Holy Trinity Baptist Church
The History of HTBC
Our History
On June 13, 1932, with the passing of Reverend Graham, Holy Trinity was joined in it’s grief by many other Philadelphians and once again Holy Trinity was without Pastoral leadership for three years during which the Church was managed by the Deacons and the Trustees. On the third Sunday in July, 1935 Reverend Charles Roy Jones, accepted the Pastorate. not only did Reverend Jones handle Church finances excellently, he was a fine Christian minister who came from a family of ministers. One of the most memorable occasions in the history of the Church was the Sunday on which three generations of the Jones family preached. Another noteworthy event during Reverend Jones’Another noteworthy event during Reverend Jones’ administration was Holy Trinity’s hosting the Pennsylvania State Baptist Sunday School and BYPU Convention in 1940. This was a major undertaking by the entire
Church family requiring a year in preparation. Because of personal illness, the illness and death of a son, and his devoted wife, Reverend Jones’ activities were curtailed during the last few years of his administration. Holy Trinity elected to give Reverend Jones a much-needed vacation to a place he had always wanted to see, California. A few hours before he was to return home from California on June 7, 1961, God called him from labor to reward, leaving the congregation shocked and grieving. Reverend and Mrs. Jones were blessed by being the parents of a large family. Two sons and two grandsons were also called to the ministry. On July 10, 1962, after the death of Reverend Jones, the Holy Trinity Congregation selected Reverend Cecil Dubois Gallup of Greenwich, Connecticut, for the Pastorate. He accepted the call and began full leadership on November 4, 1967. Under Reverend Gallup’s leadership, Church members have actively supported the Church and its activities, including outreach into the surrounding community. In January 1989, upon the celebration of Reverend Gallup’s Twenty-Fifth Anniversary, Mayor Wilson Goode presented the Philadelphia Bowl to him in recognition of his Christian commitment and leadership. This is the highest honor of the city.
On April 29, 2012, the mantle was passed to Minister David Mcilwaine. It is Minister McIlwaine’s heartfelt hope and prayer that Holy Trinity Baptist Church will remain united as we move forward in serving God.
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Join us for worship, fellowship and service
Step into a sacred space where worship is more than a moment, it’s a movement. At Holy Trinity Baptist Church, we believe that every song, every prayer, and every gathering is an opportunity to draw closer to God and to each other. Whether you’re on a journey to deepen your faith, find encouragement in community, or connect with something greater, you belong here. This isn’t just a church. This is home.