In April 1940, a group of local pastors and elders from Philadelphia commissioned a young evangelist, Rev. James Rohrbaugh, to reach a section of Havertown called “Manoa” for Christ. This same group, one year earlier, had purchased our parcel of land on Eagle Road to plant a new church in the wooded area. James had been a missionary to Ethiopia during the beginning World War II and returned home when the violence erupted. His new mission field became Delaware County as James went house-to-house, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

That September when Manoa opened its doors the first Sunday service was so full people actually had to be turned away! Manoa also started a vibrant small groups program, which was recognized as the fastest growing Sunday School in America during its early years. Later, in 1971, Manoa added our Nursery School as an outreach to the community, which continues to this day.

In addition to evangelism, Manoa has a rich history of caring for the poor. For over twenty years the congregation played a lead role in Green Street Community Mission caring for homeless in Philadelphia. Manoa continues to partner with various mercy ministries such as City Team, PRIME and Connect by Night to serve those in need.

Fulfilling the Great Commission has always been at the heart of Manoa’s vision. For decades Manoa has had the joy of investing millions of dollars in missions, spreading the Gospel across North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and the Middle East. We continue today with the same missionary zeal of our founders. Our Vision: To fill Havertown, Delaware County, Philadelphia, and the end of the earth with the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.