Geneva Presbyterian Church
Rockville MD
20854-3396
Who we are
Geneva is a community church founded in 1963. We are affiliated with the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) and a member of the National Capital Presbytery.
Our Mission Statement
Proclaiming the person and principles of Jesus Christ in worship and work, with a special emphasis on unity within diversity; Providing supportive, friendly relationships in a changing, mobile community; Preparing its members to perform their vocations as ministries of the church, through education, social fellowship, and spiritual growth; and Performing a variety of ministries through social action, community involvement, and personal duties.
Our Focus
Spirited traditional worship A loving and diverse congregation Christian youth development & education A serious commitment to beautiful music
At Geneva we care deeply about each other, our community, and God’s world. We openly welcome guests and new church members across the full diversity of life, including differences in sex, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, range of abilities, marital status, family structure, financial means, and education. No matter who you are, you are welcome here and we hope to see you soon.
Our Mission Statement
Proclaiming the person and principles of Jesus Christ in worship and work, with a special emphasis on unity within diversity; Providing supportive, friendly relationships in a changing, mobile community; Preparing its members to perform their vocations as ministries of the church, through education, social fellowship, and spiritual growth; and Performing a variety of ministries through social action, community involvement, and personal duties.
Our Focus
Spirited traditional worship A loving and diverse congregation Christian youth development & education A serious commitment to beautiful music
At Geneva we care deeply about each other, our community, and God’s world. We openly welcome guests and new church members across the full diversity of life, including differences in sex, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, range of abilities, marital status, family structure, financial means, and education. No matter who you are, you are welcome here and we hope to see you soon.
Church Website
Geneva Presbyterian Church on Social Media
Leadership
Leader Name:
Rev. Patrick McElwaine
Leader Position:
Pastor
Phone:
Leader Email:
Click here to contact Rev. Patrick McElwaine
Leader Bio:
Rev. Patrick McElwaine became Pastor of Geneva Presbyterian Church in August of 2019, when he moved to the DMV area with his wife, Allyson, and their two fun kiddos, Malachi and Bridget. They love being part of “The Little Church With The Big Heart” and appreciate Geneva’s focus on being an affirming and inclusive community of Jesus followers.
Patrick is passionate about the transforming power of God’s amazing grace and relationships with Jesus Christ -- and loves sharing both! As Pastor of GPC he focuses on leading worship that glorifies God, nurturing disciples through education and service, and loving neighbors through work of compassion and justice. He enjoys being in prayer and visioning together about what God has in store for GPC.
Patrick has previously served churches in Clemmons, NC and Richmond, VA. He earned an M.Div. at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA, a B.A. in English at Roanoke College in Salem, VA, and completed a hospital chaplain program at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center.
In addition to serving at GPC, Patrick loves being with family, reading good books, getting outside, and going on adventures to explore new places and new food.
Patrick is passionate about the transforming power of God’s amazing grace and relationships with Jesus Christ -- and loves sharing both! As Pastor of GPC he focuses on leading worship that glorifies God, nurturing disciples through education and service, and loving neighbors through work of compassion and justice. He enjoys being in prayer and visioning together about what God has in store for GPC.
Patrick has previously served churches in Clemmons, NC and Richmond, VA. He earned an M.Div. at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA, a B.A. in English at Roanoke College in Salem, VA, and completed a hospital chaplain program at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center.
In addition to serving at GPC, Patrick loves being with family, reading good books, getting outside, and going on adventures to explore new places and new food.
Administration
Admin Name:
Melissa Cutler
Admin Position:
Office Administrator
Phone:
Admin Email:
Click here to contact Melissa Cutler
Geneva Presbyterian Church Service Times
Online and In-Person Worship
Virtual Church Worship Service – Sundays at 10:30am EST
Virtual Church Bible Study – Wednesdays at 7:00pm EST
It's been more than 8 months since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Virtual Church Worship Service – Sundays at 10:30am EST
Virtual Church Bible Study – Wednesdays at 7:00pm EST
It's been more than 8 months since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
PRINT
ZOOM
ICAL
SUBSCRIBE
Other information
Geneva Presbyterian Church History
1958 – Land Purchased. National Capital Presbytery, then known as Washington City Presbytery, purchased what was to become Geneva Presbyterian Church: a small house on 6.5 acres of farm and orchard land along then-unpaved Seven Locks Road.
