The Penbrook Church of God began as a daughter Church of the Progress Church of God. On March 16, 1905, Rev. Orville E. Houston with six other men prayerfully decided to move forward with a vision to plant a Church in the rural area of Penbrook. On November 25, 1906, the building was dedicated and the 69 charter members were present. The cost of the bethel was $6,000. In 1955, the Church added the Christian Education facilities that included the social hall and the additional rooms upstairs. In 2003, two additional properties across the street from the Church were made into additional parking spaces.
The Church has a long history of serving the needs of the Penbrook Community and the Harrisburg Region. We have had members and attendees who have served and continue to serve in every aspect of community life. We are here because God has placed us to be a witness and servant of the people who surround us. It is this strong history and the message that we carry; the servant attitude and hope of a savior and the life transforming truth of the Gospel of Christ, that our ancestors endeavored, has transcended history and upon which we continue to minister.
We are a member of the Churches of God, General conference, a collection of Churches spread across the globe, headquartered in Findlay, OH to further the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our roots are from the German Reformed Church. John Winebrenner is our founder.
Historical Highlights
• 18 November 1906: The bethel is dedicated and charter members are received.
• 1914: Parsonage is dedicated.
• 1926: Excavation of basement for additional classroom facilities.
• 15 July 1956: Christian Education Building Dedication Service.
• 1960’s: Sanctuary renovations to current configuration.
• 1990: Addition of upstairs Adult classroom space.
• 1995: Expansion of children’s classroom space downstairs.
• July 1996: Ceiling in Sanctuary Collapses.
• 2003: Renovations to kitchen.
• 6 December 2003: Water damage repairs and renovations.