Bryn Mawr 100: Church of the Redeemer

The Episcopal , the first Episcopal church in Lower Merion, was established in 1851 in Temperance Hall. At the time, there was no Episcopal church between Philadelphia and Old St. David's Church in Radnor.

Following the first meeting of the church on Aug. 3, 1851, plans quickly took shape to organize a parish, and then to erect a church building. The vestry purchased the land for the building—on the corner of Lancaster Pike and Buck Lane—on Oct. 30, and on Nov. 21, the Bishop of Pennsylvania laid the cornerstone of the church.

A chapel and Sunday school were established at the site, but in 1860, the vestry decided to purchase a 9.5 acre property on the corners of Fisher Road, Old Gulph Road and Pennswood Road, where the church is now located. However, the property remained vacant until 1872 when the rectory was built. The next year, a Church Extension Society was  formed, with the goal of building a new church for the congregation.

In 1879, the Bishop of Nebraska laid the cornerstone for the church, and the first services were held there on Easter Sunday, 1881. A number of additions were completed over the years, and the church underwent major renovations in 1976 and again in 2009.

Today, the church members continue to participate in outreach and pastoral ministries, Christian formation ministries, and in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania.

Several 12-step groups are held at Church of the Redeemer, including Nar-Anon, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and the St. Augustine Group (SLAA).

A Christmas Bazaar is held each year to benefit projects such as the African Childrens' Missions and the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Additionally, the church is home to a consignment shop, the proceeds of which benefit church outreach programs.

The church also has a flourishing college ministry, made up mostly of students from Bryn Mawr College and Haverford College. The group discusses the intersection of life and faith, prays for justice, serves the sick and needy, and describes itself as a safe place to ask questions and as an "open and affirming community, where all are welcomed."

Many thanks to Bobbie McElroy of the Lower Merion Historical Society, who compiled historical information that this article draws on.

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