How long has Lehigh Baptist Church graced this very spot? Well, let me tell you. Lehigh Baptist Church actually began as a humble mission in North Philadelphia back in 1880. It wasn’t until a year later that it officially became Lehigh Avenue Baptist Church. Imagine the excitement as the cornerstone was laid on July 11, 1881! This mission finally blossomed into a fully-fledged church on June 6, 1882, with a proud 44 members. Fast forward to 1955, and the congregation made the momentous decision to relocate, eventually settling here on Welsh Road and Alburger Avenue. Picture this: February 3, 1957, snow blankets the ground, yet spirits are high for the groundbreaking ceremony. A prominent sign announced the church’s future home, and by summertime, a large tent housed both Vacation Bible School and evening services. They even purchased a bus to bring members to this new location. The church continued to thrive, with various pastors leaving their mark on Lehigh Baptist Church’s history. Rev. Myron Cedarhom’s tenure saw Lehigh become a charter member of the Conservative Baptist Association. Rev. Joseph Muggleworth led the church for an impressive 32 years, retiring in 1982. Rev. Harry E. Chatburn served a remarkable term, from 1986 to 2014, and even returned for a second stint from 2015 to 2022. Through it all, Lehigh Baptist Church has remained a steadfast presence, a testament to the enduring power of faith and 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