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Besides a fresh coat of paint, the only distinguishing feature of South Philadelphia’s newest breed of church is usually a modest sign hanging from the structure’s exterior, or perhaps a small cross.
Yet, enter the former corner rowhouses – very literally houses of worship – during a Sunday-morning service and you’ll hear the holy noise of these revamped dwellings that are small in size but big in heart.
For their members, these churches offer a homey alternative to the area’s larger worship sites. Most of the worshippers are Baptist, a faith that emphasizes religious salvation and a mission to spread the Gospel.
Each corner church has a history that is just as unique as its handful of high-spirited worshipers, who prefer spending the service dancing and singing in the aisles rather than kneeling in a pew.
So, come as you are – but don’t forget your tambourine.
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Mt. Sinai Baptist Church
Several years ago, there was talk that Mt. Sinai Baptist Church might relocate to a larger building out of the area.
But local members wouldn’t hear of it.
"We kind of abandoned that idea because we have been part of South Philly for so long and the community convinced us that we really need to stay here," said pastor Charles Coleman.
The church, at 1228-30 S. 21st St., is more than just a house of worship, he added; it is a center for spiritual growth, a food bank and a counseling center.
"I have a great deal of folks that come to me with various problems that don’t belong to the church, but feel they can come to me," said Coleman.
Some of the 125 current and former members occasionally make their way back to the church, even if their commute is from Delaware or Maryland.
"They still consider this church home," the pastor said. "What’s good about that is they are still part of the community. It’s like you got up and went away, but you still remember where your roots are."
Indeed, Coleman’s Sunday service could explain that longing for a return visit.
The choir members, dressed in red, black and white – presumably to illustrate the lyrics of Wade in the Water – belt out their praises while a guitarist and drummer supply the tunes.
A little boy takes his plastic purple guitar to the front of the church and jams along while other members jump out of their pews.
The song is obviously a real crowd-pleaser.
The entire congregation then takes part in the scripture readings, with the narrator uttering one stance as the audience responds in unison.
At certain points of the service, the church’s ushers, donning white gloves, close their eyes while crossing their arms over their chests, as if they’re physically absorbing the words emanating from the pulpit.
Most of Mt. Sinai’s members bring spirit and spunk to the small room – containing only 19 pews – on Sunday mornings.
Shelia Robinson, who was "born and raised in a small church," said she’s overjoyed to be part of such a warm and inviting atmosphere.
"I had the opportunity to visit bigger churches," said Robinson, of the 1400 block of South 19th Street. "Some of them, when you walk in, you get a good vibe and some you can’t."
Giving back to the community also is an important aspect for the worshipper, who is involved with a few of the church’s auxiliary boards.
"It makes me feel good to help someone else," said Robinson, 35. "I may never know when I might need the help."
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New Birth Baptist Church
One wintry Sunday morning, heavenly beams of light shined upon the pearly white exterior of New Birth Baptist Church.
Glimmering in the sun, the building at 1710 S. 20th St. was every bit a beacon for its members, who gradually filtered into the small space for the 11 a.m. service.
As if they were attending a pep rally, the participants revved themselves up prior to the service. A piano player tickled the ivories while a drummer banged in tune to the music.
The members – many of whom danced in their pews with tambourines in hand – vocalized their blessings after each song.
"I just want to thank God for letting me be here another day," exclaimed one enthusiastic congregant.
Singing and strolling down the center aisle, a parade of choir members kicked off the official worship session.
And between the welcome address, announcements and scripture readings, the singing continued. Minister of music Rickey Everette led the crowd in such unconventional tunes as Rockin’ Jerusalem and Jesus is Just Alright.
The 36 congregants, with hands joined and eyes closed, gathered up front at times, exemplifying their unity and sealing it off with thunderous applause.
Against the backdrop of an illuminated cross, the Rev. B. Paulette Cooper finally gives her sermon. Her moving words spark some members to take notes – literally.
Her unofficial mantra: "If you’re not part of the problem, you’re the solution."
"They’re not just getting religion here," said Cooper, who was appointed pastor after former pastor and her husband, the Rev. Adolphus Cooper, died last year. "They’re getting structural training."
New Birth was born after the Rev. Joseph Brister, pastor of the former Christian Faith Baptist Church, 17th and Federal streets, died some 35 years ago and the assistant pastor, Fred Butler, wanted to relocate to a new building. Some members followed him.
The current property eventually was purchased and members funded the initial renovations.
When Butler fell ill, Adolphus was asked to serve as pastor of the church, which now has 100 members on roll.
"He built it on love, and that’s what this church is all about," said Marie Simpkins, 66, one of the church’s mothers, or oldest members.
Janice Voorhees, one of four ordained deacons at the church, has her own reasons for attending New Birth.
"I come to church to serve Jesus and get the word that lasts throughout the week," said Voorhees, of the 2000 block of Oakford Street.
Margaret Richardson, the deacon board’s chairperson, is an 18-year member who still fancies her church over larger denominations.
"I feel like I have more freedom," said Richardson, of the 1900 block of South Lambert Street. "You have more of a bond and fellowship with one another. You can feel the love and power of God when you’re in here.
"We’re not strangers to one another. We know each other."
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New Jerusalem: Church of Christ Written in Heaven
Donning her Sunday best, Virginia Sydnor stands in front of the congregation in her flamboyant purple dress and hat.
Her clothing represents the tone of the small yet powerful service at New Jerusalem: Church of Christ Written in Heaven, 1705 S. 21st St.
During one high-intensity song, Sydnor whips out her whistle and toots to the beat of the drummer just a few feet away.
