Weaverland celebrates with bus tours and more

In the back of the church where the Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community meets at 210 Weaverland Valley Road, East Earl, there is a hallway decorated with historical plaques dedicated to the faith story of Weaverland. "There is a tremendous history and story of God's faithfulness even through World War I and World War II," said Brian Martin, lead pastor and bishop, who recounted how pacifists were jailed during World War I, but during World War II lent their talents to the community in work camps due in part to the farm furlough plan, which was written by Weaverland members Israel B. Good and Ben Weaver, working with Congressman William Griest. "We have a copy of a handwritten letter from Woodrow Wilson (dated Nov. 19, 1917), noting I.B. Good and Ben Weaver and calling the bill a good thing," said Brian.

On Saturday, Oct. 7, and Sunday, Oct. 8, the church will celebrate "300 Years of God's Faithfulness" with an event that will include bus tours, worship, a fellowship meal and presentation, and cemetery tours. The celebration is based on the arrival of the three Weber brothers from Switzerland on the 3,000 acres they were granted by William Penn in 1723 in what is now called the Weaverland Valley. Weaver is the anglicized version of the German Weber.

On Oct. 7, bus tours will leave the church at 9 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. Tour guide Ken Sensenig, known for his historical knowledge and storytelling abilities, will lead tour takers to more than a dozen sites, including early homes along Weaverland Road, the Peter Martin Cabin, the Pike Meetinghouse, the Groffdale Mennonite Church, and several cemeteries, including the Old Weberthal Cemetery. Lunch will be included with both tours. Individuals interested in taking part may visit http://www.weaverland.org and click on "Anniversary Weekend Events" to register. There is a cost to take a tour.

On Oct. 8, worship services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. will include "Remembering Our Story," with Keith Weaver, retired LMC - a Fellowship of Anabaptist Churches - moderator and bishop, followed by "Pressing Forward in Christ" with Rodney Martin, member of the LMC bishop elder team, and "Inviting Our Story to Be My Story," by Brian. A fellowship meal following the second service will feature author and historian John Ruth presenting "This Very Ground, This Crooked Affair." "In the afternoon, there will be a walking tour of the two cemeteries here (at the church)," said Brian, who noted the tours will be led by Sensenig.

Brian, who, like many church members, can trace his family heritage back to early settlers in the area, noted that the first church, a log cabin, was built at the present location in 1733. A stone building was constructed in 1766. "There have been a number of builds over the years," said Brian, with the present building dating to 1926. "We have expanded at least three times since it was built," said Brian, who added that the church was remodeled in 1972 and that expansions occurred in 1987 and again in 2015.

The congregation is working on a booklet to commemorate the 300-year anniversary of the church, and Brian noted that small celebrations have been occurring all year. "Each month, we have been including a God Story in our worship service," he said. "We entitled (that segment) 'Celebrating 300 Years of God's Faithfulness: Remembering Our Story, Pressing Forward in Christ.'"

Readers who have specific questions may call the church at 717-445-6348.