 1919 and breaking ground for a building there in 1921.
According to Hurst, the congregation was officially born on Nov. 18, 1923, when 55 people voted unanimously to organize a congregation and call a minister. By that December, a charter membership list included 103 signatures. Originally, services were held biweekly so members could worship at their home churches as well. The first pastor, Noah Sauder, was a car salesman. He served from 1923 until 1958, when he was replaced by Frank Shirk.
By 1970, the congregation had outgrown the church building, and more Sunday school space had been added. "In 1972, they voted on two plans, and they decided to build a new church," said Ranck-Hower.
The congregation purchased land on Western Avenue and moved to a new building there in 1974. "There was a special service starting at the old church and then walking over here carrying their hymnals," said Hurst.
The Roberts Avenue church was sold to the Hispanic Mennonite Church because that congregation wanted a church in town. "In the 1950s, migrant workers began coming to this area to work at Victor Weaver's, which is now Tyson Foods," said Hurst. The two congregations had been sharing the building prior to 1974. Ranck-Hower noted that the congregations held yearly joint services from 2004 until about 2020.
Throughout this anniversary year, the organization has been holding a monthly education session during adult Sunday school time to inform present members about the church's history to give longtime members and former pastors a chance to share their memories. "We wanted to (answer the question), 'How does our history inform who we are as a congregation now?'" noted Hurst.
"For a period of time, the church supported ministries overseas, but what has been consistent is the community outreach here within New Holland," noted congregation member Steve Lantz. The church continues to help meet local needs by hosting the New Holland Early Learning Center and providing food for CrossNet Ministries to distribute through the Sprouts for Peace Garden. Until a few years ago a sewing circle existed among the women. Hurst said that the group had provided clothing for the Welsh Mountain Mission and helped feed those in need in the area.
More information about the church may be found at http://www.newhollandmc.org.
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