CHURCH HISTORY: Trinity Reformed Church, Halifax, Dauphin County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/dauphin/
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History of the Classis of Lancaster of the Eastern Synod of the
Reformed Church in the United States, 1852-1940;

Part II, Histories of the Congregations of the Classis of Lancaster, Pg. 276-277

Printed by The New Holland Clarion, New Holland, PA;
Editors Rev. Daniel G. Glass, Rev. C. George Bachman, Rev. Harry E. Shepardson,
Rev. John F. Frantz, Rev. J. N. Le Van, D.D.
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TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, HALIFAX

Rev. George W. Moyer, Pastor

A group of individuals in Halifax, who had as their religious training the 
doctrines, principles, and ideals of the Reformed Church, in 1904 were inspired 
to organize a congregation whereby they might give expression to their religious 
convictions.  This interested group met several times in their respective homes, 
at which time they held informal services, after which plans were discussed to 
enlarge their circle and to organize a congregation.  As their number increased 
their homes were not large enough to comfortably accommodate them.

In the spring of 1905, Chubb's Hall (now used as a carpenter shop by H. O. 
Chubb) was rented, as a place in which to conduct their Sunday services.  Rev. 
George W. Spotts, who served at that time as pastor of the Armstrong Valley 
Reformed Charge, was invited to give them pastoral oversight, and also to 
conduct preaching services.  A congregation was organized under the name of 
"Trinity".  The church became a part of the Armstrong Valley Reformed Charge.

This faithful and loyal group labored with the pastor in the hope that they 
might erect a church building in which they could worship the True and Living 
God.  It was but a year after this humble beginning that the dream of the 
original group became a reality.  Ground was purchased where the present 
structure now stands and plans were made to start building.  The corner stone 
was laid on September 30, 1906.  After experiencing many hardships, especially 
financially, the present church structure was dedicated as a house of worship.  
The dedication services began on Wednesday evening, October 2, and continued to 
and included Sunday evening, October 6, 1907.

In 1931 the interior of the church building was complete renovated and 
redecorated and was re-dedicated on Sunday, September 27, 1931.

For many years there was need of a parsonage for the Armstrong Valley Charge.  
Trinity Congregation furnished the ground upon which the parsonage was erected, 
and though the project was sponsored by the entire charge, yet Trinity gave her 
most loyal support.

By December 15, 1924, the parsonage was completed and was occupied by the 
pastor, Rev. C. E. Heffleger and family.

The first organized consistory of Trinity congregation consisted of the 
following:

Elders:  Carvin C. Lebo, John Sheesly and Jacob H. Lebo; Deacons:  John Meader, 
Warren Dissney and A. S. Lebo.