St. Paul Baptist Church

On a bustling corner of Philadelphia, at 10th and Wallace Streets, stands the historic St. Paul Baptist Church. Its story begins not here, but with a journey. In 1883, two women, Mrs. Frances Fields and Mrs. Mary Henryhand, found the trek from North Philadelphia to their church in South Philadelphia too arduous. Joined by Mr. Burton Rodgers, they envisioned a closer haven for worship. St. Paul Baptist Church emerged from this simple desire. By 1889, their small group had grown to fifteen, forming the Morning Star Baptist Mission at 1424 North Marvine Street. After several relocations, they landed at 1222 North Eleventh Street. In 1890, Rev. Edward William Johnson took the helm. The mission was renamed St. Paul’s Baptist Church. Under Rev. Johnson’s leadership, the congregation thrived. They purchased the Christ Evangelical Church building at 948-952 North Eight Street in 1894. The church officially received its charter on January 21, 1895. Tragedy struck in 1906 when a fire claimed seventeen lives. Despite the immense grief, the community rallied, rebuilding their beloved St. Paul Baptist Church. Continued growth led them to their current location at 10th and Wallace Streets in 1916. A young divinity student named Edwin Luther Cunningham joined St. Paul Baptist Church in 1928, ordained by Rev. Johnson in 1935. Following Rev. Johnson’s passing in 1936, Rev. Cunningham became the second pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church. His era focused on community service and missions. A pivotal question arose in the 1960s: stay at 10th and Wallace or move? St. Paul Baptist Church chose to remain, committed to its mission in the heart of the city. Thanks to an anonymous donation, the St. Paul’s Baptist Church Community Center opened in 1963. Sadly, Rev. Cunningham passed away in 1964. Arthur Lee Johnson, ordained by Rev. Cunningham, became the third pastor in 1965. His tenure brought numerous improvements to St. Paul Baptist Church, including a new elevator, organ, pews, and renovations. Rev. Johnson’s service extended beyond the church walls, impacting various community organizations. He retired in 1998. Rev. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr. began the fourth era of St. Paul Baptist Church in 2002, leading further renovations and focusing on member development. He resigned in 2006. Finally, in 2009, Dr. Leslie D. Callahan delivered her first sermon at St. Paul Baptist Church, marking a historic moment for the church and the city. From a small gathering seeking a convenient place of worship, St. Paul Baptist Church has blossomed into a cornerstone of the community. It stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of community.