The roots of our heritage go back to the early 1700s when the Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church was one of the first Presbyterian churches established in the colonies. Sadly, by the early 20th century, theological liberalism began to infiltrate the mainline denomination, questioning the inerrancy of Scripture and other foundational doctrines. A faithful group of believers remained at this church, but by the late 1930s their pastor, Rev. Henry Welbon, was under attack by the General Assembly for his disagreement with the liberal teaching in the church. In July 1937 the local presbytery ordered Pastor Welbon and his followers out of the building, and the locks on the church door were changed to forbid further entrance.

For a few years this small flock of believers continued to worship together, and on April 12, 1942, a group of 17 charter members began Bible Presbyterian Church of Newark – the official birth of our congregation! During the early years worship was held in several temporary locations in the Newark area. Through the Lord’s blessing, land was purchased in town on Main Street, and the first worship service with 63 communicant members was held at their new church building in November 1946. Over the next 20 years, the church steadily grew under the leadership of five senior pastors, and in 1963 the church name was changed to Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Newark. It also grew in its outreach to the community, University of Delaware, and the local schools. Vacation Bible School was first offered to the community in 1943 and has been held annually at our church every year since then – 75 years!

By the late 1960s our congregation of nearly 400 worshipers was more than outgrowing the facility on Main Street. Land was purchased on Possum Park Road, phase one of construction was completed, and the first worship service was held in January 1970 in the room that is now Fellowship Hall. By the spring of 1977, phase two was completed, which provided a large narthex, an attractive, 600-seat colonial sanctuary, and other additional space. The Lord has blessed us with a lovely property and facility for worship, teaching, and fellowship. We also have a separate Family Life Center that houses a full-size gym and other classrooms. Our 11 acres of land allows for ample parking, fields for sports and community events, and a picnic area. In 1989 we were able to purchase a house on one acre adjacent to our property. This facility has been in continual use over the years, housing missionaries, pastoral interns, and church staff.

Our church was born when a pastor and small congregation faced resistance because they believed in the inerrancy of the Word of God. The future of a church depends on whether the gospel is faithfully proclaimed from the pulpit and embraced by its members. That legacy has grown under the ministry of eleven senior pastors over a 77-year period. As we remain faithful to God and His Word, God will be faithful to us and bless the ministry of EPC Newark. We greatly anticipate how God will provide for us in the future and continue to grow us in the likeness of Christ and for His kingdom purposes.