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The Donegal Society

A Brief History of Donegal's Founding

Explore an interactive historical timeline beginning with the emigration of the Scots-Irish and the founding of Donegal Presbyterian Church all the way through the 300th anniversary celebration in 2021. Click on each image for a high resolution view of historical documents and other photos taken from the property and grounds of the church.

1714

Emigration of Scots-Irish to the Susquehanna Valley begins.

1732

The Presbytery of Donegal is organized.

Chronicles of the Presbytery
Map of the Donegal Presbytery (1732-1982)

1740

Two hundred acres of land are deeded by William Penn. A new church is built of stone, replacing the earlier log meeting house.
1740 deed for glebe from John Thomas and Richard Penn

1777

During services an express rider brings news that General Howe is preparing to invade Pennsylvania and engages Colonel Lowery, who was attending services, to organize his men to defend the front. The congregation gathers around the Witness Tree to pledge allegiance to the cause of independence.

The Winess Tree Event
An illustration of the Witness Tree event.

1786

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania grants the Charter for the Church.

1810

The study house is built above the Donegal Spring.
The Kerr Study House
The Study House sits above the Spring and in front of the historic church building.

1851

The church is remodeled. The old horse used to drag the stones from the quarry site tot he church dies, and following an ancient Irish custom, the head of the horse is buried beneath the pulpit during the remodeling. According to folklore, the buried head of the horse will aid in the projection of the voice of anyone speaking in the pulpit.

1899

The Witness Tree Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presents a monument to the church listing the names of those who served in the Indian Wars and the Revolutionary War. The tradition of The Planting of the Trees is born.

1909

The first annual reunion of Donegal Presbyterian Church is held.

1911

The Donegal Society is officially formed.
Charter of the Donegal Society of Lancaster County Pennsylvania
Click on the image for a high resolution view of the original charter.

1912

The remains of Reverend Colin McFarquhar, pastor of the church during the Revolutionary War, are ehumed from a cemetery in Hagerstown, Maryland, and interred in the cemetery at Donegal Presbyterian Church.

1914

A constitution and bylaws are submitted and adopted during the Annual Reunion in June.

1917

The first of many commemorative markers listing historical events is unveiled.

1921

The Witness Tree is inducted into the Trees Hall of Fame by the American Forestry Association. The Society agrees to seek to obtain a charter of incorporation.

1925

The memorial entrance wall and gateway are completed and dedicated.

1947

The Donegal Sunday School plants a tree in memory of those who fought in World War II.

1988

A bronze medallion is cast to commemorate the 75th reunion of the Donegal Society.

2021

Donegal Presbyterian Church celebrates it’s 300th anniversary of it’s founding.

Donegal Presbyterian Church's Project 300

Contact

1891 Donegal Springs Road
Mount Joy, PA 17552
717-653-1943

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Links of Interest

Donegal Presbyterian Church

Lancaster County Historical Society