Historic Highlights of Abington Presbyterian Church
| 1714 |
Church founded by 70 people. Malachi Jones first pastor until
1729. |
| 1719 |
First church built and located in the graveyard across from
present church. |
| 1728 |
Elizabeth Armitage first burial of authentic record in graveyard |
| 1731 |
Richard Treat installed as second pastor and ordination sermon
published by Ben Franklin. His ministry last 47 years. |
| 1739 |
George Whitfield, noted British evangelist, speaks to thousands
at church. |
| 1749 |
Mary Todd Lincoln's great grandparents married in church before
moving to Kentucky. |
| 1752 |
Benjamin Franklin as Justice of the Peace signs early church
property deed. |
| 1756 |
A daughter of Malachi Jones gives 100 acres of land to Church.
Manse built on land that serves congregation for 100 years. Manse still
stands just south of the Abington Free Library. |
| 1778 |
During Revolutionary War, patriots fire on British from behind
walls of graveyard. |
| 1793 |
New church built on west side of Old York Road. Old church
in graveyard dismantled. |
| 1798 |
Corner House built by Isaiah
Hubbs. |
| 1833 |
Church rebuilt to accommodate growing congregation. |
| 1835 |
Church member Susan B. Smith founds Children's Missionary
Society, first of its kind in the United States. |
| 1853 |
Remains of Samuel Finley, President of Princeton University
from 1751 to 1766, and Gilbert Tennent, first pastor of the Second Presbyterian
Church from 1734 to 1764, relocated to church graveyard. |
| 1860 |
Huntingdon Valley Presbyterian Church founded, being the first
of ten offspring churches that are founded directly or indirectly for old
Abington. Others include Grace, Carmel, Willow Grove, Roslyn, and Calvary. |
| 1866 |
After Civil War, new church built in Romanesque style with
tall steeple. |
| 1891 |
Col. Charles McCawley, Commandant of Marine Corps, buried
in graveyard. |
| 1895 |
Early morning fire destoys church. |
| 1896 |
Church rebuilt. Mrs. John Wanamaker donates bell which still
hangs in steeple. |
| 1925 |
Parish House built. |
| 1957 & 1959 |
Christian Education Building erected. |