St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Newtown Square, PA

Our Community

Loving God and Serving the Community

by Craig Whitney

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church may be a small church but it is growing rapidly, all with the chief purpose of loving God and serving the community of Newtown Square. Fr. Matthew Dayton-Welch has been a part of St. Alban’s for two years and has seen the church grow in attendance and charitable giving.

Fr. Matthew greeting members of St. Alban's Episcopal Church

Originally from Oklahoma, Fr. Matthew worked for the U.S. State Department prior to his call to holy orders, eventually serving as an American diplomat in Jerusalem. His time working in Israel was very formative in his life, providing that grounded perspective while also leading him closer to the Gospels.

You can see the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed the disabled man,” Fr. Matthew explained. “And then you see the Episcopal center for disabled children, and you realize that Jesus is still doing his healing work today.”

Fr. Matthew teaching in the Holy Land - Jerusalem

The lessons Fr. Matthew learned while in Israel have been manifested at St. Alban’s. It has always been known for the charitable work done by their small but earnest parish, and in the past two years Fr. Matthew has helped them grow their efforts.

Fr. Matthew at a church-hosted event for the community

A specific program that Fr. Matthew is especially proud of is the St. Alban’s Thrift Shop. This volunteer-run shop helps in a variety of ways. The group of volunteers has built a sense of community; the revenue has been used for many charitable causes; and affordable clothing is being provided to the people in need in and around Newtown Square.

St. Alban’s also sends volunteers and tutors to St. James School, an Episcopal middle school for marginalized kids in North Philadelphia, and the St. Mary’s Episcopal Food Pantry in Chester. Throughout the month of August, St. Alban’s welcomes each night upwards of 50 people experiencing homelessness from West Philadelphia and provides them all a homemade to-go lunch.

Fr. Matthew laughing with students

“I think St. Alban’s is one of the best-kept secrets in Newtown Square,” Fr. Matthew raved. “It’s a warm community eager to welcome folks, serve God and serve one another. It’s the place that, no matter where you are in your journey, whether you’re a young family or a retiree who hasn’t stepped in the church in 40 years, we’re the place where you can start over and work on your relationship with God.”

David Lasensky is on the pastoral board at St. Alban’s, and has been a very proud member of the church since 1991. “[Fr. Matthew] would win 'Best Sermon on the Main Line.' He knows the Bible and the landscape,” David said. “Once you hear one of his sermons, you’re done. He’s terrific.”

Fr. Matthew proudly shared that St. Alban’s had the highest Easter attendance in 10 years. He considers it a year-round Easter season around the church, everything filled with new beginnings and new growth. Having been a member of the Newtown Square community for nearly 100 years, St. Alban’s is continuing to be a powerful influence in the neighborhood.