Warminster Presbyterian Church History

1929...
The beginnings of our church go back to 1928 when a Sunday School was organized by the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Gemmill, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Neshaminy, in Hartsville. The classes were held in the basement of the newly constructed Warminster Consolidated School at Madison Avenue and Street Road with teachers coming from Ivyland, Hatboro and Christ Home. When Dr. Gemmill retired due to failing health the Presbytery of Philadelphia supplied the Sunday School with Pastors from the Ivyland Church.

A building fund was initiated and local men built the foundation for a building with cinder blocks that were purchased as the funds became available, but, with the Depression, it was impossible to proceed with the proposed building. 

1939...
The Rev. Mr. Frank Stroup, came as a student minister in 1939 to serve the Sunday School, and was ordained in 1940.  Through his efforts the Presbytery recognized a need for a Church in Warminster and financed a structure for $4300. The first service was held on September 29, 1940.  In 1941, the session of the Ivyland Church became a provisional session for the Warminster Chapel.  Rev. Stroup left in July 1944 to serve the Church at Flourtown.

1945...
From July of 1945, to May of 1948, the Rev. Mr. Walter Gray served both Ivyland and Warminster.  William Stackhouse came in the winter of 1948 while still a senior at Princeton and though only serving eight months left a great impact with his dedication. He introduced the congregation to the Princeton Gospel Teams and the old fashioned gospel week-ends.

1950...
On June 4, 1950, Warminster Presbyterian Church received its charter and was officially organized with 56 charter members under the leadership of R. Hunter Keen who, at the time, was a student at Princeton Seminary. The first Elders were ordained that same day and shortly there after the Deacons and Trustees. Mr. Keen was ordained, June 21, 1951, and the congregation issued a call to have him serve as the first full time Pastor.  The rolls grew to approximately 200 and a new Christian Education wing was constructed in 1953. A chapter of Presbyterian Men was organized, the Ladies Guild and Missionary Society combined to form a Fellowship, Family Night and Couples Club.  Junior and Senior High Youth groups were begun. With much regret the Church gave Rev. Keen his release in 1958 so he could accept a position with National Missions serving the Dakota Indians. 

1958...
The Rev. Mr. Joseph Kuehne, Jr. was called from the Danville Presbyterian Church in 1958. During his ten years as Pastor, the new sanctuary and social hall were built (1960) and the Church grew in membership from 261 to 609.  Rev. Kuehne spent much time visiting the elderly at Neshaminy Manor, those incarcerated in Bucks County prison, and those in hospitals. He served his congregation faithfully until his untimely death in 1968.

1968...
The Rev. Mr. Calvin Uzelmeier, Jr. was called from the Flourtown Church in December of 1968 and served as pastor until he retired in 2002.  The Church grew and much was accomplished during his tenure. The house next door was purchased in 1969 and named the Carr Stop after two faithful members. The Cherub Choir began in 1973, a youth choir named Timothy in 1974 and the Singing Squires in 1975. Music became an integral part of our worship services and continues to play a major role in our services today. The Church Library was organized in 1974. The wheelchair ramp was built in 1975 and in 1976 the church sponsored an alternative school while Centennial Schools were on strike.  Our “by faith” stewardship began in 1982, the same year sign language interpreting began.   During the 80s we had four student ministers, Jim DiQuattro, Len Hedges-Goettl, Daris Bultena and Keith Lawrence.  In 1988, the Rev. Dr. Keith Lawrence was called to be  minister at Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, then in his retirement  became our Parish Associate in 2004.

1983...
The Rev. Mr. R.C. Smith began as Assistant Pastor in 1983 and became our Associate Pastor in February 1984 and stayed until 1993 when he moved to Calvary Presbyterian Church in Wyncote, PA. Christmas Eve services were expanded to four services in 1985 and the Bell Choirs began in 1986.

1994...
In 1994 the Rev. Dr. Melinda Clements joined us as Pastor for Parish Nurture, and in 1996 became Associate Pastor.  During her time here she was involved with Christian Education, Friday morning Bible Study and many fun activities. We bid fare well to her in 2003.

Present Day...

We had two interim Pastors, the Rev. Mr. Ray Trout and the Rev. Mr. Charles McMillan, during the time between Pastor Uzelmeier’s retirement in 2002 and the call to the Rev. Mr. Dan Clark in 2005.  We look forward to growing our church under Pastor Dan’s leadership and continuing to enjoy his wonderful sense of humor.  Warminster Presbyterian Church is known for our service to the community and our wonderful music program. Please come and join with us!