Commissioned by the Donegal Society and dedicated to the memory of those featured, this video tells the history of Donegal Presbyterian Church through the words of former Donegal Historians including the Reverend Thomas J. McKinnon, Mary Karnes, Joan Betty, and David Martin.
Collecting & Preserving the History of the Scots-Irish
The Donegal Society supports maintainance, beautification, and preservation of the grounds, trees, spring, cemetery, and buildings on the Donegal Presbyterian Church property, acting as the focal point for all descendants and others interested in the objectives of the Society while preserving the living history and heritage of the Scots-Irish through Society membership and reunions.
About the Church
By the mid-18th Century, 12,000 Scots-Irish were coming to America each year. Most of the early settlers were Scots who had been relocated to Ulster, Ireland, around Donegal and Derry, from they emigrated to America. By 1722 those arriving in the Susquehanna River area chose their land for settlement and named the area Donegal. The Donegal Presbyterian Church was founded prior to 1721. The historic sanctuary building has changed little since its remodeling in 1851. At that time, the stone walls were plastered, the windows were squared, and new entrances were made at the gable end of the building.
About the Church
By the mid-18th Century, 12,000 Scots-Irish were coming to America each year. Most of the early settlers were Scots who had been relocated to Ulster, Ireland, around Donegal and Derry, from they emigrated to America. By 1722 those arriving in the Susquehanna River area chose their land for settlement and named the area Donegal. The Donegal Presbyterian Church was founded prior to 1721. The historic sanctuary building has changed little since its remodeling in 1851. At that time, the stone walls were plastered, the windows were squared, and new entrances were made at the gable end of the building.
Annual Reunions
Each year, members of the Donegal Society gather in June to celebrate the history and heritage of the Scots-Irish at Donegal. Reunions are open to the public, consisting of a short business meeting, an educational program, luncheon, and tours of the grounds, trees, spring, cemetery, and buildings on the property.
Annual Reunions
Each year, members of the Donegal Society gather the third week of June to celebrate the history and heritage of the Scots-Irish at Donegal. Reunions are open to the public, consisting of a short business meeting, an educational program, luncheon, and tours of the grounds, trees, spring, cemetery, and buildings on the property.
Membership & Contact
Membership is open to anyone interested in the preservation of the historical and cultural significance of the Donegal Presbyterian Church, and the Scots-Irish settlement in Lancaster County, regardless of genealogical heritage. Interested in membership? Call (717) 653-1943, email [email protected], or complete the contact form.
Not interested in membership but just have a question? Submit your inquiry below!
Visiting Donegal
From Route 230 in Mount Joy, turn left on N. Angle Street, then right onto Donegal Springs Road, then left on Colebrook Road for one block, then right again onto Donegal Springs Road to the Church.
From Route 283 traveling West, take the Elizabethtown-Rheems exit, turning left at the end of the exit and continuing straight. Turn right onto Colebrook Road, stay on Colebrook Road for several miles, then turn right onto Donegal Springs Road to the Church.
From Route 441 traveling North from Marietta, turn right on Route 743 to go to Mayton, then turn right on Donegal Springs Road to the Church.
