Our History

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown has a long and storied history. Today a growing, thriving congregation of approximately 800, it was officially organized on September 12, 1888, by a small group of Presbyterian residents who constructed the first building on Chester Avenue.

 
As expansion needs dictated, after World War II leaders purchased the 23-acre Collins property at 101 Bridgeboro Road where the church campus is now located. The sanctuary was designed by historic restoration specialist Edwin Brumbaugh and dedicated in 1956. A large Christian education facility was built in 1962. The structural focal point of the building remains the Collins home, which current church-goers still enjoy today.
 
A member of Presbyterian Church USA and part of the West Jersey Presbytery, the congregation welcomes people of all ages to worship, learn, and serve with them. They faithfully strive to follow the Great Commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind … [and] you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37, 39 NRSV
 
In May 2018, Rev. Stuart Spencer was called to lead FPC Moorestown as pastor/head of staff, after serving 22 years at Thompson Memorial Presbyterian Church in New Hope, Pa. He appreciates serving this loving, welcoming family of faith that offers people a place of belonging and transformation. He says, “God’s given me the gift of encouragement and I’m on the lookout for signs of God’s grace in the lives of our members. I see God doing so much in and through this amazing FPC Moorestown congregation.”
 
Under Rev. Spencer’s leadership the congregation has outlined and engaged “25 Ways of the Week,” based on God’s word to be the foundation for creating a culture “thick with love.” These are not rules or laws to be obeyed, rather ways to train, remind, and encourage one anther to be the church.
 
As the years and staff members come and go, the church’s vision remains: “We aspire to be beacons of God’s love and truth, growing together in faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.”
 

A Historic Perspective

 

Before FPC Moorestown

The heart of the First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown was once the residence of Miami Beach developer and bank executive, Irving A. Collins.
 
The son of Miami Beach founder John Collins, Irving passed away in 1939 leaving his 23 acre estate at the corner of Bridgeboro and Riverton Roads to his wife Beatrice.
 
In 1950, Beatrice sold the estate to the First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown for $35,000. The residence remains a part of the church campus today.

“The Visions That Made It Possible
Since 1888″
A video presented by the Long Range Planning Committee, Fall of 1997

 

Our Steeple Restoration

 
“Our church is so beautiful. Whenever I turn the corner from Chester Avenue onto Bridgeboro Road, I find that my spirits are lifted just by looking up at our inspiring steeple. It is a real beacon of hope for our entire Moorestown community.” — Peggy and Bob Morris
 

Follow the story

of the steeple restoration which occurred over the month of November and into December of 2020. Our property supervisor describes the progress of the Robert Morgan Steeple & Building Restoration of New Hampshire crew and shares details that bring the project alive.
 
 

Upgrading our Roof

 

FPC ROOFING PROJECT

Under the watchful eye of our Property Supervisor, Steve Margerum, our flat roof buildings have undergone a well deserved upgrade.
 

Legacy Giving

Live Forward. Give Forward.

This project is funded by our members, past and present, who have created a legacy here at First Presbyterian Church with their special gifts and bequests, both large and small. It is the generous and kind donations that have allowed our church to ‘live forward.’