The name Bryn Athyn took some time to
get to. The Board of Control
knew that they must find a name to get a post office, railroad station, etc. Also, people want to be able to tell
other people where they lived. A name would bring the community together. The first name that was voted on was
'Hillbrook,' but so many people protested that it was withdrawn. Finally John Pitcairn declared the name to be
'Bryn Athyn,' a name that Bishop Pendleton had come up with. This is Welsh meaning 'Hills of Cohesion.' This purpose
of this name was to signify how Newchurch men would bond together. It was only in latter years the discovery was made that the word 'athyn'
actually meant how burs stick together. Despite all this, the name just kinda stuck. (Pun fully intended)