Our Story​

Our heritage as a church goes back many years. Chestnut Hill Baptist Churrch is the oldest church building on the Hill and sits on the highest elevation in the City. The church began in August of 1834, when Robert F. Young, a youthful Baptist preacher, conducted a series of meetings at Union Chapel on Gravers Lane. Eleven people responded to the pastor’s invitation to believe in the Lord Jesus. Subsequent to believing, they proceeded to the Wissahichon Creek where in further obedience to God’s Word they were baptized. They became interested in establishing a church, and on September 6, 1834, these eleven along with six others organized the “Baptist Church of Chestnut Hill.” Through the years the church also become known as “the church by the side of the road.”

This small group purchased what was described as “the best lot on the hill.” On January 28, 1835, they completed plans to construct a church building which was to be 40 feet wide and 45 feet long. The cornerstone was laid on May 23, 1835, and the first service was held in August of the same year.

The church experienced phenomenal growth in membership in those early years. Reporting only nineteen members in 1834, in six years the church had passed the 100 mark, and by 1858 the membership was 240. As a result of this growth the original building soon became inadequate. The church building was rebuilt and enlarged in 1857, at which time the present baptistry was first used. In 1874, were added a tower, belfry, and clock–whose strike is still a familiar sound in the community.

In 1974, the Philadelphia Historical Commission designated the Baptist Church of Chestnut Hill a historic building. Now known as Chestnut Hill Baptist Church we are an independent church. Although the name is changed, the teaching from God’s Word is still faithfully proclaimed to this day.