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Fox Chase Memorial Presbyterian Church
Philadelphia
PA
19111
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Who we are
Welcome to MPCFC - where there's a place in our family for you!
The mission of Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase is to be a loving witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ through meaningful worship, inspiring education for all ages, and various forms of ministry to church members, friends, and the community. It is through these saving acts that we change lives and effect change in society.
The mission of Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase is to be a loving witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ through meaningful worship, inspiring education for all ages, and various forms of ministry to church members, friends, and the community. It is through these saving acts that we change lives and effect change in society.
Street Address
7902 Oxford Ave
Philadelphia,
PA
19111
United States
Phone: 215-745-2844
Fax: 215-745-2205
Download Fox Chase Memorial Presbyterian Church vCard with Service Times
Church Pastor
The Reverend Timothy Wotring
Pastor
7902 Oxford Ave
Philadelphia,
PA
19111
United States
Phone: 215-745-2844
Fax: 215-745-2205
Download Pastor The Reverend Timothy Wotring vCard with Bio
Quote of the Day
Psalms 27:11
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Denomination
Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Churches in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Presbyterian Churches in Pennsylvania, United States
Presbyterian Churches in United States
All churches in Philadelphia, PA
Affiliations:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Website:
Social Media
Leadership
Leader Name:
The Reverend Timothy Wotring
Leader Position:
Pastor
Formal Title:
Leader Address:
Tel:
Fax:
215-745-2205
Leader Email:
Leader Bio:
The Rev. Timothy Wotring was born and raised in Cumberland, Maryland, located in the Appalachian Mountain region. His parents own a flower shop and he has a younger brother. He has been part of the church his entire life. In his younger years, he played drums or guitar in worship bands and preached monthly at a nursing home. In 2008, he moved to Philadelphia to attend Eastern University. He received a B.A. in Theology four years later.
After graduating, Timothy worked at Broad Street Ministry with the Youth Initiative as a Spiritual Life Coordinator. He spent the next year as a youth pastor at Union Methodist Church in Havertown until he matriculated into Union Theological Seminary in New York City in the fall of 2013. Timothy wanted to attend a seminary that was known for creative experimental worship and liturgy, carrying out Christ’s call for peace and justice, and high academic rigor.
After graduating from Union in 2016, Timothy continued working at his field education placement at Broadway Presbyterian Church for four years. He initiated and organized the volunteer program at the church’s soup kitchen and shelter. Timothy redesigned the organization’s Supermarket Pantry and Clothing Distribution, and with the help of the pastor, created a monthly free dinner for the neighborhood. In addition to all of that, he was site coordinator for NYC's Young Adult Volunteer for two years, and the worship leader for Columbia University’s campus ministry. Lastly, Timothy started the Youth Engaging in Service summer ministry at Broadway Presbyterian Church. It lasted for three summers and 10 youth groups attended his last summer there in 2018.
Timothy moved back to Philadelphia in December 2018 and lived with his cousin. He taught Sunday School for elementary school aged kids at Old Pine Presbyterian Church for several months. Timothy also worked at a homeless youth shelter for several months in Warminster, PA. Most recently, he worked with Pastor Sarah Colwill at Church on the Mall, helping with community outreach, social media, and technology. He also led a small faith community in Conshohocken called Church on the Bend; they started in June 2019 and met biweekly. In between all of that, Timothy led worship for Bryn Mawr Presbyterian’s youth group.
Overall, his interests are wide, but mostly concern the well-being of those on the margins. For more than a decade, Timothy has either worked for or volunteered at homelessness nonprofits. Likewise, he is a lifelong learner and completed the Church Planting and Revitalization Certificate Program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in September 2019. He is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Pop and American Culture Association and presents papers on cartoons, horror movies, and their intersections with theology.
Timothy and his wife, Meagen, live in Fox Chase with their cat Moo.
Timothy is excited and blessed that MPCFC is his first call!
