History of Philippian Baptist Church

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me, Philippians 4:13”

 

Believing that, through God, All things are possible, a small group of believers had a Dream and on Sunday, August 30, 1964 they met to worship in the Sanctuary of theGospel Tabernacle Baptist Church, Rev. R. H. Cook, Pastor. Our leader Rev. Dr. Samuel Amos Brackeen preached to these believers on the Unseen Christ. From that time on there were others that were compelled by the Holy Spirit to join in the crusade for Christ.

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Due to the kindness of Rev. Cook and his congregation they were able to worship on Sunday afternoons, which allowed them to stay together during the months that followed. On March 21, 1965, the group formally called the Preaching Station became

known as the Philippian Baptist Church. The dream was realized and the challenge accepted. Pastor Brackeen and the group described the experience as a mighty rush of wind when the spirit of Almighty God permeated among them and it was several

minutes before it was realized what had happened.

 

Pastor Brackeen depicted the reason thusly for the name Philippian. St. Paul who preached to the people of Philippi was taken into captivity. Out of all the churches he had ministered to in his missionary travels the Philippian Church as the only one to

remember and care for him showing a vast spirit of love. The book of Philippians is a letter of gratitude and admonition to continue in their good works.

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On April 4, 1965, plans culminated for a new church home and the church moved to 1922 Cottage Ave. The church remained there until a purchase was made for a building at Ogontz & Grange St. and on Nov. 19, 1967, they traveled by motorcade to their new home. As the church grew, a church edifice was built in IDUMUJE UNOR, mid-western Nigeria and Miot Haiti.

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Because of continuing growth bringing souls to Christ people were being turned away because of lack of space. So, the purchase of our current location at 5801 N. Broad St happened. The church marched through the streets from Ogontz and Grange to Broad and Grange on July 21,1981. As the Holy Spirit continued to lead and guide the Philippian church, souls were saved and baptized, ministries were started such as Altar Guild, Prayer Band, Sunshine Club. In the early 1990’s there was a need for a second service, hence the early morning worship service began. On June 22, 2002, the Lord called our founding Pastor Brackeen home. Philippian continued to strive and grow in God’s kingdom. Ministries grew, souls were saved, and the move of God was evident. We fellowshipped with many churches in the

city and created a holy bond with several churches during Holy Week.

 

Prior to his passing, Rev. Arlington Medley had come to the Philippian church and served as the assist to the pastor. After Pastor Brackeen’s passing Rev. Medley was voted in as our new Pastor. He bought a different spiritual excitement to the Philippian Church as he would say.

 

“Somethings Happening at Philippian.” He continued the legacy of Rev. Brackeen with the preached word, advancing the kingdom of God. The annual community day began by serving the community right outside our doors, consisting of an outdoor festival with prayer, singing,

testimony, food, information tables and a play area for the children; an all-around fun time for all who attended. Rev. Medley served as Pastor from June 2002 – October 2006.

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The church was without a pastor for several years, but we fell back on our roots “I can do all things through God. . .who strengthens me.” Rev. Gus Roman became the interim Pastor for several months. The Lord sent Rev. Clayton D. Furlow to us as interim Pastor for two years until he became the third Pastor of Philippian Baptist Church in February 2009. Pastor Furlow was a dedicated man of God. Every Sunday he preached hearty with his love for Christ and the people of Philippian.

 

While Pastor at Philippian, Rev. Furlow ordained/installed seven deacons and three deaconesses and three associate ministers: Glory to God. As we continued to worship God, in March of 2020, the world stood still when the global pandemic hit and shut down the house of

worship. But God saw fit that we continued to worship and receive the preached word virtually each week with bible study and Sunday morning worship. Pastor Furlow’s health began to decline but that did not stop him, from being the servant of God he was called to be. In January 2021, Pastor Furlow went home to be with the Lord. But as God would have it, we continued to serve under the leadership of our deacons and our three Associate ministers as our search for a new pastor began once again.

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In May 2024, Rev. Nicholas Christian Sr. was installed as the new Pastor of Philippian. He exuberated love for God and the people from day one. The church has grown expedicously. Our ministry of in-reach and outreach has been demonstrated in our Turkey Drive give away, our support for those experiencing homeless through our backpack and blanket initiative and the women’s clothing closet. The newly developed Members’ Care Ministry was established which engages new members, check-in with our sick and shut-in members through cards and/or phone calls. Our virtual services have expanded through modern technology. We are excited about what God has in store for Philippian, because of His faithfulness. “PBC is the place to be” And I am certain that God who began a good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

 

With a cacophony of song and the preached word, Our legacy continues; Philippian Baptist Church is based on Love. Love for God, Love for our Pastor, Love for our Fellowman.

March 12, 2025