Venice Presbyterian Church in Cecil, Pennsylvania, has been a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) since 2014.

History & Purpose

Venice Presbyterian Church (EPC), and its predecessors known by other similar names, has always met in the same general location. Beginning in September of the year 1849 and continuing through to this day, the Church has gathered for worship, ministry, and fellowship activities along Route 50 in the village of Venice, PA.

The original congregation belonged to the Associate Presbyterian Church, and co-existed in the area with the Associate Reformed Congregation of Millers Run that was organized approximately one year later. In 1858 their two Presbyterian denominations merged nationally, and so too did these two Venice congregations merge. Thus on November 8, the Venice United Presbyterian Church was formed and became part of the united denomination known as the United Presbyterian Church of North America. A century later this UPC-NA merged with the Presbyterian Church USA. By way of one more merger in 1984, there was formed the present Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination. In October 2013, the congregation voted to be dismissed from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and to become members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Over the years, Venice Presbyterian Church has shown stability and strong leadership through its families and its pastors having only 8 pastors from 1860 – 2023. Most recently, Pastor Patrick Keeley was unanimously voted to be the next called pastor of Venice Church on August 20, 2023. 

 

Venice continues to present the Lord’s truth and His claim upon all our lives. By way of sound preaching and worship, solid Christian education, and energetic activities for children and youth, we joyfully proclaim Jesus Christ—changing lives now and for eternity.

Our Purpose Statement

We exist to:

  • Glorify God
  • Grow as disciples of Jesus Christ
  • Go into the community to serve and guide others toward salvation

Our Core Values

  1. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior
  2. Scripture is truth, and is foundational.
  3. Always reflect God’s love.
  4. Use all our resources to glorify God.

Venice Presbyterian Church is located on PA Route 50, next to the Cecil Intermediate School in Cecil Township, 1/4 mile east of PA Route 980, or 10 minutes from I-79, Exit 54 at Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.

Our Staff

Pastor Patrick Keeley
Pastor

Pastor Patrick Keeley was unanimously voted to be the next called pastor of Venice Church on August 20, 2023. 

Shari O'Rourke
Administrative Assistant
Church Treasurer

Treasurer, Shari O’Rourke joined our staff in 2018. In January, 2024, Shari extended her role as Administrative Assistant.

Erin Connors
Music Director

Since September 2015, Erin Connors has served as our Music Director – leading our choir and coordinating our music ministry.

Our Congregation

The greatest gift our congregation possesses is our love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Biblical teaching from the Venice pulpit has created a family of disciples seeking to follow God’s leading. We have a generous congregation with members who give from their hearts, following the Biblical example set before us. All aspects of our church’s programming help to reinforce the reformed evangelical teachings that we hold dear.

Venice Cemetery

There is a loose relationship between the Church and the adjoining Venice Cemetery. Questions and information regarding Venice Cemetery may best be directed to the church office at 724-745-1465 or through the cemetery’s website, www.venice-cemetery.org.

If you wish to make a donation to be used for the Venice Cemetery, please make checks payable to Venice Church Cemetery Association.