Celebrating God's Faithfulness
50th Anniversary Celebration!
We are celebrating 50 years of God’s faithfulness, and you’re invited! Mark your calendars for a day of celebration, including morning worship, a historical timeline display, and a church-wide picnic. Former Senior Pastor Phil Thorne will be our guest speaker for our Sunday worship service.
Sun, Aug 31, 2025 | Service: 9 @ 10:45 a.m. | Celebration Picnic: 5 – 8 p.m.
Beginnings
In early 1975, Ves Sheely began a home Bible study in Shiremanstown, seeking God’s guidance for a new church while trusting that unseen preparations were unfolding. By June, conversations with the Evangelical Free Church of Hershey spurred local leaders to pursue the vision, leading to engagement with EFCA leadership. In July of 1975, Bible study groups from Churchtown and Shiremanstown united and organized a public meeting to explore planting a Free Church on the West Shore.
First Steps
In August 1975, momentum grew as over 40 individuals met to organize a new Free Church, electing temporary elders and eventually renaming the congregation West Shore Evangelical Free Church. After hosting their first worship service at Messiah College, the church was led to Temple Beth Shalom in Mechanicsburg, where they found a welcoming space for regular gatherings. By November, the congregation had established its formal structure with charter members, a constitution, and a newly elected elder board—marking the official beginning of the church’s journey
Growth Rooted In Community
From 1975 to 1976, the church embraced home Bible studies as formal House Churches, laying a foundation for its vibrant LifeGroup ministry that now involves over 900 participants. Key milestones included launching Sunday School, hosting baptisms and child dedications, and appointing Ross Morrison as Senior Pastor—each signaling steady growth and spiritual depth. Attendance surpassed 100 during the summer, while Vacation Bible School began as a small outreach and later expanded into a major ministry serving hundreds of children and volunteers across the region.
Building a Legacy
The groundbreaking at 321 Gettysburg Pike in May 1981 marked a joyous milestone for the congregation, culminating in their first Christmas Eve service in the newly constructed building later that year. Over the next decade, ministries like the A-Team for individuals with disabilities and the Women’s Bible Study launched and flourished, while worship attendance surged past 500. In 1989, a new chapter began as Sandy Mason was appointed Senior Pastor, guiding the church into its next season of growth and impact.
Expanding Impact Locally and Globally
Between 1992 and 1997, the church significantly broadened its ministry impact by commissioning its first missionaries, launching an annual men’s retreat, and establishing international partnerships—including one in Bosnia and the founding of CURE International by a church member. Under Phil Thorne’s leadership as Senior Pastor, the church expanded its resources and care initiatives, notably with a growing library and the introduction of the Caring Ministry to serve its congregation more personally. These years marked a season of outward influence and internal strengthening as the church deepened its commitment to global outreach, discipleship, and compassionate service.
Journey of Faith
Beginning in 1998, West Shore embarked on a “Journey of Faith” toward a new home, culminating in a miraculous gift of 92 acres of land that sparked deep joy and gratitude within the congregation. This season also brought major growth in student and family ministries—4,500+ youth have participated in retreats to Harvey Cedars Bible Camp, Awesome Adventure expanded globally with 40+ mission trips, and Mom-to-Mom provided vital support to over 100 mothers. By 2002, worship attendance exceeded 1,000, reflecting the church’s expanding reach and transformative impact.
A New Chapter Unfolds
From 2003 to 2006, West Shore transitioned to its new home at Williams Grove Road, marked by a heartfelt dedication and the beginning of worship services that reflected the congregation’s enduring faith. The church fostered outreach and joy through events like the Community Fun Fest and launched impactful ministries such as Forgotten Voices International to serve orphaned children in sub-Saharan Africa. By winter 2006, worship attendance surpassed 1,500, highlighting a season of growth, generosity, and spiritual momentum.
Faith iN aCTION
From 2010 to 2017, West Shore launched transformative ministries such as Alpha, Life Giving Saturday, and the Refugee Resettlement initiative, extending meaningful outreach and fostering spiritual exploration. Under Trent Thompson’s leadership beginning in 2014, the church deepened its commitment to discipleship through the Leadership Development Track, preparing future leaders for sustained growth. By fall 2017, worship attendance surpassed 2,000, reflecting the church’s expanding influence and vibrant community life.
Embracing the Mission
From 2019 to 2025, West Shore launched ministries supporting foster families, marriages, student education, and online worship engagement—demonstrating compassion and adaptability through changing times. In 2024, the church reaffirmed its mission to “Follow Jesus & Make Him Known,” emphasizing worship, relationships, service, and evangelism as central pillars of discipleship. By April 2025, the legacy of transformation continued, with over 1,300 baptisms testifying to the church’s enduring spiritual impact.
Our Leadership
We have been blessed with amazing pastoral leadership throughout our 50-year history. Each senior pastor brought their own unique style and we are thankful for their years of service to our church family.
Ross Morrison
Sandy Mason
1989 – 1991
Phil Thorne
1992 – 2013
Trent Thompson
2014-Present
Stories of God’s Faithfulness
God’s Faithfulness Through New Beginnings
Jim and Gloria Gustafson reflect on the early years of West Shore Free Church.
God’s Faithfulness through His People
Karl and Melody Dietz share how they have seen God’s faithfulness in their church family and through difficult seasons of life.
God’s Faithfulness through his people
Lawn and Lauren Cook share how God was faithful through cancer and in times of concern.
God’s Faithfulness through infertility and Adoption
Seth and Lisa Shoemaker share their story of God’s faithfulness through starting a family.