Beverly Presbyterian

Address:

121 E. Warren St., Beverly.

Denomination:

Presbyterian Church (USA).

Mission:

Beverly Presbyterian exists to be a living body of Christ, which celebrates God in worship, brings people to Christ, and strengthens and nurtures people in their personal relationship with Christ.

Staff:

Rev. Craig Waetke, pastor; Rev. James Barber, pastor emeritus; Sherry Oulton, office administrator; Julie Waetke, director of Christian education; Gwen Reed, director of music; Gary Fuller, organist; Pat Dougherty, clerk of the session; Tyrus and Malissa Bowe, custodians. The Session, a group of 12 elders, is the governing board. The 12-member board of deacons tends to the needs of the congregation.

Brief history:

The church was organized in November 1853. The current sanctuary was completed and dedicated on Dec. 14, 1873. Another building, known as "The Chapel," was built in 1876. It is now used as a fellowship hall for church and community activities. The Manse was built in 1894 with funds raised by the Ladies Aid Society, now known as Presbyterian Women's Association. A Christian Education Building was erected in 1961 to connect "The Chapel" and the sanctuary. This addition provides space for church offices, a lending library, classrooms, a choir room, and a meeting room. The church has been served by more than 25 pastors and has a long history of supporting missions in other countries, as well as local and national.

Special groups, activities and events include a summer block party (as a gift to the community) with a Bible story, games, food and prizes; a family movie night on the first Friday of each month (free to the community); Easter basket outreach; an annual hay ride; Cub, Boy and Girl Scouts and a Vacation Bible School (in cooperation with Beverly Methodist Church). The Adult Choir takes part in the community Palm Sunday cantata, and we share in a community Thanksgiving service. We have women's and men's Bible study groups, and a home Bible study group. A community senior citizens group holds monthly meetings in the fellowship hall. A praise band called inneedofgrace helps to lead worship on the third Sunday of the month. A Ghanaian congregation meets on Sunday afternoon at our church.

What makes you proud of your house of worship?

When asked, some members responded: "We have a friendly, caring, loving congregation"; "great, committed and dedicated Sunday School teachers"; "a very supportive congregation" (an example is the love and support two men and their families received when they had kidney transplants just a month apart - from friends); "the church is like a family"; "hymn sings"; "the beauty of the sanctuary, especially the windows" (which tell biblical stories, with the large rear window dedicated in honor and memory of all those who served in World War II).

Worship schedule:

9:30 a.m. Sunday School for pre-kindergarten through adults. 10:45 a.m. worship; child care provided. There is also an activity time for children from first through fourth grade during part of the worship hour. Summer worship (June 22-Labor Day) - 10 a.m.

Phone:

609-387-1117.

On the Web:

» READ MORE: www.BeverlyPresbyterian

.

com

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Contact me at 856-779-3899 or

» READ MORE: chenry@phillynews.com

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Thank you,

Cynthia Henry

Neighbors editor