After graduating, Timothy worked at Broad Street Ministry with the Youth Initiative as a Spiritual Life Coordinator. He spent the next year as a youth pastor at Union Methodist Church in Havertown until he matriculated into Union Theological Seminary in New York City in the fall of 2013. Timothy wanted to attend a seminary that was known for creative experimental worship and liturgy, carrying out Christ’s call for peace and justice, and high academic rigor.
After graduating from Union in 2016, Timothy continued working at his field education placement at Broadway Presbyterian Church for four years. He initiated and organized the volunteer program at the church’s soup kitchen and shelter. Timothy redesigned the organization’s Supermarket Pantry and Clothing Distribution, and with the help of the pastor, created a monthly free dinner for the neighborhood. In addition to all of that, he was site coordinator for NYC's Young Adult Volunteer for two years, and the worship leader for Columbia University’s campus ministry. Lastly, Timothy started the Youth Engaging in Service summer ministry at Broadway Presbyterian Church. It lasted for three summers and 10 youth groups attended his last summer there in 2018.
Timothy moved back to Philadelphia in December 2018 and lived with his cousin. He taught Sunday School for elementary school aged kids at Old Pine Presbyterian Church for several months. Timothy also worked at a homeless youth shelter for several months in Warminster, PA. Most recently, he worked with Pastor Sarah Colwill at Church on the Mall, helping with community outreach, social media, and technology. He also led a small faith community in Conshohocken called Church on the Bend; they started in June 2019 and met biweekly. In between all of that, Timothy led worship for Bryn Mawr Presbyterian’s youth group.
Overall, his interests are wide, but mostly concern the well-being of those on the margins. For more than a decade, Timothy has either worked for or volunteered at homelessness nonprofits. Likewise, he is a lifelong learner and completed the Church Planting and Revitalization Certificate Program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in September 2019. He is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Pop and American Culture Association and presents papers on cartoons, horror movies, and their intersections with theology.
Timothy and his wife, Meagen, live in Fox Chase with their cat Moo.
Timothy is excited and blessed that MPCFC is his first call!
Other Church Leaders:
The Reverend Timothy Wotring on Social Media:
Fox Chase Memorial Presbyterian Church Leadership Photos
Administration
Admin Name:
Admin Position:
Admin Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
Admin Email:
Mailing Address
Driving Directions to Fox Chase Memorial Presbyterian Church
Travel/Directions Tips
We are located on Oxford Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia, right across from Wawa and next to Dean Givnish Funeral Home.
Parking
Fox Chase Memorial Presbyterian Church Philadelphia Service Times
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US SUNDAY MORNINGS
every Sunday, we hold a Sunday School Opening called the Faithful Remnants, which is a time of music, prayer, and fellowship from 9-9:30am.
From 9:30-10am we have two Adult Education Classes
and a Children's Sunday School.
Choir Practice from 10am-10:30am,
Our Hybrid Worship Service & Junior Church is at 10:30am.
You can either come in person or Zoom in.
Click the Zoom link here for the worship service:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89934848201?pwd=OFBxUVQ3UWljOXdhQnF1eXMvQWdCQT09
Service Times last updated on the 5th of January, 2024
every Sunday, we hold a Sunday School Opening called the Faithful Remnants, which is a time of music, prayer, and fellowship from 9-9:30am.
From 9:30-10am we have two Adult Education Classes
and a Children's Sunday School.
Choir Practice from 10am-10:30am,
Our Hybrid Worship Service & Junior Church is at 10:30am.
You can either come in person or Zoom in.
Click the Zoom link here for the worship service:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89934848201?pwd=OFBxUVQ3UWljOXdhQnF1eXMvQWdCQT09
Service Times last updated on the 5th of January, 2024
Worship Languages
Dress code:
Please dress comfortably.
Children and Youth Activities
Under 12s:
Under 18s:
Local outreach & community activities:
MPCFC's Food for Hope Pantry is in its 14th year!
Since 2009, we have served individuals and families in Fox Chase and surrounding neighborhoods who are facing difficulty putting food on the table.
On the Second and Fourth Saturdays of each month, 9:00 am - noon, non-perishable food items are distributed to those in need. No documentation or ID required.
