DCO provides facilities and services in northwest Pennsylvania to Christian groups for activities like:
- Social Events
- Youth retreats
- Men’s or Women’s Retreats
- Training seminars
- Church conferences
- Home-school events
- Wedding receptions
- Family reunions
Doorkeepers Christian Outreach Center started in 1976, under the direction of Bill and Emma Kafferlin. The Kafferlins felt led of God to build the center with its purpose being to promote the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ toward salvation and growth in Him.
The vision to begin Doorkeepers Christian Outreach Center started with these verses:
“I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” -Psalm 84:10
“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”- John 10:9
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills – From whence comes my help?” -Psalm 121:1.
It took five years of mostly volunteer labor, with some hired help, to complete the construction of the main building. During that time, the Watchmen (later known as Abraham), a traveling singing group, held annual musical presentations each year which brought in large audiences.
Also during the construction period, Em studied and obtained a license as a Clinical Christian Counselor. In addition to her studies, she traveled and spoke to ladies’ groups throughout the year and counseled individuals, couples and families. When the construction was finished, she organized and/or conducted weekend retreats at the Center. The property was also used for Vacation Bible Schools, Mother Daughter Banquets, wedding receptions, family reunions and other special programs as well as Saturday night Christian Movie Nights throughout the Summer.
The program was successful under Em’s leadership and God’s direction. In August of 1985, Em tragically passed away due to injuries sustained in a car accident.
Bill felt that God still had a plan for Doorkeepers. In 1986, he remarried and he and Ruth established a modified program. With the help of others who shared the vision, the center continued to host church events, retreats, vacation Bible schools, and family reunions.
Today, Doorkeepers consists of a large multi-purpose building that can seat at least 100 guests with tables or well over 200 with chairs. In addition, the facilities includes a commercial kitchen, dormitory rooms and restrooms for up to 65 overnight guests. An in-ground pool, volleyball court, hiking trails and tent camping are also available at the facility.
There is also a mobile home on the property that has been used in the past to house assistants and youth directors. Renovations have begun to convert this single-family dwelling into bunkhouse style units to allow room for additional overnight guests.
Bill and Ruth Kafferlin retired in 2008. Doorkeepers is now operated by the Board of Directors, consisting of Bill and Em’s children and their families.