The GCOB logo is a visual representation of our mission, values, and deep roots in the Gospel of Christ and His community, spanning time and the world. It reflects our legacy of faith and the vibrant, forward-looking energy that has been a part of our community.
The tree in our logo symbolizes the deep heritage and spiritual foundation of our church community. It honors the farmers who have nurtured the land and dedicated their lives to this congregation. Their hard work reflects the palpable fruits of their labor and the spiritual abundance that arises from a life of faith and service. This tree is a powerful symbol of our shared history and the strength of our community.
The peaches and apples hold profound importance for GCOB and the community it serves in Adams County, Pennsylvania. The apples represent the primary agricultural product of the area, with more than 35 varieties of apples grown on more than 20,000 acres of orchards in the region. The local apples are used to make apple juice, applesauce, and wine in facilities around the area; sold at the various farmers’ markets throughout the community; and are the focus of the annual National Apple Harvest Festival every fall. With more than 280 million pounds annually grown, the apples of this community are served in more than 70 percent of the restaurants and institutions across the United States.
The peaches have solemn significance to GCOB. On July 2, 1863, the Peach Orchard was the site of some of the deadliest fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. During the war, the Peach Orchard was owned by Joseph Sherfy, one of the past pastors/ministers of GCOB. Pastor Sherfy and his family directly witnessed and suffered from the conflict. But when veterans or visitors came to the Sherfy Peach Orchard after the war, every individual went home with peaches. The peaches are a solemn symbol for GCOB – grown in the area but a stark contrast of brothers fighting brothers on land owned by the pastor of a historic peace church, a group of people trying to live Jesus’ call to be peacemakers.
The peach and the apple also evoke Galatians 5, which states that the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Like an apple or peach tree that bears fruit in season, we are invited to produce spiritual fruit as evidence of God’s transformative work within us. The four fruits also represent the four ordinances of the Church of the Brethren – Baptism, Love Feast and Communion, Foot Washing, and Anointing.
The branches of the tree echo the words of Jesus in John 15, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” These branches extend from the tree’s heart, symbolizing outreach into the community and beyond while remaining connected to Christ, the true source of life and growth. The welcoming embrace of the open branches represents the love and inclusivity that define our church. Together, we strive to extend our arms to all, offering shelter, hope, and a nurturing space for faith to flourish.
At the tree’s core, we find the outline of a unique cross. It is a powerful reminder that Christ and His sacrifice lie at the heart of our faith. The three curves symbolize the triune Godhead and symbolize the Brethren practice of triune immersion during baptism. But the three curves pay homage to historical symbols, such as the Latin Cross Bottony. It also balances GCOB’s desire to reach the local community with the work of GCOB around the world. The cross recognizes brothers and sisters in Christ worldwide, evoking symbols of the cross used by Christians in places such as Egypt, India, the Levant, Macedonia, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Ukraine. Its gentle flows remind us of the greatest commandment: to love God and one another.
The earthy tones of this logo—warm browns, greens, and reds—evoke the parable of the sower of seeds found in Matthew 13. As the sower scatters seeds on diverse soils, our faith flourishes in fertile, nurturing ground. The rich brown of GCOB signifies good soil yielding a bountiful harvest, symbolizing prepared hearts ready to receive God’s Word. The green leaves represent growth and new life. The red apples and peaches reflect the fullness of the Spirit’s work within, made possible through Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary. These colors remind us of the promise of spiritual growth when we remain firmly rooted in Christ.
The GCOB logo is more than just art or administration—it is a ministry pathway that many do not realize. It is a way, beyond mere words, to communicate to our neighbors about the growth and richness of this church.