If you are in need of food and cannot come on either Saturday, please call the church office and we would gladly give you a bag.
In-kind and monetary donations for this outreach are always welcome. As well, if you are interested in volunteering or need community service hours, please reach out. Call the church office for more details (215-745-2844).
We accept these items:
Cereal
Canned Vegetables
Canned Soup
Dry Pasta
Pasta Sauce
Black Tea Bags
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Boxed Mac and Cheese
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Canned Ravioli
Canned Spaghettios
Jello Snack Packs
Pudding Snack Packs
Juice boxes
Hot Cocoa Packets (Wintertime)
Toiletries: (toothbrushes, small tubes of toothpaste, small shampoo/conditioner...)
Since 2009, we have served individuals and families in Fox Chase and surrounding neighborhoods who are facing difficulty putting food on the table.
On the Second and Fourth Saturdays of each month, 9:00 am - noon, non-perishable food items are distributed to those in need. No documentation or ID required.
If you are in need of food and cannot come on either Saturday, please call the church office and we would gladly give you a bag.
In-kind and monetary donations for this outreach are always welcome. As well, if you are interested in volunteering or need community service hours, please reach out. Call the church office for more details (215-745-2844).
We accept these items:
Cereal
Canned Vegetables
Canned Soup
Dry Pasta
Pasta Sauce
Black Tea Bags
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Boxed Mac and Cheese
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Canned Ravioli
Canned Spaghettios
Jello Snack Packs
Pudding Snack Packs
Juice boxes
Hot Cocoa Packets (Wintertime)
Toiletries: (toothbrushes, small tubes of toothpaste, small shampoo/conditioner...)
Other activities & ministries
Special Needs/Accessibility:
The Sanctuary and upper level of the Christian Education Building are accessible, and an accessible restroom is available in the Christian Education Building.
Prayers and hymns:
Main Bible:
Hymns and Songs:
Other information:
Average Adult Congregation:
Average Youth Congregation:
Additional Info:
Fox Chase Memorial Presbyterian Church Photo Gallery
Fox Chase Memorial Presbyterian Church History
Our founder, Gustavus Smith Benson, had deep local roots. His family moved from Baltimore MD to Philadelphia in 1812 when Gustavus was just 6 years old.
He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he obtained a law degree. After 34 years of success in both the law and banking business, Gustavus retired to devote his time to religious, corporate, and philanthropic work.
He was one of the most liberal givers to benevolent causes in the history of the Philadelphia Presbyterian Church and was untiring in his work for Christ. He served on the Board of Directors of City Trusts, which was responsible for Girard College. He also served on the Presbyterian Board of Publications, as an Elder of the West Spruce Street Church, and was a trustee of Princeton Seminary.
For several years Gustavus had been interested in the Fox Chase Presbyterians because his son, Frank (who was to become the first Ruling Elder of the congregation after its organization), was a member of the group. Shortly before his death on March 22, 1883, Gustavus had expressed his intent erect a building for the congregation if it came into existence.
On November 13, 1883, the Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase was organized by the Presbytery of Philadelphia North. On December 5, 1883 The Rev. Dr. Samuel J. Milliken was called as its first pastor.
A noted architect, Theophulus Parsons Chandler, was retained to draw the plans and the cornerstone of the present building was laid July 1, 1884. Six months later, on December 30, the building was dedicated. A new Sunday School building was begun in 1912 and was dedicated April 30, 1916. The pipe organ in the worship hall was installed in 1917.
The Benson family requested that the church be known as the “Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase” and the only visible sign of its origin is the letter “B” in the weather vane on the tower.
Renovation of the worship hall was completed in 1966 and, on May 08, 1971, ground was broken for the present Christian Education Building. The new building was dedicated in September, 1972.
Pastoral History
The Rev. Samuel Milliken, D.D.
The Rev. William H. Pumphrey, D.D.
The Rev. Josiah H Crawford, D.D.
The Rev. Hendy W. Bloch, D.D.
The Rev. Fulton Wilson, D.D.
