Grace United Church of Christ

Celebrating our 100th year in 2006, we recall the beginnings of Grace as a Sunday School in Midway Area of Hanover.  Desirous of securing a location for the erection of a chapel in the north-west section of Hanover, the Gettysburg Classis of the Reformed Church selected the corner of Fourth & North Franklin Streets for such a purpose.  Since the Sunday School organized in 1901 had been meeting in the Midway Public School Building, it was here that a committee of the Classis met to organize a congregation on July 10, 1906.

Nine men and six women signed a petition to organize the congregation - the name chosen was Grace Reformed Church.  Rev. S. P. Mauger was the first pastor.  Through the years eight additional men have served - each in his own way providing spiritual leadership and direction.  Rev. Dr. Bruce P. Bouchard, our 10th and present pastor has served faithfully since September, 1984.

With pride we mention the four "sons" of Grace who have entered into the Christian ministry:  Theron M. Snyder in 1947, Jeffery C. Stonesifer in 1971, Scott A. Sager in 1988 and Fred Young in 2005!  Also, one "daughter" Erin Ostendorf-Snell was ordained in 2005.

Many physical changes have taken place since the purchase of the original building lot in 1906 and 1907.  An annex followed in 1914.  Construction of a new church began in 1940, was completed and dedicated in 1941.  The educational building followed in 1953, with the latest major renovation and new tower addition in 1964.

In 1934 the Reformed Church and the Evangelical Synod of North America united to form the Evangelical and Reformed Church.  Further changes took place in 1957 hen the denomination united with the Congregational Christian Churches to form the United Church of Christ - our name was changed to the current name.

Grace has been active in providing Christian influence and mission outreach in our denomination, the community and the world.  We were instrumental in instituting the Provide A Lunch (PAL) program in 1983.  Our Dial-A-Prayer has been in service since 1962.  Contact with our hospital and shut-ins is provided through visits and tape recording of the Sunday Worship Service.  The Church School, Confirmation Classes, Bible Study and Sharing Groups provide educational emphasis.  Our well-rounded programs reach children, youth and adults.  Chancel, Youth and Cherub Choirs and lay lectors provide worship opportunities.  Groups such as Ladies of Grace, Youth Fellowships, Helping Hands Sewing Group, Golden Agers provide family night gatherings, programs of fellowship and recreation.  Stewardship, Mission, Evangelism, Worship & Music, Social Concerns Committees, as well as an active Consistory offer valuable leadership.

Through the years many thousands of people have lived their Christian faith in and through Grace Church.  May we continue to be GRACE UNITED - UNITED IN GRACE.