West Philadelphia Community Fixture

 Hickman Temple AME Church
Rebuilding the Temple

 

Since 1974 Hickman Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church has been in the heart of West Philadelphia, 50th and Baltimore Avenue ministering to the community in whatever ways and means were needed. Now, we need your help! Over the past eight months Hickman Temple AME Church has been displaced from our church building due to structural damage and as a result we have not been able to worship or serve our community.  We miss being there because service is our mission.  The work is all Divine but it is also very costly.  We want to get back into our sanctuary and building and we are asking for your support. We have serve this community with gladness: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, ministering to seniors and children alike.  We have stood with the community and have sought to be a beacon of light for anyone in need of help or assistance.  We continue (although we now have challenges of our own) to serve in whatever way we possibly can those who need us.  Sisters and brothers of our Zion and community, we need your help.  Your donation and prayers will make our return a reality.  There are still persons who need food, clothing, shelter and the love of God extended to them.  We are ready and so willing to continue our work.  Will you help us Rebuild the Temple and return to our home.  Here are a few testimonies from our neighbors about the work we are doing in our community;

 

 

"Hickman Temple AME's church and their people are an important component of Cedar Park. During this moment of adversity, Hickman, Cedar Park Neighbors, and community members came together to help one another. This is what makes are neighborhood strong and enduring."

 -David Hincher

President, Cedar Park Neighbors

 

"Hickman Temple has a proud and illustrious history as a major pillar of the West Philadelphia community.   For decades, its magnificent building has been a community beacon and a haven not only for the faithful, but for those looking for leadership and for those in need.  To carry on the Hickman tradition right now and into the future is of vital importance to this changing but colorful, diverse and vibrant part of Philadelphia. 

Hickman’s beautiful historic building has been better maintained than most church buildings in West Philadelphia, but despite this, because of things beyond anyone’s control, the future of the building and the congregation have been put in jeopardy.  All of us need to pitch in right now to ensure that Hickman can save its amazing building and move boldly into the future.  "     

 

-Rich Kirk, Board President, Calvary Center for Culture and Community, and Trustee, Calvary United Methodist Church

 

"The temporary shoring that will be partially paid for by contributions to this campaign will stabilize the main gable, and will give Hickman Temple the time to carefully  plan for permanent repairs to this magnificent building.  Churches like Hickman are so important, to both the physical stability and to the social fabric of a neighborhood."

 

-Kathy Dowdell, principal, Farragut Street Architects