Can you feel the weight of history here? Before us stands Rising Sun Baptist Church a testament to resilience. Rising Sun Baptist Church wasn’t always here on 745 South 12th Street. It began humbly in 1892 in L W Bratton’s home. The church’s early years involved meetings in homes and schoolhouses. Members and neighbors helped build the first church. This original structure a single room with four windows boasted a round stained-glass window above the east-side door. That window is now proudly displayed in the current building.
The congregation thrived. However times changed. The original Rising Sun Baptist Church building wasn’t always at this location. In 1967 it purchased the former Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church. This Greek church had served its community for over sixty years. Sadly parishioners moved away. The Evangelismos congregation relocated to Elkins Park.
Then tragedy struck. On January 28 1994 a devastating fire engulfed Rising Sun Baptist Church. A leaking clay heater flue ignited a basement blaze. The fire quickly spread. It became a five-alarm disaster. Two firefighters John Redmond and Vencent Acey tragically lost their lives. The fire destroyed the beloved church. Only the thick stone walls remained. Many thought it was beyond repair. The city even deemed it “imminently dangerous”.
But the spirit of Rising Sun Baptist Church wouldn’t be extinguished. Andrew Timmons the chairman of the church board refused to give up. The congregation rallied. They rebuilt Rising Sun Baptist Church. The restoration was completed in 1996. The rebuilt church boasts a new kitchen pastor’s study classrooms and an elevator. A bronze plaque honors Redmond and Acey. The church stands as a symbol of faith and perseverance. It embodies the community’s enduring spirit. It is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss hope and resilience can prevail. Rising Sun Baptist Church stands tall a beacon of faith. A testament to the unwavering spirit of its people.