A weathered stone whispers tales of resilience. This is Prospect Hill Baptist Church. It stands proudly in Prospect Park Pennsylvania. This unassuming building holds a secret. It’s linked to the famous motto “In God We Trust”.
Prospect Hill Baptist Church wasn’t always here. Its story begins much earlier. A small group of twelve Baptists first met in 1830. They gathered at William Trites’ home. Reverend Joseph H Kennard led them. He was from Blockley Church. Joseph Walker of Marcus Hook acted as moderator. Reverend William S Hall a young minister took charge.
The congregation grew quickly. They outgrew Trites’ home. They moved to a local schoolhouse. This was at 13th and Lincoln Avenue. By April 1831 they planned a church. William Trites donated land. The cornerstone was laid September 20 1832. The church opened in late April 1833. It was a simple structure 30 by 40 feet of rough stone. In 1838 a small cemetery was added. The oldest grave belonged to Daniel Trites William’s son. Daniel died in November 1830 before the church existed.
In October 1850 Reverend Mark R Watkinson joined the church. He was born in New Jersey in 1824. He wasn’t ordained yet. Watkinson was ordained in May 1851. He served until May 1853. He baptized Sarah I Griffith who became his wife. The Civil War changed things. He returned to Ridleyville in June 1861. He replaced Reverend Thomas Goodwin. Goodwin resigned but stayed as Postmaster.
Watkinson served for just $5 a week. During this time he wrote a letter. This letter suggested a motto for US coins. His suggestion was “God Liberty and Law”. The Treasury Department chose “In God We Trust”. This appeared on coins in 1864. Watkinson’s role was forgotten until the 1950s. In April 1962 a plaque honored him at Prospect Hill Baptist Church.
The church moved in 1874. A new church was built in Ridley Park. Some members stayed in Prospect Park. They repaired the old church. They held Sunday School there. By the mid-1880s the congregation split. On May 18 1887 twelve members returned. They formed what is now Prospect Hill Baptist Church. The name came from the area’s name in the 1820s and 1830s. A new church was built. Its cornerstone was laid August 14 1893. It was dedicated October 27 1895. The cost was $11500. An addition was built in 1956. Prospect Hill Baptist Church continues to stand. It’s a testament to faith community and history. It’s a living reminder of a pivotal moment in American history. Its humble walls echo with stories of dedication and perseverance.