In 1744, an Irish Presbyterian preacher Samuel Finley was called to take charge of the newly formed congregation on the lower branch of the Octoraro Creek, a short distance south of what was soon to become the Mason-Dixon line.

The task of the church, for Finley, was to administer the sacraments and comfort the sick, to baptize the infants and consecrate marriage, to bury the dead and preach the Word of God.

But the task of the church also was to teach men and women to think by exposing them to the great thoughts of the ages in order to produce rational beings capable of creative action in a new and swiftly changing world.

It was a crude log structure at the rear of his own home, located near the present site of the Rising Sun Middle School.

It comprises approximately 85 acres (340,000 m2), is characterized by a park-like setting of mature trees, a narrow stream, a small lake, and 19th and 20th century buildings.

[2] The school has sports teams including: Soccer, Prep and Varsity Basketball, Lacrosse, Wrestling (boys and girls), Baseball, Cross Country, Volleyball, VEX Robotics, Tennis, Chess,[5] Yoga, Martial Arts, and Physical Education.

Additional afternoon activities include Yearbook, Theatre, Photography, Green Rams Environmental Club and the school newspaper, The Arrow.

As part of WNA's commitment to lifelong fitness and activity all students are asked to participate in a sport or club throughout the school year, one per trimester.