Wayne Presbyterian Church has named a new pastor to continue its long history of community service.

RADNOR — Wayne Presbyterian Church (WPC) has named a new pastor.

The Rev. Ryan Balsan, 52, is the 13th pastor in the venerable church’s 154-year history. In his role, Rev. Balsan is the Senior Pastor and Chief of Staff.

“It is humbling to be part of WPC’s long history of service to the greater Wayne and Southwest Philadelphia communities,” said Rev. Balsan. “WPC’s evolving legacy is one of loving service to others.”

Rev. Balsan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary.

Positions prior to his call to the WPC included serving as pastor and chief of staff of First Presbyterian Church of Ambler, Ambler, Pennsylvania, pastor of Kirkpatrick Memorial Presbyterian Church, Ringose, NJ, and associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Norwalk. Norwalk, Ohio.

“It is important that WPC continues to be sensitive to the needs of those it serves, recognizing that the world has changed and therefore previous ways of doing things may not meet the needs of today’s world,” Rev. Balsan said. “Among the many things that attracts me to WPC is the commitment of the community beyond its doors to being a partner with the broader community—and I look forward to continuing to expand.”

WPC initiatives that have a profound impact on the community include partnerships developed over the past two decades in southwest Philadelphia. In addition to its relationships with Cornerstone Christian Academy and Mitchell Elementary School, in 2013 WPC partnered with community leaders to revitalize New Spirit Presbyterian Church and found Common Place, a community center for residents of Southwest Philadelphia. The church, now known as Salt and Light, serves a growing congregation in this community.

“At WPC, we look forward to continuing our mission of serving community members through initiatives large and small, all with the goal of improving our world in the name of Jesus Christ,” said Rev. Balsan.

WPC was founded at 125 E. Lancaster Avenue, near the corner of North Wayne Avenue. The first church building was consecrated in 1870. The current stone church building with its famous red doors was consecrated in 1893.

Rev. Balsan moved to Wayne with his wife and four children.