Calvary United Methodist Church

Built in 1906, the Calvary United Methodist Church was a landmark building and a beacon. However, it was in a dangerous situation by the 1990s. According to the Calvary Center for Culture and Community (CCCC), “radical change in the neighborhood’s demographics depleted original membership in all West Philadelphia churches,” which made “the Methodist congregation reluctantly put the building up for sale.” 

The community members established CCCC to “restore the building and redevelop it as a center for cultural and community activity.” Today, the church is a “community hub” for West Philadelphia by providing community services. Meanwhile, it also incubates businesses and organizations, including women’s centers, a credit union, a bakery, and a radio communications training center. 

Figure 3. The original chapel and parsonage demolished in 1905. © Calvary Center https://www.calvary-center.org/history.html

Source:

https://www.allmeansall.org/

https://www.calvary-center.org/