The search is on for artifacts and information on the history of Lighthouse Baptist Church, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary next year.
Lighthouse Baptist Church, once known as The Third Baptist Church of Philadelphia, was established two centuries ago. Pastor William J. Kerr, left, rummages through items that survived a devastating blaze almost 45 years ago, but he is keen to collect more for the 200th anniversary. (staff photo by greg bezanis)
Pastor William J. Kerr sits in his office, his voice full of pride, as he talks about his church.
With a long and storied history -- a move from Center City, a devastating fire -- Lighthouse Baptist Church at 2400 S. Broad St. will turn 200 next year. Not only is Kerr planning a celebration to mark the occasion, but he and Deacon Brian Bennett also are trying to track down some of its lost past.
The search for records has just begun with Kerr asking congregants for help from his pulpit, hoping they will get in touch with former members. Anything related to the church and its history will do. While learning more about previous pastors is high on the list, Kerr also wants more information on the lives of the former flock, including the Eva Taylor Missionary Society. Created in 1956 and named for an African missionary who died in the field, Kerr believes the women who served in the group have stories to share that current members can relate to.
"We have a lot of information about [Pastor Groves W. Drew], but not on some others," he said. "Under his ministry, the attendance was over 400 people. Sunday school attendance was 600-plus."
Kerr, Lighthouse Baptist's pastor since January, believes the key to the past lies with former parishioners.
"Some of the history people have in their homes, that's what I'm fishing for," he said.
A few things from the original building prior to a '64 blaze were salvaged, including memorial plaques, both iron and marble. One is dedicated to the Sunday school students who died in World War I. Kerr hopes to have them cleaned and put up around the building for the anniversary.
There are handfuls of information floating around, from which the pastor and deacon are attempting to piece together the last two centuries. Bennett, from the 2600 block of Chadwick Street, rummages through a large cardboard box filled with artifacts of the church's past. He holds up an old notebook used for a financial meeting long ago.
"Can you read that?" Bennett asks.
"Who uses shorthand anymore?" Kerr replies with a laugh.
Looking to model 2009's festivities after the 150th anniversary celebration, Kerr and Bennett are basing their plans on salvaged copies of the '58 program.
"The 150th was a full week, and we will repeat it for the 200th rather than spread it out over a year. This includes a homecoming night for former pastors and members," Kerr said.
The only other event planned as of now is a revival series with evangelist Dr. John Hamblin Memorial Day weekend.
Originally called The Third Baptist Church of Philadelphia, Lighthouse Baptist was established in 1809 when members of the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia decided to move things south. The decision was mostly geographical, as a lack of transportation made it hard for the 30 local members to get to 123 S. 17th St. The church landed on Broad Street in November 1896.
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1. William and Pam said... on Jan 1, 2009 at 04:53PM
“God bless you dear brother and sister Kerr. We appreciate your ministry. May God bless the works of your hands to the end that His name will be glorified and your joy full.”
2. RJBJPayne said... on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:01PM
“Congratulations, dear Friends-in-Christ ... we appreciate the efforts behind the great testimony! We also deeply appreciated the opportunity to be with you last June and speak at the Law Enforcement Appreciation Service. We trust that the Lord will continue to bless and encourage you folks in that special part of His Vineyard ... certainly an area that is in desperate need of His Lighthouse! John 8:12 Barb and Ray Payne II Timothy 1:12”