This year’s Thanksgiving Worship Service will be held at the historic Norriton Presbyterian Church (ca 1698), 608 N. Trooper Rd., Norristown, PA 19403, (610) 539-5599, https://norritonchurch.org/.  It is located just off West Germantown Pike, which is accessed via exits 333 (I-76) or 20 (I-476) on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  Our service will begin on Sat., Nov. 21 at 3:00 p.m. and conclude by 4:30 p.m.  In a time-honored tradition, we will also be accepting food donations at the end of the service.

Immediately afterward, we will drive approximately 15 minutes east to the historic Blue Bell Inn (ca 1743), located at 601 West Skippack Pike (Rt. 73), Blue Bell, PA 19422, (215)-646-2010, https://bluebellinn.com/.  In its private Oak Room, we will enjoy a sumptuous dinner buffet.  A cash bar for alcoholic beverages will be available throughout.

Our Worship Service is free, but please register for your dinner tickets – either online below or by completing and returning the attached RSVP form as instructed.  Registration deadline is Fri., Nov. 13.  All are welcome, but seating is limited to 60 guests, so act promptly!

NOTE:  These are historic venues.  If you or your guests have mobility issues and require assistance, please phone ahead.

HORS D’OEUVRES STATION:  “Italian Market with Cheese & Crudites”:

INTERACTIVE PASTA STATION:

MINIATURE DESSERT DISPLAY

BEVERAGES:  Soda, Coffee, Hot Tea & Fresh Brewed Tea

Ticket costs:  (Registration will open August 2026)

·        $50 per person, adult SMDPA members and non-members

·        $25 per person, SMDPA Juniors and children

NOTE: The regular cost of this gourmet meal is $86 per adult, plus sales tax and gratuity.  However, SMDPA is pleased to offer this $36 subsidy as a membership benefit, to encourage your attendance.  We will offer Juniors and children a $61 subsidy.

ABOUT THE CHURCH:

Norriton Presbyterian Church was founded in 1678.   Originally founded as a Dutch Reformed Church (1674), the congregation soon became English with the influx of British settlers.  The stone structure was built in 1698.  This building still stands, and along with its graveyard, is one of the oldest Presbyterian Church buildings in the country.

Ben Franklin and David Rittenhouse are said to have worshiped here when they were visiting.  David Rittenhouse’s parents, whose farmhouse is across from the church. The Rittenhouses deeded the property to the church.

The building was used as a hospital during the Battle of Germantown.  George Washington visited the wounded troops here.  Revolutionary War troops are buried in the graveyard.

Today “Old Norriton” is a shared sacred space between Lower Providence Church and Norriton Presbyterian Church.  We worship in Old Norriton on Christmas Eve at 11:00 p.m. on July 4th Weekend as well as on special occasions.  In addition, Norriton and Lower Providence Presbyterian Church co-lead an Easter Sunrise Service

ABOUT THE INN:

The original Blue Bell Inn was constructed in 1743.  Back then, the Inn was called the "White House" and provided lodging to hunters who traveled from afar in pursuit of a much-prized migratory bird.  The Blue Bell Inn first opened its doors in 1743 to accommodate these travelers exhausted after days of hunting.

During the American Revolutionary War, The Blue Bell Inn made its mark on American history.  After the defeat at the Battle of Germantown, George Washington and his troops retreated to the Blue Bell area and made their headquarters on Lewis Lane from October 6th to December 15th, 1777.  During this time, Washington often stayed at the Inn.

In 1796, a tower was erected over the Inn to house a distinct bell and the establishment’s name was changed from The White House to The Blue Bell Inn.  In 1840 the local denizens elected to rename the town from “Pigeontown” to Blue Bell after the prominent blue bell atop of our Inn.

The Blue Bell Inn continued to switch hands throughout the course of history until 1945, when it was purchased by the prominent Lamprecht family.  John Lamprecht took over the property in 1967 and re-opened it as a restaurant—one of the first fine dining establishments in the Montgomery County area. The restaurant maintained a respectable reputation for years.

In the 1990's The Blue Bell Inn coined its reputation as a family favorite local restaurant.  Scott Dougherty, now a co-owner of The Blue Bell Inn, started working at The Blue Bell Inn and progressed from a busboy to maître d’ and then to general manager.

In 2013, Bruce Goodman and Scott Dougherty purchased The Blue Bell Inn and, with the help of professional management and staff, transformed the Inn into the fine restaurant you see today.