The Donegal-Witness Tree chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) recently dedicated a special marker within the cemetery of Bangor Episcopal Church in Churchtown. In celebration of the United States' 250th anniversary, the marker memorializes the 22 patriots, and 26 wives and first daughters, buried within the cemetery, which was founded in 1722. The dedication ceremony took place on Oct. 4.

The service began inside the church, where a color guard from the Lancaster Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution presented the colors. The program featured patriotic readings and patriotic hymns, with organ, trumpet, and flute accompaniment. Biographies of two patriots were read aloud, as were biographies of a patriot's wife and daughter.

Three decorated wreaths were placed in front of the altar by a Children of the American Revolution (CAR) member, a DAR member, and the leader of the Sons of the Revolution group. A prayer written by George Washington was read by the congregation, followed by the reading of patriots' names and the names of their wives and first daughters by two members of the DAR chapter's America250 committee.

The retiring of the colors led the congregation to the cemetery, while the Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps marched and played. In attendance were 10 descendants of the patriots, including one family that traveled from California; a Lancaster County commissioner; three township supervisors; the DAR state regent; two honorary state regents and past vice presidents general, including the state America 250! chair; the director of the state DAR's South Central District; the state chair of events; and the CAR senior society president. Following the service, everyone was invited to the church reception house for refreshments and fellowship.

The DAR's Donegal Chapter of Lancaster was organized in 1892, and the Witness Tree Chapter of Columbia was organized in 1897. Both chapters had the same founder, Lillian Slaymaker Evans. The chapters merged in August 2020.