A Stone Congregation on Sproul Road
Marple Presbyterian Church has stood at 105 N. Sproul Road in Broomall, Pennsylvania since its cornerstone was laid in August 1834. The stone building, hauled up the long hill from a farm near Darby Creek by a man named Howell Jones, was dedicated the following May. It cost $1,834.73 - a dollar for each year since the birth of Christ - and most of the labor, lumber, and all of the stone were donated by neighbors. Ten members from six families organized the congregation on September 27, 1835. Their first minister traveled on horseback from Philadelphia and earned $150 for his first year of service, paid from the rental of ten box pews at $15 apiece.
The present sanctuary was built in 1952 to 1953, and the Christian Education wing followed in 1960 to provide room for an expanding Sunday School and youth program. Earlier additions include the 1942 Dr. John G. Thomas Memorial Building, named for a Civil War veteran and physician who served as clerk of session for 61 years, Sunday School superintendent for 50, and church treasurer for 48.
Worship on Sundays
Sunday worship begins at 10:30 a.m. and is offered in person and livestreamed on the church's Twitch channel. The service is traditional but informal: members sing hymns accompanied by organ, handbells, and choral music, while many attend in jeans or t-shirts. Printed bulletins help everyone follow the scripture readings, corporate prayer, and sermon. Children are welcome throughout worship, and their sounds are considered a sign of life rather than a disruption. Nursery care is available for children ages three and under during services, provided by adult staff with child-care clearances; families planning to use it are asked to contact the office ahead of time.
A Music-Rich Tradition
Music is woven into nearly every Sunday. The Adult Choir, open to high schoolers through adults, rehearses on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Chapel and draws on a wide repertoire. The Children's Choir, for ages three through fifth grade, meets Sundays at 9:45 a.m. and introduces the basics of choral performance, reading and playing music, including percussive instruments and handbells. Special music throughout the year includes vocal and instrumental solos and duets, vocal quartets, a flute ensemble, and seasonal cantatas accompanied by instrumentalists from the congregation and volunteers from the Rose Tree Pops Orchestra. Modern worship choruses join the traditional hymns alongside the current organ, which has been in place since 1946.
Children, Youth, and Adults
After the Children's Moment in worship, preschool and elementary children are dismissed for Sunday School, where they learn Bible stories through crafts, games, and music. The Youth Group, open to all in sixth through twelfth grade, meets on the first and third Sundays of each month from 4 to 7 p.m. during the school year and enjoys lock-ins, retreats, game nights, and trips to Cherry Crest Farm. Adult Education runs throughout the year with book discussions, topical guest speakers, and short-term studies, and a separate "Adult Youth Group" brings college-aged members and older together for fellowship, lessons, and games.
Community Involvement
The congregation partners with several local programs serving neighbors facing hunger, homelessness, illness, and grief. Members cook and serve meals at the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County and collect and deliver supply donations for the Kids Against Hunger Food Bank, the Family Management Center, and the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. The church sponsors the annual Suicide Prevention 5k hosted by the Delaware County Suicide Prevention & Awareness Task Force.
The Deacons Board maintains a Medical Lending Closet stocked with wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, toilet risers, and other mobility aids, lent to the local community free of charge. The church Thrift Shop, open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers clothing, shoes, housewares, books, pocketbooks, furniture, and more at deep discount, with new inventory arriving daily. The church also sponsors Cub Scout Pack 151, which meets Mondays at 7 p.m., and Boy Scout Troop 151, which meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m., both in Fellowship Hall.
Facility Rentals
Several rooms in the church complex can be reserved for private events:
- Fellowship Hall, in the Christian Education Building, seats 150 (up to 175 depending on setup) and includes a stage and a full kitchen. A non-step entry through the courtyard makes it accessible for birthday parties, wedding receptions, fundraising events, and graduation parties.
- The Chapel, in the Office Building, is an intimate space with a baby grand piano that seats 80 and suits small wedding ceremonies, funerals, rehearsals, concerts, or recitals.
- The Upper Room, above the kitchen, has a small kitchenette and decorative fireplace, seats 50, and fits birthday parties, showers, classes, or rehearsals.
- The Library, with a large conference table, seats 20 and is well suited to small group or board meetings.
Memorial Hall, with a small stage and baby grand piano and capacity of 100, is currently unavailable.
A Presbyterian Family
Marple Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the Presbytery of Philadelphia. The denomination is Reformed in its theology and Presbyterian in its church government. The church's mission is to glorify God as disciples of Jesus Christ through heartfelt worship, spiritual growth, supportive fellowship, loving outreach, and serving others. Its vision is to be a welcoming community where everyone can encounter God's presence and where members live, love, learn, and serve others as Jesus taught.
Pastoral Leadership
The Reverend Roberta J. Kearney serves as Transitional Pastor. She brings seventeen years of transitional ministry experience in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, having previously served as an Associate Pastor and worked in the Pennsylvania legislature before attending seminary, where she developed a love for worship and scripture.
Visiting Marple Presbyterian
The church sits just a few blocks north of West Chester Pike at 105 N. Sproul Road in Broomall. There is ample parking in the main lot, with closer spots in front of the church office for those who need a shorter walk. Under the portico, a wheelchair-friendly entrance opens into the Sanctuary, and another wheelchair-friendly entry leads from the courtyard to Fellowship Hall. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or by appointment. Visitors and newcomers are warmly invited to come as they are and get to know the congregation at their own pace.