The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill

In 1850, a seed of faith was planted in Chestnut Hill. The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill’s story begins with Reverend Roger Owen. He led a boys’ boarding school and started holding Sunday afternoon services. The local Presbyterian community, small but determined, requested morning services too. The first official service at the school took place on November 16, 1851. The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill was officially chartered in May 1852. The cornerstone for a dedicated building was laid on July 1, 1852, at Rex and Germantown Avenues. Construction paused when funds ran low but resumed, and the church was finally dedicated on June 16, 1853, with 40 members. The building was considered a prime example of church architecture in Philadelphia at the time. Years later, in 1889, a disagreement led to the creation of Trinity Presbyterian Church nearby. However, having two Presbyterian churches so close together proved problematic. Merger talks began, spanning three decades. Finally, in December 1929, the two churches united to become The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. They occupied a building on Rex Avenue, led by co-pastors from both original congregations. The unified church thrived, and the facilities became strained. Dr. Burleigh Cruikshank, called to lead the church in 1941, encouraged ambitious building plans. A new building was made possible by a land donation, substantial outside gifts, and the sale of the old building. Remarkably, the foundation excavation yielded enough Chestnut Hill stone to construct the new church. The cornerstone was laid on November 14, 1948. The first service in the current sanctuary was held on March 12, 1950. The following decade saw remarkable growth, with membership reaching 1,300 and necessitating two Sunday services. A Sunday school flourished with 75 teachers and 500 children. Expansions followed, including a Sunday school wing, offices, and a chapel. A pre-kindergarten school, still operating today, was established. During this era, the church was led by Dr. Joseph E. McCabe, whose book chronicled his ministry at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill. The church continued to evolve under subsequent leaders. In 1996, Cynthia Jarvis became the first female head of staff. Recent decades have seen renovations to the sanctuary and the installation of a Mander Pipe Organ. Today, The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill continues to serve a diverse congregation. It thrives with young families and a dedicated ministry for older adults. The church remains a vibrant part of the Chestnut Hill community.