Our History

Historical Overview

 

Faith Chapel of Philadelphia, Inc. was founded on April 10, 1963 by Pastor Eugene H. Graves, Jr. and nine other believers. Answering God's call to go and teach all people; a mission was opened at 813 W. Diamond Street, Philadelphia. The Lord blessed the congregation to grow and the church moved to larger facilities. In April 1964, we moved to and purchased the First Mennonite Church building located at 513 W. Diamond Street, Philadelphia, PA. On January 28, 1965, Faith Chapel was granted its non-profit organization charter. The congregation and Sunday School continued to grow through evangelism. Ministries and auxiliaries were organized as functioning units in the church which are continuing today. Programs and projects were instituted to help all people-the under-served, the sick and shut-in, the elderly and the unemployed. Grocery baskets and free clothing were distributed throughout the city to those in need. Summer programs for the community consisted of daily outing to parks, places of interest and daily Vacation Bible School. The Mission Program expanded beyond our strong home emphasis to include sponsoring a missionary to Ghana, West Africa; Guatemala, South America, and financial assistance to many other missionaries and evangelists both at home and abroad. In September 1974, God blessed the congregation to move to 26 W. Queen Lane in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. A dynamic radio broadcasting ministry was started along with other ministries, such as: social services, transporting senior citizens, telephone ministry, and a greater outreach in evangelizing. In 1977, God enabled us to purchase several properties to provide housing for individuals and families. This, also, began our economic development ministry-Faith Community Development Corporation (FCDC). In 1981, FCDC was recognized as a non-profit agency incorporated under Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. FCDC responded to the continuing escalating needs of the community by increasing its services and programs, such as, job readiness training, literacy program, transitional and permanent housing, volunteer training, food bank and referrals. In 1994, FCDC was certified by the City of Philadelphia as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). In 1978, we relocated to 108 E. Price Street, Philadelphia, PA due to an increase in membership resulting from evangelistic efforts and the Sunday School. Having been an independent interdenominational church since our inception, we made a decision to join the Church of God in Christ, under the auspices of the presiding Bishop O. T. Jones, Jr., of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Schuylkill Valley District. The affiliation broadened our Christian endeavors and fellowship. In 1997, our Pastor Eugene H. Graves, Jr., was elevated to the office of Bishop. In 2001, at the retirement of Bishop O.T Jones, Jr., we transferred to (COGIC) Koinonia Jurisdiction, Agape District of the Church of God in Christ, under Bishop Ernest C. Morris, presiding Bishop. The vision expanded and, through Faith Community Development Corporation, "Community Mortgage Initiative" was established. Our Sunday Services viewed weekly on TV reached many souls for Christ and increased the Prayer Line Ministry. Also, a French-English Bilingual Service was added to our worship services. Land was purchased to further add to developing our goals. In 2009, Bishop Graves appointed his son Rev. John H. Graves to the office of Co-pastor of the church. As co-pastor John Graves continued and extended the vision of his father-championing the cause of the poor in our Germantown community, forming an alliance with the 14"h police district and holding monthly community meetings. The meetings were specifically put in place for police officers and members of the community to create a partnership to establish better relations and understanding towards one another which would promote a more positive and safer neighborhood. Bishop Eugene H. Graves, Jr. died on April 15, 2011 and the full transition went into effect. Rev. John H. Graves was installed as senior pastor of the church and the work has continued. Through Pastor Graves' insight to expand the Faith Community Development Corporation (FCDC), Food Outreach Program, we fed over twenty thousand people in 2016. In 2012, FCDC became a Registered Community Organization (RCO) dealing with zoning and development in Germantown, West Oak, and Mt. Airy. It is the convener of community meetings to inform residents of new development projects targeted for these areas. These meetings are a platform for residents to have a voice regarding proposed changes in the landscapes of their communities. In 2017, FCDC implemented two new social services programs: (1) "Veterans Empowered to Succeed" and (2) "Women with Children" (newborn to 5 years of age). These programs supply them with food, clothing, referrals for housing and other specific needs. The plight of the poor in our community is staggering but our church through the leadership of Pastor Graves is working to honor God through those we serve. The Bible says in Proverbs 14:31 (NLT) "Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors Him."