Providence Baptist Church on the unit block on E. Haines St. (Photo: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)
Providence Baptist Church of Germantown at 87-91 E. Haines St. is one step closer to gaining historic designation after a unanimous vote (5-0) to recommend the site to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.
The vote was cast on Wednesday, Sept. 4, a little after 11 a.m. by the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s (PHC) Committee of Historical Designation, which made the recommendation under Criterion J as defined in Chapter 14-1000 of the Philadelphia Code.
To satisfy Criterion J, a building must exemplify the cultural, political, social, or historical heritage of the community, per the committee’s discussion.
Heather Hendrickson, a city planner, presented the building to the commission, outlining why it qualifies.
“The church was built by its community from the bottom up and financed by pooling collective resources and fundraising… [the church] stands as a symbol of the community’s faith, determination, and sacrifice,” she said.
Construction happened during the Great Depression, a time when many thought the building of this church couldn’t be done.
According to the nomination, PBC was founded by 289 former members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church (not historically designated), which is just around the corner on 41 W. Rittenhouse St. The building started construction in 1939, was completed in 1943 – the proposed period of significance – and has served the community since its first service on July 7, 1940.
It has continued to do so, even in recent years, as the church still offers after-school programs for children, provides food giveaways, conducts health screenings, and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, helped provide vaccinations.
“Even though it’s small, it’s powerful,” said the nominator and 50-plus-year member of PBC, Dr. Denise Way.
65+ year PBC congregant Doris Baldwin gave a comment of support for the nomination, saying that it’s crucial as the “historical facade of Germantown” changes quickly, as new developments rise.
Providence is a mid-20th-century Gothic Revival church made of Wissahickon schist with stone trim. It features a three-part front with a central pointed-arch stained-glass window, corner projections, and a stepped gable that highlights its vertical design.
That architectural character helps explain why preservation advocates view Providence as a rare survivor on this block, reinforcing the case under Criterion J.
Germantown resident Oscar Beisert, also of The Keeping Society of Philadelphia, was also present and says he was “delighted” to see these efforts to protect the landmark.
He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rare architectural character that Providence embodies, stating it is crucial to protect the few remaining structures on the unit block of E. Haines St.
“Unfortunately, because it’s so much loss in the unit block, this sort of, you know, some of these structures are almost forgotten over here as part of these campuses and parking lots that were created over time,” he said.
“It’s just so important to see these protected and to see the other legacies of Germantown’s history be recognized.”
Committee member and Germantown resident Deborah Miller said she really enjoyed the nomination for the Haines St. structure and noted a possible trend amongst Black churches in Germantown with similar designs to Providence.
“I’m wondering if there’s a broader, for lack of a better word, campaign, if you will, for this kind of church building?” Miller asked aloud. “It’s kind of like a parish situation that you would have in South Philly or something.”
Following a brief discussion of the design, Miller made a motion to recommend 87-91 E. Haines St., with Jeff Cohen seconding, and no one opposing.
“Great nomination, Dr. Way,” said Miller, closing a 17-minute section of the fuller meeting.
Germantown neighbors and RCO leaders, Suzanne Ponsen (West Central Germantown Neighbors) and Allison Weiss (SoLo Germantown Civic Association), were also in attendance and gave a nod of support to the nomination.