3104 Doe Run Church Road East Fallowfield, PA 19320
610-486-0744
The Presbyterian Congregation of Doe Run was established in 1740 when a group of Presbyterians in East Fallowfield Township erected a “house of worship” of rough, unsawn logs within the present Doe Run Cemetery beside Strasburg Road. George Whitfield preached in that building in 1742 during the Great Awakening.
In its early years Doe Run shared a pastor with the congregation at Upper Octorara. From 1817 it shared a pastor with Union Church, Lancaster County. In 1828 the same pastor had charge of the recently established Coatesville Presbyterian Church, Doe Run, and Union Church. From 1858 Doe Run has called its own minister.
In 1821 the present stone meeting house was erected, and Rev. Elkanah Dare delivered an address at the laying the cornerstone based on I Kings 18:44: “Behold there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.” The “little cloud” has continued to bear witness to God and His Goodness up to the present day.
In 1960 the Congregation of Doe Run carried out extensive renovation of the meeting house expanding the basement, joining the old Session house to the meeting house, and adding an enclosed entrance. Today we enjoy the foresight and hard work of those who have gone before us with a renewed commitment to use these facilities for God’s work.
Merv Fry was called to the pastorate of Doe Run in 1977. He guided Doe Run through its most harrowing time, the great fire of 1984, and its most vigorous growth, its evolution from a struggling rural church to a viable suburban institution.
Excerpts from “A Celebration of Faithfullness To God and To Each Other” by Marian Stoner.
Doe Run Presbyterian Church Fire April 25, 1984
The Doe Run Presbyterian Church suffered a devastating fire on April 25, 1984, which completely gutted the building. The fire began from a spark from a torch as ivy was being cleared from the side of the church in preparation for repointing the stonework. Despite the destruction, the congregation remained strong, holding Sunday worship services at East Fallowfield School shortly after the fire. The rebuilding effort was supported by contributions from churches across the Presbytery, demonstrating a strong sense of community and faith. By May 1985, the church was recognized as Donegal Presbytery’s “Small Church of the Year” for its resilience and dedication. Eventually, the restored sanctuary and Sunday School building were rededicated, allowing the congregation to continue its mission.
3104 Doe Run Church Road East Fallowfield, PA 19320
610-486-0744
