ABOUT US
The History of
Eastwick United Methodist Church
Let this be recorded for a generation to come so that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord.” (Psalm 102:18)
Eastwick United Methodist Church began as a vision shared by Rev. Herbert Palmer, District Superintendent of the South District with Rev. Alfred S. Maloney in the Spring of 1983. In June of 1983, Rev. Maloney was appointed Developing Pastor of the Eastwick New Church Project at Annual Conference.
The Eastwick New Church Project started with just a dream and the willingness of a few persons who exhibited the “pioneer spirit” so necessary to keep the dream alive. From a small group of persons who wanted to see a church in the community, the efforts to start a congregation began.
On March 18, 1984, our first worship service was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Lynch. In July, Mrs. Frances Boone opened her home to the group. The commitment to establish a church became evident when our small congregation of 20 persons received our Charter on June 9, 1985, from Bishop F. Herbert Skeete and District Superintendent Rev. Herbert Palmer. With the support from neighbors, friends, and other churches, we received our new name – EASTWICK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.
TIMELINE OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
​
-
1984 Parsonage purchased at 8401 Lyons Place, Philadelphia, PA. This served as Eastwick’s worship center for 19 months.
-
1986 Purchased what is now the Mission House at 8325 Lindbergh Boulevard. At that time, this building served as a worship center.
-
1987 We broke ground for our new multi-purpose facility under the oversight of Bishop F. Herbert Skeete and then Mayor W. Wilson Goode in attendance.
-
1988 First worship service held in the new Sanctuary. With the addition of an annex, a temporary Day Care and Scouting programs were made available to those who were in need of services or decided to participate in those programs.
-
1989 The departure of our founding pastor, The Rev. Alfred S. Maloney in June.
-
1989 We welcomed Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglas, Jr. in the month of July. During this time, the congregation supported many persons in their call to ministry.
-
1996 Rev. Helen S. Fleming was called to lead Eastwick and several ministries were birthed at that time.
-
A satellite division of the Center for Urban Theological Studies was housed at Eastwick
-
Eastwick was selected as a resource and training center for “Strengthening the Black Church.”
-
Eastwick received the Denman Award for Evangelism for The Eastern PA Conference.
-
The Kim Jefferson Award for Urban Ministry was extended to Eastwick in the Year 2000.
-
Under the Lena Maloney CDC, Eastwick participated in the Amachi Program to mentor children of incarcerated persons.
-
Day Care and After School programs were developed as part of the Eastwick Helping Hands Learning Center.
-
The Food Bank saw an increase in serviceable needs and at that time distributed 2600 food baskets per month.
-
2003 Eastwick opened a new facility at 6630 Lindbergh Boulevard, housing offices, a banquet facility, training programs, and one state senator.
-
2004 Eastwick’s Mission House’ grand opening occurred and it currently provides for Food and Clothing needs within the Eastwick community area.
-
2005 Rev. Harry Benson became pastor and brought his musical gifts to the congregation to enhance its worship.
-
2009 Rev. Joseph Archie served in his capacity to help strengthen the congregation in a time of transition.
-
2011 Rev. Dr. Michael Roberts along with his wife came to serve. Again Evangelism became the focus of the church’s ministry resulting in the Denman Award being received for the second time on behalf of Eastwick.
-
2014 Eastwick celebrated its Thirtieth Church Anniversary
-
2016 Eastwick’s current pastor Rev. Tracy Duncan was called, whose gifts of prayer and music have enhanced worship as we look forward to God’s call in this new season.