Gwynedd Square Presbyterian Church

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Matthew 7:24

Gwynedd Square is proud of its history and excited about its future. Former and current members have worked hard to make Gwynedd Square a vital and inviting church for the benefit of both the surrounding community and future members.

• Now

Gwynedd Square's congregation currently has over 370 members spanning several generations and a variety of backgrounds.

The upper level contains classrooms, offices and the sanctuary. The sanctuary, built in 1999, is air conditioned and has an elevator to the lower floor. The lower level holds a large fellowship hall with a stage and a kitchen and more classrooms.

• 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. 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 for a new sanctuary and fellowship room.

• 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. The church works with several local charities and in October, 2008, will send a 7th mission team to help with relief/rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In August, 2008, we joined the Inter-Faith Hospitality Network as a buddy church. In addition, the congregation participates in regional, national, and international projects for the Philadelphia Presbytery. In the year 2007, among over 130 churches in the Presbytery of Philadelphia, Gwynedd Square was the 9th highest in total mission giving, and 10th 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.