A meeting was held on May 7, 1903 at the home of W. A. McLaughlin for the purpose of determining the advisability of establishing a new church in Glenolden Borough. A visiting Pastor suggested it be a Congregational Church.
On June 22, 1903 The Glenolden Congregation Church was formed with a membership of 60 and was recognized by a regular Ecclesiastical Council on June 30, 1903. Reverend George R. Lockwood was called as the first pastor in December of 1903 and served as the spiritual leader for eight years.
Four years after opening the doors, in 1907, the corner lot at Scott and Gardner Avenues was secured, and the church building was erected. In March of 1912 Reverend A.M. Wood served a brief period, but due to illness was replaced in April of 1913 by Reverend William H. Medlar, who also started the first Boy Scout Troop in Glenolden.
The Gardner Avenue parsonage was purchased in 1921 from the Thompson family for a sum of $8,000.00. One year later a Junior Christian Endeavor Society was formed.
In June of 1928 the “burning of the mortgage” took place with Mr. H.V.
Strickland officiating. Shortly thereafter, the youth of Pilgrim Fellowship
began to attend the Perkiomen Summer Conference and the young people became
active in the
Pennsylvania
State Conference.
The 47th Birthday party for the G.C.C. was held on June 7. At that time Mr. and Mrs. Anderson presented an unusual bell to the church. The bell, still heard ringing every Sunday at 11:00 O’clock was brought from Maine. At one time the bell had been used by wives and daughters of fishermen to guide the men home during heavy fog. This bell, cast in 1876, continues to call out to those who are lost, and offers them opportunity to come home.
The first “all church” bazaar was held in 1953, the same year a new nursery for children 4 years and younger was inaugurated by the Women’s Bible Class. In 1954 the Deacon board took the nursery over, and instituted the “welcoming couple” that we are greeted with each Sunday. One year later, in 1955, the Pilgrim was created and mailed out to the members. This was the same year that Children’s Church was started.
In 1966 the property at 119 S. Scott Avenue was purchased. In 1970 the burning of the second mortgage took place. Rev. Brenner became pastor and in 1972 we withdrew association from the United Church of Christ and in 1973 became affiliated with the National Association of Congregational and Christian Churches.
Mr. Bruce D. Hersey became the spiritual leader in June of 1978, after returning from studies in Switzerland. Rev. James L Beinke was a beloved pastor who also served as choir director for a short time. He was followed by Rev. Lomaster. The Rev. William Hillman (wife and active member Mary Jeanne) served the church as interim pastor. Rev. Cecil Jones (his lovely wife Kay) was interim pastor several times in the G.C.C. history.
Today, Reverend Philip Brookes (wife Lynne) serves as our Spiritual Leader. He works in close contact with both boards, and together with the Director of Music, Don Hughes, continue to offer a creative, fun, and family atmosphere to the congregational members, friends of the church, and guests.
Our history, although at times a bit tumultuous, will continue to be a beacon of Christian love, faith and understanding. We have always, and expect to continue our many out reach programs to our community and to our missions. We are blessed with glorious music, a Pastor and his family to serve the Lord with each Sunday, and the fortunes of continuing exceptional musical cantatas that were started by our long served, currently retired, choir director, Mr. Frank Fertig.