Our History

History of AUC…”Growing in Christ and Reaching Out to the World”

In 1914, as the world was on the brink of the Great War, God planted a seed in the hearts of several women of Aldan for the need of religious education for the neighborhood children. The Lord brought that seed of faith to fruition, and on October 12, 1914, the children met for the first time at Aldan Union Sunday School in the basement of the local Neighbors’ Hall (at the corner of Clifton and Woodlawn Avenues). Soon older boys and girls were attending, and in a few months, preaching services were also being held on Sunday evenings. A year later, in the summer of 1915, a number of men were appointed to look into establishing a local church. After the work of incorporation was completed, they adopted a constitution and by-laws and applied for a charter from the state of Pennsylvania. That charter was granted on August 28, 1915 and the Aldan Union Church came into being.

Article II of the Incorporation reads: “The purposes for which the corporation is formed are for the worship of Almighty God and the imparting of religious instruction as an undenominational organization, in accordance with the accepted teachings of an orthodox evangelical Christianity, and for the furtherance of other religious and benevolent purposes in connection therewith.”

God continued to bless Aldan Union Church and in 1919, a small chapel building on South Woodlawn Avenue was purchased. Sunday school and church were held there, under crowded conditions, until a larger chapel was constructed on the corner of Providence Road and Clifton Avenue. This chapel was dedicated on Easter Sunday 1923, with a membership of 107, and housed the Worship Service, Prayer Meeting, and Sunday School (from 1923-1947). In less than two years, a wing was added and classrooms built in the basement. In 1938, the growth of the Sunday school made it necessary to build the first unit of a new Sunday school building. Continued growth forced the church to double the size of the building and add a second and third floor in 1950. These facilities also became inadequate so in 1962, work was begun on a new church and major alterations were made to the Sunday school building. The dedication of the new church building took place September 29, 1963. God was growing His church, Aldan Union Church.

Over a century in time, only four pastors have occupied the pulpit of Aldan Union Church. William Allan Dean came as pulpit supply in 1919 while a student at Philadelphia School of the Bible. He became the full-time pastor in 1922 and served until the end of 1967. Dr. Dean was a gifted Bible teacher and many were drawn to the church. The Word of God was preached in power from the pulpit each Sunday. He initiated such programs as the Christmas pageant (1920-1963), yearly Missionary Conferences (1934-present), Vacation Bible School, a church choir (1950-present) and other youth activities. It was his vision for missions that started what is today a world-wide outreach. He was a popular speaker at Bible conferences and the author of a book, “The Names of God”. His ministry and God’s hand of blessing had much to do with the exceptional growth and progress of the church and its influence in the community.

Following Rev. William Allan Dean’s retirement in 1967, Rev. Robert L. Briggs was installed as Senior Pastor on December 5, 1969. It was during his tenure that the popular Christmas Eve service was introduced, which continues to be a favorite time for young and old. His commitment to the faithful preaching of God’s Word, as well as his support for our rich missionary heritage at home and abroad, continued. He stepped down as Senior Pastor in 1980 and many filled the pulpit until God selected His next servant of choice.

Aldan Union Church’s third pastor, Rev. Paul W. Thompson, installed as Senior Pastor on May 15, 1983, continued to faithfully preach the Word of God and fully support the Missions program. He adopted the vision for our church: “Growing in Christ and Reaching Out to the World”. His desire was to “see us be a spiritually healthy church, committed to the inerrant Word of God, promoting loving obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ and spiritual growth for the whole church family in a multi-faceted ministry, and reaching out in love as salt, light and fragrance to our community, county, country, and continents.” In response to this vision, God blessed Aldan Union Church with another building and grounds expansion. Beginning in the 1990’s, it became evident that there was once again a need for more space to accommodate the many groups using the church. When an adjacent property across Providence Road became available, it was purchased in 2001, adding multiple parking spaces and creating an ideal place for seasonal outdoor activities, including an annual community picnic. It was also under Pastor Paul’s tenure, from 2003 through 2020, that the Bible Training Center (BTC) of Delaware County was offered to those who attended AUC, as well as to the entire community. Training in five courses, over a two and a half year period, provided an opportunity for spiritual maturity as each group learned how to correctly handle the Word of Truth. Again, in 2007, Aldan Union Church underwent five phases of renovation and the construction of a new structure, covering the space between the Sanctuary and Bible School building, complete with a gym and kitchen. This gave many additional rooms for classes/meetings to enhance and promote growth in Christ. After 34 years of faithful service and upholding the church’s vision, Pastor Paul retired in August 2017, remaining as Pastor Emeritus.

The Lord called Rev. Joseph Jacobson to be Aldan Union Church’s fourth Senior Pastor and he was installed on August 20, 2017. Like his predecessors before him, he faithfully preaches the Word of God and continues to encourage our Missions program. Our church currently supports 49 missionary families at home and abroad, some of whom are nationals serving in their countries. Over 150 of our own members, since the inception of our Missions program, have engaged in full-time Christian service. God is glorified as outreach continues to be a priority, using our buildings and property, which He has graciously provided, to grow His church and reach the lost. Pastor Joe has encouraged involvement in small group Bible studies, as well as participation in our Connection Time following our Sunday morning service…both provide opportunities for relationships to be established and for seeds to be planted. We are reminded that those in our SOIL…Sphere of Influence Lives…need to know Christ as Savior, and we’ve been equipped to share the Gospel.

Aldan Union Church, a seed planted in faith over one-hundred years ago, has flourished by the consistent watering with the Word and by God’s gracious hand of blessing. Through the years, our pastors may have changed, our programs may have changed, even our people may have changed, but Jesus Christ has remained our firm foundation and that will never change. May God receive all the glory as the Builder and Sustainer of Aldan Union Church, as we continue to grow in Christ and reach out to the world.

Sermons

The sermons of Rev. William Allan Dean, ThD., who served as our Senior Pastor from 1922 to 1967, are available here, including the sermon series Names of God, Christian Ethics, The Holy Spirit, and many more.

Many sermons from Rev. Paul W. Thompson, D.Min., Senior Pastor from 1983 through 2017, are available here.