The Rev. Kermit H. Jones
The Rev. M. Dwight Ferguson
The Rev. Paul S. Stavrakos
The Rev. Dennis L. Tarr
The Rev. Stephen J. Mather
The Rev. G. Clayton Ames, III
The Rev. Keith D. Lawrence
The Rev. Laura R. Donovan
The Rev. Robert M. Hoag
The Rev. Margaret Ames Mann
The Rev. Margaret Clark
The Rev. Timothy Wotring
Jan. 1884 - June 1891
Feb. 1892 - Dec. 1902
May 1903 - Jan. 1909
May 1909 - Dec. 1923
Dec. 1924 - Oct. 1945
Apr. 1946 - Feb. 1960
Oct. 1960 - Sept. 1968
July 1969 - Sept. 1980
Oct. 1980 - July 1982 – Interim
July 1982 – June 1987
Nov. 1987 – Oct 1988
Oct. 1988 – April 2000
Dec. 2000 – Dec. 2001 – Interim
Dec. 2001 – Feb. 2003 – Interim
Mar. 2003 – Dec. 2016
Dec. 2016 – July 2020 - Interim
July 2020 - Present
He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he obtained a law degree. After 34 years of success in both the law and banking business, Gustavus retired to devote his time to religious, corporate, and philanthropic work.
He was one of the most liberal givers to benevolent causes in the history of the Philadelphia Presbyterian Church and was untiring in his work for Christ. He served on the Board of Directors of City Trusts, which was responsible for Girard College. He also served on the Presbyterian Board of Publications, as an Elder of the West Spruce Street Church, and was a trustee of Princeton Seminary.
For several years Gustavus had been interested in the Fox Chase Presbyterians because his son, Frank (who was to become the first Ruling Elder of the congregation after its organization), was a member of the group. Shortly before his death on March 22, 1883, Gustavus had expressed his intent erect a building for the congregation if it came into existence.
On November 13, 1883, the Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase was organized by the Presbytery of Philadelphia North. On December 5, 1883 The Rev. Dr. Samuel J. Milliken was called as its first pastor.
A noted architect, Theophulus Parsons Chandler, was retained to draw the plans and the cornerstone of the present building was laid July 1, 1884. Six months later, on December 30, the building was dedicated. A new Sunday School building was begun in 1912 and was dedicated April 30, 1916. The pipe organ in the worship hall was installed in 1917.
The Benson family requested that the church be known as the “Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase” and the only visible sign of its origin is the letter “B” in the weather vane on the tower.
Renovation of the worship hall was completed in 1966 and, on May 08, 1971, ground was broken for the present Christian Education Building. The new building was dedicated in September, 1972.
Pastoral History
The Rev. Samuel Milliken, D.D.
The Rev. William H. Pumphrey, D.D.
The Rev. Josiah H Crawford, D.D.
The Rev. Hendy W. Bloch, D.D.
The Rev. Fulton Wilson, D.D.
The Rev. Kermit H. Jones
The Rev. M. Dwight Ferguson
The Rev. Paul S. Stavrakos
The Rev. Dennis L. Tarr
The Rev. Stephen J. Mather
The Rev. G. Clayton Ames, III
The Rev. Keith D. Lawrence
The Rev. Laura R. Donovan
The Rev. Robert M. Hoag
The Rev. Margaret Ames Mann
The Rev. Margaret Clark
The Rev. Timothy Wotring
Jan. 1884 - June 1891
Feb. 1892 - Dec. 1902
May 1903 - Jan. 1909
May 1909 - Dec. 1923
Dec. 1924 - Oct. 1945
Apr. 1946 - Feb. 1960
Oct. 1960 - Sept. 1968
July 1969 - Sept. 1980
Oct. 1980 - July 1982 – Interim
July 1982 – June 1987
Nov. 1987 – Oct 1988
Oct. 1988 – April 2000
Dec. 2000 – Dec. 2001 – Interim
Dec. 2001 – Feb. 2003 – Interim
Mar. 2003 – Dec. 2016
Dec. 2016 – July 2020 - Interim
July 2020 - Present
Fox Chase Memorial Presbyterian Church Historical Photos
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