Presbyterian Pastor Offers New Hope for Wissahickon

Graham Robinson presides over the imposing, historical structure perched on a hill atop Ridge and Manayunk Avenues. However, as the new pastor at Wissahickon Presbyterian Church, his goal is to demonstrate that his congregation is anything but imposing and embodies the neighborhood.

"Everything I'm doing here is about exploration. What can we do to help the community?" he asked. "I want a place for people to come and worship and praise God."

His challenge is similar to many Manayunk and Roxborough pastors—to reinvigorate the atmosphere at these historical churches.

Robinson's Story

Installed as pastor in February 2012, Robinson knows the stresses that exist in the secular world. Although faithful, he worked for Mobile in Fairfax, VA, but knew something was missing. His wife, Joy, helped him find his place.

"She noticed I lost my spark and that catalyzed into finding my ministry," Robinson said. "I think my work history gives me depth to relate to people in their 20s, 30s. You work hard but wonder—is there anything else?"

After studying at the Princeton Seminary, he preached in Pittsburgh and Connecticut for the last 17 years. Robinson grew up in Bryn Mawr and returned home in November to find a parish.

The New and Old Parish

was founded in the 1800s and lies on a beautiful campus next to , formerly the Northern Home for Children. For the last five years, the church installed a "supply pastor," who mostly worked on Sundays. Robinson originally came on in that role, but saw his hours increase and is working to reestablish the church in the community.

"There's a lot of potential here. It just needs a little TLC. I'm all about the people and how the history fits in with the future of the church," he said.

He sees two defined roles—on the alter on Sundays and getting the church into the community on other days. 

As a preacher, Robinson describes himself as someone who confines his sermons to what's in the Bible. He said the study of the scripture should lift people up, "and not be big on exclusive, judgmental, condemning dogma. None of us are perfect."

Wissahickon Presbyterian's service is fairly traditional, he said. In the future, he'd like "to use new gifts that God brings to the church to worship," he said, by possibly adding contemporary music within or at separate services.

Additionally, he wants to establish thought-provoking Bible studies.

In the Community

Since becoming pastor, Robinson has worked with other churches at the at , and marched in the . He .

Outside the church's campus, Robinson is looking to partner with his neighbor—Northern Children's Services. In addition to providing youth educational and after-school support, NCS houses under-aged mothers and tries to integrate them into the world. Robinson has asked his community to volunteer by holding babies and giving the moms a break.

He calls his congregation, although small, "a beautiful mix" of long-time congregants sprinkled with younger families. Robinson said his challenge is to care and nurture his members while reaching out to others who may be in need.

"With NCS, and other groups, my hope is to show that is a church with a serious purpose to change the world in a better way," he said.

Robinson is also working to build the church's website, which you can visit at wisspresby.org.

Worship is every Sunday at 10 a.m., 5245 Ridge Ave.