Timeline of the Church’s early development

 

December 4, 1881:  First meeting of the mission

 

January 11, 1882:  First session of the Sunday School

 

April 22, 1882:  Received the deed to the church lot from the Disston Company

 

May 18 &19, 11882:  Dedication of the Chapel – the first meeting house

 

November 22, 1882:  Church was organized by 15 Sisters of Brethren.  First church officers were elected at the meeting.

 

December 4, 1882:  Council for recognition of the church held a Service of Recognition in the chapel

 

September 25-27, 1883: Church became a member of the North Philadelphia Association

 

May 12, 1884: The ground was broken for the church building

 

April 9, 1916:  The “Grindstone Church” was dedicated.

 

March 19, 1924:  Purchased a M. P. Moiler Pipe Organ. The organ was dedicated during the Sunday service following Thanksgiving in that same year.  

 

 

About the term: “Grindstone Church”

 

In 1915, Tacony Baptist Church added a stone wing to the original building with discarded grindstones that were donated by Henry Disston & Sons Saw Works.  The men of the church dug the stones loose, and hauled them from where they were piled in the yard at Disstons.

 

The stones were broken, squared, and trimmed so they wouldn’t look like grindstones.  Two grindstones are set in front of the church, reminding churchgoers why old-timers called it the “Grindstone Church.”

 

About:  The Bell

 

The bell, which peals out the hour of services calls the members and friends to worship at Tacony Baptist Church, has been used in many capacities other than our church bell.  Casted in 18860 by Naylor, Vickers, & Co, it played it first part in public affairs in 1864 during the “Sanitary Fair.” 

 

The fair was held in Logan Square for the purpose of raising money to defray expenses incurred in caring for the wounded soldiers of the civil War.  The soldiers filled the hospitals and other quarters, so it was necessary to gather funds for their support and care. 

 

At the conclusion of the Fair, the bell was purchased at an auction by Henry Disston. The intended use was to call the workmen to and from work.  Due to decaying timbers in the bell tower, they were forced to store the bell in the yard.  At the time, Tacony Baptist Church was nearing completion.  

 

Mr. William C. Hallman the father of Mamie Campbell and Delia Finley, was very instrumental in acquiring the Civil War Bell as a loan from Henry Disston & Sons Saw Works for tacony Baptist Church.  The bell remains in the church, but is not ringing due to decaying timbers in the church bell tower.  However, the bell is still in fine condition.