EXEGESIS REPORT
Date: June 29, 2017
Location Community and/or Neighborhood:
New Freedom, Pa.
Zip Code: 17349
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
History and Background of Community/Neighborhood:
New Freedom Borough is located in the southern portion of York County, Pennsylvania. The borough borders the Mason-Dixon line and was incorporated in 1873. Originally named “Freedom” for the Free family, there was another town already in existence with that name, so New Freedom was chosen as the official name. People of German, English, and Scotch-Irish descent settled the area. The rich, fertile soil provided a comfortable living for farming and agricultural opportunities. Summers Canning Company operated in the town for years, canning the freshest harvests and then shipping the final products. Summers Canning Company was sold to Hanover Foods in 1984. A mural depicting scenes from the Summers Canning Company is displayed on a building along the York County Heritage Rail Trail.
The Northern Central Railway was a primary factor for early growth of the town. The rail service established a vital means of commerce and transportation until Hurricane Agnes in 1972 destroyed much of the rail line and bridges in York County.
Located 30 miles north of Baltimore, Maryland and 38 miles south of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania the town is changing from an area of commerce and minor industry to a commuter community.
OBSERVATIONS:
Social Climate Observations:
New Freedom is an older town with new construction. They are building townhomes and single family homes in little housing developments on the outskirts of town. Most of the people moving into town are communters from Maryland and York. They are middle class families. This has produced a need for childcare during the day and summer and the town is dotted with day care facilities. It also has a small town feel in which the railroad station located in the center of town still offers train rides on weekends. This brings in tourists which help stimulate the economy and provide the residence a feel of small town Americana. There is also a mix of the southern and northern culture because it is located so close to Maryland. However, the town is a couple of miles from the exit and is surrounded by farmland.
Physical Climate Observations:
New Freedom is surrounded by farmland. However, that farmland is being bought up and developed into housing communities. Shrewsbury is a major commerical city which provides the convenience to the New Freedom residence to get the daily supplies that they need to and from work.
Economic Climate Observations:
Most people are working two jobs in New Freedom. Either in Maryland, York, or Shrewsbury. The active train station in town does provide a small tourist industry for the downtown area as well.
Spiritual Climate Observations:
Mason Dixon Baptist Church is located in New Freedom. Pastor Terry was interested in working with Stewardstown Baptist a few years ago in regards to starting a church in the area. There are about 5 churches in this small town.
IDENTIFIED NEEDS:
Potential Needs Identified:
Family activities: Movie nights, Backyard Bible Clubs, Childcare during the holidays, BBQ's, picnics
Family strengthening- Marriage classes, time management, financial management
CONNECTIONS:
Connections Made During Exegesis:
Pastor Terry from Mason Dixox Baptist Church
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Recommendation Summary:
I think Pastor Terry is a very good resource in regards to this area. I would recommend that a church be started in or around New Freedom. The influx of people moving into the area is to much for one church to be responsibly for or to handle. In the next couple of years, it appears that there will be housing developments stretching from Shrewsbury to New Freedom along Railroad Ave. The people moving in are middle class families which provide a nice stable base to start a church.