Our History

Robinson Memorial Presbyterian Church

In the late 1930's Syracuse continued its growth toward the west, including the new Westvale community. With the development came a decreased need for the Grange building. The Presbytery sent an organizing pastor to start a new Church in Westvale, utilizing the former Grange building as worship space. Robinson Memorial Presbyterian Church was incorporated in 1944 at 126 South Terry Road. 

With the continued growth in the community (as many as 300 children were registered in the Sunday School), Robinson Memorial quickly outgrew the Grange Hall, and constructed a new Sanctuary and connecting extension. The resulting courtyard became a memorial garden. 

Robinson Memorial has historically been involved in working with and supporting ministries in the community and across the world.  In more recent years it became known for its hospitality, welcoming members of Fay Road Baptist and Howlett Hill Presbyterian churches when they closed, as well as folks from other churches seeking to be part of a mission-minded, inclusive, welcoming congregation.

Elmwood Presbyterian Society

In the late 1880's the city of Syracuse expanded to the south, creating many new communities, including the Elmwood area. The pastor of Syracuse's Fourth Presbyterian Church realized the needs and possibilities for a Presbyterian congregation in Elmwood and in 1892 the Elmwood Presbyterian Society was formed at 1640 South Avenue.

In the early years, Elmwood committed to the education and nurture of children, forming the Elmwood School – a public school and library one block from the church building - as well as strong Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible Schools and Cams. Elmwood was also characterized by a commitment to hands-on mission work in their community. 

By 2016, due to changing demographics in the area, the Elmwood congregation had grown older and smaller, yet still needed to maintain a large, aging building. After much prayerful deliberation, the congregation sold their building to and up-and-coming neighborhood worshiping community, and chose to abide at Robinson Memorial. Elmwood congregants shared fully in worship activities and pastoral care while determining what next steps God might be calling for. 

Robinson Elmwood United Church

After several years of abiding together, members of Elmwood and Robinson Memorial felt they were a single congregation. On January 1, 2018 we officially became Robinson Elmwood United Church​, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) - excited to see what new opportunities for ministry and Christian service Holy Spirit is preparing for us and preparing us for.