Exploring the Historical Significance of the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church

The Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, situated in Main Line, just outside Philadelphia, is an architecturally significant place of worship and a center of community life that provides many reasons for a visit.

The church was established in 1873 was on land bought from the Pennsylvania Railroad by a group consisting of 13 women and 3 men. The initial structure was a humble, green-stone chapel located where the current Sanctuary stands. In 1886, a brownstone church was built at the location of the existing Chapel, with a seating capacity of 500. The current sanctuary, constructed in 1927 to accommodate 1200 people, was designed in line with the Gothic tradition, complementing the scholarly ambiance of Bryn Mawr. The old brownstone church remained adjacent to the new Sanctuary until 1940, when its base and three walls were repurposed to form the Chapel. The Chapel’s north section, which incorporates the design of the Old Sunday School building erected in 1894, is adorned with three cherished Tiffany windows from the brownstone church. The church’s historical prestige is further enhanced by the fact that U.S. President Woodrow Wilson was a member while he was a faculty member at the nearby Bryn Mawr College.

The church has a deep-rooted tradition in music and fine arts. The 1970s saw the appointment of the first full-time Director of Music and Fine Arts, leading to the development of an extensive program encompassing music, art, and drama. The church is home to an internationally acclaimed adult choir (Sanctuary Choir), handbell choirs, youth and children’s choirs, concert series, Bryn Mawr Chamber Singers, Singing for Life (for senior adults), and art exhibits.

With a current congregation of 2000, the church’s theology promotes diversity, extending a warm welcome to individuals of all races, ethnic origins, sexual orientations, or socioeconomic statuses. This atmosphere of inclusivity and hospitality makes it a welcoming destination for all visitors.

A trip to the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church presents a distinctive mix of gorgeous historical architecture, cultural enrichment, and an inclusive community.