Illustration by Rev. Sidney J. Venable III (2011)
The History of Mt. Hebron Presbyterian Church
1961 - 1964
Founding & Establishment
Our story begins on March 26, 1961, when God led 56 individuals to come together as charter members of a church established by the Presbytery of the Potomac of the Presbyterian Church of the United States (the “southern” Presbyterian Church) in a community northwest of Ellicott City, Maryland. These early Mt. Hebron Presbyterian Church members began holding worship services and Sunday School classes in the farmhouse called “Hebron House” on our current 10-acre site. They soon formed a committee, collected pledges, and built the Sanctuary building, which was dedicated on September 20, 1964.
1965
Nursery School Begins
The church's ministry centered on providing for the needs of the youth, and on creating a caring community dedicated to serving God. The church began a community Nursery School program in 1965 with an enrollment of 20 children. Various other community groups were formed (including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4H) and the church became the center of activities for the Mount Hebron community. These community organizations continue to meet at MHPC today.
1969 - 1994
Growth & Expansion
Rapid growth in the area around the church brought an influx of new members to MHPC. As the church grew, so did the Nursery School, leading inevitably to the need for physical expansion. The Amphitheater, which serves as our Outdoor Chapel, was constructed in the early 1970s, and an extensive renovation of Hebron House was completed in the early 1980s. In March 1992, the congregation voted to proceed with a two-phase building program. The first phase, completed in December 1992, included renovations to the existing Sanctuary. The second phase, completed in September 1994, was a major building addition providing a new foyer and Fellowship Hall on the upper level and expansion of the lower level for classrooms and office space for the Nursery School.
Today
In the past several years, Mt. Hebron Presbyterian Church has endeavored to involve more people in its fellowship and its service to others. Our facilities continue to be used by a number of congregations and community organizations. We continue to seek to be attentive to God's leading and responsive to God's call to serve. We welcome anyone who is interested to join us on our collective journey of faith.