Germantown Community Presbyterian Church Click here to join our e-Announcement List Germantown Community Presbyterian Church (USA) 1965 to 2005 To the glory of God, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Second Presbyterian Church of Germantown (a predominately white congregation, organized in 1857) and Faith Presbyterian Church, (a Negro congregation, founded in 1903, organized in 1909 and chartered in 1914), merged to form in February, 1965 the Germantown Community United Presbyterian Church. This was the second merger of a black congregation and a white congregation in the Presbytery of Philadelphia. The new congregation began to worship in the Second Presbyterian Church building, located at Greene and Tulpehocken Streets. Services were expanded under the interim leadership of Reverend Cornelius Berry. In July of 1966 the newly formed congregation called as its first pastor, Reverend Hal B. Lloyd of Rockland, Illinois. After 10 years of dedicated leadership, Reverend Hal Lloyd resigned from Germantown Community United Presbyterian Church. Reverend Kermit Overton and Reverend Lincoln Griswald served as Moderator of the session during the period that followed. The pulpit was supplied by guest ministers until April, 1978 when Reverend Jefferson Rogers became the called Pastor. During this tenure the church experienced moderate growth. A Forum Series was established which attracted prominent African American speakers and musicians. Through the music ministry of Mr. Garland Butts, Sunday Worship services were greatly enhanced. In August, 1980 Reverend Rogers resigned the position. In September 1980, Reverend Frank Gordon became the Moderator of the Session. Through his able leadership and the persistence of Mrs. Annette Purnell, Mr. Herbert Hardy and other members of the congregation, the entire interior of the church was refurbished. This was done in time for the installation of Elder Eloise Allen, of our congregation, as Moderator of the Philadelphia Presbytery. Elder Allen had the distinction of being the first black female to hold this position. Reverend Gordon served as Interim Pastor until 1985. His caring personality and firm positive direction gave a renewed spiritual guidance to the congregation which resulted in new members joining our church family. During the General Assembly held in Atlanta, Georgia in 1983, the Presbyterian Church (USA) was formed as a result of the merger of Presbyterian Church of the United States and the Presbyterian Church United. Germantown Community United Presbyterian Church became Germantown Community Presbyterian Church (USA). In the spring of 1985, Reverend Donald Scott was called as Interim Pastor and served until August 1986, when Eugene James was installed as Pastor and later resigned in December, 1988. Reverend Donald Scott returned as Interim Pastor in January, 1989 and remained until December 1992. Under his direction Germantown Community joined with other churches in the area to originate the Northwest Interfaith Hospitality Network in the city of Philadelphia (a service to homeless families.) Nathan Byrd was taken under care by the congregation as a seminarian at the Princeton Theological Seminary and later as a candidate for the Word and Sacrament. We also contracted with Ms. Marty's Day Care Center to be housed in the church building. The uplifting music ministry of the Voices of Inspiration, a young adult choir was established. The Unicameral system of church government was adopted. The Manse was seriously damaged by fire on Sunday, November 22, 1992. Under the direction of Elder Devon Prillerman and the Property Committee the Manse was restored. Reverend Edward B. Jones served as Moderator from January, 1993 through October, 1994 with Sunday services being conducted by guest ministers. During this same period Reverend Barnabas Glenn served as Stated Supply for six months. Reverend J. Bernard Taylor was called in October, 1994 as Temporary Supply and served until December, 1995. He reorganized the adult Bible study class and Men's organization. A Men's Chorus was formed and the 30th anniversary was celebrated with a banquet held at the Pinn Memorial Baptist Church. In January, 1996, Reverend Edward B. Jones was again appointed to Moderate the Session. The pulpit was supplied by several outstanding ministers and seminarians. This list includes Seminarian James A. Johnson who frequently supplied the pulpit from 1996 through October, 1998. In October 1998, Urla Eversley began a relationship with the Germantown Community Church as Student Pastor. In May, 1999 upon graduation from the Princeton Theological Seminary she became Temporary Supply and later became the pastor in June, 2001.

Reverend Urla Eversley, Pastor 6141 Greene Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19144 (215) 438-0500 Email Us