Second Mennonite Church

“A church born from a mission,” whispered the old cobblestones beneath our feet, “that’s the story of Second Mennonite Church.” Right here, at the corner of Franklin Street and Indiana Avenue, stands the Second Mennonite Church of Philadelphia. Founded in 1894, its roots lie in the First Mennonite Church’s mission on Janney Street. This beacon of faith started its journey in a rented home on North Sixth Street. But in 1899, the congregation, then numbering a hopeful 36, dedicated this very building as their spiritual haven. Imagine the joy as Silas M. Grubb, their first pastor, led the congregation, their voices echoing within these walls. The Second Mennonite Church has always been a place of change and growth. It thrived under Silas M. Grubb’s guidance until 1938 and saw a series of dedicated pastors guide its path. In 1971, the church embraced a new era by welcoming Carlton Minnis, its first African American pastor. This historic congregation faced a turning point in 2002. Driven by evolving beliefs, they made the significant decision to join the Alliance of Mennonite Evangelical Congregations, leaving behind their previous affiliation. The Second Mennonite Church stands today as a testament to unwavering faith and a community that consistently embraces change, its story woven into the very fabric of Philadelphia.