Spring 2002
Arch Van Devender, pastor at Severn Run Evangelical Presbyterian Church first mentioned the idea of a church plant in the Severn/Hanover area to Michael Horrigan (associate pastor at Timonium Presbyterian Church).
At about the same time, through a totally unrelated series of events a community a Bible study began made up of folks who live in and around the Linthicum area. Those families who had been praying for a Linthicum area church were part of this study.
October 2002
Arch Van Devender and this group from Linthicum learned of each other’s plans and considered the wisdom of pursuing a church plant jointly.
December 2002
Michael Horrigan and his wife Kathleen began a series of meetings with Stephen Kaiss, an elder at Severna Park Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Linthicum bible study group.
April 2003
Pastor Horrigan led a series of Bible study meetings with the Linthicum group to communicate in general terms his vision concerning a mission church. The study was called: God’s Purposes for His People and His Church; Planting a Great Commission/Great Commandment Fulfilling Church.
May 27, 2003
The newly formed Strategic Planning Team met for the first time, and shortly thereafter the name DaySpring Presbyterian Church was chosen for the name of the Linthicum church plant.
Oct 5, 2003
DaySpring held it’s first open house at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) in Linthicum. This was the first time that folks from many different churches interested in being a part of this church met.
Nov 2, 2003
Church plants can be categorized as either “hard” or “soft”. A hard launch occurs when most of the preparation and promotion is done before the first service is ever held. A soft launch uses a series of low-keyed services before the real kickoff to aide in the preparation process. This is the avenue that the DaySpring planning team chose. On Sunday night, November 2nd, at MITAGS, the first service for DaySpring was held.
Nov 2003 - Jan 25, 2004
Sunday evening services continued at the Maritime Institute through a limited-time arrangement graciously provided by that facility. The planning committee used this time to contact other facilities. St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church was one of the churches contacted. An agreement was reached with the leaders of St. Christopher’s to enter into what all considered a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Feb 1, 2004 (SuperBowl Sunday)
DaySpring met for the first time at St. Christopher’s for our Sunday evening service. Evening services continued through the spring, with the last one on May 23.
May 30, 2004
The first Sunday morning service was held, still without a community-wide promotion. This service served as the last “practice” before the official launch on June 6th.
Nov 2, 2008
DaySpring becomes a particular church. Kevin Conley and Michael Pollack are elected as Ruling Elders. Michael Horrigan is called and installed as Senior Pastor.
