PPC History
The congregation that would become today's Penfield Presbyterian Church was organized in 1957, following eight decades without a Presbyterian congregation in Penfield. Earlier attempts dated as far back as 1804 and although the mid nineteenth century saw signs of promising growth, membership waned as industry drew commerce away from the area and services were eventually suspended in 1876. However, in 1957, newly-energized organizers began seriously researching the need for a new Presbyterian church, and finally a committee of the local Federation of Churches agreed that the rapidly-growing Penfield suburban area was indeed ready for the new church.
Lacking a church building, worshippers began meeting in the Genesee Conservation League clubhouse on Old Penfield Road, a colorful setting featuring stuffed mounted animals and the persistent aroma of stale beer. Sunday School classes were held in the Penfield Town Hall and various homes. In 1958, the new congregation welcomed its Organizing Minister, the Reverend Ralph J. Miller. Only one month later, the congregation acquired its present site on Jackson Road. The official service of organization was conducted on June 1, 1958.
The present church structure was completed in 1960 and the congregation's growth continued. By 1964, when the Rev. Richard Nygren was called as pastor, Penfield Presbyterian Church was ranked third in the Genesee Valley Presbytery for net membership increase. By 1968, a second building program had resulted in the completion of the Christian Education wing, an unusual contemporary structure intended by its architect to resemble an inverted flower. In 1970, Rev. Nygren was succeeded by Rev. Donald McFerren, who led the congregation through a decade of vibrant growth, highlighted by a growing choir program, a vacation bible school, and the establishment of a community youth center.
In 1980, a Day Care Center opened in the church, serving the needs of families in the area and continuing to the present day as a mainstay of our congregation's presence in the community. Rev. McFerren's successor was Rev. Zane Bolinger, who was installed in 1982. Under his leadership, the church placed a new emphasis on communication and the expansion of fellowship groups for a wide range of ages and interests. Another highlight of his time with our congregation was his installation as moderator of the Genesee Valley Presbytery in 1991. Following his retirement in 1993, a succession of very capable interim pastors led the congregation until the arrival of Rev. Steven Mabry in 1994. The next five years were marked by renewed mission efforts including Cameron Community Center and Habitat for Humanity.
Our current pastor, Rev. Louise Armstrong was installed in 2001 and continues to lead the church through ambitious and progressive changes, such as the ReVision process, 40 Days of Purpose, and a reorganization of the governance structure to include more participation by all members of the church. In 2007, the church began construction of a new fellowship foyer with a drive up access, offering a welcome entry to all people. This year we begin a journey exploring Water for Life and the power of prayer.
Penfield Prebyterian celebrated 50 Years of Faith and Fellowship in 2008. The congregation continues earnestly striving to learn and practice God's word, following in the footsteps of those far-sighted charter members from 1958.