Bustleton in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Pennepack Baptist Church
In 1686, Elias Keach, son of the famed English Pastor, Benjamin Keach, arrived in America. Though unconverted, he presented himself as minister of the gospel. His name secured for him the opportunity to preach and the aforementioned group of believers, in need of a pastor, were among those who gave ear to his message.
Baptist historian Morgan Edwards records the details of this event. He performed well enough till he had advanced pretty far in the sermon. Then stopping short, looked like a man astonished. The audience concluded he had been seized with a sudden disorder, but, on asking what the matter was, received from him the confession of the imposture with tears in his eyes and much trembling.”
The deceiver became the first convert of his own preaching for from this time he dated his conversion! Keach repaired to Elder Thomas Dungan who: at Cold Springs in 1684, founded the first Baptist Church in the colony of Pennsylvania. Dungan administered the ordinance of baptism to Keach and the young preacher returned to Pennepack.
The Pennepack Baptist Church was constituted in 1688. It is recorded that “by the advice of Elias Keach and with the consent of the following named persons viz: John Eatton, George Eatton and Jane, his wife, Samuel Jones, Sarah Eatton, John Baker, Samuel Vaus, Joseph Ashton and Jane, his wife, William Fisher, John Watts, and Elias Keach, a day was set apart to seek God by fasting and prayer in order to form ourselves into a church. Whereupon Elias Keach was accepted and received as our pastor and we sat down in communion at the Lord’s table.
The same year, 1688, Elder Dungan died, and in 1702, the Church at Cold Springs was absorbed into Pennepack Church. Though not the first established, to “Ye Old Pennepack” belongs the distinction of being the oldest Baptist Church in Pennsylvania. It is also one of the oldest Baptist Churches in America.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1686.
Location. 40° 4.872′ N, 75° 3.06′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Bustleton. Marker is on Krewstown Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8732 Krewstown Road, Philadelphia PA 19115, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Pennepack Baptist Church (here, next to this marker); America’s Unknown Child (approx. 1.1 miles away); Knowlton (approx. 1.4 miles away); Fox Chase and Rockledge World War Memorial (approx. 1.9 miles away); Melmar (approx. 1.9 miles away); Busleton Field (approx. 2 miles away); Anna Thomas Jeanes (approx. 2.1 miles away); World War II Honor Roll (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 445 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 4, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.