In the fall of 1913, the well-known evangelist, William Edward Biederwolf (1867-1939), was preaching a revival in nearby Chambersburg. The Rev. T. S. Wilcox, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Waynesboro, felt that the churches of Waynesboro should unite and invite the Rev. Biederwolf to preach a series here. The clergy from a great number of Waynesboro churches met in agreement and extended an invitation. Biederwolf and his team accepted and set aside a date in early January of 1914 to preach a mid-winter revival series. Participating churches included the First United Brethren Church, the First Lutheran Church, The Church of the Brethren, the Presbyterian Church, the First Christian Church, and of course, the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Rev. Wilcox was an astute organizer and saw the potential in this event. His steering committee raised funds and purchased the wooden tabernacle constructed for the revival in Chambersburg and volunteers procured it and erected the structure at the rear of the Snider Avenue School. Stoves and chairs were borrowed from the Cumberland Valley Railroad Company. Opening day was set for January 4, 1914.

Prior to the meetings, a great deal of criticism was voiced about the upcoming event. It became the focus of conversation throughout the community. It was feared that the opposition would have a negative effect upon the meetings. Quite the opposite proved to be the case. Instead of hosting a two-week series, it became a five-week event. The Biederwolf revival had a dramatic effect upon the spiritual life of the congregation. Meetings were held in various shops and factories for workers and the area plants enthusiastically encouraged attendance. Cottage prayer meetings were also held all over the community.

An incident took place during this time that vividly underscored the need for faith in the community. During a routine arrest of a drunken man, Police Office William Daywalt of the Waynesboro Police Department was shot and killed as the man resisted the officer's attempts to get him under control. The community was deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event and it drew yet more people to attend the Biederwolf meetings.

More than 171,000 persons were in attendance and at the close of the revival some 2,700 persons had professed a confession of faith. Members from area churches combined to form a 200-voice choir, and dozens of others served as volunteer staff for the five-week event. It proved to be a decisive spiritual experience for a community that would soon face the realities of a world war.

For the community, a great two-fold benefit was theirs. Not only had there been a sincere turn to faith and to the positive outgrowth such profession enjoins, but the community also benefited as the suggestion from Rev. Biederwolf was heeded that a YMCA be organized in Waynesboro. A substantial rally was held later that year at the high school auditorium and over $25,000.00 was raised to begin the work. The YMCA, now in its second building, continues to serve the Waynesboro community.

For the Methodist Episcopal Church of Waynesboro, the fruit of the meetings was realized as Pastor Wilcox received 210 persons as members of the church in an evening service. Barely an eye was dry as people stood along the altar rail, in the aisles and in among the pews while the pastor led them in their vows of faith and fidelity to Christ and to the Wesleyan way of faith. That truly was an unforgettable evening. As late as 1951, over 200 persons on the church rolls reported that they were members because of the Biederwolf revival of 1914.

For a great many years afterwards, a Biederwolf Sunday School class named in honor of the evangelist met each Sunday continuing the tradition of educating people for Christian formation. In addition, the church was able to purchase and install a Moeller pipe organ from the Moeller Organ Company of Hagerstown, Maryland. The Moeller organ, now updated and refurbished, continues to inspire the congregation in music week after week.