Arch Street Presbyterian Church

The first time I attended a service at Arch St Presbyterian I looked around and felt "this is what God intended". The joy, warmth and friendliness felt, the diversity of the congregation in so many ways, the stirring music, and the message of love were my first impressions of the worship experience at Arch Street. A year and a half later, the Arch Street family has become a special family in my life. My wife and I will be moving from Philly in the next month but I guarantee that when we are back to visit in the future, that visit will include worship at Arch Street Presbyterian Church.

Arch Street is a welcoming, diverse and fun church! Whether you are a first time visitor, a repeat visitor or a member, there is a great spirit of welcoming as soon you walk in the doors. You are encouraged to engage with the church community and programming at the level you feel most comfortable. The diversity in this church is a huge asset. Individuals and families come from different backgrounds and faith traditions, but all share a commitment to supporting each other and the community at large. It’s also a fun place to be! The services are lively with great music and the fellowship opportunities are always a good time. I definitely recommend Arch Street to anyone looking for a church home.

I came to my first service at Arch Street on a whim. I was looking for a church home and I had seen the building, but frankly, I wasn't sure whether it was an active church or a historical landmark. So one Sunday, I decided to go in. What I discovered was a hidden gem. The congregation is welcoming, the preaching was engaging and thought-provoking, and the music, which ranges from traditional hymns to contemporary Gospel, was transcendent. I would learn that this small congregation is a praying, caring community deeply committed to fulfilling the biblical command to "act justly and love mercy." Before long, I became a member, and now I am an Elder. My church family has supported me in times of grief and joy, and afforded me the opportunity to support others in their Christian walk. The women's ministry has been a source of fun and fellowship. We support ministries to homeless folks, and we have a deep commitment to education. And our choir, under the direction of Dr. J. Donald Dumpson, is simply anointed. God has truly blessed me by bringing me to Arch Street. I'm glad it won't stay a hidden gem much longer.

I can’t say enough about how much I love Arch Street Presbyterian Church. I have been a member for about 4 years and recently I had to have surgery. From the moment I made my announcement, to the day of my procedure, to my recovery at home my Arch Street Family has been there. I have been surrounded by love with the prayers, flowers, meals, emails, texts and visits. Once I am well enough to return I look forward to working together on projects and getting together for fun. If you are looking for a church to help you with your walk with God as well as a place to connect with a community of people that truly love and care for each other Arch Street Presbyterian Church is the place for you.

Arch Street is like no other. You think you are going to an old traditional Presbyterian Church with its beautiful and important historical structure. Inside, you will find people spanning all age groups, race, class, sexual orientation and religious background. It is just a warm and welcoming community. The best part is probably the music...it is amazing. It is like a professional concert in there. There is some traditional stuff, but then there is gospel and jazz with trumpets and sax...its CRAZY!! Crazy AWESOME! Definitely a place to check out, especially if you have been disillusioned by "church" in the past...this is NOT the normal church.

Small, but mighty -- it's an exciting time to be at Arch Street! My curiosity for this place began almost four years ago when I started a new job and was working nearby. At first I was hesitant, even to enter, but once I did, I was immediately drawn to the messages as if directed at me, the soulful music, a friendly community, and an energizing spirit. This is when I realized I wanted to come to church and be part of a revitalizing congregation that wants to do more. Arch Street is committed to Philadelphia issues and serving it's people, but is also engaged in the broader conversations. It has been a gift to be here. This community stood along side me as I started and finished a part-time master's degree program while working full-time. So wherever you are in your journey, you'll not walk alone at Arch Street.

I joined Arch Street Presbyterian Church ASPC about a year ago, after attending it for a couple of years. ASPC is a revitalized new church in an classic old building. Built in 1855, Arch Street Pres was the "establishment" downtown Presbyterian church through the 19th and much of the 20th century. The architecture is neo-classic Greek revival style -- quite a contrast to the spanking new Comcast Center next door. The interior is absolutely stunning, with ornate columns, a beautiful domed ceiling, and huge organ pipes. The church went into decline in the postwar years, with the active congregation dwindling to about a dozen. About 5 years ago, the denomination decided that it had to either close the church, and sell this valuable property, or give it one last shot. They recruited Rev. Bill Golderer -- who is also the pastor of Broad Street Ministry a progressive homeless outreach ministry across from the Kimmel Center -- to lead this revitalization effort. Together with Rev. Becky White Newgren, Minister for Community Life, and Donald Dumpson, Minister of Music, Bill has resurrected this formerly stodgy, conservative, moribund institution into a hopeful, spirit-filled, diverse, progressive church, which is now about 100 members and growing. ASPC's worship service has been called "Presby-Baptist" - with a basic Presbyterian structure, but with the soul and spirituality more reminiscent of Baptist congregations. Before coming to ASPC, Donald Dumpson was a music minister at Bright Hope Baptist Church, a large predominately African American church in Philadelphia. Bill, Becky, and Donald create a worship experience that is a unique combination of intelligent and engaging preaching in the Protestant Reform tradition, and an inspirational blend of traditional, classic, and gospel music. ASPC is a rare and hopeful exception to Martin Luther King's observation that "11 o'clock on Sunday is the most segregated hour of American life." The congregation is racially diverse, LGBT-friendly, with a healthy age span from toddlers to seniors, and draws members from various and no religious backgrounds. As a new church in an old building, ASPC remains true to a Christ-Centered theology and mission, but is still evolving in its identity and role as an urban church. Its staff and members are respectful of tradition, but are not beholden to encrusted bureaucratic traditions or a "we've always done it this way" philosophy that has led to the decline of so many churches. The church is welcoming without being suffocating. It is very visitor-friendly. You can leave immediately after worship, or stay for coffee and chat. In fact, many people have attended for years, and participate in various activities and programs, without ever joining. You are encouraged to participate at whatever level you feel comfortable, and visit as often as you'd like.

My husband and I moved to Philadelphia about a year ago for work, not knowing anyone or anything about the city... I wasn't sure where to start in terms of building community and friendships and trying to make Philly feel like home. We were so fortunate to have stumbled upon Arch Street early on in our stay in Philadelphia, and it's been a central part of our life in the city ever since. I look forward every week to the services -- a time to reflect on the week gone by and prepare for the week ahead, be transformed by phenomenal music a lively blend of gospel, hymns, and amazing singing, be challenged by relevant sermons, be uplifted and encouraged by a caring community, and give thanks and gratitude. It's a small but growing community -- big enough to feel like you are part of something, but still small enough that you don't feel lost. And it's a wonderfully diverse community too -- bringing together people from all over Philadelphia - that are united by a common commitment to live out their faith in the city. This is "big tent" Christianity at its best!

Attending church at ASPC has been a wonderful part of my life here in Philadelphia for the past 2 years. I grew up outside the city, went away for school, and moved back a few years ago for a job. I spent some time “church shopping” with various congregations around the city and really feel like I found my church home at ASPC. The services are dynamic and engaging – with excellent and relevant preaching, wonderful music, and a real sense of community. I started attending ASPC and quickly found myself setting my alarm every Saturday night to ensure I’d make the service on Sunday mornings – not always an easy feat for a 20-something The community is diverse and welcoming – always looking to get to know new visitors and celebrate/welcome what they bring to the community. I highly recommend ASPC to anyone looking for a church home in Philadelphia – it’s really a great place to spend a Sunday.

We've been attending for several years, great music and always a great message. Warm people from all across Philly & NJ, also like us.