Broomall RPC

Location: Philadelphia, Pa.

Presbytery: Atlantic

Organized: Jan. 28, 1798

Membership: 60 communicant; 11 baptized

Pastor: William J. Edgar

Web Site: www.phillyrpc.org

Early History

Founded in 1798, the congregation met in a schoolhouse until 1803. In the same year, they completed work on a new church building, installed their first pastor, and took the name First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. At that time there were 35 members.

In 1800, the Presbytery of Philadelphia concluded that slavery was a sin and resolved to prohibit slaveholders from taking communion in any RP church. The future pastor of First RPC, Samuel B. Wylie, was sent with a committee to share the news of this resolution with congregations farther south. After his ordination and installation in 1803, Wylie taught Latin and Greek at the Theological Seminary of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. He was famed for his knowledge of 14 languages.

By 1833, the church had grown to over 400 members thanks to immigration. Sadly, the First RPC split that year over the issue of their dissent from civil government. Those who maintained the covenant position of dissent called themselves the Old Lights, and their congregation became Second RPC of Philadelphia. God mercifully preserved His people through schism, conflict, and relocation, reuniting First and Second RPC in 1948. The congregation moved to Broomall, taking that name, in 1956. A full history can be found on the web site.

Current Ministry

Each month there are two midweek prayer meetings, a men’s meeting, and a Women’s Missionary Fellowship meeting. Once a month a themed church social is held and a collection is taken for various outreaches. For example, a baby shower theme where members brought newly purchased infant clothes to be given to a local pregnancy center was very successful. The congregation is deeply involved with White Lake RP Camp in New York, and several members currently serve there as administrators.

The sanctuary was expanded in 2004, and this year the congregation was able to celebrate the final payment on their building loans—8 years ahead of schedule. New families, new members, and new visitors bring great encouragement.

Prayer Requests

• That God would continue to fill the sanctuary, person by person; that they would be faithful in individual witness through relationships. Praise God for His faithfulness! • Remember members seeking employment; pray for their encouragement and for God to make known His will for them. • Please pray for wisdom in leadership decisions. • Praise God for the safe return of a military member from Korea. Remember the troops who continue to serve overseas.

Interesting fact:

Between 1802 and 2008, there have only been 12 pastors over this congregation. The average time of service to the congregation is 24.4 years! The congregation is thankful to have such constant care.