Central Presbyterian Church is a vibrant, Christ-centered congregation committed to bringing hope and faith that transforms people just like you. Whether you are seeking answers to spiritual questions or desiring a purposeful life with Jesus Christ, our prayer is that you will discover a living faith here in a community of friends.

When we gather for contemporary and traditional worship each week, we have the opportunity to experience God through music, silent reflection, and the proclamation of God’s Word. We also provide a variety of other ways to build on worship and deepen your relationship with God throughout the week. Sunday School classes, serving ministries and community outreach are just a few of the opportunities. Our desire is to enable you to build a meaningful relationship with God and with other Christians that will enrich your life.

Our church is a beautiful building centered in historic downtown Chambersburg, but it is the people within them – people just like you – who truly make up the church.  We are seeking to experience the love of God and to share it with others. We hope that you will walk with us in this journey of faith.

Thank you… and welcome to Central!

Our History

Central Presbyterian Church was established by the Presbytery of Carlisle in August of 1868 with 28 charter members. The church was built on a lot donated by one of these members, Colonel James C. Austin. The 186 foot tower was donated by Miss Sara Wilson, one of the founders of Wilson College. In September 1871 the building was dedicated.

The church departed radically from the practice of the times, resolving to support its work by “voluntaryofferings” rather than pew rent.

After a disastrous fire in 1938 the original building was restored and larger facilities for the church school were added. Later the exterior walls got a face lift when the outside was encased in colonial brick. Another building program was completed in 1968 and a major expansion and renovation was completed in 2002.

The Sanctuary Organ

Another casualty of the 1938 fire was the original pipe organ. The present instrument was built for this sanctuary by Casavant Freres, Ltd., Quebec, Canada and dedicated in February 1940. It has three manuals and 2,000 pipes located in two chambers on each side of the chancel. The organ was recently renovated and updated with electronic components to provide this unique instrument with many more years of service.

Tiffany Windows

In 1905 the Tiffany window in the Sanctuary were dedicated. Then in October 1938, Central Presbyterian Church was struck by a fire which destroyed the roof which in turn crashed into the sanctuary destroying the organ, pews, chancel and in part, the windows. Two windows were completely destroyed and the rest required varying degrees of repair. And there they remain today, repaired, restored and protected so that generations to come may enjoy them.

Our Mission

Sharing the living water of Jesus Christ with all who thirst.

Our Vision

Central Presbyterian Church is a community of believers led by the Holy Spirit to:

Comfort those in need
Empower and Equip disciples
Nurture through Christian Fellowship and prayer
Tell the good news of Jesus Christ
Reach out and serve
Adore and worship God
Love

Jesus said, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’”
(John 7:37b-38 RSV)