September 7, 1963 – First Worship Service Held. Geneva’s first service was held in the basement recreation room of the small house on Seven Locks Road. Reverend William A. Gibson, Geneva’s first pastor, led the service, and seven adults (including Rev. and Mrs. Gibson) and nine children attended.
May of 1964 – Geneva Chartered. The church was formally organized, with 73 charter members. Services and dinners soon had to be held in neighboring schools as the congregation outgrew the little house.
1965 – First Chapel Built. A white country chapel was added to the little house; but it, too, was soon outgrown. When a new sanctuary was built in 1970, the interior of the little chapel was preserved and today serves as our “Founder’s Room.” Founding member Bill Strain, using wood from one of our pews, which originally came from The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church (the church attended by Abraham Lincoln), constructed the Celtic cross that’s now a focal point in the Founders Room.
1965 – Geneva Day School. Geneva initiated its pre-school education program as an outreach to the community-at-large. Originally in operation for just two days a week and staffed in part by the Geneva women’s association, today Geneva Day School operates daily with an enrollment of 250 children, and a professional staff of 31. It is state accredited with a firmly established reputation for excellence.
May 1970 – A New Sanctuary. A beautiful new 250-seat sanctuary was added. A large, overhead, stained-glass “lantern” gave Geneva a signature glow inside and out. Beneath the sanctuary, a full basement with a kitchen was added that accommodated the needs of the Geneva Day School as well as social activities of the church.
1991 – Expansion. The church building was enlarged again, adding a choir room upstairs, and offices and classroom space for the growing number of students in the Geneva Day School.
2007 – Renovations. The sanctuary was renovated, replacing the then 37-year-old and weakened glass lantern with a solid roof, and adding a stage curtain, an improved sound system, and new carpet and upholstery.
Geneva Presbyterian Church Today – The Rev. Patrick McElwaine became Pastor of Geneva in August 2019 and has led our church family forward into an exciting new chapter. Geneva is “rooted and growing”: rooted in our identity in Christ and growing as a Holy Spirit led church to meet the needs and challenges of our day. This is a church family where you can be home, explore and deepen your faith, and share God’s love with the world — we hope to meet you soon!
September 7, 1963 – First Worship Service Held. Geneva’s first service was held in the basement recreation room of the small house on Seven Locks Road. Reverend William A. Gibson, Geneva’s first pastor, led the service, and seven adults (including Rev. and Mrs. Gibson) and nine children attended.
May of 1964 – Geneva Chartered. The church was formally organized, with 73 charter members. Services and dinners soon had to be held in neighboring schools as the congregation outgrew the little house.
1965 – First Chapel Built. A white country chapel was added to the little house; but it, too, was soon outgrown. When a new sanctuary was built in 1970, the interior of the little chapel was preserved and today serves as our “Founder’s Room.” Founding member Bill Strain, using wood from one of our pews, which originally came from The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church (the church attended by Abraham Lincoln), constructed the Celtic cross that’s now a focal point in the Founders Room.
May 1970 – A New Sanctuary. A beautiful new 250-seat sanctuary was added. A large, overhead, stained-glass “lantern” gave Geneva a signature glow inside and out. Beneath the sanctuary, a full basement with a kitchen was added that accommodated the needs of the Geneva Day School as well as social activities of the church.
1991 – Expansion. The church building was enlarged again, adding a choir room upstairs, and offices and classroom space for the growing number of students in the Geneva Day School.
2007 – Renovations. The sanctuary was renovated, replacing the then 37-year-old and weakened glass lantern with a solid roof, and adding a stage curtain, an improved sound system, and new carpet and upholstery.
Geneva Presbyterian Church Today – The Rev. Patrick McElwaine became Pastor of Geneva in August 2019 and has led our church family forward into an exciting new chapter. Geneva is “rooted and growing”: rooted in our identity in Christ and growing as a Holy Spirit led church to meet the needs and challenges of our day. This is a church family where you can be home, explore and deepen your faith, and share God’s love with the world — we hope to meet you soon!
"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God".Brother Lawrence
Geneva Presbyterian Church listing was last updated on the 7th of August, 2023
