Arch Street Presbyterian Church

ASPC is an extremely welcoming community of folks from all walks of life. During my time at ASPC I was involved in children’s ministries and found that the families and individuals who took part in children’s ministries were extremely warm and compassionate people who really knew how to play, grown, and learn with children. I would highly recommend this church to anyone looking for a diverse and vibrant faith community.

Arch Street is the most refreshing community I have seen. It is a welcoming place that embraces all backgrounds, socio-​economic class, sexual orientation, race, previous religious history (even if no history at all!) They are only interested in meeting you where you are and helping you on your journey, whatever that may be. And the MUSIC… out of this world!!! Not the normal Presbyterian stuff. They will have you standing up and clapping your hands with gospel mixed with traditional hymns… just amazing!

Arch Street Presbyterian Church is a wonderful Church in Center City Philadelphia! It has an inspiring senior pastor, an awesome music ministry as well as a diverse and welcoming congregation! I strongly recommend it to anybody looking for a church to visit or to call home in Philadelphia!

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 19^th and much of the 20^th 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.

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.