Wayside's History

Wayside Presbyterian Church was initiated in the early 1980's by lay people who wanted a Presbyterian presence in the rapidly growing area of the Hempfields northwest of the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Organized on June 2, 1985 by Donegal Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the congregation sought out suitable property and soon built its first-phase facility on eight open acres of beautiful Lancaster County countryside in the village of Landisville. Fully accessible and tastefully decorated, this one story building houses an all-purpose sanctuary, multiple classrooms, a kitchen, offices, and a central gathering space used between worship services for fellowship and information sharing.

The strong growth of Wayside's membership and Sunday School participation in recent years has made it clear that the congregation is ready to enter the second phase of its facility development. To this end, a building committee was been formed and completed the first phasse of expansion in the summer of 2005.

Presbyterians trace their roots to the Protestant Reformation of 16^th century Europe. As "People of the Books", they hold the Word of God contained in the Holy Bible to be authoritative, and draw from the Book of Confessions and Book of Order (together forming the denomination's constitution) in teaching and governance under the leadership of elders or "presbyters". A church solidly within the Reformed tradition, Wayside stresses the grace and sovereignty of God in Jesus Christ, and the importance of love and service among God's people.

Corporate worship at Wayside includes both children and adults, and offers a refreshing blend of contemporary and traditional elements. Messages are Bible-based and evangelical, addressing all age groups and issues of life. Celebrating its uniqueness among a beautifully diverse body of Christ, Wayside Presbyterian Church often partners with other ecumenical churches in its continuing mission to be "A Community of faith committed to knowing Christ and to making him known".