Our Story
Based on demographical research and analysis, the Atlantic Conference of the Brethren in Christ Church believed there was a need for a new church planting in the greater Philadelphia area. The BIC saw the growing, family-oriented population in central Chester County, and recognized among its residents a potential receptiveness--attraction, even--to a new church in this area. They were thinking of you! Now that the locale had been chosen, a pastor was needed to head up the church planting project.
Founding Pastor - Rev. Terry Friesen
Terry was invited by the BIC to be the church planting pastor. He and his family visited the area in January 1994 to get a sense of God's plan for them regarding this new church. Traveling north on Route 100 between Routes 30 & 113, the Friesens immediately recognized the potential within the developing community. They believed God was indeed calling them to this area, and they responded by accepting the invitation and moving to Downingtown in August 1994. The BIC provided the Friesen family with the funding that was needed to bring the new church from an idea to a reality.
Challenge - Reaching the growing population
The demographics clearly showed the Downingtown - Exton area to consist mainly of young and growing families. They also projected continued and explosive growth of this area. The Friesens set the target date for the Grand Opening Celebration for April 16, 1995 - Easter Sunday. They knew it would take a huge effort, tapping all available resources and utilizing a variety of marketing strategies, to make the launch of the new church successful. Of course, the baby church needed a name, and since Marsh Creek Lake and State Park is such a prominent landmark in central Chester County, it seemed natural and appropriate to name the new church Marsh Creek Church.
Grand Opening Celebration - Awesome!
Pastor Terry was feeling pretty anxious Easter morning, April 16 1995, as he waited in the newly renovated Lionville Fire Hall. Only a half hour until the start of the service, and he could count those in attendance on one hand. Had they done enough to prepare?
Would the people show up? Just 15 minutes later, the cars started rolling into the lot, bringing nearly 300 people to the facility! Seven months of research, networking and promotion had paid off, as many individuals who had previously written off church found a fresh and safe place to seek Truth and find and worship God at Marsh Creek Church.
Ch-ch-changes...
In the spring of 1999 Pastor Terry accepted the call of the Southeast Conference of the BIC to plant The Harbour Church in Orlando, FL. It was difficult to leave Marsh Creek Church, but God's leading was unmistakably clear. The Friesens made the move, leaving Marsh Creek Church with the task of searching for a new senior pastor. Interestingly, though, during the evacuations preceding Hurricane Floyd in 1999, Jeff Nicely, a young pastor, showed up with his family at the Friesens' door in Florida seeking shelter from the impending storm. Upon hearing about the need of the Marsh Creek Church congregation, Jeff submitted his resume, was interviewed, and was welcomed as the new pastor in January 2000.
Under Pastor Jeff's leadership, the congregation rose to the challenge of finding and renovating its own Worship Center, and moving from the Lionville Fire Hall to its current location, 180 Gordon Drive, Suite 108.
The Return of the Rev
Things got a little strange for Marsh Creek Church and The Harbour Church, as both pastors Jeff and Terry, respectively, resigned their positions. The pastoral search team at Marsh Creek Church began--what else?--the search for a new pastor, while Terry was beginning a six-month sabbatical to complete his Doctoral Thesis. Just for fun, and because he could, Terry was invited to interview for the position of Senior Pastor at Marsh Creek Church. In May 2005, the search team invited Terry to return as Senior Pastor, and on July 1, 2005 he was officially received at Marsh Creek Church.
The Saga continues...
It's been an exciting and breath-taking journey, one we have often enjoyed and sometimes endured together as a church. We are confident that God Himself guides and leads Marsh Creek Church, and we really are delighted to join Him in offering hope and love to those in our community. What's around the next corner? As new possibilities unfold before us, we smile knowing that God holds our future. We invite you to help us write the next chapters of the Marsh Creek Church story. We definitely have a place for you!
