The Beginning

The Chapel congregation was organized in 1858 as a result of several weeks of special revival meetings conducted by Rev. J.S. Wentz and Rev. Jeremiah Jones, on the George Musser farm. Fifty-five of the eighty converts from the meetings began the first congregation, known as the 'Musser Class'. During the following year, Mr. Musser built a large springhouse with a second-floor room which was then used by the class as a regular place of worship. The farm was located on Ruppert Road just a few miles northeast of the present church property. In 2008, the present congregation was able to salvage the original barn doors, some windows with original glass, and much of the brick from the chimney.

Church Buildings


In 1880, Mr. John Stabley donated land at the present church site along route 24 in York Township, two miles north of Red Lion Borough. A small church was built and shared by the Musser Class (United Brethren in Christ) with a class of the Evangelical Association and was known as 'Union Chapel'. After another decade, the United Brethren purchased the shares owned by the Evangelical Association. At that time, the name "St. Paul's United Brethren in Christ of York County" was adopted. The name 'Chapel Church' has continued to be used through two subsequent denominational mergers.


Early in the 1900s, additional land was acquired and a frame building was erected in 1919. Heiland View Cemetery which is adjacent to the church property was incorporated in 1935. In 1936, construction of the present brick structure began; the parish hall was constructed in 1950, the parsonage in 1958. Groundbreaking and construction of the educational unit occurred in 1982 with dedication on April 17, 1983. A steeple was set in place in 1983. Chapel Christian Daycare opened in the fall of 1983 and continues to provide care for community children.

Leadership Through the Years


During 1800s, 'circut rider' preachers served local congregations when in the area. Class-leaders conducted church schools and services when no preacher was available. In 1917, Rev. Martin Heiland became the first 'stationed' pastor, serving the Chapel congregation until 1940, when Rev. Elwood E. Needy was appointed as the first full-time pastor and served until 1962. The following have served as our pastor:

  •  1917 - 1940 Rev. Martin Heiland 
  •  1940 - 1962 Rev. Elwood E. Needy 
  •  1962 - 1968 Rev. Clarence Chubb 
  •  1968 - 1982 Rev. C. Wesley Willson, Sr. 
  •  1982 - 1994 Rev. Owen Walter 
  •  1994 - 2000 Rev. Thomas Young 
  •  2000 - 2006 Rev. Jonathan L. Bausman 
  •  2006 - 2009 Rev. Gary Weaver  
  •  2009 - 2015 Rev. Robert Vizthum 
  •  2015 - 2019 Rev. Brendan Hock  
  •  2019 -         Rev. Joshua Wargo 

Affiliation History

In 1968, the United Methodist denomination was formed when various Methodist churches (worldwide) merged with the Evangelical United Brethren denomination.  Chapel Church [formerly St. Paul’s (Chapel) EUB] became part of that newly formed United Methodist denomination. Recently, the Chapel Church congregation formally voted to disaffiliate and to continue our ministry efforts via different avenues. Our focus remains faithful to God’s leading as we celebrate 165 years of Spirit-filled ministry of sharing the love of our Lord and Savior – Jesus Messiah – through missions and service to the community and beyond. Opportunities for worship, study, small groups, and fellowship are offered each week. Special events and activities are scheduled throughout each year for mission emphases or community life together. Children and youth actively participate in all areas of church and community. Prayer and Scripture are the foundation of all we do and how we minister together to shine God’s Light to all.