Presbyterian Churches in Chester County





This is the follow-up for First Churches of Chester County Pennsylvania; Early Church Records Vol. 2 Chester Co.Pa.

The oldest Presbyterian Church in Chester County is the Great Valley in Tredyffrin Township where there was a congregation as early as 1710. In its early years the congregation was largely Welsh. A Church building was erected in 1720. The first minister was Malachi Jones who was replaced by David Evans in 1720. The Charlestown Presbyterian Church was erected in 1743 as a result of the Old Side/New Side split of the congregation of Great Valley. Principally involved in the organization of the Church were David Humphries, David John, Griffith Jones, Lewis Martin and Anthony Pritchard. In 1791 the two churches united. The Upper Octorara Church in Sadsbury Township was organized in 1720. Prior to 1724 it was supplied by Rev. David Evans and Rev. David Magill. The first regular pastor was Adam Boyd, from County Antrim, Ireland, installed in 1724. The Old Side/New Side controversy split this congregation with the forming of the Second Congregation of Upper Octorara by the New Side; Rev. Andrew Sterling was a pastor from 1747 to 1765. The churches united in 1768. Fagg's Manor Presbyterian Church was formed in 1730. It was first called New Londonderry, taking its name from the Township. Rev. Samuel Blair, native of Ireland, became its first pastor in 1740. The Rock Presbyterian Church was organized in 1720. The first structure was in Lewisville, Elk Township; the second church was erected by the New Side in 1741 at Fair Hill, Cecil County, Maryland; the third location was in Cecil County near the line with Chester County. The New London Presbyterian Church was founded in 1728. Its first minister was Rev. Samuel Gelston, native of Ireland. Doe Run Presbyterian Church was erected in 1740. It had supplies from the New Side Presbyterian



Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church - pastoral record 1894-5

Donegal Presbyterian Church, Lancaster County

Part I: First Presbyterian Church Marriages 1760-1803

Part II: First Presbyterian Church Marriages 1760 - 1803

Presbyterian Historical Society





This page updated on January 17, 2011