Charter Day Weekend:
October 9-11, 2026
Charter Day, Bryn Athyn College of the New Church’s homecoming weekend, is held every October during a weekend filled with events. It is a celebration of the signing of the Charter in 1877, which founded Bryn Athyn College of the New Church, the Theological School, and our sister organization, The Academy of the New Church Secondary Schools (ANCSS).
Every year, traditional festivities include alumni and friends events, pickup and spectator games, campus tours, worship services, and a golf outing.
The weekend begins with a visually striking procession in which our students walk from the College’s Brickman Center to a community worship service in Bryn Athyn Cathedral, led by the country flags representing the nations of our student body.
College Highlights
| Friday, October 9, 2026 (no classes) | |
|---|---|
| 7:00am-2:00pm College Center |
1877 Café Welcome Operated by Allen Bread Co., drop in for fresh baked breakfast and lunch offerings along with fresh brewed coffee and tea. A perfect place to meet friends! |
| 8:00am Pendleton Hall Auditorium |
Academy Corporation Meeting Prior to the annual procession to the Cathedral, the Academy Corporation conducts its semi-annual business meeting and officer elections. |
| 10:15am Brickman Colonnade to Bryn Athyn Cathedral |
Procession to Bryn Athyn Cathedral Traditional procession of students, faculty, and Corporation. Alumni, family, friends and visitors are welcome to wave and snap photos of the procession. Some of the campus roads will be temporarily closed. |
| 10:30am Bryn Athyn Cathedral |
Service and Address Rev. Barry Halterman, ANCSS Religion Department Chair |
| 12:00pm Carl Asplundh Social Hall |
Theta Alpha International Luncheon Mary Heinrichs Williams, ANCSS Compass Program Director $20/person – purchase tickets online at: Theta Alpha Luncheon. |
| 5:30pm-9:00pm Glencairn Museum & Cairnwood Estate |
Sunset Sips & Bites (Age 21+ event) $45/person – purchase tickets online at: Sunset Sips and Bites. |
| Saturday, October 10, 2026 | |
| 7:00am-2:00pm College Center |
1877 Café Welcome Back by popular demand! Grab a friend and return to the café for round two – a fresh lineup of breakfast and lunch favorites await. |
| 9:00-11:00am Pendleton Hall |
Theological School Open House Step inside one of campus’s most treasured buildings! Explore the library and study spaces, admire historical artwork and portraits, and get an inside look at the curriculum – plus chat with the faculty and students who bring it to life. |
| 10:00am Spaulding Field |
Alumni Pickup Soccer Game Contact dave.keith@ancss.org for more information or to register. |
| 7:00-9:00pm Brickman Center & Fountain |
Reception at the College and Alumni Awards (Age 21+) Contributions to support student scholarships are encouraged. Registration coming soon. |
| Sunday, October 11, 2026 | |
| See Full Schedule of Events for worship service times and locations. | |
| Monday October 19, 2026 (two weeks after Charter Day Weekend) | |
| 10:30am-7:30pm Philmont Country Club |
Student Scholarship Golf Outing Sponsorship and registration information: Sponsorship Opportunities (Printable) |
