On the wall of Donegal Presbyterian Church, a sign bears a Celtic saying. It translates to "one hundred thousand welcomes," and it perfectly sums up the church's philosophy, said Portia Brian, who volunteers as the church's historian. "We believe in connecting people through faith," she said. "Churches come and go, but this one has withstood the test of time."

She's not kidding. Donegal Presbyterian Church, 1891 Donegal Springs Road, Mount Joy, will mark its 300th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 26, with a homecoming service beginning at 10 a.m. Bagpiper Gustav Person will lead a processional of church dignitaries, and the service will include recorded greetings from the Rev. Stephen Richmond of the Rathneeny, Ireland, church with whom Donegal shares an ancestral heritage. Representatives from the synod and presbytery will participate in the service, and the Rev. Matthew D. Randolph will deliver the sermon. The Rev. Larry Chottiner has written a hymn especially for the 300-year celebration. The Donegal Church choir will provide special music. Communion will be celebrated at the church's early 18th-century Communion table, and the elements will be served from the church's antique pewter Communion set. Tea and scones will be served in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. A luncheon will be held at Cameron Estate Inn beginning at 1 p.m.

Brian said the congregation uses 1721 as the date of the church's formation, because there is documented proof of that date. "We use that date, but we know that there were people worshipping here before that time," she noted.

The church grounds were once home to a "witness tree," where church members met in 1777, when George Washington sent a message asking for men to muster and travel to Philadelphia for the Revolutionary War effort. In 1991, the tree had to be cut down due to disease, but the congregation used its wood to make offering plates, bowls, bells and more. Acorns from the original tree were also saved to plant a new tree.

Brian said the 300th anniversary celebration offers a time for the community to come together and recognize the longevity of the church.

"We are welcoming anybody back who has a connection to Donegal Presbyterian Church," she said, noting that the church has withstood the challenges of life on what was once frontier land through wars and even the most recent pandemic. "It's amazing that a congregation has survived for 300 years, and it has evolved over those years. The church had to be a vital part of the community to survive that long, and we are still committed to serving our community today."

Reservations are requested for the church service and may be made by calling the church office between Monday, Sept. 6, and Monday, Sept. 20, at 717-653-1943. Reservations for the luncheon are required by Sunday, Sept. 12. To sign up, email CarlaDouple98@gmail.com or purchase tickets on Sundays after church services.