Now

Gwynedd Square's congregation currently has over 400 members spanning several generations and a variety of backgrounds.

Gwynedd Square recently completed renovating the former sanctuary and added additional classrooms and offices. The new sanctuary, built in 1999, holds three times as many worshipers, a larger pipe organ, and includes such amenities as air conditioning and an elevator.

The lower level is a large fellowship hall with a stage and a kitchen.

Then

In 1958, nine acres of farmland were purchased as the future site of Gwynedd Square. The Gwynedd Square Presbyterian Church was established the following year with 117 charter members and services were held in West Point Elementary School. The main church building was constructed in 1960, and the Reverend Donald Shaw was installed as the first pastor.

The second pastor, the Reverend Paul Corcoran was installed in 1965 and served for 21 years until his retirement in 1986. Reverend Corcoran is currently the Pastor Emeritus. During his tenure, the educational wing was constructed in 1965 and included a library and nursery. Four hundred and fifty members celebrated the church's twenty-fifth anniversary in 1984.

The Reverend James R. Barber was installed as pastor in 1988 after Reverend Corcoran retired. In 1995, the mortgage on the current sanctuary and educational wing was paid in full. One year later, the Session and congregation approved an expansion project and building campaign.

Focus on Mission

Early in its history, the church established a reputation for its focus on mission. Examples include providing financial support for a project to deliver water to Indonesian villages and providing collateral to support a bail-bond program run by the Friends of Justice. In addition, the church sponsored many refugees from various parts of the world. The largest such program occurred when the church sponsored several Cambodian families during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This effort provided an opportunity for many people within the church community to get involved.

The focus on mission continues today. Currently, the church is supporting several Sudanese refugees and works with a number of local charities. In addition, the Church participates in regional, national, and international projects for the Presbytery. Groups from the Church are actively participating in projects for Habitat for Humanity and mission projects in Maine and New York. In the year 2000, among over 150 churches in the Presbytery of Philadelphia, Gwynedd Square was the 15th highest in per-capita giving for mission.

The history of this church tells of clergy and members who labored for the good of those who follow. Gwynedd Square Presbyterian Church believes the dedication of the new sanctuary represents the end of a building expansion project, but marks the beginning of an evangelistic expansion project, leading to an equally fulfilling future.