Chanceford Presbyterian Church, established in 1751, is among the oldest congregations in York County, Pennsylvania. “Nestled in the scenic, rolling hills and farmland of Lower Chanceford Township, the building features some of the most beautiful stained glass windows and unique late 19th century architecture in the county.” (chancefordpc.org)

My ancestor, John Fraser Farquhar, was the pastor at this church from 1846 to 1866. In 1846, the building at the site was a log structure. In 1851, a new brick building was completed and the log building was used as a school house. The current granite church was built in 1887, long after my ancestor’s death.

Church History

From The Delta Herald newspaper of York County, PA, appeared the following article on Friday, September 17, 1886, p2: Historical Sketches, Chanceford Presbyterian Church. The newspaper clipping and the transcription are below.

1886-09-17 The Delta Herald Fri Sep 17, 1886, p2, Historical Sketches, Chanceford Presbyterian Church

There are two Presbyterian churches in this township, namely: Chanceford and Pine Grove. Chanceford is two miles southwest of Airville. Its early history was intimately connected with Slate Ridge church, Peach Bottom township, the two congregations being served by the same pastors for many years. The exact time of its organization is not certainly known but its official records show back as far as 1760. The first settlers and members of the church were Scotch Irish. The first house of worship was built about fifty yards below the present one, the marks of its foundation can be seen yet. The present one was built in 1850 of bricks, Samuel Dougherty being contractor. The gable ends of this church are giving way and it was found necessary to build a new one, which is now soon to be completed. It is built of granite stone and brick and is of modern structure and finish. It is about sixty yards above the present one. Rev. John Strain was installed pastor in 1762 and served until his death in 1774. Rev. John Slemons was installed in 1781 and his pastoral relation dissolved in 1799. Rev. Samuel Martin was installed in 1799: pastoral relations dissolved in 1845 and died the same year. Rev. John Farquhar was ordained and installed in 1847and died in 1868. Rev. Robert Gamble was installed in 1867 and served until 1882. Rev. C. B. Cross, the present pastor was installed in 1883.

A large cemetery adjoins the church and is the resting place of several of the former pastors and members of the church, including a number of revolutionary patriots. The parsonage is large and nicely surrounded by trees and shrubbery, the work of the Rev. John Farquhar, a former pastor. It is situated on part of the church grounds and includes ten acres of ground, which is tillable.

Church Photographs

These photos were taken in 2010 by Margaret Walker, Janet Smith, and John Farquhar.

Church Info

Contact Info:
Chanceford Presbyterian Church
PA-425 & Kennedy Rd.
Airville, PA 17302
(717) 862-3748

To see a list of burials, see here: http://www.interment.net/data/us/pa/york/chanceford.htm