123 Years of Ministry

Our Church History

What a Mighty God We Serve!

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The origin of McKinley Memorial Baptist Church dates back to the year of 1901. when a small band of Christian believers, who were then members of the Salem Baptist Church of Jenkintown, PA. met at the home of Bro. and Sis. A. T. Cottom to organize a prayer band. On the first Sunday in June 1902, the prayer band called a council to meet in the Wilgus Hall in Hatboro, PA. The church was then organized and recognized as a regular Baptist church and named in memory of the Late President, William McKinley.

 

The original members were: Rev. J. C. Williams, found and builder, Dea. Charles Warner, Dea. Watson Walker, Bro. Robert Hyde, Sis. Ana Newman, Sis Leona Cabell, Sis. Eva Jiles, Sis Ellen Smith, Sis. Rachel Taliaferro, Bro. Clifton Cabell, Sis Lucy Walker, Sis Mary Palmer and Bro. Phillip Taliaferro.

In 1904 the church moved from Hatboro to the Kentner Building on Moreland Road in Willow Grove, from there the church moved to an old brick building on Welsh Rd until 1908 at which time it moved to our present location.

 

We’ve come this far by faith.   There are many pastors, preachers, leaders and members who worked to build and to keep this great church.  Their prayers, their sermons, leadership, hard work, vision, faithfulness, steadfast love and willingness to serve is evidence of our long and rich heritage.

In celebration of the church’s 100th Anniversary a time capsule was placed in the front yard of the church and is set to open for the 125th Church Anniversary.

Our 115th Anniversary was spent rejoicing and reflecting with year-long ministry related activities and giving thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In celebration of 118 years, we kicked off our Church Anniversary on Saturday June 1st with a Cook-Out in the church yard. Our Anniversary worship service was held Sunday, June 2, 2019 Pastor Alexander Payne delivered the message and baptized 2 new members. Our Sanctuary Choir rendered the music.

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In March of 2020 our nation was hit with a global pandemic that brought everything to a halt. In an effort to control the virus and the loss of lives, schools closed, workers were forced to work from home, churches were closed to in-house worship and much more. We were forced to worship virtually using the internet as a means to come together for prayer, praise and worship! Through it all nothing stopped us from sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, observing Holy Communion and weekly Bible Study. It was a year we will never forget!

The 1st half of the year 2021 our services were taped., we returned to in-house worship on June 13, 2021 after 63 weeks of being closed to the public. For those remaining at home the services were available on our YouTube channel, or the church website.  Church School, Bible Study and Ministry Meetings continued throughout the year using the internet or conference calls.

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In 2022, we continued worshipping in- house while still following the COVID Guidelines set by the Federal Government and our local county.  We have improved our Live Stream capability; The Sanctuary Choir returned to Sunday morning services, and we began using the Fellowship Hall on a limited basis for Men and Women’s Ministry Workshops and Fellowships.   Also, in 2022 the Church recognized the works of 3 dedicated Trustees, as they were elevated to the status of Trustee Emeritus.

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Looking ahead, it is our continued prayer that we see growing numbers for in-house worship, our ministries back at work, a greater understanding of God’s word, so that we can serve and share with others the love of our Lord and Savior.  We give thanks to God for blessing and keeping us as we celebrate our 123rd Church Anniversary. We trust and we fear God, for His promises are true.

His love and His grace cover all sin! Praise ye the Lord!

Let the Church say AMEN!