PROFILES OF FAITH “Answering God’s Call for 94 Years” George Forster

In 1919 The Grand Canyon was established as a National Park, the 18^th Amendment was ratified authorizing prohibition, The League of Nations was founded, and George Forster was born!

George Forster would become one of the great sons of Roxborough leading churches for scores of years.  Long- time church member Mary Jane Freas states: “George Forster is one of the finest Christians I have ever met.” With a kind heart, quick wit, and strong mind, George Forster has ably served as the Clerk of Session for First Presbyterian Church of Manayunk and Wissahickon Presbyterian Church for over three decades.

His commitment didn’t just happen.  Forster said for years his mom would walk with him to church.  Once he asked her, “Mom, why do we have to go to church?” And his mom quickly replied, “Because God wants you to.”  For Forster, church is where you encounter God.  When he welcomes people to church, Forster often says, “Welcome to God’s house.”

Forster’s life is a tapestry of gratitude.  When Forster’s church of 81 years (First Presbyterian of Manayunk) closed, Forster noticed the kindness extended by Wissahickon Presbyterian Church members.  Forster went to Wissahickon Presbyterian shortly thereafter to thank them and has been there ever since (13 years) expressing his gratefulness by serving and helping in whatever way he is able.

Forster has led a full life.  Most of his life he worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad – one of the largest companies in the world at the time.  He started in the mail room at the age of 19 and had a variety of jobs.  Along the way he made an impression on John Dickenson, the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Solicitor General.  Dickenson was also a lecturer at Princeton and Harvard and frequently travelled up and down the East Coast in a private railway car.  Soon Forster found himself working closely with Dickenson and the Inspector General’s Office on the Governors Island of New York. 

Forster admits he wasn’t perfect.   As a kid, he said the dinky (a small rail car) would run from the Manayunk Church to Leverington and then to Ridge.  The kids would try to derail the dinky by putting stones on the tracks.  He said, “If we succeeded, we would run like the dickens.”

Don’t be misled.  Forster is a man of integrity and principle.  He had some great teachers including his kindergarten teacher who was also his aunt.  She was joined by his first Sunday school teacher, Sarah McMullen, who often said, “Drink is full of pain and woe.”  He remembered her words and fully employed her advice  when he was in the service and throughout his entire career.    

He was a great baseball and softball player, and enjoyed bowling as well.  His athletic abilities have been passed down to his kids and grandchildren as there are now four active golf pros in the family.

When asked what advice he would give to the younger people of today – he paused.  And then he said, “Understand the word of God, His son Jesus, and the benefits of following God’s instruction.  And remember the church doors should be open to everyone.”

During his life he served as an elder, trustee, and clerk.  While working for the Pennsylvania Railroad he worked with over 50 lawyers (a task akin to herding cats).  All the while he said he has attempted to answer the call of God to the best of his ability.

Many things happened in 1919, but the people who know George Forster believe that one of the greatest events of that year was George Forster’s birth.