But the biggest noisemakers of the bunch are two young girls who freestyle on the drums and keyboard. Stomping, clapping and tambourine-clanging add bass to the celebration.
Members soon take their seats to hear the sermon from the church’s pastor, Valerie D. Gibbs.
On a dime, the mild-mannered pastor transforms herself into a no-nonsense preacher. She is quick to pinpoint and reprimand a young attendee applying ointment to her lips during the sermon.
"I know your lips aren’t that chapped," said Gibbs, 51.
During her lecture on diversity and God-given talents, vocal members respond with phrases like "Amen!" and "Tell it!"
The pastor said she is pleased to continue the mission of the church’s founder, Claudia Cooper, who began the ministry some 35 years ago.
The church was housed in North Philly until Cooper’s death in 1972. In August 2003, Gibbs’ husband, Geoffrey, relocated the church to its South Philly site.
The ministry, with its headquarters in Georgia, also operates four other churches bearing the Church of Christ Written in Heaven name in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Gibbs has expanded the local church’s membership from three to 20 since its relocation.
Congregants said they prefer the simplicity of New Jerusalem to what they described as the impersonal atmosphere of larger churches.
"God doesn’t call us to just be Sunday benchwarmers," said Sydnor, 56, a deacon at New Jerusalem. "In smaller churches, the spirit of God is free to move and operate in order to get the work done. People can see and hear the word more closely."
The church also plays an active role in community service by taking part in clothing drives and food distribution, she added.
"We don’t have much, but what we do have we share with the community," Sydnor said.
As if attending a rock concert, Denise Gilmore of Southwest Philly and her daughter and niece danced in the aisles through most of the recent service. Sporting a smile, Gilmore described the "uplifting" feeling she gets after worshipping at New Jerusalem.
"I come here to rejoice and to hear the word," said the 46-year-old congregant. "I don’t just come and sit. I get something out of the service."
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St. Merion Baptist Church
The Rev. Curtis L. Brown is a crusader with a serious presence – but he’s a real teddy bear when it comes to embracing his congregation.
Standing in front of St. Merion Baptist Church, 1841 S. 21st St., he greets his Sunday-service participants, and any passersby, with a jovial "good morning" or "hello."
The pastor was drawn to the small church seven years ago, though his journey of self-discovery began back in 1981.
A tear streamed down his face as Brown, 65, recounted a time when selling drugs and consuming large quantities of alcohol were his daily routine.
After some soul-searching and help from a reverend, he restructured his life and found fulfillment through servicing the community.
"That’s what my calling is – helping people," said Brown, originally from Third and Christian streets. "I’m winning souls for Christ."
The motto for his church is simple yet sincere: "We’re small enough to love you, but big enough to hug you."
This credo is exemplified during Sunday school, where three members hang on to assistant pastor Tyrone Pine’s every word. They nod in unison to his lesson while some let out a vigorous "Amen!"
"We can’t cry about things in the community if we don’t use the power of the kingdom to remove them," said Pine, of the 1900 block of McKean Street, during one of his sessions.
The assistant pastor is energized by his small congregation.
"It makes me enthusiastic just to be able to preach to one rather than 1,000," said Pine, 40. "Then you can get connected to people."
This oneness has sparked Carrie Herd to occasionally attend Brown’s service in his no-frills building (he uses two kerosene heaters to warm the room). It’s evident these members don’t come for the glitz and glam, but for the spiritual enlightenment.
"It’s a place of growth and a place that finds what it is God wants you to do," said Herd, of the 2000 block of Mifflin Street. "I’ve always felt fulfilled when I come here because it’s a very spiritual little church. I’ve always felt welcome."
Michael Bowman, of the 2000 block of Sigel Street, simply stated, "This is the closest place to God you can go."
The worship site also serves as a clothing and food bank, and Brown continues to seek funds from local businesses to eventually renovate the church. The pastor, who now lives in Delaware, sent letters for help and finally received support from Citizens Bank and a Lincoln Mercury dealership.
Brown is quick to point out why he does what he does.
"If I could just help somebody that needs a helping hand, that’s my reward."
South Philly corner churches
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church
21st and Oakford streets Sunday services: 11 a.m. Charles Ray Coleman, pastor Church: 215-468-0672 Home: 215-863-0913
New Birth Baptist Church
21st and Watkins streets Sunday services: 11 a.m. The Rev. B.P. Cooper, pastor 215-334-8822
New MacedoniaMissionary Baptist Church
1639 S. 20th St. (at Morris) Robert Collins, pastor 215-334-3990
New Jerusalem: Church of Christ Written in Heaven
1705-07 S. 21st St. (at Watkins) Sunday services (when scheduled): 3:30 p.m. Tuesday services: 7:30 p.m. Church office: 215-334-7228 Fax: 215-334-7229
St. Merion Baptist Church
21st and Mifflin streets Sundayservices: 11 a.m., 3 p.m. The Rev. Curtis Brown, pastor
St. Stephen’s Baptist Church
21st and Mountain streets Sunday services: 11:30 a.m. Bible prayer study: Wednesdays(call for times) The Rev. M. Taylor, pastor 215-551-7727
Townsend New LifeBaptist Church
1200 S. 22nd St. (at Federal) Sunday services: 11:30 a.m. Afternoon services: 3:30 (call for days) Dr. B.R. Ramsey, senior pastor Church: 215-382-0822 Fax: 215-849-2509
True Way Church of Christ 18th and Wharton streets Sunday services: 11:30 a.m. Noonday prayer until 1 p.m. 215-465-7765 This list is not all-inclusive.
