Gazing at First Baptist Church of Morton, has anyone ever considered its rich history? First Baptist Church of Morton has witnessed Philadelphia’s transformation since 1698. Its story begins in a humble abandoned building, the Barbadoes Storehouse. It later moved to Anthony Morris’ Brewhouse.
First Baptist Church of Morton found a more permanent home in 1707. It occupied the Keithian Quaker Meeting House at Second and Market Streets. In 1731, a brick structure, LaGrange Place, replaced the meeting house. This building served the congregation for over a century. A larger structure replaced it in 1808. The congregation used a burial ground on Arch Street.
The church’s history is intertwined with influential figures. Morgan Edwards became pastor in 1761. He played a key role in establishing Rhode Island College, which later became Brown University. Samuel Miles, a Revolutionary War officer and Philadelphia mayor, served as a deacon. William Staughton, who later became president of Columbian College (now George Washington University), served as pastor in 1806. William Bucknell, the benefactor of Bucknell University, was a trustee. Robert Lowry, a hymn composer, was baptized and taught at First Baptist Church of Morton.
George Dana Boardman became pastor in 1864. He led the church for 30 years. He was an abolitionist and a strong Union supporter. He also lectured at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. William Williams Keen, considered the “father of American surgery,” served as a deacon.
First Baptist Church of Morton moved to Broad and Arch Streets in 1855. Its current location at 17th and Sansom dates back to 1900. The architecture blends Byzantine and Romanesque styles. Financial challenges led to the sale of the church to Liberti Church in 2014. However, the First Baptist Church of Morton congregation continues to worship there under a lease agreement. A construction project in 2016 unearthed a significant number of burials on Arch Street. These were remains from the original burial ground that had not been fully relocated. The remains were reinterred at Mount Moriah Cemetery. First Baptist Church of Morton’s story continues to unfold. It remains a testament to its enduring presence in Philadelphia.