On Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., the 55th annual Dunker Church service will be held at the Dunker Church, located on the Antietam National Battlefield. Often noted as one of the most remarkable landmarks on this battlefield, the church has long stood for peace and love even during one of the most brutal confrontations of the Civil War.

The afternoon will begin with a tribute to Reverend Edward Poling who passed away in January 2025. Rev. Poling pastored several Church of the Brethren churches in the area, was a board member for the Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) and was a past chair of the Dunker Church Service Planning Committee. The service also will include a traditional call to worship, hymns, sharing of scripture, special music and readings, prayers and a message brought by Steve Longenecker. Steve is a professor of history, emeritus, at Bridgewater College. He taught there for thirty-two years, served as a department head, and chaired the college’s Forum for Brethren Studies.

Read the full press release here.