Guinston Presbyterian Church Airville, PA

Guinston pre-dates the birth of our nation. Founded in 1754, the rural York County congregation erected its first building in 1773, growing again with new structures in 1867, 1949, and 2015.

Completed in October 2023, the new 5,000-square-foot sanctuary represents the most recent campus expansion. Designed by Hammel Associates Architects, the addition connects to the 2015 building and features a nave, space for a sound booth, a stage and chancel area with choir seating, praise band space, and seating for worshipers.

The light-filled sanctuary’s high peaked ceiling conveys a feeling of openness and modernity, while other design features such as

the stone detailing, stained glass windows, a cupola, and custom millwork using wood from an ash tree that had occupied the project site reflect elements of the church’s historic past.

GBE provided full MEP services on the $1 million project, which was straightforward except for placement of the air handler. Space was very tight, which also presented a challenge to routing the ductwork. The air handler features a total energy transfer wheel to move some of the waste energy in the exhaust air to the incoming fresh air.

Images by Brian Riedel Photography