Two historic South Philadelphia churches designed by Frank Furness are set for contrasting futures.

In South Philadelphia, two historically significant churches, both designed by renowned architect Frank Furness in the 19th century, are embarking on markedly different paths despite their close proximity of just over half a mile. The 19th Street Baptist Church, located at 1253 19th Street, is poised for demolition, while the nearby Shiloh Baptist Church at 2040 Christian Street is being transformed into a residential complex.

The 19th Street Baptist Church, known for its distinctive green Serpentine stone exterior, is set to be demolished after extensive efforts by its congregation and preservation advocates to secure its future. Following 15 years of struggles, the city of Philadelphia announced plans for its demolition, which will cost over 3,000, with the project contracted to Pedro Palmer Construction. Although the main structure will be removed, the fellowship hall will remain intact. The church leadership, represented by Rev. Wilbur Winborne, expressed a commitment to future plans that honor the mission of the church while considering community needs.

Conversely, Shiloh Baptist Church’s future is more optimistic. In June 2023, the church transferred its property to Tierview Development, a local firm specializing in adaptive reuse projects. This redevelopment will transform the former church into an 87-unit apartment building designed to meet community demands for larger living spaces suitable for families. The new units will include two-bedroom apartments with dens, approximately 1,400 square feet in size, catering to the need for family-oriented housing in the area. The zoning permits for this project were approved in mid-June, with construction expected to commence by the end of the year at an estimated cost of million.

Both churches share a historical background; they were originally established in the 1870s to serve a burgeoning population in South Philadelphia and were repurposed by Black congregations in the 1940s. They have both hosted significant civil rights figures, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesse Jackson. However, over the years, both congregations experienced a decline in membership, leading to financial and structural struggles.

The 19th Street Baptist Church, added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places in the 1980s, faced several challenges regarding its preservation, including structural integrity concerns as declared by the city. The proactive efforts of local historic preservationists to save the building encountered numerous obstacles, ultimately culminating in the decision for demolition in 2023.

In contrast, Shiloh Baptist Church managed to obtain grants for maintenance and repairs, permitting a more favorable outcome. The preservation of Shiloh exemplifies a successful adaptive reuse project, leveraging city incentives aimed at rejuvenating historic structures.

This dichotomy highlights the pressing issues faced by historic churches in urban settings, where financial viability and community needs often collide. Shiloh’s situation illustrates the potential for historic buildings to be revitalized for modern purposes, while the fate of the 19th Street Baptist Church serves as a cautionary tale of the struggles faced by many historic institutions in the face of changing demographics and economic realities.

As the city evolves, the approaches to preserving its historical architecture will undoubtedly continue to reflect broader societal shifts and community aspirations.