Our History - Eastchester Presbyterian Church

Rev. Floyd E. McGuire, Founder of this Church and Minister 1930-1939

Rev. Richmond A. Fewlass, Minister 1940-1949

Rev. R. Millard Farrell, Minister 1950-1987 & Minister Emeritus 1987-1998

Rev. Dr. J. Perry Wooten Minister 1990-2014 & Minister Emeritus 2014

Rev. Dr. Brian D. John, Senior Pastor 2017-present

In the spring of 1930, the Church Extension Committee of the Presbytery of New York …decided to make a survey of a territory in the Bronx…with a view of establishing a Presbyterian Church in the community. Mr. Floyd E. McGuire of the Biblical Seminary in New York was invited to make the survey and start a Sunday school and church if conditions were favorable. He began his work June 1, 1930 with an attendance of 47 scholars. The first worship service of the church was held on October 5, 1930 with Mr. McGuire as the minister in charge.

On June 7, 1931, the congregation was formally organized as the Eastchester Road Presbyterian Church with 84 charter members. In October 1932 the church moved from Eastchester Road to 1343 Gun Hill Road and became known as the Eastchester Community Presbyterian Church. On May 31, 1942, the first worship service was held at the church’s present location in the Sunday school room downstairs. The following Sunday, June 7, 1942, the first Communion service was held in the new sanctuary.

Mr. McGuire remained as pastor until December 31, 1939. He was succeeded by the Reverend Richmond Arnold Fewlass, who served from March 1, 1940 until October 1, 1949. On May 21, 1950, the Reverend Roy Millard Farrell was called to be the pastor. Mr. Farrell remained as pastor for 37 years and retired on June 30, 1987. He was Pastor Emeritus of Eastchester Presbyterian Church until his death in 1998.

During the 1950’s the continued growth of the congregation necessitated the establishment of two Sunday services, 9:00 am and 11:00 am. This allowed parents to attend church services while their children attended Sunday school.

The 9:00 am service became the more popular service and was better attended than the 11:00 am service.

On March 4, 1990, the Rev. Dr. J. Perry Wootten was called to be pastor. Under his guidance the church has expanded its outreach ministries and initiated programs that foster spiritual growth. It soon became apparent that Eastchester’s pastor responsibilities were increasing so rapidly that Pastor Wootten needed assistance. Initially serving as Lay Pastor, Carlton Knight was called to provide additional leadership in fulfilling the church’s mission.

During this period, he attended theological seminary and, after ordination, he was called, ordained, and installed as the Associate Pastor of Eastchester Presbyterian Church on June 8th, 2008. Pastor Knight has focused on ministering to the sick and initiating evangelistic programs.

Because of increased attendance and activities, the Session and Trustees recognized the need for expansion of the church’s facilities. Plans for expansion soon began and, by God’s grace, ground was broken in April 1998. About a year and a half later, on November 21, 1999, dedication of the new sanctuary and fellowship hall took place. The entire congregation now worshipped together at 10 a.m. until 2010, when an additional Sunday worship service was added at 8 a.m. As part of Eastchester’s outreach ministry, for several years Pastor Carlton Knight conducted an evangelical worship service each Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

Pastor Wootten retired May 1, 2014, and Rev. Phil Tom joined us as Interim Pastor on June 1, 2015 and serving until December 31, 2017.

Our sixth installed pastor, Rev. Dr. Brian Daniel John, was ordained and installed at Eastchester on December 12, 2017, with his ministry beginning January 1, 2018.

Rev. Dr. John is a proud native and lover of New York City. He brings with him his lovely wife, Audrey, their children, Ariel and Emmanuel, and his mother, Victoria John. We are blessed to have the entire family active in the life of the church.

Eastchester’s Mission Statement reads: The mission of Eastchester Presbyterian Church is to bring people into the family of God by preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teaching them to grow in grace and equipping them for service in His Church;

The Lord has blessed Eastchester Presbyterian Church with fine leadership, committed members, and a strong church school. We pray that this church will continue to serve God in this corner of the Bronx and to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ by word and action for many, many years to come.