Reverend Bernice Warren, who has been running Chester Eastside Ministries and its approximately 10 social-service programs for two decades, has announced she will retire in December, writes Patti Mengers for the Daily Times.
Originally run out of the Third Presbyterian Church of Chester, Chester Eastside later found a new home at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church after circumstances forced them to move.
“They graciously allowed us to come here after we couldn’t maintain our building,” said Rev. Warren.
The pastor and congregation of St. Paul’s welcomed the organization into its fold four years ago, and it has been a joyous union since.
Chester Eastside has been providing food and clothes from the church’s basement for summer camps, counseling, and many more services sorely needed by the most vulnerable members of the community.
Warren, who is the first African-American woman ordained a minister in the Philadelphia Presbytery, replaced Rev. Tom Torosian as director and pastor of Chester Eastside Ministries in 1995.
Now, after years of selflessly serving the community, Warren has decided it is time to step aside.
“I’ve loved being here and doing what I do,” she said. “I feel at home. It’s a real blessing to come back to Chester and have God use me this way. I love every minute. It brings me much joy.”
Read more about Rev. Warren in the Daily Times by clicking here.
