“Menu”. That’s the first thing you see on Holy Cross Baptist Church’s website. This humble beginning belies a rich history of faith. A history we are about to explore.
Holy Cross Baptist Church stands as a beacon of faith. It offers ministries and bible studies. Prayer requests and events are also part of its offerings.
The website also offers easy ways to donate. You can use EasyTithe or PayPal. The church extends a warm welcome to new members. Its history is accessible with a simple scroll to the top.
Let’s delve into the story of another Holy Cross Parish. This one was founded in October 1890. It was formed from parts of St. Vincent Parish and Our Mother of Consolation Parish.
The parish initially purchased a church building. It belonged to Grace Episcopal Church. An adjoining house became the rectory. Over the next twenty years, more land was acquired. This made room for a school and convent on Mount Airy Avenue.
The school opened in September 1910. The Sisters of Saint Joseph staffed the faculty. Construction of a convent finished in November 1912. A house on Mount Airy Avenue became the parish rectory in 1922.
In May 1925, two new parishes emerged. These were St. Therese Parish and St. Madeleine Sophie Parish. They split from Holy Cross Parish.
The need for a larger church was apparent early on. Plans developed over years. Construction of the present church took place between January 1928 and June 1929.
Extensive diocesan reorganization occurred later. St. Therese Parish and St. Madeleine Sophie Parish were re-incorporated into Holy Cross Parish. This happened on July 1, 2013.
Several pastors have led Holy Cross Parish. Each has contributed to its history. Rev. Joseph O’Keefe established the parish in 1890. The old church was consecrated in November 1890. Rev. John Elcock ministered to the Pennsylvania Institute for the Deaf.
Rev. John Toomey oversaw the building of Holy Cross School in 1911. The Holy Cross Convent was established in 1914. Msgr. Joseph McCullough held open-air Masses during the 1918 flu pandemic. He also fundraised for the new church. Msgr. John Mellon established the Holy Cross Rectory in March 1922.
Rev. William Brady saw the establishment of St Therese Parish and St Madeleine Sophie Parish in May 1925. The present church was built in 1929. Rev. George Orr celebrated the Golden Jubilee in 1940. Rev. Joseph Kelly oversaw “Holy Cross Dances”. The present Holy Cross Convent was built in 1954.
Rev. Timothy Buckley initiated Vatican II lecture series. He formed the Parish Council and Liturgy Committee. He also started a Home Mass program. Msgr. Charles Woods renovated Holy Cross School. Rev. Francis Dreger strengthened parish organizations. Rev. James Locke celebrated the Parish Centennial in 1990. He renovated the “lower church” and convent chapel. He also restored church stained glass.
Rev. James Hutchins served from 1993-2000. Rev. Leo Oswald twinned Holy Cross Parish with St Madeleine Sophie Parish. The rectory moved to Greene Street campus. Rev. Robert Mulligan served from 2009-2011. Rev. James Cox served from 2011-2013. Rev. William Grogan merged Holy Cross Parish with St Therese Parish and St Madeleine Parish in 2013.
Independence Mission Schools assumed Holy Cross School operations in September 2013. The Rectory returned to Mount Airy Avenue campus in January 2018. Livestreaming capability was installed in 2020. This met the needs during the pandemic.
Holy Cross Baptist Church continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the needs of its community. Its history reflects dedication and service. A history we are glad to have discovered together.