Donegal Presbyterian Church Complex
Encyclopedia
Donegal Presbyterian Church Complex is a historic church on Donegal Springs Road in East Donegal Township, Pennsylvania
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It was built in 1732 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
In 1777, during worship services, word came to the congregation by way of an express rider, that the British General Howe was about to invade Pennsylvania. The message relayed was that the British army had advanced and had force Washington's troops to retreat to Chad's Ford. The rider found Colonel Alexander Lowry, who was attending worship at Donegal that Sunday, and shared the news with him, to encourage Lowry to organize his men to come to General Washington's defense.
Upon learning this news, the congregation gathered around a white oak tree just outside the sanctuary. With hands joined, they vowed allegiance to the cause of the patriots, and their minister, Rev. Colin McFarquhar, who up until that time had always prayed for the King of England, united with them. From that time onward, the tree was known as the “Witness Tree.”
The original Witness Tree grew and flourished for nearly three centuries, but sadly succumbed to disease. A cast iron memorial exists in its place now.
East Donegal Township, Pennsylvania
East Donegal Township is a township in northwestern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 5,405.-Geography:According to the U.S...
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It was built in 1732 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
In 1777, during worship services, word came to the congregation by way of an express rider, that the British General Howe was about to invade Pennsylvania. The message relayed was that the British army had advanced and had force Washington's troops to retreat to Chad's Ford. The rider found Colonel Alexander Lowry, who was attending worship at Donegal that Sunday, and shared the news with him, to encourage Lowry to organize his men to come to General Washington's defense.
Upon learning this news, the congregation gathered around a white oak tree just outside the sanctuary. With hands joined, they vowed allegiance to the cause of the patriots, and their minister, Rev. Colin McFarquhar, who up until that time had always prayed for the King of England, united with them. From that time onward, the tree was known as the “Witness Tree.”
The original Witness Tree grew and flourished for nearly three centuries, but sadly succumbed to disease. A cast iron memorial exists in its place now.