The Great Chapel Picnic

One of the oldest, continuous events in the county / celebrating more than 100 years

During the late 1880's, the original church members began a picnic tradition then known as 'The Chapel Celebration'. Basket lunches were the standard fare with donated pies and cakes as dessert. Eventually, chicken corn soup was added and served to Sunday School members at no charge. The soup ingredients were donated and prepared at home and mixed togehter at the picnic. Large planks were set out as table so everyone could gather together for the shared meal. One of the earliest known newspaper announcements is from a 1899 (9/20) Gazette, which states: "On Saturday, September 23, afternoon and evening, St. Paul's Chapel Church will hold a picnic. The Dallastown orchestra will furnish the music. Rev. Ghodes and Mr. Derr, from York, will speak." 'This was necessary,' said the old-timers, 'in order to keep the festivities from becoming to frivolous'. Activities included cake walks, ball games, peanut and penny scrambles, and chicken races. If it rained during any part of the picnic day, everyone sat under the wooden tables. Sometime during the early years, the community was invited and, of course, the attendance began to outweigh the donations. It became necessary to charge non-members to meet the costs; eventually, members were also charged. When the present church grove was acquired, the soup was made in large cast iron butcher kettles, on site, over open-air wood fires. Chickens were still cleaned and prepared at home, as were the corn, eggs, and potatoes, and then brought to the grove for the final preperation. Many families came from a farming heritage and included a large number of chiidren who always found ways to occupy themselves and learned to help as they grew older. The picnic continues to provide fellowship and good food, rain or shine, and is now held each year on the last Saturday in July. Much work is done behind the scenes throughout the year and kicks into gear for several weeks in July to provide a wonderful experience for everyone. Each year has seen some changes and growth but the purpose is still outreach and fellowship. Though not meant to be a 'fund-raiser', proceeds are used for missions and ministry.

The concrete block parish hall was built in 1950. The meal has been served cafeteria-style since then and provides protection from poor weather condidtions on picnic day. Many additions and changes to the general supper menu have occurred throughout the years and soups are now also available by the quart. An outdoor stand was built in the early 1980's to accommodate the large crowd by offering the burgers and hot dogs and soup without going through the general supper line; french fries done in peanut oil have become a favorite. The ticket system was established which eliminates the need to stand in line for long periods of time; groups of fifty are called and scouts help those with disabilities or difficulty carrying the trays. The picnic usually serves more than a thousand people each year. The name has evolved from 'Chapel Celebration' thru 'Chapel Sunday School Picnic' and 'Annual Chapel Church Picnic' to 'The Great Chapel Picnic'. Local bands and gospel groups provide the crowd each year with wonderful entertainment and inspiration. Conversations abound with old friends and new acqaintances. The bazaar Stand began in 1975 with hand-made crafts and now features baked goods, some fresh produce, and flowers. This project relies on a year-long effort by many people; the quilting team works together for many months to craft several items for the auction which takes place in the evening on the picnic day.

In 2008, Chapel celebrated 150 years in minstry. May you be blessed by our efforts!