Capsule History of Philippian Baptist Church (1964-1982)

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Philippians 4:13

Believing that, through God, "All things are possible"; a small group of Believers had a dream and on Sunday, August 30, 1964, at 1:00 p.m., met to worship in the Sanctuary of the Gospel Tabernacle Baptist Church, Seventh Street and Susquehanna Avenue, Reverend R. H. Cook, Pastor.  Our Leader, Samuel Amos Bracken. Founder-Pastor preached to these Believers on "The Unseen Christ." On this momentous day, this group of people began their march together up the "King's Highway?" From that time on there have been added those compelled by the Holy Spirit to join in the crusade for Christ.

It was due to the kindness of the Reverend Cook and his good people that we could worship on Sunday afternoons and this group of faithful and dedicated Christians could be able to stay together during the months that followed. Our choir director, then, Mrs. Eunice Davis, showed deep concern and sincere dedication which contributed to lifting spirits when singing the praises of God.  On Sunday, March 21, 1965, this group, formerly called "The Preaching Station," became known as the Philippian Baptist Church.  The dream was realized and the challenge was accepted. Pastor Bracken, and the group, describe the "experience" as "a mighty rushing wind" when the spirit of Almighty God permeated among them and it was several minutes before it was realized what had happened.
 

Significantly, the hymns sang were "All The Way My Savior Leads Me" and "Close To Thee!' The Scripture lesson was taken from Philippians 1:1-6.  The choral selections were "Bless The Lord O My Soul", "Soon I Will Be Done", and  "With The Troubles Of This World!"

Pastor Bracken's message depicted the reason, thusly, for the name Philippian: St. Paul, who had preached for the people of Philippi, was taken into captivity. Out of all the Churches he had ministered to in his missionary travels, the Philippian Church as the only one to remember and care for him showing a vast spirit of love. The Book of Philippians is a letter of gratitude and admonition to continue in their good works. With this in mind, Pastor Bracken's sermon was "Thanks to God for You!' Philippians 1:2-5

The following Sunday, Reverend Bracken encouraged his flock with words from the subject "Let's Move On and MOVE WE HAVE!"
On April 4, 1965, plans culminated for a new Church home at 1922 S. College Avenue. We remained at the College Avenue Church until negotiations were made to purchase the building owned by the Christ Evangelical Church at Ogontz and Grange Avenues.
On November 19, 1967, the Philippian Baptist Church traveled by motorcade from the College Avenue Church to our new home at Ogontz and Grange Avenues. We came to this place on the Lord's Day to least, we are well and were filled. Not only were we filled, but the building soon became filled. Our Pastor continually admonished us to "'sit small and squeeze together!' During these years, we built a Church edifice in IDUMUJE. UNOR, Mid-Western Nigeria, and another in Milot, Haiti The Philippian Baptist Church continued to grow and when we were forced to turn away many who begged just to get in to hear the word of God at our Winter Revivals, we wondered what to do.

We continued to labor and on Sunday, June 29, 1980, we retired the mortgage with a memorable Mortgage Burning Ceremony.  By the help of God, we have purchased this present property at 5801 North Broad Street. This magnificent Gothic structure built as a "Church in the Round" with heavy beams lifting upward each running to the focal point in the center as if to call our attention to a Most High God. The carvings on the woodwork and the pews were done by men of great talents who left much beauty for our benefit. We praise God for a three-console organ with thirty ranks of pipes and the cacophony of sound that fills the temple. We have done extensive remodeling and have decorated with variations of the royal colors - purple and gold.  The Chapel is done in colonial motif to ever remind us of our many happy days at Ogontz and Grange Avenues which is now the Philippian Activity Center.

Because Pastor Bracken led the group" before the formal beginning of the Philippian Baptist Church, the membership gave it's first Pastoral Anniversary from October 31, 1965, through November 8, 1965, closing with a memorable message by the inspiring Reverend Ora M. Locust, Senior.  Reverend Locust is fondly known as an honorary member of Philippian Baptist Church he inspired our Pastor to name the Church Philippian from the New Testament.

Philippian Baptist Church is based on LOVE - Love for God, Love for our Pastor, and Love for our Fellowman. Philippians are encouraged to read the Bible. Lest we forget our early beginnings, let us read from our bulletins, our source of inspiration is Pastor Bracken's statement as he directs the congregation, during Sunday Morning Service to read in unison a verse of Scripture from the Book of Philippians. With God on our side and a man of God as our Leader, we can do anything but fail.  

 

The words from Philippians 3:16-17 say to us, "Nevertheless whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me and mark them which walk so as we have us for an example."