Our History
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church began as a mission of Westminster Presbyterian in Minneapolis. The first meeting of the Bryn Mawr Sunday School was held in July 1913 at the corner of Cedar Lake Road and Oliver Avenue South, in a former railroad depot building. By 1924, the church had 61 members, meeting in a chapel building on Penn Avenue near Cedar Lake Road.
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Sunday School Circa 1913
Membership Growth &
Sanctuary Construction
The 1930’s and 1940’s saw a steady increase in the membership under Pastor George H. Carey. He was beloved, and for almost 17 years, he tirelessly organized church activities, including social groups for men and women, Bible study, young people’s conferences, and even a youth theater group. Due to his campaigning, in 1941 a sanctuary was constructed on its present site at 420 South Cedar Lake Road. By the time Reverend Carey resigned in 1952, church membership had reached 300, with 45 percent living outside of the Bryn Mawr neighborhood.
Church Construction 1941
More recent history
In 1989, John Ackerman of Westminster Presbyterian was brought in as a part-time pastor. Some people thought he was brought in to help the church close, but Reverend Ackerman’s ministry revived the church. The church welcomed new families, increased lay participation, and encouraged community outreach to such groups as Alcoholics Anonymous. A music ministry program blossomed with the establishment of a men’s gospel choir, the Cedar Lake Seven. A choir director and pianist were hired. The church was no longer just surviving; it was thriving.
Under a second stated supply pastor, Heidi Vardeman, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian continued to expand. The church was designated a More Light Congregation in 2001 supporting the full inclusion of the LGBTQ community. More families joined.
In 2003, the congregation called Jamie Schultz to be its first installed pastor in fourteen years. In 2010, the church building was remodeled and an elevator was added. Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church exists today as a vibrant Christian community.