Step through the tall, ornate doors of the General John F. Reynolds School, and you’ll be transported back to the era of Art Deco. This grand four-story building, built in 1925-1926, graced the neighborhood, teaching generations of Philadelphia’s youth. The elegant brick structure features a distinctive entrance with Doric columns. These columns are a testament to the architectural style of the building. The building was once a bustling center of learning. It held a grand hall with high ceilings and intricate plaster moldings. A small one-story addition was constructed on the eastern side of the building in 1958, indicating the school’s growing needs up through the 1950s. Though these classrooms welcomed their last students in 2013, the General John F. Reynolds School lives on in the memory of Philadelphians. The building, named after General John F. Reynolds, a Union hero at the Battle of Gettysburg, witnessed years of spirited learning and laughter. It’s a reminder of the dedication of teachers and the aspirations of students, a story etched in the brick and mortar of this historic landmark. Now, the building holds new life as a veterans’ housing complex, once again serving the Philadelphia community.
Zion Baptist Church
Founded in 1882 Zion Baptist Church stands proudly in Philadelphia. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. This wasn’t